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From: Claudine (cache-dtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com)
Some things I learned today. As a Buddhist, A LOT of hard work is required. First is to study and to integrate it into our understanding and into our experience. We also need to practice meditation and mindfulness, chant, etc. in order to change our minds and gain an awareness to the illusory nature of reality. When we change our minds, practice compassion and discipline, that leads to peace, happiness and creates good karma. They had yoga, TaijQuan, Mindfulness, Compassion and Peace lectures (Jo you should have been there! Yes, you can use Buddhism to support a talk on compassion!!! ;-)), Insite Meditation, music, and LOTS of ONLY vegetarian food! I learned that at other Centers/Temples, there are groups that are pro vegetarianism. Tibetans tend to not to be though in general I've noticed....probably mostly due to Tibet not being a veg friendly place. I was really welcomed by the Washington Mindfulness Community, so I'll try that this week, and also a meditation group that practices at River Road Unitarian Church and gives FREE Dharma talks! I learned a bit more about the different traditions and different ways of studying and practicing. The best part is that early this year I was in a meeting. I mentioned how we should get more involved in social action and get meditation ideas into the community along with the ideas of peace and compassion. Chris Montone, he heads are Center, spoke to Rinpoche(?) about this, and it was approved. So today, Chris spoke and all the local Meditation Centers and Buddhist Temples, and we all are getting involved together to spread mindfulness and meditation to churches, hospitals, jails, centers, and other places in the community, in order to spread ideas of peace and compassion. I was SOOOOO excited!!!!! It will start this fall! :-D So I guess this fits the idea that what may seem trivial, could effect infinite number of people and produce a lot of good karma! I could certainly use it, lol! Oh Camilla, you would have loved it! Not only that, it was free!!!!! So maybe I might not be able to go to the pricey lectures/retreats, but I still can read, practice, and attend and seek every method, lecture, and activity that is available. I think if I find a good group and they know I have no money, but see that I'm a serious student, there will be a way to learn anyhow. Buddhism does not dictate that you must be rich to follow this path!!!! After today though, I feel very comfortable with Buddhism. Its really making sense to me whereas other religions never quite felt comfortable with me. I'm loving it!!!!!
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