A talk about forgiveness and compassion that includes recorded excerpts of discussions with the Dalai Lama. In the talk, a theory about the origins and nature of compassion is presented.
An introduction to next week's (1-15-08) guest Paul Ekman, psychologist, leading expert on human emotions and facial expressions and co-author with the Dalai Lama on the recent book Emotional Awareness
Rev. Heng Sure uses his 12 string guitar and a beautiful singing voice reminiscent of Bill Monroe to interpret three songs from a variety of Buddhist traditions about the process of enlightenment. The first is called the "Ballad of Yashodhara;" and gives voice to Prince Siddhartha’s agonizing choices as he prepares to renounce the householder’s life. His resolve to defeat impermanence compels him to say goodbye to his beloved wife and venture into the unknown in search of awakening. The second song is the entire Mahamangala Sutta, "The Buddha’s Teachings on Blessings.” Rev. Heng Sure invites the assembly to sing along with the Buddha’s advice in response a deva who comes asking Buddha how to live correctly and wisely.
The third is a selection of verses from Tang Dynasty Chan Master Master Yongjia's “Song of Enlightenment.” Rev. Heng Sure tells the interesting story of this monk's certification by the Sixth Chinese Patriarch. Heng Sure's tells the story in a down-to-earth fashion. The song itself expresses Yongjia's understanding of the Buddha Nature within. The first verse goes: "Don't seek for the true; don't cut off out the false. Know that false and true alike are gone without a trace. Now not a trace itself is gone; then empty emptiness: You've found the Thus Come One's true mark where nothing can't exist."
Rev. Heng Sure offers reflections on how to purify our minds. He gives methods of making the world a better place through skillful use of the mind. He shares his Dharmaradio.org website and the “Acts of Kindness” project. The songs from his “Paramita” CD of American Buddhist Folk Songs (www.dharmaradio.org/paramita/index.htm) invite us to do more good deeds in exchange for free music downloads. Rev. Sure also shares the “Daily Good” website that aggregates good news stories every day. Listen to his musical Dharma-teachings. (www.dailygood.org).
A discussion with community member Janet Keyes about a proposal to create a community support network with the intention of helping the IMCB sangha grow in caring and connection. The evening includes an invitation to attend an introductory meeting to help identify priorities and move forward in creating a more caring community. The talk also includes James reading a moving letter from Barack Obama to a 4-year old girl.
