tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50960506573679370852024-02-07T17:10:30.328-06:00Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary SocietyAriya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-87014612684528881282022-08-17T17:08:00.000-05:002022-08-17T17:08:16.120-05:00<p> We are now having a Thursday evening Dhamma Group in addition to the long-standing Wednesday evening meeting. Wednesdays we still meet at</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">Pure Land Hall, Suite D </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">8364 Hickman Road</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">Clive, Iowa 50325 USA</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Thursdays we are meeting at </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Phothisomphan Meditation Monastery</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">2560 SE 14th Street</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Des Moines, Iowa 50320. USA</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">We will be facilitating a couple of meditation events, one in September and one in October.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A Day of Meditation</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Sunday, September 4, 2022</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Pure Land Hall, Suite D </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">8364 Hickman Road</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Clive, Iowa 50325 USA</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Please register by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">A Day of Meditation</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Sunday, October 2, 2022</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Dhammarama Temple </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">1200 W Iowa Avenue</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Indianola, Iowa 50125 USA</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Please register for this event by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2022.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">As always, participation is free, but we need to know how much food to prepare, so we ask you to register by sending an email to:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">ambms.sasana@gmail.com</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Join us to expand your knowledge and to deepen your meditation practice.</p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-29379098890104830032022-01-28T19:40:00.001-06:002022-01-28T19:40:21.220-06:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">It’s still early in 2022, so I thought I’d post this as a quick “review” of a fundamental concept: dukkhā.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">According to the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (The Discourse on Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion), the problem in the human condition is “dukkhā.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Dukkhā is a word, and words are by nature “goopy.” That is, they may have different meanings under different circumstances, or in different contexts, or with different people. Words point to concepts. Concepts are also goopy. So, it behooves us to “define” our words and concepts when we want to communicate clearly and accurately. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Here’s a modern understanding of the what the word/concept “dukkhā” is: <i>Dukkhā is that state of being we find ourselves in when confronted with a Reality that is incongruent with the Reality we expected or the Reality we desired.</i> So, dukkhā is. All living, sentient beings will have moments of dukkha because that’s the way they/we are. We’re not so smart, knowledgeable, informed, insightful, and wise that we always “see” Reality as it really is. The Pali word for this is “avijja.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">And we tend to be attached to our desire for self-gratification: for getting what we want, when we want it, the way we want it. The Pali for this is “tanha.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">So “dukkhā” is the problem, and the two-fold cause of dukkhā (samudaya) is the combination of avijja-tanha. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The “solution” (nirodha) to the problem comes from practicing the Noble Eightfold Path: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-diṭṭi</i> – Right knowledge, view, understanding, perspective. Having knowledge that corresponds to reality as it is, and the attendant views, perspectives, understandings accompanying such knowledge. <o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-saṇkappo</i> – having the right resolution, intentions and aspirations to extinguish taṇhā, to eliminate dukkhā.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-vācā</i> – speaking (and by extension, writing) honorably, honestly and accurately; choosing our words and expressing ourselves in such a manner that dukkhā is minimized or eliminated.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-kammanto</i> – virtuous, moral behavior, and by extension behavior that is contextually, situationally, socially and culturally acceptable.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-ājīvo</i> – Right livelihood, lifestyle, life. Earning one’s livelihood through a means which minimizes dukkhā, and by extension, living one’s life by a means that is virtuous, meritorious, benevolent, compassionate, non-violent, et cetera. A life that is, in short, in harmony with the conduct and principles of the seven other practices of the Eightfold Path.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-vayāmo</i> – making an effort to understand and to conform to the teachings.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-sati</i> – practicing mindfulness of oneself, one’s mental, physical emotional and social functioning, and mindfulness of one’s physical and social environment, the impact of the environment on oneself, and impact of one’s existence on the environment.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sammā-samādhi</i> – practicing focused, concentrative, absorptive meditation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Feel free to post comments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;">More to come . . .</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-78099604936834782892021-11-07T17:01:00.000-06:002021-11-07T17:01:19.372-06:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Hey, Everybody!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Society is looking for land - a bunch of acres, some wooded, some arable - for an ashram consisting of a 200 guest residential meditation center, a 5 to 10 monastic monastery and a farm to raise organic vegetables and fruits for the local market. We would like to have 200 acres, plus or minus, with at least 150 of those tillable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We've only just begun fundraising, but as of this date we've got about $12,000 in donations and pledges. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">According to a usually reliable source (thanks for looking this up, Sook) “The 2020 ISU Land Value Survey shows a 1.7% increase in average Iowa farmland values from November 2019 to November 2020. The average statewide value of an acre of farmland is now estimated at $7,559. This modest rise is the third increase in Iowa farmland values over the past six years, and a second consecutive rise.” Let’s say $8,000 an acre, times 200 acres is $1,600,000 (figured that in my head) just for land. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Building a single-story commercial office building in this area will cost an average of $238–$286 per square foot. The buildings as conceived will top out about 90,000 square feet. Let’s say at approximately $300 per square foot, we get roughly $27,000,000. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">What with delays, price increases, cost overruns, etc. we have set a goal of raising $30,0000,000. We have a long way to go. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Right now, we would benefit from someone helping us with the creation of “Architectural Conceptual Drawings” of the project. Basically, pretty pictures of what the place MIGHT look like. We could use these in our fundraising efforts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Feel free to contact us for more information, or if you can help out. Donations of energy, time, skill, knowledge and experience will be greatly appreciated. For details on what we need, and when, please text or message (Facebook) for details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In the meantime, if you’re in the Greater Des Moines Metropolitan area, join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 for meditation and discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Dhamma Group<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Pure Land Hall, Suiite D<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">8364 Hickman Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Clive, Iowa 50325<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-74294671957944757682021-11-07T15:45:00.000-06:002021-11-07T15:45:59.400-06:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Hey, Everybody!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Society is going to be moving. The new address is:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Ariya Magga Vihāra<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">(Noble Path House)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">4565 Woodland Avenue, Unit #1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">West Des Moines, Iowa 50266<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We will start the orderly transition probably the weekend of November 20<sup>th</sup>. The relocation will be complete by December 31<sup>st</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">After the first of the year 2022 we’ll host a Sunday Dhamma Group and Pot Luck at the new location – details to be announced. You’ll still be able to join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 for meditation and discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Dhamma Group<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Pure Land Hall, Suiite D<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">8364 Hickman Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Clive, Iowa 50325<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In the meantime . . . <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Donations of energy, time, skill, knowledge and experience will be greatly appreciated. For details on what we need, and when, please text or message (Facebook) for details.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-60234056652772887192021-05-07T19:00:00.001-05:002021-05-07T19:00:55.270-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey, Everybody!</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far things are going well. So the plan to resume the Wednesday evening Dhamma Group on 19 May at 7:00 p.m. in the Pure Land Hall is still a go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Dhamma Group is an opportunity for people who practice sitting meditation and have an interest in gaining greater understanding of “Dhamma/Dharma” however it is construed, to gather in convivial discussion where we can gain some insight into how we can improve the quality of life for ourselves and everybody else. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will be using a semi-structured format beginning with a short, guided meditation: this will be followed by the introduction of a topic (or two), on which we will spend 20 to 30 minutes in discussion. We will close with a 30-minute meditation, silent meditation.. Comfort breaks can be taken at any time. Total time about 90 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The world is making progress on controlling the spread of COVID-19, but we’re not there yet. So, we will practice mitigation: wearing masks, keeping a distance of 6 feet or more, and being mindful of how the virus spreads. