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Yesterday we had the February sitting of the Hi-Five meditation group at the Mississauga Buddhist temple. This time we had 28 participants. After taking the five precepts and meditating for one hour we discussed the seventh chapter of the Ajahn Brahm's guidebook for meditation, "Mindfulness, bliss and beyond". Then we shared some of our personal experiences so far on meditation. We also briefly discussed the summary of previous chapters that we have covered. We spent some time discussing the five hindrances and how it can be the nutriment for ignorance. We also discussed a question raised by one of the members on "outer-body experience" as described in Near Death Experience (NDE). The book by Pim van Lommel on "Consciousness beyond life" and his research was mentioned at the discussion. This work indirectly supports rebirth. According to him consciousness which is non-local (no specific location of the brain) can survive death.
However the main focus of the discussion was the 16 steps of breath Meditation and the handout that was given is posted above. We all agreed that this should be the focus of our practice which is conducive to ultimate freedom from suffering, the Nibbana. We all agreed to keep up with the daily practice as much as we can at home in spite of our daily duties with families and work schedules. The once a month gathering is just to inspire us to keep us focused on the path and to discuss experiences to clear doubts among the "Kayana Mittas" (best translated as true friends in Dhamma). The path to ultimate happiness as Buddha said all begins with a "Kayana Mitta."
We hope to meet again in March. The location and the time will be posted here and will be sent by email to individual members. (Please click on the hyperlinked words or phrases if you like to read further).
However the main focus of the discussion was the 16 steps of breath Meditation and the handout that was given is posted above. We all agreed that this should be the focus of our practice which is conducive to ultimate freedom from suffering, the Nibbana. We all agreed to keep up with the daily practice as much as we can at home in spite of our daily duties with families and work schedules. The once a month gathering is just to inspire us to keep us focused on the path and to discuss experiences to clear doubts among the "Kayana Mittas" (best translated as true friends in Dhamma). The path to ultimate happiness as Buddha said all begins with a "Kayana Mitta."
We hope to meet again in March. The location and the time will be posted here and will be sent by email to individual members. (Please click on the hyperlinked words or phrases if you like to read further).
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