In this talk, we explore the first two sermons the Buddha gave 2,600 years ago, just weeks after attaining enlightenment. In these first two talks he laid out the core principles of his teachings, including the four noble truths, in ways that were startling and transformational to his first five disciples. In fact, they woke up right there. We share a bit about what the Buddha said, why it was so radical, and why it caused such changes among those who were listening to him.

Offered by Jerry Harter at Seattle Insight Meditation Society August 19, 2019

This month we are exploring the third factor of Awakening – Energy. We can practice with energy in two ways. First, through our level of commitment.  Be truthful and assess the amount of energy you bring to your spiritual growth. What is your honest commitment to being awake?  What priority does opening your heart have in your life? What holds you back from greater urgency?  When do you feel this urgency, when do you not? Are you more likely to practice during difficult times or when your life is going well? There is no judgment here.  This is about learning to see the role energy and intention plays in practice.  We want to make it less about “me needing to do something” and more about becoming aware of the intentions and assumptions behind our action or lack of action.  Secondly, energy is about developing right effort.  Try practicing with simply letting go of any unskillfulness without judgment or comment, set an intention to not pick up an unskillful habit, cultivate opening heart/softening your attitude and really appreciate any moments of kindness and/or care. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1085

This talk explores different aspects of mindfulness as a factor of awakening. 

Offered at SIMS at University Friends Meeting House June 17, 2019 This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1076

Tuere Sala offers a DharmaTalk on The Seven Factors of Enlightenment: Mindfulness June 10, 2019 This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1073

Tuere Sala and Tim Geil offer a DharmaTalk at the first sit at our new University Friends location. June 3, 2019 This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1071

This was the final sit we had at SIMS SODO. Tim Geil and Tuere Sala gave some teachings on how this transition is an opportunity for reflection and practice.

Practice meeting doubt with clarity and precision: Write out the answers to these questions:

What do I doubt in the dharma?

What do I doubt in my practice?

What do I doubt in myself?

How can you resolve these doubts? This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1067

How does your understanding of Dhamma help you engage with climate change? In particular, can you recognize denial and avoidance as an expression of delusion? Can your commitment to non-harm extend to all beings, present and future? How does the reality of human caused climate change inform  the scope of non-harm?

Next Steps:

Climate Change Discussion Forum: Saturday, May 4th, 9:30 to 12:00

Precepts for a livable planet:                     http://bit.ly/sims-climate-precepts1

Suggested/recommended actions:            http://bit.ly/sims-climate-reco

NASA website on climate change:            https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

  This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1062

Offered by Tim Geil at Seattle Insight Meditation Society Apr 2, 2019 This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1059