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope to see you Wednesday, 19 May at the Pure Land facility, 8364 Hickman Road, Clive, IA 50325</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-26872605469744381842021-04-18T20:15:00.000-05:002021-04-18T20:15:20.864-05:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hey, meditators!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">If all goes well we plan to resume the Wednesday evening Dhamma Group on 19 May, about a month from now. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">To protect everybody, we will be maintaining the recommended social distancing, and we will wear our masks. That being the case, you might want to try meditation while wearing a mask, just to get used to it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As we said, if all goes well. You can do your part to help things to go well: get your COVID19 vaccination, wear your masks and diligently practice good public health measures. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We’ll see you at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, 19 May at the Pure Land facility, 8364 Hickman Road, Clive, IA 50325<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">If you would like instruction in meditation, please contact us through Facebook or via email.</p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-50617180588687520122021-01-16T16:22:00.000-06:002021-01-16T16:22:12.270-06:00Fasting is a Piece of Cake<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Take the word “toast.” When you read that, what did you think of? A noun, i.e., a piece of bread that has been browned by exposure to a heat source? The call to honor someone by raising glasses and drinking together? Some person held in high regard?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Or when you read (heard in your head) “toast,” did you think of a verb form; the browning of the bread, the raising of the glass? Or possibly warming your toes in front of a fire? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And then there’s the use of toast to mean someone is done for, finished; “Man, now he’s toast.” I’m not sure of the part of speech that would be. Haven’t studied grammar in maybe 50 years. I do know this:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Take the word “white.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">What does “white” mean?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - to an artist? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - to a house painter?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - to a physicist?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - to a racist?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - to an anti-racist?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Do you have the same visceral/cognitive response to: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - white people<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - white power <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - white superiority<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - white supremacy<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> - white privilege <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Does “white” have the same meaning in each of these phrases? If you are “White?” If you are a “Person of Color?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words serve a couple of functions. Words can function as “signs.” Words can function as “symbols.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">“Signs” indicated the probable presence or occurrence of something. Footprints are a sign that someone passed there. Signs deliver information and instructions. “Falling rock.” “Caution. Wet floor.” The word “Men” posted on a bathroom door. Something that is a “sign of the times.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">“Symbols” represent something. Symbols “stand for” something. Symbols point to something. Most often symbols are concrete and represent something abstract. A finger pointing at the moon. As symbols, words represent, or stand for, or point to concepts. The word/symbol “dog” points to a concept of a four-legged animal. And “dog,” for mature users of language, is differentiated from “horse” which is also a four-legged animal. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Many, if not most, words can function as both a sign and a symbol. The word, “Women” on a placard on a bathroom door is a sign giving information/instructions, while the word “Women” in the sentence, “Women rule the world!” is a symbol pointing to a concept something like “all adult female humans.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This goopiness of words can be humorous. For a Buddhist monk fasting is a piece of cake. Words can be confusing. The little boy with the broken arm’s mother said she ran into the back of a truck which was parked at approximately forty-five miles an hour. Words can be misleading, as when political types “spin” a response. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Some more than others. Some folks have emotional attachments to words, and/or to the concepts they point to/represent. Attachments that other folks lack. Think “cat” people and “dog” people. We don’t all share the same conceptual matrix, so some words have strikingly different meanings to different folks. Negro. Black. African. Caucasian. White. American. Conservative. Liberal. Victim. Rebel. Criminal. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">“Well,” you say, “yes, but so what?” Well, words matter. That’s the so what. Not just the words we utter aloud, or write on social media, or commit to paper, but also the words in our heads. The words we use in our inner dialogue. For example, “can’t,” as in “I can’t take this pandemic any more!” The Reality is that you can, but you don’t want to. “I can’t stand all this politics!” The Reality is, you are “standing” the politics, but you don’t like it. And the stronger your emotional attachment to your words, the stronger your urge for Reality to conform to your conceptual framework of how Reality should be, the stronger your drive for self-gratification, the greater your experience of dukkhā. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The Dhamma teaches us to practice “Right Speech.” We do this by being mindful of the words we choose, and mindful of the impact of our words on our thoughts, and deeds, and mindful of the influence our words have on others. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And some of you will be offended by some of the thoughts expressed here. Some of you will take exception to ideas herein expressed. For some, these comments will be little more than interesting. And for some, totally uninteresting. The hope is that some of you dear readers will have a small epiphany, a little “aha” moment, a flash of insight. Post a comment, if you like.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words are goopy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words matter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Something to think about. <o:p></o:p></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-17094844862205148492020-09-20T20:03:00.001-05:002020-09-20T20:03:19.121-05:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbBfPMeiiXGcMbGieB31sIz__WK0uhTBH8Izv-kQSVAeX7iOJuFolyUkghifWK6_C-PVjk8ohJ67e5dfNeigLVoBdINmWK9KGXXcphVppYo4rHadcM5fuNbCHXYJMvI2lvtoSbsFanKfN/s1260/2020+ANNOUNCEMENT+2.1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="974" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbBfPMeiiXGcMbGieB31sIz__WK0uhTBH8Izv-kQSVAeX7iOJuFolyUkghifWK6_C-PVjk8ohJ67e5dfNeigLVoBdINmWK9KGXXcphVppYo4rHadcM5fuNbCHXYJMvI2lvtoSbsFanKfN/w495-h640/2020+ANNOUNCEMENT+2.1.png" width="495" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-34885660990181725982020-09-20T19:57:00.000-05:002020-09-20T19:57:44.097-05:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hey, Everybody!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Beginning November 1, 2020, we will be having a Sunday evening meditation at Wat Phothisomphan, 2560 SE 14<sup>th</sup> Street, Des Moines. The hall is quite large, more than 4,000 square feet, so we’ll have plenty of room to distance socially. We’ll also be wearing masks to protect each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Here are some thoughts on group meditation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In a broad, general sense, most people meditate for the “benefits” outside of meditation, not just for the meditation experience itself. Some folks meditate to gain enlightenment, some for esoteric knowledge, some for “union” with God or Brahman or Ultimate Reality, some because it is part of a “program.” Meditation in a group seems to “deepen” or “enhance” progress towards whatever goal they have. I think a lot of this has to do with the environment group meditation creates, but some would talk about shared energies, good vibes, and so forth. Whatever explanation one chooses, group meditation is, at times, very profound. People who meditate together commonly report a buoyancy that the group provides, carrying them further into meditation than they could travel alone. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For most people, meditation is part of a lifestyle. Meditating in a group can help to reinforce that lifestyle. It is comforting, exciting, and sustaining to be a part of a shared activity. Or, in the case of meditation, perhaps a shared non-activity? <GRIN> Shared activities, in this case group meditation, can also build a sense of fellowship; of belonging to a community. We experience the company of “like-minded” others. In the midst of “doing nothing” together, there is often a shared experience of “meaningful togetherness.” Bonds form and relationships deepen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With time, the group builds an environment of trust and confidentiality, and the members will talk about their inner and outer experiences (and their interpretations of those experiences), what difficulties they might have encountered in their practice and ways they have surmounted them. When we discover that other people have encountered many of the same difficulties, and have discovered ways to overcome them, we are less likely to feel discouraged during the “dry spells” which we all endure, or to get overly inflated when we experience those elevating “highs” meditation produces. Solitary meditators – those who never practice with a group – are more likely to misunderstand their experience, and to get frustrated by the bogs and marshes they stumble into. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">One of the most frequently encountered difficulties is incorporating practice into one’s daily life. Group practice offers opportunities to explore with others how they have managed to do this, and also helps motivate us to continue to practice. Meditating with a group can provide the motivation we need to find time to practice. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Group meditation can also further our knowledge and understanding of meditation itself. We can listen and ask of others about their experiences. If there is a Teacher, Master, Guru, Guide, etc., we can check our practice, gain understanding of the nuances of practice, and perhaps learn new techniques. We may also be able to roughly judge where we are on our path to our goals. We can learn from the other members’ feedback. If we talk about our experiences and problems and success, other group members’ feedback can help us to understand what is occurring. We discover that the other people are having many of the same experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It has been pointed out to me than many people who practice meditation are individualistic and/or non-conformist, and “groups” don’t fit their lifestyle. This is true. To be part of a group means we must conform in some ways. For example, there are “time” issues. The day or time of day may not be to our liking. The length of time the group meditates may differ from the time we meditate. Some people meditate for 15 or 20 minutes, and some mediate fro one or two hours or longer. While some groups will allow meditators to come and go during group sessions, others are quite strict about conforming. If one’s ideas about how a group is to function are in conflict with the way the group functions, stress (dukkha?) ensues. These are issues for discussion. Some folks may choose to not be part of a group. