2013 Summer School ~ Adult Thai Language Class

Adult classes are held every Sunday, beginning June 2nd 2013 thru October 27th 2013, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There is no fee or tuition for these classes. Students may choose to donate to the temple.

Register at the temple on June 2nd. For additional information, please email mwaldo AT succeed DOT net, and include "Adult Thai Language Class" in the subject.

The Path

Of paths, the eightfold is best.
Of truths, the four sayings.
Of qualities, dispassion.
Of two-footed beings,
the one with the eyes
to see.
Dhammapada - 273

How fortunate we might be

Every day, and in every moment of each and every day, we are fortunate to have this valuable opportunity. Which opportunity? The rare chance to be aware of and to carefully follow the path and practice that the Buddha discovered and delivered to us.

The times we are in now may appear to be difficult but we should take a moment to consider the cycle of cause and effect that has been in motion throughout time. This lifetime, this human birth, is a treasure we have earned in the past and it should be carefully guarded in the present.

Develop the virtue, commit to the precepts, engage in the practice, and strive for the release the Buddha has made available - if only by our own effort.

We are fortunate for many reasons. First, our birth in this human realm is a rare and auspicious opportunity. Second, we exist in a time when the Buddha and the Four Noble Truths are known. Lastly, it is possible to achieve the goal, the deathless, with right effort and we are free to attempt just that.

Seek a capable teacher, make your practice diligent and right, and reap the benefits of this fortunate opportunity.

An Auspicious Day

Atītaṃ nānvāgameyya Nappaṭikaṅkhe anāgataṃ Yad'atītam-pahīnantaṃ Appattañca anāgataṃ

He would not range after the past, Nor wonder about the future. What is past has been left behind, The future is as yet unreached.

Paccuppannañca yo dhammaṃ Tatha tatha vipassati Asaṃhiraṃ asaṅkuppaṃ Taṃ viddhā manubrūhaye

Whatever phenomenon is present, he clearly sees right there, right there. Unvanquished, unshaken, That is how he develops the mind.

Ajjeva kiccam-ātappaṃ Ko jaññā maraṇaṃ suve Na hi no saṅgarantena Mahāsenena maccunā

Doing his duty ardently, today, For — who knows? — tomorrow death may come. There is no bargaining With Death & his mighty horde.

Evaṃ vihārim-ātāpiṃ Aho-rattam-atanditaṃ Taṃ ve bhaddeka-ratto'ti Santo ācikkhate munīti.

Whoever lives thus ardently, relentlessly both day & night, has truly had an auspicious day: So says the Peaceful Sage.

  — An Auspsicious Day — Access to Insight

Kalyanamitta

And what is meant by admirable friendship? There is the case where a lay person, in whatever town or village he may dwell, spends time with householders or householders' sons, young or old, who are advanced in virtue. He talks with them, engages them in discussions. He emulates consummate conviction in those who are consummate in conviction, consummate virtue in those who are consummate in virtue, consummate generosity in those who are consummate in generosity, and consummate discernment in those who are consummate in discernment. This is called admirable friendship.

  — Dighajanu Sutta – Anguttara Nikaya 8.54

The Lotus-like Lay-follower

Thus spoke the Buddha:

A lay-follower (upasaka) who has five qualities is a jewel of a lay-follower, is like a lily, like a lotus. What are these five qualities? He has faith; he is virtuous; he is not superstitious; he believes in action (kamma) and not in luck or omen; he does not seek outside (of the Order) for those worthy of support and does not attend there first.

  — Anguttara Nikaya 5.175