Fall 2017 Retreat Talk 6 Fire Discourse

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on the Fire Discourse.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.