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It has been pointed out to me that it is common for a number of different “ideologies” to be found among meditators, and that explanations of experiences and techniques usually reflect those ideologies. Do I expect everyone who is a member of the a group to subscribe to my ideology? Honestly, no. We of differing ideologies and diverse personalities find “common ground” in the silence of group meditation. Since there's nothing to argue about in silence, meditators from different traditions and ideologies can practice together and support each other. Furthermore, membership in a group where there is respect and trust can provide opportunities for investigating the “Truth” statements put forth by myself and others. And I encourage everyone to investigate! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was recently asked the question: “What qualifies you to lead a mediation group?” The short – and smart-alecky – answer was “Well, I can read a clock, I have the hand-eye coordination to ring a bell, and I can count to three.” But I knew the person was really questioning my “authority.” So I explained that the regular practice of meditation is sort of like an extended visit to a strange city. One wants to find someone familiar with the layout of the city, but also someone knowledgeable about the good restaurants, the bad neighborhoods, and where to get the best price on good incense. I’m that someone. I’ve practiced regularly for more than 40 years, and I’ve studied for that long, or maybe even a little longer. I know the “territory,” and have functioned as a guide for more than 30 years. And nobody’s gotten lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, if anyone wants to join us, every Sunday we have scheduled the start time as 6:30 p.m. for now. We can adjust that earlier or later as the group needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hope to see you November 1<sup>st</sup>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bhante Dhammapala<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i>Life is a struggle. Suffering is optional. </i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-42005355585774105512020-07-16T14:41:00.000-05:002020-07-16T14:41:02.731-05:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">On Hate</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">It is a strange time to be a Buddhist in the United States. So much hate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Buddhist training/practice leads to the development of an accurate perception, an accurate assessment of “self.” Buddhist training/practice leads to the development of perceptual acuity, objectivity and critical thinking. At the same time, Buddhist training/practice leads to the development of compassion and lovingkindness. Buddhist training/practice leads to the development of a moral sense. For many, Buddhist training/practice leads to the active engagement with the world while renouncing hate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">So much hate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There’s a lot of hate being spewed out there. Hate towards the police. Hate towards the government. Hate towards people of color; Blacks and Browns. Hate towards Whites. Hate towards Asians. Hate towards LGBQT. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There’s hate aimed towards Conservatives, Liberals, Reactionaries, Progressives. I see/read/hear hate towards Joe Biden; towards Donald Trump. Hate is being aimed at senators, representatives, state and local legislators, governors, mayors, council-people, and the like. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hate is aimed at Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and a myriad of less-well known religious groups. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hate is aimed at the poor, and at the rich. At the homeless and at the mentally ill. Hate is aimed at the well-educated, and the poorly educated, and at the uneducated. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">So much hate. Reminds me of some of the lyrics from a 1970-something song by Kris Kristofferson: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">“Eggheads cussing rednecks cussing <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Hippies for their hair<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Others laugh at straights who laugh at<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Freaks who laugh at squares<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Some folks hate the Whites<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Who hate the Blacks who hate the Klan<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Most of us hate anything that <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">We don’t understand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Cause everybody’s got to have somebody to look down on. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Who they can feel better than at any time they please. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">Someone doin’ somethin’ dirty decent folks can frown on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">If you can’t find nobody else, then help yourself to me.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">-0- Jesus Was A Capricorn by Kris Kristofferson -0- <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hate is, as we know, the expression of a strong emotional attachment to a desire for things be a way other than the way they are. Hate is attachment to wanting things to be “my way,” and not the way we perceive them to be. Hate is a pattern of thoughts, words, and deeds. Hate is often a self-justifying mechanism for those thoughts, words and deeds. And when we dig into hate – the thoughts, words, and deeds – we find hate to be a lot more complex that what I’ve just described. Hate has sociological, anthropological, biological, psychological and historical aspects to it. But simplistically, we aren’t getting what we want, and we blame the object of our hate as the cause. We want things to change and they don’t. We want things to remain as they are, and they change. We blame the object/person/people for the reason(s) things aren’t the way we want them to be. We have some picture of a “better” world, or a “better” society, or a “better” life, and the object of our hate is keeping us from realizing that picture. We believe things would be “right” if the object of our hate didn’t exist.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As we know, most of the time our beliefs regarding the object(s) of our hate, our situation, our displeasure, are delusional. Our beliefs don’t accord with objective reality. But we cling to them anyway. We cling to our ignorance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hate and fear are often emotional siblings. We fear something, and we learn to hate it. Fear operates pretty much the same way as hate. We want, or expect, reality to be a certain way, and when it’s not we experience that emotionally as a “loss’ or a “threat” of loss. The hormones kick in, and we feel a strong need to act to rid our reality of the source of that threat or loss. Of the source of that discomfort. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hatred is learned. We cling to our delusions, we cling to our ignorance because our beliefs are so emotionally charged. We REALLY want Reality to conform to our wishes, our desires.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Hatred can be unlearned. Buddhist training/practice can help. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Something to think about.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-39463201578754601732020-07-08T19:05:00.003-05:002021-01-16T14:36:06.516-06:00Words Are Goopy!<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Words Are Goopy!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">These are troubled times, no doubt. And while there are lots of contributing factors, one of them is the fact that words are goopy. Any given word, or set of words for that matter, can have more than one meaning. And correctly so. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">So maybe if we practice good communication, in Buddhist parlance, “Right Speech,” we might start contributing to lessening the troubles. For example, there’s a phrase floating around, “Black Lives Matter.” And it is obvious that not everybody gets the same meaning from that phrase. For some people it is the name of a movement whose aim is to eradicate white supremacy, a campaign against the violence and racism so prevalent in our society, an effort to bring justice, healing and freedom to black people. For some, “Black Lives Matter” is an anthem, a rousing and uplifting chant, used to rally the troops, to add energy and momentum to marches. For others, “Black Lives Matter” seems to be something akin to a slogan, a motto, a memorable phase to advertise a cause. Sometimes it seems to be “code” in one language which isn’t “decoded” very well in an other language. And for a lot of people it is a phrase which divides people into “us” and “them.” It pits one group against another. It is an aggressive, in-your-face challenge. Using the phrase, “Black Lives Matter” is a threat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">And for everybody, it points to a problem. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Might I suggest that good communication is important if we are to solve some of the problems we’re facing right now? So if I ask you, “What do you mean by ‘Black Lives Matter’ please don’t get upset. I’m aware that the phase can have many meanings, and I’m wanting to understand what you are saying. If I ask you to define what you mean by “Fake News,” it’s not that I’m disputing what you’re saying, I’m trying to understand what you’re saying.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Bear with me. Be patient. Be kind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Be clear in your thoughts, words and deeds. Practice Right Speech. It will go a long way in solving our problems. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-870934104035863952020-07-02T16:36:00.000-05:002020-07-02T16:36:03.797-05:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a name="_GoBack"></a>Some things to think about . . . <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I was recently chastised for being too “political” in my postings on Facebook. Well, it seems to me that one function of the saṅghā is to bring the Dhamma to the people. And if doing so fits in the genre, “political,” so be it. But before we dismiss it so easily, let’s kick some ideas around a bit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The Dhamma teaches us that the “Human Condition” is characterized by three distinguishing qualities: aniccā, anattā and dukkhā. “Aniccā” is the concept of impermanence and transitoriness. Nothing lasts forever, and while things exist they are undergoing constant change. “Anattā” asserts the negation of the Brahminic doctrine of “Atta” (Ātman). And “dukkhā” is the central problem addressed by the Dhamma. “Dukkhā” is that state of being in which we find ourselves when our desires and perceptions are not congruent with Reality. Sort of an academic definition, but what it means is that when we don’t get stuff we want (or get stuff we don’t want), and when our thinking about how Reality is or should be turns out to be inaccurate, we get upset. The more committed we are to thinking/feeling that we should (always) get what we want, or that Reality should be exactly the way we want it to be, the greater our distress. That distress is manifest in a whole range of behaviors – thoughts, words and deeds. