Portland Friends of the Dhamma

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Satipatthana­ — The Buddha’s Way of Mindfulness

Beginning March 2nd and running every other week (calendar)

Sunday mornings, 10:00 till noon

Optional potluck to follow

This series is based on one of the Buddha’s most important discourses: The Satipatthana Sutta on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This core discourse provides the comprehensive set of instructions on which vipassana (insight) meditation is based. The class will investigate what the Buddha’s instructions mean, in plain terms, and will emphasize how ordinary folks like us can put his instructions into practice every day.

Many of us may find the Buddha’s ancient discourses­—the suttas—to be dry, intimidating, hard to penetrate, and yes, just plain boring. If that’s you, consider joining us for this class series. Our intention is to help make the suttas more accessible and user-friendly. They are a treasure trove of incomparable wisdom and utility­–not to be missed!

The course will be led by Matthew Grad and Sakula Mary Reinard.* They will draw on respected modern and ancient commentaries to help reveal some of the sutta’s most subtle and profound facets. Classes will include reflections and group discussions grounded in our direct experience. While primarily a study course, the class will include periods of meditation in which to experiment with what the sutta has revealed. That is, the class will not just talk about the Buddha’s instructions, but will serve as a workshop for hands-on practice with them. We’ll be tracking the Buddha’s instructions carefully, step by step, which means the course will continue for at least several months­—quite an odyssey!

As a support for parents who wish to attend this series, there is an on-site children’s program.

This class offering is not intended for beginners. Participants should have some meditation experience, and an ongoing daily practice will be highly encouraged. There is no advance registration for the series—just show up. Participants need not attend every class (or even the first), but we do hope that, over time, a sense of community will develop among those who attend often. Also, there will be some continuity between one class and the next. For these reasons we feel that regular attendance will produce the best results for everyone.

If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Grad here.

* Matthew has practiced vipassana meditation for over 20 years. In 2003-04 he taught an 18-month class series in sutta study for Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

Sakula co-founded Portland Friends of the Dhamma eight years ago. In 2004, after a three and half year training program, she graduated as a lay minister of the Abhayagiri Monastery in Northern California. She leads the Friday night meditation group and Upasika's of Portland program.

Friends of the Dhamma never charges a fee for its events. Our doors remain open through the voluntary contributions of time, effort and/or financial (tax deductible) donations of our members, friends, and whoever may feel so inspired. Please do not hesitate to come to this class offering no matter what your financial situation may be.