On the Uposatha, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the core understanding of the Four Noble Truths – that we practice not because it is pleasant and healthy and wonderful but because we have to. Samsara is a mess, and when we really look at our lives we can sense the subtle (or not so subtle) dissatisfaction […]
Talk: Practice Because You Have To Read More »
On this Uposatha evening, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the Eighth Factor of the Eightfold Path – that of Samadhi. Samadhi is a composure, brightness, and control of the mind. It is a fulfillment of the aspiration of the rest of the eightfold path, namely, to generate mindstates free of craving and suffering. Samadhi itself is
Talk: The Jhana Factors Read More »
Tahn Pamutto reflects on the Fourth Noble Truth – the Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering. Drawing from the previous talk on the third truth, Cessation, he explains how development in Buddhist practice is not merely a matter of eliminating defilements but is just as much about setting the foundation for them
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In this Uposatha reflection Tahn Pamutto relates the story of MN 89 – a sutta relating the last conversation of King Pasenadi, a devout follower of the Buddha, as he enumerates those things he sees in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha which inspire faith and confidence in him. These things, called the Monuments of the
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In this Uposatha reflection, Tahn Pamutto discusses in depth the Second Noble Truth – that of the Origin of Suffering, namely Craving. It takes wisdom and investigation to see how this seemingly innocuous force in our daily lives, the gross or subtle wanting that drives us into situations, is in fact the requisite condition for
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Meditation: We started with a meditation. First we calmed ourselves, slowing down from the activity before. Listening to the house we were in, and getting quiet enough to hear it creak and gurgle. Things are always changing! Then we suggested a few scenarios that were a little silly but would be dukkha for someone in
Family Group: The First Noble Truth Read More »
On the Uposatha with a group online and in-person, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the First of the Four Noble Truths. These foundational teachings are not just true, in that they apply to all people, but they are ennobling – they allow us to be better, happier, and to suffer less. The first noble truth is
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The family group has collectively decided to take a look at one of the quintessential buddhist teachings: the Four Noble Truths. This is not an easy topic to cover, and even those who have devoted their whole lives to buddhist practice have not exhausted their exploration of the topic. But at its core the Four
Introduction to the Four Noble Truths Read More »
Tahn Pamutto has at last collected all the various resources gathered by the family group over the last year under one heading. There is surprisingly little material out on the web around forming family dharma groups, so if you know anyone doing or interested in starting, pass them the link. It can be found on
Family Group Resources Read More »
This week the Santigama family group got back together after a long summer hiatus, and we finished our look at the Ten Paramī’s with the final paramī of Dānā, or Generosity. We started with a Meditation: Imagine a friend or family member. Now imagine that they need something. This could be that they or hungry
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