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">So, how is it we get into this state of dukkhā? To explain that takes us to a couple of defining characteristics of Human Nature – that is what it means to be human. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">When humans are born, we are totally lacking in knowledge, wisdom, and insightful understanding. And when we’re born, we are totally consumed with self-gratification. The Pāḷi word for this first trait is “avijjā,” (ignorance, delusion) and the Pāḷi word for the second is “taņhā,” literally, “thirst,” but desire, clinging, greed, attachment and many other words have been used to translate the concept. The mechanism works something like this: the less grasp we have of Reality as it is, as opposed to how we want it to be, or think it should be, coupled with a greater or lesser desire for Reality to conform to how we want it to be, or think it should be, results in an emotional reaction. When we let our thoughts, words and deeds be controlled by those emotional reactions, we experience dukkhā. And we create all sorts of difficulties for ourselves and for others. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">“All very well and good!” you say, “But what has this to do with you being political on Facebook?” Ah, thank you for asking.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">“Politics” points to the many concepts, doctrines, practices, activities, etc., associated with how people live in groups. How we set about to make a particular community, or society, or polity work. In some sense, “politics” is all about the distribution of power within a group. Who gets to make the important decisions, and who gets to enforce the rules, and who’s will gets imposed on the rest of the group. There are many forms of political organization: secular, religious, autocratic, despotic, monarchy, oligarchy, theocracy, etc. In the U.S. we are set up as a secular, pluralistic, representative democracy. Being secular means we don’t impose any particular set of religious beliefs on how that power is distributed. Pluralism recognizes the existence of any number of diverse and competing interests and calls for us to be considerate of the interests of others. Representative democracy points out that we, the people, are the final authority on the distribution of power, and that we pick folks who share our values, views, and ideals. to make the rules and make the decisions about how power is to be distributed. Being a “good” citizen of such a form of government requires that we a) be informed [look at other postings on Right Knowledge], and b) we participate. We make our voices heard. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">So, to tie this all together (or to attempt to), as a member of the saṅghā (one who lives and teaches the Dhamma), living in a secular, pluralistic, representative democracy, it is my responsibility (duty perhaps) to point up instances of avijjā and taņhā when they occur in the process of governing, and to make an effort to enlighten and alleviate these conditions. When political leadership displays ignorance, and the propensity for self-gratification over lovingkindness (mettā), compassion (karunā), and joy in others well-being (muditā), we are obligated to speak up, and to act. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">So, label it political if you want. Chastise me if you want. I’m just trying to be a good Buddhist. A good teacher. A good bhikkhu. A good Buddhist monk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-47445799668382244472020-07-02T16:17:00.001-05:002020-07-02T16:17:51.401-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
5 QUESTIONS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Years ago, when I was teaching at the University level, I would provide the following paradigm for students to use when studying various different perspectives on things. I would ask them if they could discern the author’s understanding of each of the following: <o:p></o:p></div>
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1. What is the human condition? I.e., what does it mean to be human? What makes a being uniquely human? What is both necessary and sufficient to being human? <o:p></o:p></div>
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2. What are the principle/fundamental problems humans have to deal with? I.e., greed, craving, sin, ego, delusion, ignorance, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Why do these problems exist? What are their causes? <o:p></o:p></div>
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4. What does this author offer as the ideal solutions to the problems? Discuss in terms of methods, techniques, resources, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
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5. What, in your opinion, is the ideal solutions to the problems? Discuss in terms of methods, techniques, resources, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Reading through a lot of the posts on Facebook, I wonder if analyzing them in terms of this paradigm might be useful in understanding other’s perspectives.<o:p></o:p></div>
Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-58525118615980247012019-12-02T17:00:00.001-06:002019-12-02T17:01:25.193-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;">Recently I was asked, “Do you believe in Fate<a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> and/or Destiny<a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a>?” My answer is “no.” “Fate” and “Destiny” seem to me to be metaphysical concepts. More on metaphysics in a moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">While I don’t “believe” in the metaphysical; in Fate or Destiny, here’s what I know. We are where we are in life because of decisions we, and others have made. Every moment we are making decisions, and often acting (or not acting) accordingly. I take a job in South Dakota, instead of Alabama, and twenty years later, I’m a bhikkhu in Des Moines, Iowa. I decide to hit Wal-Mart before Walgreens, and when I get to Walgreens, I find I could have saved a few bucks if I’d gone there first. I decide to walk on the shady side of the street, and subsequently avoid getting shot by someone robbing a store on the sunny side. I decide to take University Avenue instead of I-235, and I stop to help someone with a flat tire. Later that person shows their gratitude by making a large donation to the Buddhist Missionary Society. I decide to major in Psychology rather than Music Performance, and that points my life in a whole different direction. The Draft Board decides my number is up, and that points my life in a whole different direction. Some fellow sees me struggling to cross a parking lot with a basketful of groceries, and asks if he can help, and that points both our lives in a totally different direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We are where we are because of the matrix of decisions and actions we have taken, and others have taken. No Fate. No Destiny. We are (to a greater or lesser degree) responsible for who, what, where, when and why we are the way we are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Kamma<a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> seems to be a much more realistic explanation than Fate or Destiny for why we are where we are. I act, and that act has consequences, both for myself, and often for others: both in the here and now, and in the future. Kamma doesn’t explain everything. Things happen that are beyond our influence and control. We need serenity to accept that fact. Sometimes we are challenged to take control and make the future our own. That takes courage. And sometimes we need to take a step back and evaluate the situation; to figure out what we can and can’t control. What we can and cannot be effective in making, or preventing something from happening. That takes wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Practicing the Eightfold Path helps us along towards serenity, courage and wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">A bit more on metaphysics. It’s always good to define what you mean when you use a word, so let’s look at a dictionary definition of “metaphysics.: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><b>met·a·phys·ics</b> | ˌmedəˈfiziks |<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">plural noun [usually treated as singular]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->abstract theory with no basis in reality: his concept of society as an organic entity is, for market liberals, simply metaphysics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Metaphysics has two main strands: that which holds that what exists lies beyond experience (as argued by Plato), and that which holds that objects of experience constitute the only reality (as argued by Kant, the logical positivists, and Hume). Metaphysics has also concerned itself with a discussion of whether what exists is made of one substance or many, and whether what exists is inevitable or driven by chance. So a discussion of metaphysics will need to include a discussion of epistemology and fate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We, along with what seems to be the view of the historical Buddha, tend to agree with Kant, the logical positivists and Hume. We can’t know what we can’t experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">For those of you who find scriptures authoritative, I offer this from ‘<i>What the Buddha</i> <i>Taught</i>’ by Walpola Rahula.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> The Buddha was not interested in discussing unnecessary metaphysical questions which are purely speculative and which create imaginary problems. He considered them as a 'wilderness of opinions'. It seems that there were some among his own disciples who did not appreciate this attitude of his. For, we have the example of one of them, Malunkyaputta by name, who put to the Buddha ten well-known classical questions on meta-physical problems and demanded answers.<a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> One day Malunkyaputta got up from his afternoon meditation, went to the Buddha, saluted him, sat on one side and said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'Sir, when I was all alone meditating, this thought occurred to me: There are these problems unexplained, put aside and rejected by the Blessed One. Namely, (1) is the universe eternal or (2) is it not eternal, (3) is the universe finite or (4) is it infinite, (5) is soul the same as body or (6) is soul one thing and body another thing, (7) does the Tathagata exist after death, or (8) does he not exist after death, or (9) does he both (at the same time) exist and not exist after death, or (10) does he both (at the same time) not exist and not not-exist. These problems the Blessed One does not explain to me. This (attitude) does not please me, I do not appreciate it. I will go to the Blessed One and ask him about this matter. If the Blessed One explains them to me, then I will continue to follow the holy life under him. If he does not explain them, I will leave the Order and go away. If the Blessed One knows that the universe is eternal, let him explain it to me so. If the Blessed One knows that the universe is not eternal, let him say so. If the Blessed One does not know whether the universe is eternal or not, etc., then for a person who does not know, it is straight-forward to say "I do not know, I do not see".'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> The Buddha's reply to Malunkyaputta should do good to many millions in the world today who are wasting valuable time on such metaphysical questions and unnecessarily disturbing their peace of mind:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'Did I ever tell you, Malunkyaputta, "Come, Malunkyaputta, lead the holy life under me, I will explain these questions to you?" '<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'No, Sir.