What's Now

Living as though your thoughts, words and actions really matter…

The Precepts in Daily Life~

Buddhist ethics in support of joy and freedom

A six-week course

All five IMCC teachers will offer this course exploring ethical guidelines for cultivating a sane and compassionate life. There will be teacher presentations, lively discussions and thought-provoking exercises.

Date: Six Consecutive Thursdays, March 11^th to April 15^th, 7:30 to 9

Place: TBA, (Charlottesville)

Cost: No charge. There will be an opportunity to offer a donation (dana).

An inquiry into the Buddhist ethical precepts is a rich exploration into what makes a life worthwhile...into the very foundation of what binds personal relationships, communities and cultures together.

Discussions will be without bounds. What is truthful, compassionate or harmful speech? What about taking a life? In a “just” war or euthanasia or abortion? What is compassionate or harmful in sexual relations? Is it unethical to use more than a fair share of resources on this planet? What is a fair share anyway? How are substances taken into the body helpful or harmful? Can mind altering substances be part of a spiritual path? Are the precepts just another confining religious code? Or are they a template for liberation from the habits of the mind for the sake of a compassionate opening of the heart?

After the completion of the course on April 17^th you will have an opportunity to join in the “taking of the precepts.” With the support of the whole community, the Precepts Ceremony honors your strong and sacred intention to be the best that you can be for the benefit of all. Following the ceremony there will be a community wide pot luck and celebration.

Please register and join us in this exploration and celebration.

Do you have questions? Ask any teacher.

“I am convinced that human nature is basically gentle, not aggressive. And every one of us has a responsibility to act as if our thoughts, words and deeds matter. For really, they do. Our lives have both purpose and meaning.”

The Dalai Lama

For the past 6 years members of our sangha have taught meditation at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, Virginia's maximum security facility for women. When Bernie Glassman came to meet with our sangha he asked Pat to write a piece describing the experience of teaching at the prison.

http://www.zenpeacemakers.org/soc_eng_bud/newsletters/soc_eng_bud_newsletter.htm

Read Pat Coffey's interview with Marcia Rose: Developing Samadhi, Practicing concentration:

http://www.dharma.org/ims/ai_news_newsletter.html

 We’re compiling listings for the second edition of the IMCC Service Directory. The directory is a way to provide and receive service and a new way of deepening spiritual practice within our community. (To read more click here…)

Blue Ridge Prison Project starts new group and seeks Pen Pals.
 It is amazing to see the practice of Mindfulness take root in the Fluvanna Correctional Institute.