Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone and an awesome New Year!

Your two cents: what is karma

Hi everyone

In preparation for next year's topic "Karma in everyday life", I would like to get an idea of your perception of what karma is (or isn't).  Hopefully this will give me an idea of which areas I will need to cover for the topic to be relevant.  

Thanks!

Gratitude week # 3

This week we looked at a couple of quotes...one was relating to fear and how this may stop us from showing our gratitude to others. (I have received permission to post this from The Pacific Institute's publication 'Winner's Circle Network' just this afternoon...see below..)

The other quote related to developing a philosophy of life.

The philosophy of life seemed to require some more reflection and we will follow up on this on Saturday 6th...our final session for the 2008 year.

Look forward to sharing the pleasure of your company then!

In the mean time please consider what your fear may be costing you...

"I am fear.

I am the menace that lurks in the paths of your life, never visible to the eye but sharply felt in the heart.

I am the father of despair, the brother of procrastination, the enemy of progress, the tool of tyranny.

Born of ignorance and nursed on misguided thought, i have darkened more hopes, stifled more ambitions, shattered more ideals and prevented more accomplishments than history can record.

Like a changing chameleon, I assume many disguises.

I masquerade as caution.

I am sometimes known as doubt or worry.

But whatever I'm called, I am still fear, the obstacle of achievement.

I no no master but one; its name is Understanding.

I have no power but what the human mind gives me, and I vanish completely when the light of understanding reveals the facts as they really are, for I am really nothing."

Thanksgiving

Today is the last Thursday of November, the day set aside in North America as Thanksgiving Day. It is a national holiday and people tend to spend the time with their family and loved ones around a shared meal.



The tradition has it's roots in the religious beliefs of the early Pilgrim settlers who gave thanks after surviving a rather bleak first winter and benefitted from the bounty of a bumper first harvest in their new land and home. The gift of a new life in a new land certainly was considered worth celebrating as they endured tremendous hardship including the loss of loved ones.



And so I wish everyone who may be reading this on Thursday 27th November,"Happy Thanksgiving"!!

Blog Usage

How is everyone finding the blog? Is it something useful? How do they find the usability and maneouvrability(?) within the blog?

I find it a little cumbersome trying to follow posts via comments. It requires a certain amount of guessing as to where a new response comment was added.

Could we perhaps explore the possibility of a more forum-like site if people think they will use the internet as a medium for online discussions?

Visit to Blackburn for awesome books!

Hi everyone

I've made a time with the people over at the Pure Land Learning Centre in Blackburn to get some of their books on really good teachines. I plan to be there this Sunday morning. They're open from 10am - 3pm, so we can discuss the time we want to be there this Saturday.

Please follow this link for their location and possible public transport. Please also note that the numbering on Eley Rd is a little funny so there's a number 85 which is a residential house. The actual centre is in a community centre between Middleborough Road and Blackburn Road.

Cheers,

Jonathan

Gratitude # 2

The session offered participants the opportunity to look at a model and use three different stories from 3 different traditions to see if they could use the model in a practical way.



There was also discussion about the topics that were to be put forward for selection for next year's discussion and consideration with an open invitation to any member of the group who wanted to facilitate the sessions.



The topics put forward so far:

• Patience
• Karma
• Virtue
• Justice
• Truth

We are also going to trial the suggestion that we have the session from 10.30am-12noon without a half hour break and then have our refreshments at the conclusion of the session. We will allow flexibility for people to feed meters and visit the bathroom of course!!! We'll see how this works for the remaing two sessions so that those planning next year can be clear what is required of them.



As we wind down towards the end of this first 12 week block of sharing and reflection, I'd like to express my gratitude for the generosity that those who come along regularly to share their ideas and to learn freely from each other. The group is exceptionall willing to listen and learn from each other and that in itself has immense value for us as we share our journey through life!



I look forward to sharing with you more gifts of wisdom next Saturday.

World Philosphy Day 20Nov2008

Dear all,

Wrap your thoughts around some of these condundrums to celebrate!


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7739493.stm

Ann

Gratitude #1

This session enabled us to consider the complexities relating to giving and receiving at different levels. It generated good discussion as individuals looked at their own perceptions and understandings and maybe even clarified some issues within themselves.

There was significant discussion about the emphasis on "currency" and how else gratitude can be measured.

