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Dharma Path Fall 2021 Intensive | Deconstructing the Myth of Self – Part 3

  • 04 Oct 2021
  • Online

Registration


Registration is closed

October 4 – December 20

 

To study Buddhism is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things. To be enlightened by all things is to be free from attachment to the body and mind of one's self and of others.” --   Zen Master Dogen


For students of Dharma, the issues of ‘self and ego’ and ‘non-self and non-ego’ are central to our spiritual quest and awakening. The intellectual and, most importantly, experiential resolution of this seeming paradox that what appears to be solid and real is not  has major implications for the well-being or ill-being that we experience daily in our personal lives. The Buddha stated that our belief in the permanent and solid nature of oneself in a world of other solid selves is the major cause of our ensnarement in self-created dissatisfaction, confusion and emotional afflictions. It is this fundamental ignorance of the way things really are (Ultimate Reality) that prevents us from experiencing our fundamental oneness and connection with everything and everyone.


The focus of this Intensive and the overriding commitment of all participants is to undertake a deep, comprehensive, and penetrative look at the self in an intellectual/analytical, psychological, and, most importantly, experiential/meditative manner. The intent is to ground participants in the traditional Buddhist philosophical and psychological teachings and practices related to self/non-self, as well as to personalize and individualize these practices for each participant.


Deconstructing the Myth of Self is a year-long Intensive in three parts.  In Part 1 & 2 we watched ourselves closely as we got to know the various ways our particular self manifests in the world, both inwardly and outwardly. We also looked deeply, using western psychological perspectives, in order to see both the underlying core beliefs and schemas that drive much of the self-inflicted drama of our lives, as well as the conditioning that gave rise to these ways of being in the world.


As we go forward into Part 3 of the intensive, we will continue our exploration of the self, now from the perspective of Buddhist psychology, Yogacara, and other Buddhist teachings. We will be looking into what it is like to live life from a sense of self, what the structure of that self is, and whether there is anything substantial there at all as we take apart the various aspects that make up a self.


Commitments for each Intensive participant:

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:


Study & Practice:

  • Spend a minimum of 60 minutes daily in formal meditative practice, study, reflection, and/or other practices related to the Intensive. 
  • Read the Dharma text portions assigned for the Intensive.
  • Regularly attend weekly meditation, daylongs, and retreats during the Intensive, as possible (Loosening the Bounds of Self: Exploring the Five Aggregates of Clinging, an online retreat with Angie Parrish, October 15-17; and Deconstructing the Myth of Self Daylong, online Saturday, December 11 (this is a change) with Ken and Betsy).

Participate in Assigned Practice Groups:

  • Be present for the Dharma Talks (via Zoom) on Oct 4, Nov 1, Nov 22, and Dec 20, all at 6:00-7:00 pm.
  • Participate in your assigned bi-weekly Mentor Group (via Zoom).
  • Be present for the Forum with Fred (via Zoom) on November 14, 12:30-1:45 pm.

Registration:

Registration in Deconstructing the Myth of Self Part 3 is open to those who have taken Parts 1 & 2 this year, or for any FCM members who previously have taken this year-long Deconstructing the Myth of Self Intensive and would like to join us.  Registration closes September 20. To ensure that you register on time, you may want to register immediately or mark the registration closing date in your calendar now.


The fee for the Intensive is $100. This is a suggested amount and participants are free to offer more or less depending on their individual 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.


Mentor Calls:

We will remain in the same groups, days and times as we had in the previous part of this Intensive. Please email Ken at kenlen108@gmail.com if you need to make a change or you will be joining the Intensive as a new participant. 


Specific readings, mentor group times and dates, assignments, and Zoom instructions will be announced once registration has been completed. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Lenington at kenlen108@gmail.com or Betsy Arizu at barizu@yahoo.com .

Florida Community of Mindfulness, Tampa Center
6501 N. Nebraska Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604

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Naples Sangha

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