Upcoming Weekly Discussion Topics

Our weekly service starts with a 30 minute talk or discussion led by Reverend Shingaku. After the discussion we perform the Tendai daily service and then engage in 2 periods of meditation. If this is your first time for attending, please arrive 15 minutes early for an orientation.

Monday, November 5

A Call to Conscience

This is the evening before election day, and our national attention will be on the political arena. This raises the question: what is the Buddhist responsibility for engaging in politics? We will use “A Call to Conscience” by Bhikkhu Bodhi to fuel our dialogue as we grapple with the question of our individual and collective political responsibility while following the bodhisattva path.

Monday, November 12

Kaikyoge

We recite Kaikyoge each week before we chant sutra, but how much do we really understand the intention and the power of these words. This evening’s discussion will focus on the power of this short verse.

Monday, November 19

Eating With Gratitude, Eating With Awareness

During the Thanksgiving holiday we tend to be more aware of the need to show gratitude for the food we eat and the company we are eating with. Yet, every meal we eat is an opportunity for self-transformation and a chance to develop wisdom and compassion. This evening we’ll focus on how to bring gratitude to every meal.

Monday, November 26

Survey of Buddhism Part 3: Early Buddhism and the Way of the Elders

This evening’s class will focus on the beginnings of Buddhism as a religion after the death of Shakyamuni Buddha. We will look at the teachings of early Buddhism that gave rise to the Theravada school.