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'Then, Malunkyaputta, even you, did you tell me: "Sir, I will lead the holy life under the Blessed One, and the Blessed One will explain these questions to me”?'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'No, Sir.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'Even now, Malunkyaputta, I do not tell you: "Come and lead the holy life under me, I will explain these questions to you". And you do not tell me either: "Sir, I will lead the holy life under the Blessed One, and he will explain these questions to me." Under these circumstances, you foolish one, who refuses whom?<a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> 'Malunkyaputta, if anyone says: "I will not lead the holy life under the Blessed One until he explains these questions," he may die with these questions unanswered by the Tathagata. Suppose Malunkyaputta, a man is wounded by a poisoned arrow, and his friends and relatives bring him to a surgeon. Suppose the man should then say: "I will not let this arrow be taken out until I know who shot me; whether he is a Ksatriya (of the warrior caste) or a Brahmana (of the priestly caste) or a Vaisya (of the trading and agricultural caste) or a Sudra (of the low caste); what his name and family may be; whether he is tall, short, or of medium stature; whether his complexion is black, brown, or golden; from which village, town or city he comes. I will not let this arrow be taken out until I know the kind of bow with which I was shot; the kind of bowstring used; the type of arrow; what sort of feather was used on the arrow and with what kind of material the point of the arrow was made." Malunkyaputta, that man would die without knowing any of these things. Even so, Malunkyaputta, if anyone says: "I will not follow the holy life under the Blessed One until he answers these questions such as whether the universe is eternal or not, etc.," he would die with these questions unanswered by the Tathagata.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Then the Buddha explains to Malunkyaputta that the holy life does not depend on these views. Whatever opinion one may have about these problems, there is birth, old age, decay, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, distress, "the Cessation of which (i.e. Nirvana) I declare in this very life."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'Therefore, Malunkyaputta, bear in mind what I have explained as explained, and what I have not explained as unexplained. What are the things that I have not explained? Whether the universe is eternal or not, etc., (those 10 opinions) I have not explained. Why, Malunkyaputta, have I not explained them? Because it is not useful, it is not fundamentally connected with the spiritual holy life, is not conducive to aversion, detachment, cessation, tranquillity, deep penetration, full realization, <i>Nirvana</i>. That is why I have not told you about them.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> 'Then, what, Malunkyaputta, have I explained? I have explained <i>dukkhā</i>, the arising of <i>dukkhā</i>, the cessation of <i>dukkhā</i>, and the way leading to the cessation of dukkhā. Why, Malunkyaputta, have I explained them? Because it is useful, is fundamentally connected with the spiritual holy life, is conducive to aversion, detachment, cessation, tranquillity, deep penetration, full realization, Nirvana. Therefore, I have explained them.'<a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_edn6" name="_ednref6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Something to think about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">des·ti·ny </span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 10pt;">| ˈdestinē | noun (plural <b>destinies</b>) </span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future: <i>she was unable to control her own destiny</i>. <b>• </b>the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future; fate: <i>he believes in destiny</i>. </span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">ORIGIN </span><span style="font-family: , serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Middle English: from Old French <b><i>destinee</i></b>, from Latin <b><i>destinata</i></b>, feminine past participle of <b><i>destinare </i></b>‘make firm, establish’.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="applewebdata://C2CD8124-61B0-4396-BB10-75BC2E771116#_ednref6" name="_edn6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a> It seems that this advice of the Buddha had the desired effect on Malunkyaputta, because elsewhere he is reported to have approached the Buddha again for instruction, following which he became an Arahant. A (Colombo, 1929), pp. 345-346; S IV (PTS), p. 72 ff.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-63671412900078660242019-11-18T17:41:00.002-06:002019-11-18T17:41:24.079-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Last Wednesday’s discussion included ideas on the diversity of Buddhisms and Buddhists, and to what degree there is similarity and difference among and between different schools, lineages, and traditions. There was some talk of the future of Buddhism in America, and when an “American” Buddhism might emerge, and what it would look like. To what extent can American culture and values, and Buddhist culture and values accommodate each other? The question was raised regarding Asian “Ethno-Cultural” Buddhism being more accessible and/or accommodating of American-cultural people who would like to be included, but feel uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We meet again next Wednesday, November 11, from 7:00 p.m. to about 8:45. Some ideas for discussion might be, “love” in Buddhism, “Engaged Buddhism,” Buddhist views of “good” government, the commoditization of meditation, and so on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bring your ideas and questions and join us, won’t you?<o:p></o:p></div>
Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-1394844420886621462019-11-08T17:51:00.000-06:002019-11-08T17:51:03.679-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>Being mindful is so important. When we’re not being mindful, we can misuse words in ways that are hurtful, even dangerous. When we’re not being mindful, we can cause driving accidents, injure people, damage property. When we’re not being mindful, we can make big errors and little mistakes. All sorts of things happen we don't want to happen when we're not being mindful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When we get too tired, or take on too many tasks, it is easy for mindfulness to slip away. When we get too tired, or take on too many tasks, it is easy for the environmental press to take over. And we make mistakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks to those of you who found my mistake. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s the corrected notice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-45718573285407433332019-11-03T14:11:00.000-06:002019-11-03T14:12:19.372-06:00Beginning Wednesday, November 13, 2019, we will be facilitating a weekly practice and discussion group every Wednesday night, except for holidays. Pure Land of Iowa, will be hosting us in Suite D, Pure Land Hall, 8634 Hickman Road, in Clive. Chairs are available, but you are welcome to bring your own meditation cushions, if you like.<br />
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We will start at 7:00 p.m. with a guided meditation of about 20 minutes, followed by a 30 minute or so discussion on some aspect of the Dhamma. About 8:00 p.m. we will sit in silent meditation for approximately 30 minutes. <br />
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Won't you join us?<br />
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<br />Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-41761047477736421012019-09-08T16:24:00.000-05:002019-09-08T16:24:27.530-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Some Things That Might Be Worth Thinking About<o:p></o:p></div>
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Words are goopy. They take on different meanings across time, space, circumstances, cultures, and people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Right Speech is one of the aspects on the Eightfold Path and one of the Five (Virtuous) Precepts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“In the age of technology which now surrounds us, and boasts of its triumphs over nature, one thing is ever more apparent to the anthropologist – the student of man. We have not really conquered nature because we have not conquered ourselves.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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-- Loren Eiseley, 1960<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wonder if that still applies today? (Changing “student of man” to “student of humanity.”)<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The fundamental purpose of the public schools is to turn out good, productive citizens.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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-- J. D. Hawks, 1967<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unpack that, if you will.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Natural cut fries.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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-- from the sign at a fast-food place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Huh?<o:p></o:p></div>
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May your wits never be tardy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-80629218898657799842019-07-15T17:13:00.001-05:002019-07-15T17:13:40.943-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;">Hello, Everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">It has been a long time (September 2, 2017 was the last post) since the last posting, but hopefully we can be more frequent moving forward.<span> </span>Today, just a quick update on a number of issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">THE BLOG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">All visitors are now able to view the AMBMS blog over an encrypted connection by visiting https://ambms.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">MOVED (mostly) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Society has relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, and we have some of the stuff put away.<span> </span>But there is still much to do before the move is complete.<span> </span>One of those things is to hold a fundraising sale of many of the items we no longer need. If any of you would like to get involved in the preparations and/or the sale event(s) [there may need to be more than one], let us know.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The new address is <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">2620 Columbia Street<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Des Moines, IA 50313 USA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The phone is still the same<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">(712) 281-3787<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">TEACHING SPACE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We are looking for a teaching space for dhamma classes. We’d like to start with chairs for a dozen people or so.<span> </span>If you know of such a space, would you be so good as to speak with whomever about it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">PRACTICE SPACE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We are also looking for space for group practice.<span> </span>If you know someone who might donate space one evening a week, please share our contact information.<span> </span>Or send us theirs.