with Rodney Smith
2/21/2012 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM at Nalanda West (Map)
Bloedel Hall is closed for Fat Tuesday. We will meet at Nalanda West for this Tuesday night only.
The Buddha once said that his teaching directed us toward three principles: sila (ethical conduct), panna (wisdom), and samadhi (firmness of mind). Samadhi is the fundamental principle of a steady and harmonious mind. During samadhi, consciousness is not wavering with each thought but firm and stationary, allowing attention to be bare and free for observation. There is a component of wisdom within samadhi since the mind is resolute and unperturbed by states of mind, yet there is a difference between samadhi and awareness. Awareness is not a state of mind and samadhi is a conditioned state that changes over time, however awareness is more easily acknowledgment when the mind is firm and steady.
Parking Information
Nalanda West is located at the intersection of a residential street and commercial businesses. In order to maintain good relations with our residential neighbors, Nalanda West staff asks that program participants avoid parking on Woodland Park Ave N. north of Nalanda West.
Parking is generally available in the two small interconnected parking lots behind Nalanda West. Across Bridge Way N. at the Bridgeway Building (3876 Bridge Way) there are 14 parking spaces. There is generally parking available in front of the
building, south on 39th and Woodland Park, and along Bridge Way N.
Suggested donation: $5 + dana
Class Homework
Begin to understand the difference between concentration, the ability to focus the mind, and wise samadhi, steadiness of mind and mental harmony. When you are practicing concentration (on breath, listening, or focused on something interesting) what happens to your focus when the environment becomes chaotic or loud? Notice how concentration is dependent upon conditions. Samadhi has the ability to expand beyond and hold circumstances and remain steadfast. Practice simple exercises that prove this point. For instance, try reading a book in the middle of noise and commotion, and then look up and embrace the entire scene without demands. Which is concentration and which is samadhi? What is the value of each?
To inquire about the accessibility of SIMS events, such as wheelchair accessibility or seating for those with visual or auditory disabilities, email accessibility@seattleinsight.org. If, for physical or other reasons, you are not able to participate for the entire event, you are welcome to participate to the extent you are able. Please contact the event organizer or teacher at the event if you have questions.