December Dharma

Published on by BH

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This month, we have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Buddha’s core teachings, venture back into the time of the Buddha and end the year with a group discussion on exchanging New Year’s resolution with mindful intentions.

  • The Path to Liberation, the Five Aggregates Are Empty of Self | Dec 3 | Judy Jeng. Buddha taught the clinging Five Aggregates in the very first teaching of the Four Noble Truths. Whether we are thinking, talking, making a move, experiencing some sensations, these are the five aggregates, which are set in motion. To fully understand the Five Aggregates and the characteristic of the Five Aggregates is the key to the path of liberation. How do we practice in our daily lives to resolve problems, achieve a happy and productive life and ultimately reach Nirvana? Time 10:15 am to 11:30 am Kwan Yin Hall
  • Insight into Buddha’s Life 6 Years before Enlightenment Part II | Dec 10 | Larry White. We welcome back Larry, longtime member and frequent EDG speaker and facilitator in the past. Larry spent a considerable amount of time collecting various sources of information on a possible explanation of the six years gap in the Buddha’s life before enlightenment. In a 2 part series, he will share his findings with us. Time 10:15 am to 11:30 am Kwan Yin Hall
  • An Introduction to the Diamond Sutra | Dec 17 | James Chao. The Diamond Sutra offers the Buddha’s insights on dualism and illusion. He speaks of how to develop the insight, the “diamond,” that can cut through any obstacle on the road to enlightenment. This sutra presents a dialogue between the Buddha and his disciple Subhuti that illuminates how our minds construct limited categories of thought. How can we apply the sutra in our daily lives and use its wisdom to encounter a deeper reality and act in the world skillfully and effectively? Time 10:15 am to 11:30 am Kwan Yin Hall
  • The Four Noble Truths  | Dec 24 | Venerable Katpunno. As this Sunday will be the Venerable’s last Dharma Talk before his six month sabbatical, he invites EDG to a question and answer exchange on the Four Noble Truths. Bring all your questions and receive answers from our Venerable. Time 10:15 am to 11:30 am Kwan Yin Hall
  • New Year’s Resolution the Buddha Might Have Made | Dec 31 | EDG Group Discussion. Research indicates that only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions! During today’s group discussion we want to exchange thoughts on how to set mindful intentions, guided by the Buddha’s teachings. It has been a year of major changes and challenges, with Hurricane Harvey just one of many others. Let us look at New Year’s Resolutions with a Buddhamind; how can we create more joy, peace, and bravery in the world? How can we use the six paramitas (Generosity|Morality|Patience|Effort|Meditation|Wisdom) to guide us in 2018? How can we use mindfulness to bring awareness to our habits and hold ourselves with compassion and kindness as we seek meaning in 2018. A handout will be provided to all participants. Time 10:15 am to 11:30 am Kwan Yin Hall