It was delightful to have our guest from the country Karen to join us and share her valuable insights. And Marcello as always blessed us with his kind and generous gift of wonderful wonderful Italian delicacies...look forward to seeing you next Saturday when we continue our reflection on the topic of gratitude...

Receiving

On the other side of giving is receiving.

Is it wrong of a person to keep giving if the other person is not comfortable receiving?
I guess this then requires people to self-reflect why they may be uncomfortable with receiving. But if they are not ready for this self-reflection, then is it still the givers right to give? Especially if the receiver is actively resisting?
Or does it then becomes the giver's responsibility to determine what it is they should give to best help the person receiving?
Is all this consideration counterproductive to an earlier quote on this site from Mother Teresa about what people may think, and doing it anyway.

Regardless of which, in the words of Mother Teresa, "I believe it is not what we do, but how much love we put into doing it." May 1982, address in Rome

Giving

There is much to think about 'giving and generosity'

Perhaps that's a problem in itself - the 'thought' behind the giving

Generosity is about giving without any thought or constraint behind it

In other words, giving unconditionally and with only one thought - the
thought of giving itself

Quite simply, I give because I wish to give...

But what makes me 'want' to give - well, it's kindness

I believe that generosity and kindness go hand-in-hand

One cannot exist without the other

Remember... it doesn't matter if your gift is taken for granted or
that you're not thought of, or appreciated as you would like - it's
about yourself in the giving and not the recipient and how they
receive the gift

Don't let thoughts or doubts hold you back when the time arises
and don't expect anything in return, for it's more noble to
give than it is to recieve

Marcello

time to consider altenative venues

I have been advised that from next year our group will no longer be able to use the Deakinprime boardroom. Our CEO was happy to supply it to kick-start the group, but the reality is that as an on-going proposition, we will need to find a venue for next year. Preferably in the city. Preferably cheap or no cost.



Put on the thinking hats and send out those networking tentacles...someone will come up with a brilliant solution..remember the universe is abundant.



It would be helpful for the group to have a venue finalised by the last session on the 6th Dec 2008.



I wish to express my gratitude to Kean and Deakinprime staff for all their generosity and assistance which has assited us to create a marvellous group of deep thinkers.

Generosity # 4

This was our last session on reflecting on the concept of Generosity. We reflected on what we had learned so far, and was introduced to the Greek myth relating to the concpet of hindsight.
There was ample discussion on the gift of hindsight, and whether the tough times that we are going through enable to appreciate the gift that is being given..most of the time were are only mindful of coping with the circumstances we are presented with. Trif shared with us a wonderful quote from Shakespeare.
Next time we begin our discussion and reflection on the concept of Gratitude..we welcome the pleasure of your company.

the business of philosophy

"What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? to get rid of self-deceit. for it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows"
Discourses www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Epictetus accessed 06Nov2008

Generosity # 3

This week the class looked at the difference between the concepts of "freedom" and "licence" and how this may impact on generosity... there was interesting discussion about the actual definition of these two words, and whether mindfulness had a role to play.
The session also covered our ability to make a choice and how we interpret the choices that are given to us in our lives...where we actually choose to invest our time and energy and how that impacts on ourselves and others. This lead to discussion on the application of knowledge and wisdom concerning generosity.
The reflection centered on the beautiful quote from Mother Theresa, and several pearls of wisdom resulted!! A delightful gift to us all to complete the session..thank you everyone for sharing so generously of yourselves! I look forward to seeing you next Saturday!

Session 3 Generosity: Reflection

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway…

You see in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.”

Mother Theresa
Christian missionary
Winner 1979 Nobel Peace Prize

Thank you Jonathon and Loraine

Thanks again to Jonathon and Loraine for preparing and facilitating the class in my absence last week. The feedback that I have received has been very positive and I am grateful for the time and care you put into the preparation and devlivery of the material. When we were discussing it here at DP I was confident that the material was good, and their wisdom and insights that they were planning to share seemed congruent with the teachings.

I look forward to discussing more about the concept of generosity on Saturday morning.

Hi fellow philosophers...

I know that we are now on the topic of giving and generosity - but I have a
question regarding being mindful.

My question is - what is the distinction between being thoughtful and being
mindful?

My only answer is that to be mindful is to be aware of ourselves and of our
thoughts, whereas being thoughtful doesn't necessaraly translate into being
mindful

Confusing? I welcome your own thoughts

Regards to all, Marcello

Practice and cultivation

I found this on a Daily Meditation quote of the day. Enjoy!

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?

