Dharma Talk Series on Causality Continues March 6 at CPB

[Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)]

Last Thursday, we looked at the basic considerations of causality
(dependent origination, "cause and effect") on meditation practice.
As we sit, we become "observers" who absorb the totality of our
experiences, both internal and external. In Pragmatic Buddhism, it is
not our objective to "block out the world" but to rather embrace it
fully and learn how to manage our experiences with self-control and
global compassion. This is the core of mindfulness: to watch our
world without passing judgment on it. In the process, we recognize
that all things, including our own thoughts, arise and pass away
thanks to the causal chain. There is no randomness in this world, and
this means that we do have a say in the outcome of our own lives today
and tomorrow.

This coming Thursday we will look further into the implications of
causality in Buddhism, specifically how we build a morality as
Pragmatic Buddhists. This topic is also the emphasis of my article in
the upcoming Spring edition of CPB's publication, "The Pragmatic
Buddhist."

I hope to see you all there for practice, another great discussion,
and good company!

With palms together,

Jim, SYX