July 1 - August 26

The Dharma Path Intensive for this summer continues the exploration of “The Seven Points of Mind Training,” (Lojong in Tibetan). Learning to think and act as an altruistic being is the subject of the text.  As noted before, it is a much loved and deeply venerated text, well known for its slogans that help us apply the full breadth of the Buddha’s Mahayana teachings to daily life. These 59 slogans or mind trainings focus on how the Unconditioned Awakened Mind can beneficially manifest in the life of ordinary beings in order to give rise to lovingkindness, compassion and understanding in all the activities of our lives. The transformation of seemingly adverse situations into the path of awakening is a unique focus of these mind trainings.

In this Summer Intensive, Fred will continue to guide participants in understanding the 59 slogans and how to practice them.  While each participant will be studying the entire text along with commentary, Fred will regularly assign specific slogan(s) to work with, which will provide an opportunity for each participant to directly fit the text into the context of their current life condition. 

This Intensive is open to FCM members who participated in the 2019 Winter/Spring Living the Bodhisattva's Life intensive. Although, members with previous Lojong experience in FCM may join with Fred’s approval.  Mentor Group and Peer Group Assignments may be reassigned based on how many people register for the summer intensive.  If you have any questions about this intensive, please contact Bryan Hindert at bbhindert@gmail.com.

The path of practice for this Intensive will include readings and assigned slogans to practice in formal meditation and in daily life. Bi-weekly group mentoring video-conference calls on Zoom will provide individual guidance and support.  These mentor calls will alternate between being led by Fred and by Ken Lenington, a senior student of Fred’s.  Four Dharma talks given by Fred and Ken will be offered to participants via Zoom.  Peer group meetings occurring bi-weekly, either in-person or on Zoom, will provide an opportunity for participants to share deeply and to provide mutual support to each other. 

The commitments for this Intensive are listed below. Before registering for the Intensive please read the commitments and reflect carefully on whether you will be able to keep them.

Commitments for each Intensive participant:

Study & Practice:

• Spend a minimum of one hour daily in formal meditative practice, study, and/or other practices related to this Intensive.
• Read Dharma texts assigned for the Intensive
• Regularly attend your local Sangha’s weekly meditation and daylong retreats as possible.

Participate in Assigned Practice Groups:

• Participate in your assigned bi-weekly mentoring group (via Zoom)
• Be present for monthly Dharma Talks (via Zoom)
• Peer Groups are not a required commitment of this intensive, but we strongly encourage people to attend their local or call in bi-weekly peer group if possible.
• Peer Group options will be decided once registration closes. 

There is a suggested donation of $50 associated with this Intensive. This is a suggested donation, and participants are free to donate more or less, depending on their individual practice of Dana and their financial situation.  You may pay on-line or send your check made out to the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) to Florida Community of Mindfulness, 6501 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33604.

Please note that participation in this Intensive is only open to members of FCM who took part in the Winter/Spring intensive of the same name. Members with previous Lojong experience in the FCM may join with Fred’s approval.  For information about membership, please access our website at www.floridamindfulness.org.

This Intensive will begin on July 1 - and end on August 26.  Readings and Zoom teleconference/phone call instructions will be announced once registration has been completed.

Registration will close on June 8th.  To ensure you register on time, please register immediately or mark the registration closing date in your calendar now.