Skillful Use of the Buddha’s Teachings: 
An Exploration of the Simile of the Snake Sutta (MN 22; Alagaddupama Sutta)   


with Diana Clark, Kim Allen, Ying Chen and David Lorey

4 classes in one week:
Sat Apr 17      8:30-10am PST
Tues Apr 20   8:30-10am PST
Thurs Apr 22  8:30-10am PST
Sat Apr 24      8:30-10am PST

Challenged by a follower’s misunderstanding and misapplication of his words, the Buddha provides in the Simile of the Snake Sutta a strongly worded presentation of his core teachings of impermanence and not-self. In advice that continues to be relevant to our practice today, the Buddha uses the famous simile of the snake and simile of the raft to explain how to hold and use the teachings.  

Please join us as we explore this rich sutta, looking more deeply into what the Buddha means when he says: “both formerly and now what I teach is suffering and the cessation of suffering.”  The class will include dharmettes, guided meditations, Q&A, and small group discussion.

 

Please register here (https://forms.gle/KTeKcENfNAQcGMfU9) to receive the Zoom link and readings. We will be sending some passages to read before the first class.

 Here are two versions of the sutta online:

·  Bhikkhu Sujato translation

·  Bhikkhu Bodhi translation

 

The Sati Center’s Study-and-Practice series combines explorations of the discourses from Early Buddhism with ways of applying these teachings to meditation and daily life.

Taught by four friends who wish to share their love of studying the texts and practicing together with others, the courses focus on either individual suttas or on themes that emerge from a collection of suttas.

The teaching team is Kim Allen, David Lorey, Diana Clark and Ying Chen.

The course will be offered via Zoom and is sponsored by the Sati Center.

If you have any questions, please email practicecourses.saticenter@gmail.com 

A morning to look at kindness, generosity and virtue as key values and practices for renewal this Spring on earth, and in both our inner and outer lives. As Bhikkhu Analayo says, "This is the other side of the coin of the present situation. With all its catastrophic dimensions, it is at the same time also an outstanding opportunity. It is an opportunity to step out of detrimental patterns ingrained in human civilization as it is at present and move to a level of interaction among human beings that gives precedence to the common welfare over the individual benefit." From 'Mindfully Facing Climate Change'. The session will include teachings, meditation and discussion. Participation in breakout groups will be optional. Ayya Santussika's biography: Ayya Santussika is a Theravada bhikkhuni who is trained and practicing in the Thai Forest tradition. Her faith in the Dhamma developed during many visits to monasteries of Ajahn Chah and his disciples in Thailand, America, England, New Zealand and Australia beginning in 1998. In 2012, she received full ordination as a bhikkhuni and founded Karuna Buddhist Vihara, where she currently lives, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Boulder Creek, California. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88545896568?pwd=WkNUeGJqOGpKMmpjTUZMM2J2QVowdz09 Meeting ID: 885 4589 6568 Passcode: 696797