| Indigo Lotus Buddhism Group |
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| Do you want to practice Buddhism? You don't have to be a Buddhist to do it! Practicing Buddhism means that you try your best to live your life mindfully while showing compassion toward all sentient beings. Sometimes that can be very difficult! Luckily, the Buddha and teachers have given us guidelines to help us to realize our potential. During these get-togethers I will attempt to pass on the teachings of the Buddha (Dharma) and impart ways to make practicing Buddhism a part of your life. I among others was fortunate enough to have taken Bodhisattva vows during the Dalai Lama's visit to California in September 2009. In the Bodhisattva vows of Mahayana Buddhism, Buddhist lay persons take vows stating that we will not realize or attain Nirvana until all sentient beings have done so. While I don't claim to be a Buddhist scholar, I have studied the philosophy for some time. Teaching what I have learned, and am constantly learning, is the way I have chosen to help. The Middle Way We cover fundamentals of Mahayana Buddhism, in particular The Middle Way. According to the Buddha, the Middle Way is a life lived between the extremes of self-denial and self-indulgence. So we can all do it! Living the Middle Way can take many different forms, but all are ultimately intent on its original and continuous objective: achieving Nirvana (Enlightenment). To cultivate a moral lifestyle hand in hand with a mindful meditative practice is to walk the Middle Way, which gives vision and understanding, as the Buddha put it. We will begin with a bit of the history of The Buddha (The Enlightened One) and then move on to the ways we may improve not only our lives, but also ALL others. This is not a sit down and take notes series. These gatherings are on-going and include our participation in service to the community, (Sangha) field trips, films, mindfulness meditation and other enlightening activities. Gatherings are every Sunday evening at 7:00. It is a comfortable gathering in a private home and there is no fee however donations are gratefully accepted. We begin each group with five minutes of meditation. This can be silent or meditation to music. We will give information on the life of The Buddha. We also discuss other Buddhist topics, such as The Four Noble Truths, The Eight Fold Path as well as in-depth study of the Buddhist Sutras. We watch films featuring among others, The Dalai Lama of Tibet, Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr. Robert Thurman, an influential and prolific American Buddhist writer and academic who has authored, edited or translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism. Books will be suggested to be read on one’s own time. Participants are free to ask questions and make comments at anytime. There is nothing off limits as long as it is constructive. This is an active group. We will be taking field trips to Buddhist temples in the area and we will also be finding ways to help others through service in the community. We discuss and implement community projects. Currently under consideration: Pet food for delivery with People food through Meals on Wheels Finding a permanent home for and assisting Temecula/Murrieta Homeless. Meditation groups at Riverside County Detention center. We close each session with a five minute meditation. 31511 Loma Linda Rd. Temecula, Ca. 92592 Please contact me by clicking the link at above left for additional information Not a disclaimer, but a fact. First, I am not a Buddhist monk or a guru. I am merely someone who has been called to share teachings with others. I hope not to be judged by my habits or actions. Therefore, please follow the teachings, not the teacher. Also, these gatherings are not meant for people who would attend to argue one philosophy over another. This is a group of people who are interested in following a Buddhist path. While there is always room for differing points of view, I encourage you attend with an open mind and heart. If this is not possible, please find another way to enlightenment. Many roads lead to the same destination. |