Dear Community,
Continuing Exploration of the Paramis with Renunciation this Sunday at 10am with Alex Meyers
This Sunday, Alex Meyers will be continuing our discussion of the Ten Paramis with an exploration of renunciation. In the Metta Sutta, the Buddha instructs us to be "contented and easily satisfied, unburdened with duties, and frugal in [our] ways." As I read this, I feel the invitation for renunciation to be a choice and a path to happiness, as opposed to something imposed on us through moral aggrandizement or otherwise. But of course, renunciation is challenging. As Ajahn Succito says in Parami: Ways to Cross Life's Floods:
"Wise renunciation goes against the current of gain--that very powerful assumption that happiness comes through having or storing up something....This assumption, which promises a way out of dissatisfaction, actually supports the nagging insecurity of assuming that we are fundamentally lacking, inadequate or needing to be propped up."
Consider your first reaction when thinking about renunciation--does it inspire fear, judgment, or distaste? What in your life do you think you'll be "asked" to give up, and what is painful about that reflection? How has gain and acquisition supported happiness in your life, and where has it caused pain or dissatisfaction?
Registration and Zoom information available here.
Alex Haley Teaching Online Nine Bodies Insight Retreat 4/29
Alex Haley will be teaching an online Nine Bodies Insight daylong retreat on April 29th for both new and continuing students of that practice method. You can find more information and registration here. This event is hosted by Dharma Ground.
Full Moon Gathering 5/5 with Jean Haley
Each month, on the full moon, we gather via Zoom to practice together and offer support for reflection, renewal and re-commitment to the values and practices that give our lives meaning and balance.
Our May Full Moon Gathering is May 5th at 7:00pm CST. Jean Haley will be leading. We hope that you can join us as we come together for meditation and sharing; offering ourselves a time to attend to the wisdom that dwells within each of us and that arises between us. Registration and Zoom information available here.
With metta (loving-kindness),
Minneapolis Insight