~ Buddha

Humanity's delusion

My wife sent me an email that had this quote. When I read it, I just knew it had to be shared here.

The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there.
-Yasutani Roshi, Zen master (1885-1973)

For more on this Zen master, view an article about him in Wikipedia.

Giving and Generosity

Discussing the topic of giving and
generosity (G&G) is not as straight
forward as I thought...

For example, can someone be
too G&G? To answer that question,
I would need to tie it in with being
mindful and being wise

I would say that giving blindly is not
always a good thing. However, it is what
we should always value in ourselves

Is it also possible that by being
too G&G, you prevent others from
being generous and giving to you?

So what is it that we give? Well,
it's not just objects, money or our
treasured possessions. It is also
the giving of ourselves...

Each of us have special gifts and
it is the sharing of these gifts to
others which makes giving and
generosity important

Marcello

Generosity # 1

The teachings and reflection this week focussed our attention on the topic of giving and generosity.

The group looked at the poetry of Kahlil Gribran, specifically a work entitled "The Prophet" and the section pertaining to the rich man asking the prophet on 'giving'.

there was robust discussion on the mindfulness of giving and whether our giving can harm or benefit those around us.

We also explored our personal talents and gifts and what we have been given and how we can share those talents and gifts with others. A theme emerged during reflection and it tied in surprisingly with the powerpoint presentation that was viewed.

Next session the theme of giving and generosity is further explored. The group values all sharing of knowledge and experience and we welcome new members to join us to share our growth in wisdom.

Turn up the volume!

Hi peeps,

When you've got some time, watch this clip:
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2377080.htm


I think it was only 10-15mins off the top of my head.
It's quite interesting! And there's a book called The Science of Happiness which provides some very interesting scientific backing to being happy and how active your brain becomes when imaged.

Anyway, just my short little addition that I've been meaning to do for the last two weeks.... time to get back to my essay!

Ciao!
Yee Ping

A little gift

Click to enlarge

When I found out that the theme for the following weeks revolves around generosity, I thought of painting the flowers we had in class last week as a gift to you all. I hope you like it.

The REAL flowers themselves, of course, were a "gift" to us as well from Marcello - who created his first posting below! Huzzah! 

See you all on Saturday!

EDIT: I completed the shadows and reflections/refractions. Also signed it so now it's finito!

Hi philosophers...

Hello all...

I hope you're all well. This is my first blog posting, so do bear with me.
Where do I begin? Well, the philosophy classes have been really great.
There is so much that I take away with me and lots to think about

My primary thoughts have been focused on what it means to "live a good life"
It's quite an interesting question and no doubt, there are so many answers

I refer to Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor and philosopher) and his writings.
Marcus continually points to living in the present and living in harmony
with nature

For me, they are the two most important aspects to living a good life.
I also include self-awareness through self-examination as an important part
to leading a fulfilling life.

Only by knowing ones-self are you able to know others and how to relate
with them.

I also point out the distinction between self-examination and self-absortion
where the latter referes to looking inwards only

Anyway, I have only just scratched the surface and I welcome other thoughts
on this question

Many thanks and regards
Marcello

Mindfulness Session #4

This week's session wrapped up our reflections on the concept of Mindfulness.

The group explored some of the teachings of the Roman Emperor/Philosopher Marcus Aurelius and how they tied in with Socrates observation that "An unexamined life is not worth living".

There was also the opportunity for the participants to reflect on how the teachings and exploration of the topic "Mindfulness" had made a difference in their lives, and whether they found it useful.

The next four weeks will be devoted to reflection on the concept of generosity. Please join us in the sharing of knowledge and wisdom on this valuable topic.

Ann

Conditions

The conditions for fire are heat, fuel, and oxygen.
The conditions for a gravitational force are the masses between objects.

Indeed, with the technological advances of today, we have congratulated ourselves with being able to fly in the air, dive deep into the ocean, communicate almost instantaneously over great distances, send people to the moon, perform amazing surgery, and much more.

Yet, we do not know the conditions for our current standard of living, our current health, our current state of mind, our time of death, or where we go after that (if we go anywhere at all). There has been many theories with varying degrees of success when tested over time and space (geography). By the scientific method, this suggests that none of these theories are the true conditions. If we do not know the conditions for these, then are we not at the mercy of ignorance?

Have we reduced ourselves to mindlessly chasing wealth, prestige, recognition, and status? What use are these if we don't know how to determine our lives?

