Seattle Dharma Punx
Welcome
Stepping onto a spiritual path can be a scary process. Often we come seeking a way through intense grief or suffering which can uncover our vulnerability and leave us empty of understanding - full only of the great questions of life, suffering, and death. It is difficult to know who we can trust in the face of such great unknown. This is the very dilemma that led Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha or the Awakened One, to leave behind a life of wealth and fame in search of the ultimate truth of his existence. Who did Sid choose to trust? He chose himself. He chose to seek the answers within.
The teachings of the Buddha in their simplest form lead us not to a set of scriptures or a guru. We are not encouraged to take up a religious doctrine or belief system. And by coming to sit with the Seattle Dharma Punx, you will not be asked to be anything other than yourself. The name Dharma Punx recognizes that the Buddha was a spiritual revolutionary. He was a rebel, unsatisfied with the answers fed to him. He refused to stop until he experienced the truth for himself. His life challenged the status quo of his society and empowered the people to reclaim their lives and step outside of the narrow confines of human identity. The Buddha was not a god to be worshipped. He did not transcend pain and death. Rather, he fully accepted them; he accepted his human form and he let go of his attachment to it. He knew that he was more than this bag of bones. He knew that something within him was indestructible.
We carry the name Dharma Punx to acknowledge our connection to an international crew of practitioners and to signify our dedication to going against the stream of greed, hatred, and delusion. We are spiritual rebels. Our commonality comes in our thirst for the truth and our willingness to do the hard work of uncovering what is Real and True, in finding an end to suffering for ourselves and all living beings, and in cultivating wisdom, compassion, and generosity.
Meditation and spiritual practice challenge us to seek the answers within ourselves. The spiritual community that we strive to cultivate empowers each individual to find the truth within and challenge all voices of authority- including the Buddha's- with our own direct experience of what is true. We were each born with innate wisdom and the ability to guide ourselves through the difficult process of being human. Unfortunately, that wisdom is often lost amongst a sea of confusion and misperception. Coming together in community supports the process of taking responsibility for our lives and reconnecting with our deepest truths.
There are many forms of Buddhism and meditation. Seattle Dharma Punx practices vipassana, or 'insight' meditation, which comes out of the Theravadin lineage of Buddhism. Vipassana translates to "clear seeing" and means just that. Clearly seeing the truth of our existence unwraps the web of fear and confusion and opens the door to living with greater ease and freedom. Theravada, or the way of the elders, is the oldest form of Buddhism and has been practiced for centuries in Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka. The Western lay practice of Theravada contains very little ceremony and ritual. It's bare-bones Buddhism, and focuses on the task of cultivating a connection to our own direct experience. Our innate wisdom and compassion are revealed through this connection to the present moment.
The links under self-study on the left are a good place to start for general information on Buddhism and meditation. Seattle Insight Meditation Society (SIMS) offers multiple resources and opportunities for practice including a six-week beginner's series taught several times throughout the year. The series will provide you with a firm foundation and prepare you to take the practice of meditation into your everyday life. If you are unable to attend the class in person, an online version is available. SIMS also has a guiding teacher, Rodney Smith, and brings in guest teachers throughout the year.
Finding experienced teachers that you resonate with are an important component of practice. There are a great number of teachers and resources within Western Theravadin Buddhism to suit individual personalities and learning styles. Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society is Noah Levine's home community in Los Angeles, CA.
Seattle Dharma Punx is a casual community. We do not have an official leader or teacher, but we appreciate the value of coming together to practice, explore the Buddha's teachings, and share personal experience. Our time together typically consists of a 40-minute meditation period and an open discussion. We often find that we have a great deal in common and that the discussion could take many forms, but we strive to stay focused on the practice of meditation and the challenges and rewards of spiritual life.
Join Us
We meet every Sunday night from 7:00-8:30pm at All Pilgrim's church on Broadway & Republican on Capitol Hill. Seattle DPx is donation-based, and open to everyone regardless of tradition or level of experience. All are welcome. Bring yourself. Bring a cushion. Bring a friend full of greed, hatred, and delusion.
For more information or to join the mailing list send an email to seattledpx@gmail.com.
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