Spring Study Group 2022

Description

In The Compassion Book, Pema Chödrön introduces us to the practice of lojong, also known as mind training. For centuries Buddhist have used lojong as a blueprint for the Bodhisattva way of life. The teachings include fifty-nine slogans (with commentary) that bring our practice into daily life, not by grand gesture but by the accumulation of many little interruptions to the momentum of the ego. The slogans prod us to lighten up and drop our pretentiousness. Every time we are pricked awake by one of the slogans, we have an opportunity to adjust our attitude and behavior. Ultimately, we become more skillful in navigating our world.

In support of the Buddhist Community, please purchase The Compassion Book, or The Compassion Cards, through Lion’s Roar Publications. We will not tackle all 59 slogans. Rather we will draw cards or pick those most relevant to where we are personally. And please take note; the slogans you are working with cannot be just read. You must experience them. As we move into what arises through this process, I will likely post additional chapters or articles relevant to the subject at hand.

Let’s play light-heartedly, learn anew, and deepen our understanding and compassion for ourselves and one another. Welcome as we begin again, and a special welcome if you are a new member. Also, a special thank you to Hillary Pidden, my dear one from Maine, who will be co-leading with me.

Prerequisite: You must be somewhere on your path with a degree of mindful awareness and practice.

Participants must be committed to the process we will engage in together. This means keeping the practices suggested alive through your day, journalling or reading as requested, and you must be willing to acknowledge and explore the limitations imposed by your own mind. We offer these insights, the struggles, and the successes, to one another in the group process for the collective gain of wisdom.