DHAMMA TALK SERIES 2009

The

Way Of Wisdom

DHAMMA TALK SERIES 2009

Starting Thursday August 6th

Until Thursday September 24th

Every Thursday evening at Planet Yoga (Asoke)

A very special course journeying through Thailand’s most precious cultural gem:

The ’Way Of Wisdom” that is Buddhism

With British monk Phra Cittasamvaro

Free of charge, no advance registration needed.

SCHEDULE

6:00 – 6:30 arrive and register for non-members

6:30 – 6:40 Introduction and announcements

6:40 – 7:25 Dhamma talk

7:25 – 8:00 Silent meditation (with brief instructions for beginners)

8:00 – 8:15 brief Q&A

8:15 finish (volunteers to help clear the hall welcome)

We are keeping the whole session under two hours for the convenience of those who have finished work. It should make a nice way to finish the day each Thursday.

ANNUAL TALKS

Each year during the 3 month Rains retreat period, also known as ‘Buddhist Lent’ monks and nuns are restricted from travelling away from their temples overnight. Which means there are few visiting speakers or teachers passing through Bangkok.

It is the tradition in the temples to accept temporary ordainees for the 3 month period and arrange special courses in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. All in Thai of course.

So the synchronicity makes it a good time for us in Bangkok to hold our own special ‘Rains’ program of Dhamma talks and meditation.

TOPICS

Each week will cover a different topic, complete in itself. So if you miss one or two weeks you will not be left behind. However the topics will follow a sequence, so try to come every time.

Hopefully the talks will be light, warm, and easy to understand, even if you have no prior knowledge in Buddhism. They will also offer something new for those who are familiar with Buddhism, bringing in some references and comparison to psychology, and even faerie tales ( more on that later ). Most importantly, it should be fun.

LOCATION

This year we will be at Planet Yoga, which is underneath the California WOW fitness center at the mouth of Sukhumvit 23. It is a spacious air-conditioned hall, a very short walk from The Asoke BTS and MRT stations.

It is free of charge, and there is no need for advance registration, but there is a standard Planet Yoga registration form to fill in, so please arrive early if you are not a member.

People sometimes worry in temples that they might inadvertently be doing something wrong. Being a yoga studio, there are no rites/rituals, so everyone can feel at ease. And it is a very convenient location of course.

SPEAKER

Speaker : Phra Cittasamvaro. British Bhikkhu (monk) for 13 years, resident in Bangkok. Entered the monastery in the UK at 24 years, in the temples under Luang Phor Sumedho, spending time at both Harnham, Amaravati and Devon viharas. Took ordination in Rajaburi province in 1996, under Luang Bha Sermchai, now Choa khun Rajavisith. BA in Buddhist psychology, MA nearly completed in Buddhist Studies, MCU Thailand.

BACKGROUND

The Little Bangkok Sangha, whose website you are now reading, started 2007. Since there is very little Dhamma in English happening in Bangkok, a few of us helped arrange a series of weekly talks, very kindly hosted by Baan Aree (near Ari BTS Station). Though a short term program, lots of us met and made friends, and decided to keep things going in one way or another. We invited some different speakers, and set up some more social events, with lunch and movies, usually documentaries. We also often meet informally at various (veggie) cafes and restaurants.

All are welcome to join in more closely – there are some neat people involved. Its fine to just be a quiet observer in the background, or make yourself know to some of the regulars if you would like to join in the more social activities.

WAY OF WISDOM

Our Little Bangkok Sangha is an open group for anyone from different lineages. Some of us are from massage, reiki, yoga (in all its varieties), or different meditation lineages such as Tibetan, or many of the Theravada schools. So there is no group method or meditation system. People are free to choose their own way of practise.

The common thread in Buddhism is the ‘Way Of Wisdom’ or wise reflection on this phenomenon we call our ’self’. This introspection, the way of calming the mind and looking inwards with detachment is common to all forms of Buddhism. And to the wider world of spiritual practise.

THANKS

Thanks to the many people who have contributed in large or small ways. Especially to Khun Eric Levine for providing this great facility so that we can keep things free of charge. And to Soontorn Film for printing posters/leaflets and ongoing support. And to regulars of the Little Bangkok Sangha for encouragement and other contributions.