IMG Notes for August 30, 2009 The IMG extended five hour session began at 7:00 A.M. with a 20 minute audio dharma talk given by Thanissaro Bhikku. The subject of the talk, Befriending The Breath, was an insightful discussion on the importance of learning to be 'friends' with the breath. We all know the paths that some of our 'old friends' can lead us down--those old friends being the unskilful states of mind. Developing a new friendship with the breath can lead us to new friends, and new, skillful states of mind. These skillful states bring us true peace and happiness, but in order to achieve this, we must spend more time with the breath, and develop a lasting friendship with it. We must learn to ignore the call of our old friends while we are cultivating a relationship with our breath. Choosing and developing a friendship with our breath will yield the best friendship that we can ever have. Group discussion began about 11:00 A.M., and the main subject of interest cente...
We have good start (6/7/2009), keeping daily practice will help maintain your momentum. The following articles are will help support your meditation. 1. Creativity by Ven Thanissaro shows us how to practice consistently. ( http://www.watmetta.org/ ). "curious, inquisitive side of your mind is what’s going to lead to discernment. ... you can make a game out of learning how to bring the mind to settle down, then once the mind is settled down it’ll naturally want to understand this, understand that, understand the processes of what you’re doing. That’s insight." Get the entire article- http://www.dhammatalks.org/Archive/Writings/CrossIndexed/Published/Meditations2/041004%20M2%20Creativity%20&%20Play.pdf 2. Approaching a “good friend" is what Ken mentioned of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu Article (read pg82-83) - Anapanasati: Mindfulness of Breathing Good Webs site- http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/ http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/
Santarama Buddhist Hermitage meditation center in Penang, Malaysia Currently some renovation for the meditation hall and ladies quarters are ongoing due to termites infestation. This renovation will enhance the safety and comfort for the yogis in future. Previously, multiple insight meditation group retreats had been held here, including retreats led by Bhante Gavesi. 1st phase - roof and beams (meditation hall) 2nd phase - roof, beams, new toilets, flooring, walls (ladies quarters). 3rd phase - roof, beams (dining hall) The center needs to raise RM250,000 (USD$60,000) for 1st and 2nd phase; and later this year, the budget for 3rd phase. So far, RM120,000 (USD$28,800) has been collected. Pictures: https://sites.google.com/view/santarama/home We are collecting the funds through HMC (Houston Meditation Community) and we will then transfer it to Santarama Malaysia's account. If you're interested in supporting this effort, you can donate either through Zelle or Check: 1...