Citta 101 - Insight and Mindfulness                                June 27, 2008  Volume 8.1 The body's like a ball of foam, And feeling is like a bubble; Perception is like a mirage, Formations like pithless trees, And consciousness is like a trick; -So says the kinsman of the sun. However one reflects on them, And carefully investigates: They are empty and deserted To one who sees them properly. ... No essence is discovered here. S 22:95 *** IN THIS ISSUE: Comment Courses and retreats Mentoring Office Hours New Products *** Comment/Letter Dear Friends, The poem above from the Pali Canon is referring specifically to the insubstantiality of the five aggregates: materiality, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness, which make up all our experience as human beings. They comprise all our joys and sorrows; they are our life experience; they are not something we try to eliminate. We suffer from these life experiences only when we identify with them, when we do not see that whatever appears is phenomena arising and passing, when we push the moment away or when we hang on and miss the next immediate moment. We don't usually see hanging on as suffering. This mistake is much like the way I used to play tennis. I would return a volley, then be so thrilled with myself that I missed the next shot! Or, worse yet, got hit by the ball! The teachings on the aggregates are particularly important because through conscious attention to them we can see our conditioning and allow a gradual deconstruction of the unskillful ruts that have formed our personalities, ruts which have served as blinders to other possibilities, and ruts that often predispose life's flow in ways that create suffering for ourselves and others. If you have had any of my beginning classes you already have an experiential grounding in the teaching of the aggregates, though the term may be unfamiliar. I generally teach from the Satipatthana Sutta through the lens of the aggregates because through it in any moment we readily access the potential for freedom. A great beauty of the Satipatthana teachings is their versatility. There is no one right way or one right order to work. Never-the-less, you will be able to review some of what we have already done with the Sutta through online classes I will repost in the near future. Watch for these on the website or in future mailings as I move them back into place. My primary theme, "Nothing is as substantial as it seems," is a summary of teachings on the aggregates specifically, but it is also an understanding that underpins all buddhist teaching. The phrasing is important. We are not saying things do not exist, but only that our grasping and trying to hold on takes the life out of them! Wishing you freedom to enjoy your unfolding experience! Much metta, Mary (Back to Top) *** Courses and Retreats: Please notice that I have listed events and due dates under two separate headings: Dana Events, those that are spiritual practice and/or community events open to everyone, and Personal Development, courses offered in more secular mode and for fees instead of Dana. For a continually updated list of all events see: www.citta101.org/meditationcourses.htm Dana Events Monday Meditation Group PM - Now weekly and open to everyone August 15 - Due date for August 22-23 Retreat registration August 22-23 - Retreat and Meditation Course October 17-19 - Weekend Silent Meditation Retreat in Round Top October 18 - Silent Meditation Day Retreat in Round Top Personal Development July 4, 2008 - Due date for Short Course Registration, Shaping the Mind July 11 - Short Course (one session),Shaping the Mind August 15 - Due date for Insight and Mindfulness Meditation Course Registration August 22 - Preliminary session for Insight and Mindfulness Meditation (MBSR+) September 5 - Due date for Short Course, Birthing Embodied Being, September 12 - Short Course (one session),Birthing Embodied Being September 18 - Insight and Mindfulness Meditation (MBSR+) Upcoming Events December 31- January 1, 2009 - 7-9pm New Years Eve, 10-2 New Years Day     Meditation and Creating Process - Review 2008 and Discover your Hearts' Intentions for 2009 Dana Please remember that Dana is one of our spiritual practices. It is a way unique to this tradition, a way we maintain the free flow of the dharma. Each of us will learn in our own way the correct balance that is generosity, a generosity that comes from the heart rather than through obligation. Generosity both supporting something we believe in and generosity of being true to ourselves and our own needs. I appreciate your help in preserving the dhamma. Every action you take, every dollar you offer makes a difference. (Back to Top) *** Mentoring - Do you want to help deepen our sangha strength? The best way to support your practice and our community is to be faithful to your own practice and join our central meditation group, the Monday night sitting. Integrated Study and Practice - Do you especially appreciate our work with source texts? Integrate your practice and lived experience with more study from source texts: Join ISP study group. Mentoring Training - Do you have a desire to share your experience to deepen it? If you have many years of experience consider mentoring training. The applications for 2009 are due August 15. Kalyana Mitta Groups Would you enjoy a gathering of spiritual friends in your neighborhood? Join with a sangha friend for a few weeks and create a group of spiritual friends. For updated details on creating a Kalyana Mitta groups subscribe to the Kalyana Mitta mailing. Affiliated Sitting Groups Eastside (Beaumont). Contact Nancy Thompson 409-899-2860 or Max Bowen at 409-838-6159 about the Monday night sitting in Beaumont. Westside - Greg Van Meter is hosting a meet-up group one night a month. (Back to Top) *** Office Hours Mondays - 15-30 minute sessions (Dana) Fridays - 55 minute sessions (fees apply) *** New Product Transforming Consciousness - Practice Book One A practice book that we have used during or after beginning courses to help establish a daily practice (one in a series of six booklets). *** Coming soon! CEU's - continuing education credits for many courses and professions FAQ - question and answer page Special Reports - short publications for busy people September 8 Spectrum Center Open House - Come visit. See our sitting room and office space. (Back to Top) Copyright © 2008 Mary Rees