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">PHONE CALLS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We get half a dozen robo-calls a day, so we let unknown callers go to voice messaging.<span> </span>If you call, and no one answers, please leave a message.<span> </span>We’ll put you in our contact list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">GOALS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The motto of AMBMS is “<i>Envisioning a more just, peaceful, and enlightened world</i>.”<span> </span>There is ample evidence that people who diligently (religiously?) practice the Eightfold Path develop in wisdom, morality, and cognitive acuity.<span> </span>We have a goal of creating a Vihāra/Wat/Aśrama with facilities – library, dining hall, multiple meditation halls, and sleeping quarters – to accommodate up to 200 guests for a night, a week, or even a couple of months.<span> </span>Ideally, this will be located within a 30-minute drive of Des Moines, Iowa.<span> </span>If you’d like to get involved in this effort, let us know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">WISH LIST<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We have a long, and growing longer, wish list.<span> </span>If any of you can support AMBMS by helping out with these items, your support will be greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Help with building a practicing community in the Des Moines metropolitan area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Help with sales for fundraising (yard sale, online sale, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Help with routine maintenance (light cleaning, lawn and garden care, changing lightbulbs, and such) at the abode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Help in locating a practice space (a church, hall, etc).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Assist with maintenance and updates on the website (https://www.ambms.org).<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Providing internet access at the abode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Update to a new(er) cell phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Any support you can give will help us move towards realizing our vision. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Bhante Dhammapala</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</style>Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-43179358320050597932017-04-03T15:57:00.000-05:002017-04-03T15:57:11.642-05:00Interfaith Dialogue – Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently the concept of “Interfaith Dialogue” has been
confronting me from several directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Actually, it might be more accurate to say “interfaith dialogues” as
there seem to be several concepts coming under this rubric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seem to be a number of purposes for
engaging in interfaith dialogue: understanding, conversion, missionary
assertion of one’s religion, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
commonly it seems to point toward building bridges of understanding between
faith communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I am neither an “expert” on interfaith dialogue and
engagement, nor a scholar nor an academic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t have a great deal of knowledge in this arena, and I do not have
access to scholarly and academic works, except those that are available to the
general public in libraries and online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
if you choose to engage in a discussion, I will be learning along with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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While I am not well versed in the topic of “interfaith
dialogue,” I am not unaware that not all “communities of faith” in a given
tradition – Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, for example – share the same reality, or
share the same vocabulary, or even share the same definition of words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">World Christian Encyclopedia</i>, released in mid-2001, by Oxford
University Press, there are 19 major world religions which are subdivided into
a total of 270 large religious groups, and many thousands of smaller ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we even define a “faith
community?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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In Buddhism, we have Zen, and Tendai, Pure Land, and
Vipassana, and . . . well it’s a very long list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People immersed in, and/or adhering to a
particular school’s doctrines will probably not approach interfaith dialogue
from the same understandings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, in Tendai Buddhism, the primary text is the Lotus Sutra, which teaches
that the Buddha is "a transcendent eternal being, preaching to myriad
arhats, gods, bodhisattvas, and other figures using all sorts of sermons,
lectures, imaginative parables, and miracles."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I find this statement on multiple websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone knows an original source for it,
would you be so kind as to post it in the comments?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Theravāda Buddhism, the Buddha is in an
entirely separate category of being:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Buddha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Buddha is neither
divine nor mortal; neither transcendent nor immanent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Buddha is a being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sui generis</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Buddha is . .
. well, just a Buddha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The point to be made here is, that within a given faith
group or denomination, some terms such as Buddha, Nibbāna/Nirvāṇa,
Enlightenment, Kamma/Karma, Dhamma/Dharma, Dukkhā, Samādhi, and many, mnay
more, may be clearly and specifically defined, given a single meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But within the larger “religion” in which a
faith community is embedded, agreement may not be so apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agreement may not even exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we may find local usage, local
conventions are at odds with the larger denomination. For example, from a Zen
perspective, “enlightenment” is something quite different that what is
understood in Theravāda sects. And when one goes “outside” the religion, such
as when a Christian or a Muslim tries to understand Buddhism, authentic “Buddhist”
understanding may be lost altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is true not only within Buddhism, but in other religions as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such terms such as "soul" and
"spirit," “Christian” and “Muslim,” “sin” and “salvation” and “love”
and “compassion” may be clearly and specifically defined, given a single
meaning, in some groups, but in other, closely related groups, and in the
larger culture, or on the global stage, these words and others become rather
goopy, having from 2 to a dozen or more meanings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, it is often the case that people do not have
an awareness of this nature of language, and quite naturally assume that the
meaning that they have been taught is universally accepted, that the understanding
they hold is absolutely correct and appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often the case that people operate with
the assumption that we all share the same concepts, referenced by the same words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such differences in meaning and understanding
often result in misunderstandings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In seeking understanding in any interfaith dialogue, it would
seem therefore necessary to identify precisely the community of faith to which
one belongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would seem to be
necessary to be mindful of language, and communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
A further note on the topic of “language” in interfaith
dialogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have encountered
interfaith dialogues, the language of the interlocutors has, for the most part,
employed terms, concepts and categories of thought that are firmly rooted in
Western Christian paradigms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
sure that imposing such conventions is really helpful in “building bridges of
understanding.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it may hinder
the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming from a Buddhist
perspective, using terms such as God, sin, salvation, etc. to describe Buddhist
thought is inaccurate, and for some – Buddhist and Christian alike – is likely
to be confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And may impede
interfaith dialogue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That said, I think there are a multitude of “topics” around
which interfaith dialogue could take place, and I welcome your comments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following are some of those topics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This list is not exhaustive, merely a
starting point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see where things
go, and please feel free to contribute different topics in your <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>comments. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cosmology & Cosmogony:</b> the
origin and general structure of the universe understood philosophically and/or
physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Issue of “time” and the end
of time/eternality of time/artificiality of time/cycles of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deities/Pantheon</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there one god, multiple gods, or is “god”
and empty concept?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a god or gods
exist, what is their nature?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
their relationship with humans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
nature?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Human Condition:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>what it means to be “human:”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>soul, spirit, body, mind, brain, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
What a person is made of.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>problem(s) in / with the human condition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>solution to the problem(s) in / with the human condition; efficacy?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Soteriology/Soteriological goal</b>: religious doctrines concerned with
salvation; the desired goal for participants in any given religion (eg.
‘heaven,’ ‘nirvana,’ ‘moksa,’ etc.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moral Code/Moral Reasoning</b>: what
is the source of the moral code?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
prescribed & proscribed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there
moral precepts to guide one in choosing well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When it comes to choosing well, what does your faith say about the role
of patience and wisdom in your faith community?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
a) descriptive ethics<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
b) normative ethics<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Source of Religious “Authority:”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a.
texts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>b.
religious class<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>c.
