Dharmata Austin Sunday --Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels

[Janet Gilmore]

Hello Sangha,

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer.  Jimmie and I were just in the New York area where their late summer weather feels like a fall day to us. Even though we're still having our share of hot weather,  It's good to be back home, lounging with the dogs. 

Even though I mostly feel it is not helpful for me to give Dharma talks when we are online only, I have an intuition to talk about the components of our meditation practice and that this could happen in the online forum.  The sadhana that Anam Thubten has given, the one I've been practicing regularly for over 20 years now, is so rich and complete in and of itself.  The experience of it, especially when practiced regularly, daily, goes beyond words and any explanation. At the same time, I feel it would be helpful to discuss the movement of it and the different sections of it.  So tomorrow when we meet on zoom, I'd like to offer a brief talk about taking refuge, the first step in the sadhana. 

If it all works out the way I'm thinking, there will be time to engage in discussion on the subject.

Our practice begins at 10 am central. After meditation, from 11 a.m. - noon, we'll have the talk and discussion on meaning and value of taking refuge in the three jewels during our meditation practice:

Buddham sharanam gachami (I take refuge in the Buddha)

Dharmam sharanam gachami (I take refuge in the Dharma)

Sangham sharanam gachami (I take refuge in the Sangha)

Also, Anam Thubten will be offering an online practice and talk on the heels of ours (beginning at noon) so we will end on time in case you are able to do a doubleheader. Details can be found here www.dharmata.org.

Much love and gratitude,

Janet