Here are many of the topics raised in talks and discussions in our weekly meetings. The topics are listed more or less as they have been discussed – from the earliest at the top to the most recent at the bottom. Many topics overlap and the same themes are often returned to in a revised form. This aligns with the way my, and our, understanding has developed over the past few years. I hope they will be helpful as you develop your own thoughts on these matters
Select and click on a title below:
Pratītyasamutpāda – dependent origination
Skandhas – the Buddhist view of the self
Transience, clinging, non-attachment
Buddha nature, the unconditioned
Sangha – learning, growth and realisation
The art of awakening and art education
Unlearning, transformation and mindful meditation
Ideal & actual – theory & practice
Non-self – contingency – anatta
Suffering, craving and Fourfold Task
More on ‘dependent arising’ – pratitya-samutpada
Enlightenment in everyday life
Language, Buddhism & meditation
A Buddhist perspective on eco-grief
Everyday awakening and self-construction
Interdependence – the relational universe
Minding – taking notice – taking care
Zazen, clearing & compassionate disinterest
Understanding & alleviating suffering
Developing a society that aims to alleviate suffering
Happiness, equanimity & non-attachment
Buddha Nature, bare attention & ethics
Concentration, paying attention & peace of mind
Anger – how can we handle angry thoughts & feelings?
‘Beholding the mind’ & awakening