I began my investigation and study of Buddhism as a young adult way back in the distant, murky, early days of the penultimate decade of the 20th century. Even though I knew little of Buddhist philosophy and practice at the time, what bits I did encounter resonated with me on many levels. I also found that I was quite confused by this seemingly exotic and, to me at the time, mystical practice. So, I investigated. I investigated through Zen koans, mantras, yantras, bardos, The Dharma Bums, and Be Here Now. Then I came across the 1985 Mahayana compendium, The Teaching of Buddha.

Still, after some reading and investigation, I remained confused. Why would one book refer to the Dharma while, yet another would refer to the same teaching as the Dhamma? Was there a difference? And what was all this talk of dhammas? Was the “little d” dhamma the same or different from the Dhamma? Dhamma/Dharma, sutta/sutra, nibbana/nirvana, khandhas/ skandhas, what gives? It all seemed so overwhelming.

In time, I had come to learn the differences and similarities between the various schools of Buddhist practice (and of Pali and Sanskrit!) and found one lineage that particularly resonated with me. After nearly twenty years of study, I found my home in Theravada practice.

One thing became apparent along the way - there are common threads that link together all the various schools. That understanding is reinforced today when I sit and listen to the Dhamma/Dharma talks given by teachers of different lineages at Insight Meditation Fort Wayne. While one school or lineage of Buddhist practice may place more emphasis on emptiness, another on Arahantship, another on the role of the Bodhisattva, the intent remains the same – the compassionate alleviation of dukkha. The alleviation of suffering and discontent for ourselves and all beings.

While the teaching of the Four Noble Truths holds varying degrees of importance across all the schools of Buddhist practice, it is accepted as the very first teaching, the first discourse, offered by the Buddha:

• There is dukkha (suffering, dis-ease, a sense of unsatisfactoriness).
• Dukkha has a cause.
• Cessation of dukkha is possible.
• There is a path which leads to the cessation of dukkha.

It all comes from this piece of cloth. I practice, teach, and walk this path from a Theravada perspective. This does not mean that I cannot or will not benefit from the depth of teaching and the skillfulness found in the later lineages. Forty years in, and there is still so much left to learn. Let’s not get too hung-up on differences. Let’s celebrate our similarities, our connectedness. We are all cut from the same cloth. Let each one of us find and practice the path that liberates us and others from dukkha.

May all beings be well and happy and free from dukkha.

Masks are optional for all indoor gatherings at IMFW. Masks are still available for anyone who chooses to wear one. We are following CDC guidelines. Chairs do remain distanced apart.

Opportunities to Volunteer

Spring clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday May 7th and the following Saturday, May 14. Come out and help us clean up the yard and landscaping at Sangha House. We have yard tools; however, feel free to bring your own. This is a nice day of cleaning up the yard and putting down mulch, preparing the beds for summer. Many hands make the work go quickly. Volunteers meet at 10 am and we usually work until through the afternoon.

We need volunteers to help with weeding and watering these gardens through the summer. We schedule a rotation of four gardeners who stop by once a week to weed, water plants, and do some trimming. It is usually no more than an hour commitment and you can come when it is convenient for you. In the past, gardeners have been flexible and willing to cover weeks if you cannot make your scheduled week. If you are willing to volunteer to garden once every four weeks, please let us know by sending an email to InsightmeditationFW@gmail.com.

We would like to open up Tuesday night tea, again. We suspended it for the past two years due to the pandemic. Now we feel it is a welcome return to be able to gather together. We simply offer a time to meet and talk with your fellow practitioners over tea and light snacks immediately following the dharma talk on the second Tuesday of each month. We need coordinators to set up tables and take them down, also starting water to boil and some light set up and clean up. If you are interested in helping with making Tuesday Tea happen again, let us know by emailing us at InsightmeditationFW@gmail.com.

IMFW is completely supported by dana, whether it is a financial gift or the gift of your time and talents, we appreciate the contribution. It is what keeps IMFW going. Thank you.

Our mission is to provide for the study and practice of Insight (Vipassanā) Meditation according to the Theravāda Buddhist religious tradition and to support and encourage the development of community based upon Buddhist ideals, teachings and practices.

IMFW is entirely supported by voluntary donations that embody the ancient practice of dāna or generosity. The teachings are always offered freely and practitioners are invited to offer support that matches their own financial means, and/or by volunteering time and talents to support the teachers and the upkeep of Sangha House.

Sunday mornings, you are welcome to join us to sit in silence yet in community. We gather at Sangha House at 10 am every Sunday morning for 40 minutes of silent meditation. You are welcome to sit as long as you are able. You can add a walking meditation if you desire, simply respect the silence of the meditation hall.

After meditation, some usually stay for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate with informal discussion and an opportunity to get to know those who practice here. All aspects of this practice are easier with the support of others and we invite you to join.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Insightmeditationfw@gmail.com.

“ . . . This is the entire spiritual life, Ananda, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship. When a monk has a good friend, a good companion, a good comrade, it is to be expected that (s)he will develop and cultivate the Nobel Eightfold Path.”
– The Buddha (SN45; V2 -3)

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a research-proven program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. MSC teaches practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care, and understanding. There is a retreat session after week 5 to embody the practices.

Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn't receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are kind to themselves. It's a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-isolation, or self-absorption. Research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships. And it’s easier than you think.

If you have any questions please email Sondra at lovingkindpresence@gmail.com or Jon at jonwalker22@gmail.com.

This course is not affiliated with IMFW, however, we occasionally send out information about offerings that we think may be of interest to our readers. Any questions about this course should be directed to the teachers at the links above.

IMFW is hosting a spring community garage sale with all the proceeds going to help with the humanitarian crisis due to the war in Ukraine. Please donate any new or gently used items at our location 2332 Sand Point Road, on either our regular Tuesday 6 p.m. gathering or Sunday 10 a.m. mediation. We would like someone to be at the building to secure your donation. Please keep the donations no larger than a microwave. This is a great opportunity for all of us to practice compassion and service towards those in desperate need of help. The exact date of the garage sale is to be determined.

If you have any questions, please contact us at Insightmeditation@gmail.com.