On Saturday 3rd December, 24 individuals came together in Newbury (West
Berkshire) to share a day of mindfulness and meditation practices for
abstinence in recovery.
The theme of the day was ‘From Hungry Ghost to Being Human (without
stopping in Hell)’<http://www.5th-precept.org/html/day-long-december-2011.html>.
Using traditional and modern models of the Buddhist Six Worlds
(mental-states) of Existence, we navigated and negotiated our way from the
torment of the Hungry Ghost addict to the aspirations and equanimity of
Being Human.
A lot of emphasis was placed on the recurrent theme in the Buddhist Suttas
that *“what the mind thinks and ponders upon, that will become the
inclination of the mind”…* or as one of my teachers frequently says *“what
our mind thinks and ponders upon, shapes our mind. The shape of our mind
shapes our world.”*
With this in mind(!), we explored and practised some
ways<http://www.5th-precept.org/html/foundations.html>to deliberately
and positively incline the mind towards – what might be
considered – wholesome, skilful and harm-reducing aspirations.
The day ended with a Sajja vow ceremony in which some individuals renewed
their vows and some took new vows. All very inspiring.
Most individuals on the day were new to these practices and principles, so
it was very pleasing to read such positive and supportive comments on the
feedback forms.
The money raised on the day will be used to fund room hire for the Newbury
‘meditation for recovery’ sitting group.
Thanks to all those who supported the day.
Kind regards and Metta <http://www.5th-precept.org/html/metta_1.html> to
all.
For more information on these retreats click
here<http://wiredintorecovery.org/member/blog/847/entry/12568/hungry-ghost...>
Vince
(h) 01635-552665
(m) 07909-545380
www.5th-precept.org
www.thamkrabok.net
www.TARA-detox.org <http://www.tara-detox.org/>
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*To understand all dimensions
of past existence,
to see accurately into all realms,
to reach the end of rebirths,
to know with insight
that which must be known,
to free the heart from ignorance –
this is the essence of great being.*
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A DHAMMAPADA for
CONTEMPLATION<http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemi...>
<http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemi...>
