Appamada

Introduction

2024-10-21 | Depth in Practice | Book of Serenity-Case 30 Dasui's “Aeonic Fire” | Thomas Cleary by Appamada

Zen Lay Entrustment is a ceremony and recognition within Zen Buddhism where experienced lay practitioners are formally authorized to teach Zen. Unlike ordained priests, these lay teachers continue to live as laypeople while carrying the responsibility of teaching and transmitting the Dharma.

This practice acknowledges the deep understanding and commitment of long-time lay practitioners, empowering them to guide others in their Zen practice. The ceremony involves the presentation of a rakusu (a symbolic garment) and public recognition of the individual’s role as a teacher.

Metta Sutta

This is what should be accomplished by the one who is wise,

Who seeks the good, and has obtained peace.

Let one be strenuous, upright, and sincere,

Without pride, easily contented, and joyous.

Let one not be submerged by the things of the world.

Let one not take upon oneself the burden of riches.

Let one’s senses be controlled.

Let one be wise but not puffed up and

Let one not desire great possessions even for one’s family.

Let one do nothing that is mean or that the wise would reprove.

May all beings be happy.

May they be joyous and live in safety,

All living beings, whether weak or strong,

In high or middle or low realms of existence.

Small or great, visible or invisible,

Near or far, born or to be born,

May all beings be happy.

Let no one deceive another nor despise any being in any state.

Let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another.

Even as a mother at the risk of her life

Watches over and protects her only child,

So with a boundless mind should one cherish all living things.

Suffusing love over the entire world,

Above, below, and all around, without limit,

So let one cultivate an infinite good will toward the whole world.

Standing or walking, sitting or lying down,

During all one’s waking hours,

Let one practice the way with gratitude.

Not holding to fixed views,

Endowed with insight,

Freed from sense appetites,

One who achieves the way

Will be freed from the duality of birth and death. ■

00:00:26 - Dharma Talk

00:13:54 - Eihei Koso Hotsuganmon (Page 38 in the Chant Book)

Listening/Meditation Exercise Led by Peg Syverson

00:00:26 - Peg Offers an Exercise on Belonging

00:01:13 - 4 Questions: Writing Activity (see Below)

00:05:54 - Reflections

Writing Activity: Belonging

1. Take a few moments and become mindful. Recall a situation where you felt a true sense of belonging. Briefly describe the situation and then, how you felt. What gave you a felt sense that you belonged?

2. Again, becoming mindful, recall a situation where you distinctly felt like you didn’t belong. Describe the situation, briefly. And then, what did that experience feel like? What were the cues in the situation itself that signaled to you that you belonged or didn’t belong?

3. Have you ever been in a situation where you were not sure, at least at first, whether you belonged or not, and something happened that convinced you one way or the other? What happened?

4. Have you ever reached out to help someone feel they belong? Have you ever held back from reaching out in that way?

00:05:54 - Reflections

Day 3/Part 1

00:00:26 - Overview

00:01:45 - Dharma Talk

00:00:26 - Dharma Talk

00:16:13 - Overview of the Coming Week

00:22:55 - Opening up for Questions/Reflections

00:33:52 - Meeting the Sangha

Spiral Dynamics and Spirituality

Spiral Dynamics Values Profile

‘This I Believe’ responses

Spiritual Collectives

00:00:35 - Book Reccommendation - Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides - Geoffrey L. Cohen

00:04:34 - Spiral Dynamics Values Profile 2: Handout 1