For how long have we lived in ignorance? For how long will we continue to live in ignorance? When will we all awaken?

Meditation, mindfulness, and the breath

The word "meditation" is often associated with mindfulness and focus on breathing, and I would like to pose some questions and share my understanding on this topic.

Firstly, what is meditation? Why is it important? What is its purpose? What is its relationship with mindfulness? What is so special about focusing on the breath (as was touched on at our last group discussion)? Is it relevant to us in our modern times?

I think there are a lot of thoughts and ideas about what meditation is and isn't and it may mean different things from person to person. Is it simply a way to relax, to chill out from our hectic lives? Is it a religious thing that is only truly available to monks or nuns? Or is it just the latest fad thing that people do?

To me, meditation is a tool. I use it primarily to help me cultivate a pure, empty mind (and I have a long way to go). I will write later about the importance of this quality of the mind in a later blog.

I consider mindfulness to be the state of mind that is consciously in the present moment. Here. Now. It is that state of mind that does not give rise to wandering thoughts into the past of what has been, could've been, should've been, would've been if only, and so on. It is that state of mind that does not give rise to wandering thoughts into the future of what if, what could be, or some fantasy that we can find ourselves in. It is also the state of mind that does not have any "noise" in it, like a tune we're playing in our heads or rapid switching of thoughts.

The relationship between mindfulness and meditation is profound. Mindfulness is needed for proper meditation because being able to maintain a state of mind that is conscious of the present moment is the very first step to effective meditation. At the same time, meditation helps to cultivate mindfulness, amongst other qualities. The effect is compounding.

So why do we beginners find it so hard to meditate? May be we don't know why we're even meditating. May be we don't know how to meditate. I can only speak for myself why I meditate, but as for how, my first step is cultivating mindfulness. The present moment is here and now! And that means being conscious of my every thought, speech, and actions now.

So often I have tried to focus on my breath when meditating only to find that on most days it's a hard battle uphill. Then upon closer reflection, when I tried to focus on the present moment, I had the same struggles! Why is that so?  I then realised that mindfulness does not take a form.

It is what pro athletes call "being in the zone". It is what allows musicians to create the way they do, and I know it feels very refreshing when being in that state. The trouble is we are using a physical object or activity to accomplish a state of mind. When the object or activity stops, so does our mindfulness eventually stop.  I did not find this helpful in the long run!

Unlike objects or activities, the breathe is something that is always with us while we're alive so it's something for our minds to focus on to cultivate mindfulness.  However, I'm not a monk nor do I necessarily have the luxury of time to set aside for prolonged periods of time.  I am finding that a great way of cultivating mindfulness is to wholeheartedly and sincerely put forth my best effort in what ever I do without expectations of benefit. From the most routine such as washing dishes, walking, and opening a door, to more involved activities such as socialising. What works the best for me are the routine activities because of their simplicity.

What is wrong with same-old? Why is it so boring? It is because we lack mindfulness. I know that when I lack mindfulness even something as engaging as playing badminton can become boring. This is because interest and boredom are states of mind, not some activity!

But what about repetition? We've done the ironing many times before, and there's nothing new to keep it interesting. Well, the present moment is instantaneous. It is always a new moment. Our minds are always experiencing a new moment, and the reason why something repetitive becomes boring is because our state of mind is not synchronised with the change in moments.

When I was around 14, I used to find playing the piano scales incredibly boring and tedious. It was only until I let go of my restless mind and put my heart into playing the scales that I found it was actually very captivating. I could actually practice scales for 1 hour without getting bored of them.

I used to find getting up in the morning and preparing for work a really boring routine. Again, when I let go of my restless and wandering mind, every morning is a very enjoyable experience. Practicing in this way, I am finding that this way of cultivating mindfulness helps a lot in meditation.

It is quite literally, Zen.

This is very relevant today as we all at some stage feel the pressures of time and commitments. It is very easy to simply let the days slide by, and then a week, and then a year, and then a decade. I have been guilty of putting things off until I have more time, or until a certain project is over, or until certain situations have been handled. But I wasn't learning my lessons and so the same situations kept coming up.

What does that have to do with mindfulness and meditation? As I alluded to in the beginning, that's what a future blog is going to be about. So rather than pondering what it might be about, be mindful! Here. Now. That's the first step.

Jon =D

Meeting Notes October 4

Mindfulness session# 3

This week we looked more closely at some exercises which will asssist in understanding mindfulness. The exercises focussed on routine activities, but with a focus on the breathing. there was a range of exercises that were offered, and the group was encouraged to explore ones that they felt could be useful.

