You can have many great ideas in your head, but what makes the difference is the action. Without action upon an idea, there will be no manifestation, no results, and no reward.
Don Miguel Ruiz
Buddha Bookworm
A group for people interested in talking about what they encounter in their readings about Buddhism and in their practice of meditation. We may all read the same book, or we may discuss a specific topic — utilizing books from our own libraries or from the Temple library — in order to create a fuller understanding.
Please join us!
We meet every Tuesday at 5:20 pm for a 20 minute meditation, followed by discussion over tea or coffee Current book: "Not Always So", by Shunryu Suzuki
If you would like to attend, please contact Yin Yang for details
Mindful Recovery
Rally for Recovery in July 2011
What
makes Buddhism and the 12 steps so compatible? The Buddha said that the
cause of suffering is desire, and the 12 steps try to heal people from
desire. The Buddha said that everything starts with thoughts, that we
speak and act based on thoughts; that our words and actions turn into
habits — or addictions. The antidote to any of these forms of doubt
is, firstly, practice. Try it out for yourself; don't take anyone's word
for it. One of the most powerful forms of meditative inventory is that
of the hindrances: desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and
worry, and skeptical doubt. In Buddhist terms, willingness refers back to
Right Intention. (One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, by Kevin Griffin)
Mindfulness and acceptance are hallmarks of Buddhist practice. These aspects of Buddhist practice are widely being incorporated into cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, as well as acceptance and mindfulness based approaches to recovery. Learn how to incorporate mindfulness into your everyday activities enabling you to deal with urges and cravings related to compulsive behaviors. Learn how radical acceptance and rational recovery techniques can be used in conjunction with or in place of a 12-Step approach to recovery. Learn how to be present in your life and master the monkey mind conversations that so often make recovery difficult.
Zen
is the ultimate and original recovery program. It exposes our denial of
true self and shows us how we've suffered because of diseases of
attachment, judgment and division. It suggests a program for recovering
our original nature and teaches us steps we can take immediately. It
shows us how all our diseases and discontents flow from our fundamental
denial of unity with each other and the universe. (The Zen of Recovery, by Mel Ash)
We get together at least quarterly for a jolly good time. Meet new and old sangha members. Invite a guest. Bring as friend. Tis the season to eat good food, socialize and enjoy each other's company. A potluck; or a wine tasting; or a musical gathering; or some other activity. As scheduled.
Please contact 