On to page 3 Carolea Webb is heading up an Introduction to Buddhism class that meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at the center.
We are studying The Path to Enlightenment by H. H. the Dalai Lama, which presents the Lam Rim -- the gradual path to enlightenment.
We encourage everyone to order one of these books (through our good neighbor, Bookpeople) and come join our enjoyable discussion group!
Here's a summary from the back of the book: "In this extensive teaching, the Dalai Lama beautifully elucidates the meaning of the path to enlightenment
through his own direct spiritual advice and personal reflections. Based upon a very famous Tibetan text [Essence of Refined Gold by the Third Dalai Lama],
this teaching presents in practical terms the essential instructions for the attainment of enlightenment.
Its direct approach and lucid style make The Path to Enlightenment one of the most accessible introductions to Tibetan Buddhism ever published."
Personally, I have also found that this text is the "most accessible" of the Lam Rim texts that I have read.
His Holiness has a very warm and approachable teaching style, while still presenting and explaining every step of the path,
from the origins of the teachings and how to choose one's own personal teacher, to generating bodhicitta -- loving kindness toward all living beings.
We can all benefit from studying this text again and again!
On three Wednesday afternoons during the last year, I've found myself in some rather interesting company. It included pastors from the Unitarian, Methodist, Presbyterian and several other protestant churches. There was also a Catholic nun, and representatives of Islam, Judaism, Bahai, the Society of Friends and the Latter Day Saints.
Why were all these folks together? They realize the dangers of intolerance, and want to promote greater understanding and respect between people of differing faiths and backgrounds.
This is the Moscow Interfaith Group. Brian Gardner and I first learned about them when an effervescent woman approached us at GBLT's booth at the University of Idaho's Palousafest. "So you're Buddhists?" she asked. "Well I'm Catholic, but there's a lot I've learned from Buddhism, and I'm glad I had a chance to know about it." She told us how important she thought it was for practitioners of various religions to learn about the beliefs of others. She gave a glowing report of the Moscow Interfaith Group, and invited us to attend.
Sometime later, I did attend a meeting. It was interesting to watch as the members planned a Thanksgiving event to celebrate their diverse traditions. The group also shared information to be distributed to the larger faith groups. For example, if a hate group was due to arrive in town, the group would discuss what they could do to mitigate the negative impact and promote harmony.
The group spent time each month for "faith sharing", so the members could learn about other's beliefs on the spot, so to speak. I was asked to explain the basics of Buddhism, and I was present for a presentation on the Bahai. Then the discussion would proceed to business and announcements.
A similar group exists in Pullman. They were responsible for a well-attended potluck planned in support of Islamic people in the Palouse community, and they sponsored prayer services at the onset of the Iraq war.
I am personally heartened to see such a strong interest in promoting peace and harmony. Please let me know if any of you have interest in either of these groups. It is worthwhile just to know so many goodhearted people of so many differing backgrounds.