Discussion also ensued about mindfulness of the self, and whether being mindful of ourselves can benefit others as the Buddhas' story shows.

There was discussion on the tangible and intangible aspects of mindfulness in looking after oneself.

A hand out given for reflection during the week which containes a quote from Socrates: "An unexamined life is not worth living" which will form part of the discussion as we wrap up our reflection on Mindfulness on Saturday 11th October.

I look forward to the pleasure of your company!!

With Marcello's compliments

"The faculty of voluntary bringing back a wandering attention, over and over again, is the root of all judgement, character and will" William James (Principles of Psychology 1890)

"The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice" R.D.Laing

27 Sept 2008 - Meeting notes

This is meant to be a summary of what transpired during our meetings for the benefit of people who were unable to make it. It is difficult to capture the many many messages discussed but hopefully these notes can help to jog our memories or even inspire us to change our habits for the better. If I have misunderstood or left out anything, please let me know so that I can correct it. Also, feel free to comment!

Recap of the Three Wondrous Answers
1) What is the best time to do each thing?
2) Who are the most important people to work with?
3) What is the most important thing to do at all times?

This lead to how the story relates to mindfulness. We then discussed the following two questions:
1) What is mindfulness?
2) Why is mindfulness important?

The following notes are a distillation of the discussions we had:
What is mindfulness?
* Being aware (of yourself and your surroundings)
* Perception
* Observation
* "Being" in the moment - bring back your mind to the present
* Present moment, being, enjoying the moment, attending to the present moment

Why is mindfulness important?
* Awareness, understanding of people
* What you put out is what you get back
* Following your bliss
* Being emerged in your vision

====================================

Quotes we went through:

On life's journey
Faith is nourishment,
Virtuous deeds are a shelter
Wisdom is the light by day, and
Right mindfulness is the protection by night

-- Buddha

~~~~~~~

There is only one courage
and that is the courage
to go on dying to the past,
not to collect it,
not to accumulate it,
not to cling to it.

We all cling to the past,
and because we cling
to the past we become
unavailable
to the present.

-- Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Walking in Zen, Sitting in Zen

~~~~~~~

Until
you can understand
that nothing can happen to you,
nothing can ever come to you
or be kept from you,
except in accord
with your state
of consciousness,
you do not have
the key to life.

-- Paul Twitchell. The Flute of God. ECKANKAR

~~~~~~~

You must begin
to trust yourself.

If you do not
then you will forever
be looking to others
to prove your own merit to you,
and you will never be satisfied.

You will always be asking
others what to do,
and at the same time
resenting those
from whom
you seek such aid.

-- Jane Roberts. The Nature of Personal Reality

More wisdom from cool people from the past

"People of the world don't look at themselves, and so they blame one another" Mevlana Rumi

"Retire into yourself as much as possible. Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are capable of improving. the process is a mutual one. People learn as they teach" Seneca

"A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner" Unknown

"A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist" Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some wisdom from cool people from the past

"Lack of self-knowledge is natural in other living creatures, but in humans it is a moral blemish" Boethius

"

Our Greatest Fear

This is from Marianne Williamson quoted by Nelson Mandela (in his 1994 inauguration speech as president of South Africa) and in a movie called "Coach Carter":

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Welcome to Philosophy@DP

Welcome everyone to the Philosophy@DP blog.

We meet Saturday mornings 10.30am-12.30pm in the Deakinprime boardroom, 6th floor 601 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Non Deakinprime employees may meet Jonathon at 10.20am in the foyer to be buzzed up to the 6th floor.

There is no cost attached to attending this course. Our CEO Kean has donated the facilities as a community service, and I as facilitator have also donated my time and expertise.

All I would request is that everyone treat each other with dignity, respect and tolerance. We have an abundance to explore and learn from each other, so come prepared to share your ideas!

Our 1st topic is "Mindfulness" weeks 1-4

Our 2nd topic is "Generosity" weeks 4-8

Our 3rd topic is "Gratitude" weeks 9-12

You may like to bring a pen and notepad with you to class - it's up to you.

I'd like to share with you this wisdom from the Buddha, and ask you to be mindful of this as we learn together as a group:

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by many.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is found in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.

But after observation and alanlysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to good and benefit of all, then accept it and live up to it."

look forward to seeing you on Saturday morning!