Author Archives: admin

Introduction to Meditation Retreat at Bhavana Society

Wanted to pass along this post below from the Bhavana Society Facebook page. Registration for the first retreat of 2015 at the Therevadan Forest Monastery in the woods of eastern West Virginia is now open. It’s a good one if … Continue reading

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Not just the breath

“Meditation is not just sitting on a cushion and following your breath. Meditation is SEEING the nature of your discriminating judgment mind.” ~Phakchok Rinpoche

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Meditation Circle canceled for Tues., Feb. 17

photo form pixshark.com Because of the voluminous amount of snow that fell today, we are canceling this Tuesday night’s weekly Meditation Circle gathering. Join the circle the next time we meet, starting 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. Beginners always welcome!

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Right Effort

  photo credit: pixshark.com “It is very easy to do things that are harmful to oneself. It is very difficult to do things that are beneficial to oneself. ~The Buddha (The Dhammapada 163) Nevertheless, you should hold firmly to the … Continue reading

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WHERE TO START

photo credit: pixshark.com “Start where you are. This is very important. Meditation practice is not about later, when you get it all together and you’re this person you really respect. You may be the most violent person in the world–that’s … Continue reading

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Just plant the tree

“Your duty is to plant a tree, water it, and fertilize it, that’s all. Whether it’s going to grow fast or grow slowly, that’s not your duty. It’s the duty of the tree. You can stand there complaining about it … Continue reading

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Fake Buddha Quotes: How to tell

As part of the Bhavana Society Therevadan Forest Monastery social media team, I’ve been helping with the Twitter feed for the West Virginia  monastery. Which, if you are on Twitter, I highly recommend you follow, as it’s a great source … Continue reading

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Healing our wounds

“The dharma can heal our wounds, our very ancient wounds that come not from original sin but from a misunderstanding so old that we can no longer see it. The instruction is to relate compassionately with where we find ourselves … Continue reading

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An essential task

“Finding a way to extend forgiveness to ourselves is one of the most essential tasks. Just as other have been caught in suffering, so have we. If we look honestly at our life, we can see the sorrows and pains … Continue reading

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Home base

“Breath is home base. Always come back to the breath when distracted away, like a person goes home every night.” ~Bhante Seelananda (quote courtesy of Bhavana Society Therevadan Forest Monastery Twitter feed)

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Persistence is important

“Persistence is important in meditation practice. Stick with it, keep it going. When the mind slips off bring it back, when it slips off again bring it back again. Don’t give up, don’t get discouraged, this is a task that … Continue reading

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We are in this together

Here is an inspiring article recently posted on the website of the Alliance for Bhikkunis, an organization committed to supporting ordained Theravada Buddhist women (bhikkhunis). It features an interview with Venerable Bhikkhuni Thanasanti on the role of Buddhist organizations in … Continue reading

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An indestructible refuge

“Awareness is your refuge. Awareness of the changingness of feelings, of attitudes, of moods, of material change and emotional change. Stay with that, because it’s a refuge that is indestructible. It’s not something that changes. It’s a refuge you can … Continue reading

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Overcoming Unworthiness

“Remind yourself, in whatever way is personally meaningful, that it is not in your best interest to reinforce thoughts and feelings of unworthiness. Even if you’ve already taken the bait and feel the familiar pull of self-denigration, marshal your intelligence, … Continue reading

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What to cease

“There is no need to worry, just cease creating delusions.”~Arthur Braverman

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