Friday, October 20, 2023

IQBC - What it Means to Me | International Queer Buddhist Conference

International Queer Buddhist Conference
October 27th, 2023 at 9:00am ET
Online


Lama Rod will offer the keynote on Real Change in Times of Apocalypse at the 3rd annual IQBC, founded by Dr. Jampa Wurst with the mission to create a safe space for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. The virtual conference also includes music, film, art/drawing, social gatherings, and more.


















The IQBC are meant to be a safe and protected space, no matter which sexuality, gender, color oder culture you belong.

For more information, visit our website:

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures

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RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
Sensual misconduct is unhealthy. Refraining from sensual misconduct is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning sensual misconduct, one abstains from misbehaving among sensual pleasures. (MN 41) One practices thus: “Others may engage in sensual misconduct, but I will abstain from sensual misconduct.” (MN 8)

Mental states cognizable by the mind are of two kinds: those to be cultivated and those not to be cultivated. Such mental states as cause, in one who cultivates them, unhealthy states to increase and healthy states to diminish, such mental states are not to be cultivated. But such mental states as cause, in one who cultivates them, unhealthy states to diminish and healthy states to increase, such mental states are to be cultivated. (MN 114)
Reflection
Because of the basic principle that what you attend to will flourish and what you neglect will atrophy, the issue of what internal states you cultivate becomes a matter of great importance. Some patterns of thought encourage the growth of mental and emotional states that contribute to our overall well-being, while others have the opposite effect, digging us deeper into the hole, so to speak. It helps to see and understand this. 
Daily Practice
Sensual pleasures are alluring, and all things being equal, we don’t want to live such an austere life that we deny ourselves simple pleasures. But we all know there are dangers here, and our best defense is knowing what to cultivate and what not to cultivate. Look into this matter directly, and see for yourself what states of mind are healthy and unhealthy for you. Then undertake a commitment to cultivate your own health.
Tomorrow: Developing Unarisen Healthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Intoxication

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 Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
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© 2023 Tricycle Foundation
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Maturing into Ease

A mature practice offers us a wiser, more spacious way of being with every single thing our life offers, with clarity, wisdom, compassion, balance, and a deep sense of ease. It’s an unshakeable and profound okayness with things as they are. 

Mark Van Buren, “Sitting with the Things I Came to Practice to Get Away From”


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Thursday, October 19, 2023

VIa FB \\ We Have Always Existed!

 


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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Mental Action

 

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RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Mental Action
However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered. Good things come from doing good deeds; bad things come from doing bad deeds. (SN 11.10) What is the purpose of a mirror? For the purpose of reflection. So too mental action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)

When you have done an action with the mind, reflect on that same mental action thus: “Was this action I have done with the mind an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, on reflection, you know that it was, then tell someone you trust about it and undertake a commitment not to do it again. If you know it was not, then be content and feel happy about it. (MN 61)
Reflection
One of the great innovations of Buddhist psychology is the recognition that all thoughts and emotions are a form of action taken by the mind, and as such all create karma—that is to say, they are causes that result in effects. So even if you think harmful thoughts without saying or doing anything, they will have a harmful effect on you, if not on others. This is why Buddhists care so much about nurturing the quality of their minds.
Daily Practice
Look objectively and honestly at the way your mind works. If you notice you have been thinking or imagining things that could cause painful consequences, such as images of retribution against someone or plans for revenge, be aware of it and recognize that such mental activities are harmful. Acknowledge to someone you trust that you are thinking like this, recognize it as unhealthy, and commit to changing this activity in the future.
Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action


Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel

Questions?
 Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.
© 2023 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Step Back and See

Step Back and See

To manifest wisdom means simply to step back and see—to reflect, inquire, be aware, be disciplined, and be focused not once in a while, but all of the time, moment to moment. This life is precious and fleeting. Pay attention.

Seido Ray Ronci, “The Examined Life
” 

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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Via GBF // A milestone in spreading the dharma

After launching our library of 800+ dharma talks as an 

online podcast in March, we hit a milestone this week: 

10,000 online plays. 


In just 8 months, GBF is moving closer to realizing our vision o
helping to share insightful perspectives on the dharma 
and its application in modern times, especially for 
LGBTQIA+ audiences.

It's available on more than 20 podcast platforms. 
If you have not done so, be sure to subscribe 
using your favorite player on your phone or tablet, 
and spread the word. 


--
Enjoy 800+ free recorded dharma talks at www.gaybuddhist.org/podcast/

Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation //


It's only when the caterpillarness is done that you become a butterfly. That is part of this paradox. You cannot rip away the caterpillarness. The whole trip occurs in an unfolding process over which you have no control. - Ram Dass

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Harsh Speech

 

RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Harsh Speech
Harsh speech is unhealthy. Refraining from harsh speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning harsh speech, one refrains from harsh speech. One speaks words that are gentle, pleasing to the ear, and affectionate, words that go to the heart, are courteous, and are agreeable to many. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak harshly, but I shall abstain from harsh speech.” (MN 8)

It is a mistake to return anger with anger. Not giving anger for anger, one wins a double victory. One behaves for the good of both oneself and the other person. Knowing well the other’s anger, be mindful and remain calm. In this way you are healing both yourself and the other person. (SN 11.14)
Reflection
This call for calm in the face of anger is timeless—and timely. Anger can be an effective emotion, but it is also toxic. Not only can things escalate and get seriously out of hand when you return anger with anger, but cultivating anger has a corrosive effect on your own heart and mind. If you regard the angry person as caught up by a hostile force, you can feel compassion for them rather than anger. This contributes to healing both of you.
Daily Practice
Make a point of remaining calm when someone else is angry and see what it feels like. You may feel the impulse to get angry in return, but you can recognize that this is an impulse you can abandon when it arises. By not giving in to anger when it is provoked by others, you are not only protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the toxic emotion but also helping the other person, who often, like you, is a victim of anger.
Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action
One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech

Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel

Questions?
 Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.
© 2023 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Release Your Attachments

Release Your Attachments 

If we let go of attachment to this life, we will remain untainted by the eight mundane concerns. Only then will whatever we do become a path to liberation.

Thupten Jinpa, “Wouldn’t it be better if you practiced the dharma?” 


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