the individual<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
7. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Religious Observance</b>: How do people of a particular faith tradition
gather to worship, and what kinds of special religious things happen on special
religious days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sacred space<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sacred activity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sacred objects/ iconography - conventionally agreed-upon ways of
presenting deities, persons, or ideas visually<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
8. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Orthopraxy/Orthodoxy vs. Heteropraxy/Heterodoxy</b>: issues of
authenticity/legitimacy of practice/doctrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there are specific issues of “doctrinal practice,” that
is how one “does” one’s religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
might characterize this as “living one’s theology” [more on the term “theology”
later].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we live our lives, our
mundane, day-to-day existence,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there are
a multitude of important issues that can, and probably should, be addressed
from a religious perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example:
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stewardship</b>: concern
about the preservation/conservation/exploitation/degradation of the environment;
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gender and Sexuality</b>:
how do we deal with the growing understanding that women are equivalent to men
in every aspect of life, in every endeavor? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we deal with the growing understanding
of biological diversity and genetic expression?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is our practice – gender bias,
gender neutrality, gender equity – with respect to access to
resources and opportunities?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does our
doctrine support such access regardless of gender?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or does our doctrine assert social, economic,
political and religious stratification along gender lines?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">War and Violence</b>:
can either ever be justified?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
taught regarding respect for life? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Goodwill/Inclusion</b>:
welcoming the stranger and attending to the needs of others: the hungry, the
homeless, the poor, the sick, or the imprisoned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what boundaries are important and necessary
to protect the integrity one’s goodwill gestures?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Social/Political
Organization</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
a) what does the doctrine say about
how society is or should be structured?? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Questions of marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Question of “family”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the position on social stratification
- the existence of different hierarchic levels in a society; a class or
prestige-based social structure?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
b) what does the doctrine say about
how society is or should be governed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Autocracy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meritocracy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Democracy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Olgarchy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anarchy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plutocracy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vocation/Lifestyle</b>:
engagement/interaction with others throughout your various jobs, school involvement,
service activity, and club/organization memberships?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Management of
Resources/Finances</b>: In a world that encourages the consumer mentality of
craving and buying more “stuff,” what does the doctrine say about acquisition
of things, and about the handling and management of money? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does doctrine advise regarding support of
the faith community?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regarding
generosity with your time, your talents and skills?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is my hope that over time we can explore some of these
topics in blog posts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-13068487250407156342017-02-20T13:48:00.001-06:002017-02-27T14:22:29.610-06:00Free Meditation Classes, March 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVN-EFsvhMPR5UW_Nrgn-FOkLNgtYJPjh1isxy9iIw1eUGWciV39QNO-2FHwA6phffYRNcPSKMlBF-KP3e7hkfUCY28uTDhtsXK7tILOTH6OvkPkn9DNq2MktAJMjNqz6PgfEFJCYS04R/s1600/958-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVN-EFsvhMPR5UW_Nrgn-FOkLNgtYJPjh1isxy9iIw1eUGWciV39QNO-2FHwA6phffYRNcPSKMlBF-KP3e7hkfUCY28uTDhtsXK7tILOTH6OvkPkn9DNq2MktAJMjNqz6PgfEFJCYS04R/s320/958-27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Spring is a season for new
beginnings!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Throw open the windows,
let in the light and fresh air, and make or renew a commitment to meditate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">We are offering free
instruction in meditation on several weekends during March, 2017.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Participation is absolutely free, and all are
welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Why Meditate? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Meditation is a means of
transforming the mind, the way we think, speek and act. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regular meditation helps develop
concentration, mental clarity, emotional positivity, and a rock-steady
calmness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are physiological
benefits as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regular meditation can
have a transformative effect leading to more positive ways of being and a new
understanding of life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Join us, won’t you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Phothisomphan Meditation Monastery<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">2560 SE 14<sup>th</sup>
Street<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Des Moines, Iowa 50320<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">Schedule of Classes*<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 5.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-border-themecolor: accent6; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 491px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-bottom: none; border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: solid #F79646 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-top-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">2/25/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border-top: solid #F79646 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-top-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">9:30 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction
at Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
to 3:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">2/26/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
to 3:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/4/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">9:30 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction
at Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
to 3:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/5/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
to 3:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/11/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">9:30 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction
at Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
to 3:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/18/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">2:30 p.m.
to 4:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/19/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 355.65pt;" valign="top" width="356"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
to 3:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction at
Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="border-left: solid #F79646 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid #F79646 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent6; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="68"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/25/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">9:30 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditation Instruction
at Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
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Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">3/26/2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">1:30 p.m.
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Wat Phothisomphan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">*Classes will only be held
on dates and at times for which people have registered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please check the Ariya Magga Buddhist
Missionary Society webpage for confirmation and notices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-30612560216057954312017-02-19T15:12:00.001-06:002017-02-19T15:12:42.260-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHamT9UUUvhd4VjViQOd2Aof5TTIVTIu3K5rUwrsardgKbV9n7pMQxL7CzZl2OeG4G_nOpKR4KlAMrXtTxlOFljCCKlKNgyQlR6kjbLFkZn1DZoHFqPMPDO_JzR9qpAEMocAOJ8eFJcdAb/s1600/2017-02-19.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHamT9UUUvhd4VjViQOd2Aof5TTIVTIu3K5rUwrsardgKbV9n7pMQxL7CzZl2OeG4G_nOpKR4KlAMrXtTxlOFljCCKlKNgyQlR6kjbLFkZn1DZoHFqPMPDO_JzR9qpAEMocAOJ8eFJcdAb/s400/2017-02-19.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">BE SPONTANEOUS! **</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Join us for meditation today between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">** I say be spontaneous 'cause we didn't plan this very far in advance.</span></div>
Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-37950343273127670042017-02-12T22:07:00.002-06:002017-02-12T22:07:56.512-06:00Open Meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7rRHKSS7Y3eoygXNMKuPoRTkv8InAUyavjOvjlPlehP9QcU5UEqq-KYFxks5ysynx7rPGWB8Jc9iYLD9oZ-NW6K4u4vDnpR9Od3-P-k8rVOWxUvpkBwqDR1RfcEBIxwAt86DGpJgsj-C/s1600/ANNOUNCEMENT.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7rRHKSS7Y3eoygXNMKuPoRTkv8InAUyavjOvjlPlehP9QcU5UEqq-KYFxks5ysynx7rPGWB8Jc9iYLD9oZ-NW6K4u4vDnpR9Od3-P-k8rVOWxUvpkBwqDR1RfcEBIxwAt86DGpJgsj-C/s640/ANNOUNCEMENT.png" width="494" /></a></div>
We are hoping to host "open meditation" from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. daily for anyone who meditates.<br />
<br />
Drop in for 20 minutes, or for an hour as your schedule, your inclinations, and your practice permit. There is no registration and no fee.<br />
<br />
This sitting is for everyone who practices silent, sitting meditation, from any tradition; Christian, Sufi, yoga, TM, vipassana, Hindu, Zen, or any other. <br />
<br />
We're just silently sitting together in peace.<br />
<br />
Wat Phothisomphan - the sign says Phothisomphan Meditation Monastery - is located on the west side of SE 14th Street in Des Moines Iowa. The address is 2560 SE 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50320. The private drive is the first right turn south of Bell Avenue. <br />
<br />
As noted, we are going to try to have the facility open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If there are changes to this schedule, we will post them on the Ariya Magga Buddhsit Missionary website [ ambms.org ], and on Facebook.Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-36088465814535862312016-12-07T19:14:00.000-06:002016-12-07T19:14:40.034-06:00Thanks are due!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tFIR-eqonxL-gLbH8lJnBrxc3QdHiz3zKiPkydlE9W7YKhOK0xDnv0mbTehG7JOlINeVMylIeXnbsD4LlF9MuY3INF8KFBphf1s2ySq23lnssEHm7hfI81jIgqIVahuZIDzQnXRiITA-/s1600/Wednesday%252C+December+7%252C+2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tFIR-eqonxL-gLbH8lJnBrxc3QdHiz3zKiPkydlE9W7YKhOK0xDnv0mbTehG7JOlINeVMylIeXnbsD4LlF9MuY3INF8KFBphf1s2ySq23lnssEHm7hfI81jIgqIVahuZIDzQnXRiITA-/s640/Wednesday%252C+December+7%252C+2016.png" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096050657367937085.post-61127180203240391002016-11-19T14:59:00.003-06:002016-11-19T14:59:37.562-06:00Cost of Living in Urban Iowa Today<div class="MsoNormal">
Cost of Living in Urban Iowa Today<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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I’m kinda’ interested in what it costs to live in an urban
area in Iowa, such as Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Des Moines, Council Bluffs or
Sioux City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d appreciate your help in
figuring this out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you (or anyone you
know, and could put me in touch with) have a source for this kind of
information that is unbiased, valid, reliable and accurate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I know there are lots of variables that can come into play,
so let’s get the numbers for a basic “budget” for a single person, 20 to 50 living
in an urban area in Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s define
“urban” as a population of 30,000 people or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s define a “basic budget” as one that
includes the categories in the table below, and that allows one to live a
healthy life, and a life relatively free of worry and stress regarding these
categories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, the individual has
sufficient access to quality products and services, in adequate amounts to
sustain life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Okay, okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just threw that last bit in because I like the sound of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s don't get all political here,
okay?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re talking a decent standard
of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bottom of Maslow’s
pyramid.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5096050657367937085#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve, rather arbitrarily, set up the following categories of
expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are purposefully broad
and inclusive because I want something that is pretty direct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If these categories skew perceptions, let me
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would you suggest?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I consider the first five categories as requisite to a
minimum quality of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some folks will
likely take issue with including Transportation as a requisite, but if you
can’t get to the grocery store or the dentist . . . well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transportation can be public transportation,
but the costs need to be considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are those who will likely take exception to including Medical care
as a requisite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say, “Let ‘em.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m keeping it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, don’t wax political on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not advocating for a “right” to medical
care, or a “right” to transportation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is just trying to figure out what “is,” not what “ought to
be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Constructive suggestions are
encouraged. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
ITEM<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
PER DAY<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
PER WEEK<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
PER MONTH<o:p></o:p></div>
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PER YEAR<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Food<sup>†</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Clothing<sup>††</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shelter*<o:p></o:p></div>
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Medical care**<o:p></o:p></div>
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Transportation***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.2pt;" valign="top" width="93">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 112.6pt;" valign="top" width="113">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other****<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.95pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.9pt;" valign="top" width="94">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.15pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.2pt;" valign="top" width="93">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 112.6pt;" valign="top" width="113">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.95pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.9pt;" valign="top" width="94">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.15pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.2pt;" valign="top" width="93">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 112.6pt;" valign="top" width="113">
<div class="MsoNormal">
TOTALS<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.95pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.9pt;" valign="top" width="94">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.15pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 93.2pt;" valign="top" width="93">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>†</sup> Food includes meals eaten out as well as
non-grocery items usually purchased at the grocery store such as shampoo, dish
soap, sanitizing sprays, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we eat three times a day, that is 21 meals per week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>90 meals per month (30 days).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1095 meals per year (365 days).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eating all meals “at home” (includes sack
lunches) is cheaper than “eating out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Preparing food from scratch is usually cheaper than buying prepared
foods or ordering in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what
is “the norm” these days, so any input on this welcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>††</sup> Clothing includes not only purchase price, but
also washing, mending, dry-cleaning, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It would also include any accessories and adornments, such as jewelry,
hats, scarves, gloves, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would also include wallets, purses and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking make-up and perfume for the
women, aftershave and cologne for men, would be included here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s not medicine, but you put it on, put
it in this category.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
* Shelter includes rent/mortgage payments, utilities,
insurance, maintenance, repairs, etc.,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m considering the cost of internet and cell/mobile communication
devices as utilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, if you live
in a single family dwelling, the costs of equipment to mow lawns and clear
walks goes here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if you hire those
services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m looking for “immediacy” in
these number, not long-range costs, so I’m not including depreciation,
appreciation, capital gains, and so forth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** Medical care includes the costs of dental and vision
care, over-the-counter meds (e.g., sunscreen, lip balm, antacids, and such),
dietary supplements such as vitamins, medical insurance, and all services from
the healthcare industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** Transportation includes purchase/lease/rental, operating
costs, maintenance, repairs and insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m looking for “immediacy” in these number, not long-range costs, so
I’m not including depreciation, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**** Other includes education, recreation, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a book bag, a bicycle, a
briefcase, it goes in “Other.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Other”
also includes donations to charities, and worthy causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It includes gifts you give to family and
friends for birthdays, holidays, and other occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arbitrarily, I’m putting computers of all
sorts, and the software used on them here in “Other.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Other” will include any savings or
retirement funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excluding
“investments.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, it’s
arbitrary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are my un-researched, off-the-top-of-my-head
guestimates for a minimum standard of living in urban Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the raw figures and calculations on a
spreadsheet: if anybody wants it, message me on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL
STATEMENT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not advocating for an
increase in the minimum wage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
advocating for tax reform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
advocating for some change in poverty levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not a statement about “take-home” pay, or “after-tax
income.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just trying to get a handle
on what it costs to live decently in urban Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just seeking some perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d appreciate your input. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="top" width="106">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ITEM<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal">
PER DAY<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 94.75pt;" valign="top" width="95">
<div class="MsoNormal">
PER WEEK<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.9pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
PER MONTH<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 100.1pt;" valign="top" width="100">
<div class="MsoNormal">
PER YEAR<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="top" width="106">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Food<sup>†</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$15.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 94.75pt;" valign="top" width="95">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$105.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.9pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$450.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 100.1pt;" valign="top" width="100">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$5,475.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="top" width="106">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clothing<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$2.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 94.75pt;" valign="top" width="95">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$15.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.9pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$63.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 100.1pt;" valign="top" width="100">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$755.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="top" width="106">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shelter<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$45.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 94.75pt;" valign="top" width="95">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$344.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.9pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$1375.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 100.1pt;" valign="top" width="100">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$16,500.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="top" width="106">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Medical care<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$13.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 94.75pt;" valign="top" width="95">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$87.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.9pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$375.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 100.1pt;" valign="top" width="100">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$4,500.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 106.1pt;" valign="top" width="106">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Transportation<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$34.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 94.75pt;" valign="top" width="95">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$235.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.9pt;" valign="top" width="97">
<div class="MsoNormal">
$1020.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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$12.235.00<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 80.95pt;" valign="top" width="81">
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$22.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
$157.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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$680.00<o:p></o:p></div>
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$8150.00<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 100.1pt;" valign="top" width="100">
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<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
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TOTALS<o:p></o:p></div>
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$131.00<o:p></o:p></div>
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$943.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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$3,963.00<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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$35,380.00<o:p></o:p></div>
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<sup>† </sup>Food – if we figure $3.00 per meal, on average,
that comes to $63.00 per week, $252.00 per month, or $3,168.00 per year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s living pretty skinny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think a more realistic figure would be an
average $5.00 per meal, which yields the figures shown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have data that shows that these
numbers are way off the mark, I’ll revise them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup>††</sup> Clothing – I haven’t a clue what the average
urban Iowan spends on clothing, so I’m just making a wild guess here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s say three pair of jeans, 8 t-shirts, 8
regular shirts/blouses, 3 sets of work clothes (pants/skirts/dresses,
shirts/blouses, etc.), underwear for two weeks,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>footwear (1 pair sandals, 1 pair athletic shoes, 1 pair casual shoes, 1
pair dress shoes, winter boots).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
would also include rental of formal wear for those occasions calling for such
(weddings, proms, funerals, visits to heads of state – just joking – and so
on). Also, frequency of purchase, and so on.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5096050657367937085#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some rough calculation on some
rough guesses to come up with the numbers here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I said, I don’t have any really good numbers for this category, so
this is a really rough guestimate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Particularly
for women’s clothing. If you find these numbers are way off, and you have data
on specific costs, length of wear, and so on, that information is most
welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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* Shelter – just an estimate. There should probably be two
lines for shelter; one if you rent, one if you own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I get good data, I’ll make that
modification, if it’s warranted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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** Medical care – just an estimate for a normally healthy 20
to 50 year old.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** Transportation – an estimate based on the following
parameters:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Purchase/lease total of $20,000 (includes tags and taxes
& interest) amortized over 36 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forty-six cents per mile operating costs, and routine maintenance based
on 7,500 miles per year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purchase,
balance, install one set of 55,000 mile tires, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**** Other – wild guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
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<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5096050657367937085#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Abraham Maslow, a psychologist, published a “hierarchy of needs” in the late
1950s or early 1960s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if
research has supported his hypotheses; I’m just using his pyramid for
pedagogical purposes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5096050657367937085#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
How long does a pair of Levis last these days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was a kid, in the 1950s I grew out of my Levis before I outgrew
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In those days Levis had the
button fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were cut “loose,” and
the first time you wore them, you put ‘em on soaking wet, and “wore them dry”
for a good fit.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695164563973556819noreply@blogger.com0