I understand one can undertake 10-day vipassana meditation courses in Ven. Goenka's style, and that these courses are 'free'. Obviously, if I attend one, I'd want to donate the appropriate amount. I know a few people here have taken the course. How much is appropriate to donate? My wife wasn't keen ...

When I grew up, to be conceited meant to be overly proud of yourself. The word 'conceit' is firmly stored in my mind as a negative word to describe a personality trait. Only in the last seven years have I encountered the word 'conceit' to mean some sort of literary device; since studying Buddhism. I...

At my school, we are going to start trialling a secular mindfulness programme, inviting students who are easily distracted or prone to act instinctively without thinking about consequences. It's no secret at school that I practice Buddhism, so I was invited to participate with the introduction sessi...

Nibbana is unbinding from Samsara.

Happy birthday Ben.

Some rambling thoughts I had today IMG_20150504_132209.jpg I like to sit here. There are lots of things one can contemplate from this position. My daughter, growing up fast. Right now a little angel, but certainly our relationship will face the usual trials as she grows up. Right now she's sleeping...

A sense of frustration at a) the jittery animation (on my phone, which doesn't have the processing power to run the animation smoothly) and b) the objects bouncing as they wouldn't really if they were dropped (they would be far more chaotic)

I am sorry you are embroiled in this family tradition circus. I hope it gives you pause for thought on rites and rituals. It's certainly a circus. When I was asked if I opposed the christening, I could honestly answer 'no' because if I were to oppose it, it would cause significant familial disharmo...

It's also worth noting that there is a new form of Anglican baptism for the unchurched who are unfamiliar... Likelihood is that I've studied Christianity to more depth than the vicar, and I've first hand experience of the religion from when I rebelled against my strictly atheist upbringing in my ea...

Sam Vara wrote:Have a beautiful day.

Thank you

Bakmoon wrote:What are the actual beliefs of your sister and brother in law? Are they just rather indifferent atheist/agnostics who are culturally christian?

Atheist and, if anything, openly critical of all religions.

The vicar said that I was on my own journey and my daughter was on hers, and as long as I have an open mind, she didn't think it was a problem.

The Christening is next weekend. Shame it wasn't this weekend: Vesakha for most people.

Today, my wife and I had to meet with the vicar who will be conducting the Christening. I've said all along that I would not be lying to anyone, so when the vicar assumed my wife and I were both Christians I had to correct her. I told her that I have a long complicated relationship with Christianity...

Sam Vara wrote:Lay supporters bring food

But be warned; I allegedly made a social faux pas on my first Vesakha. Apparently pringles and cakes are not appropriate foods to bring. I'll be celebrating Vesakha on 1st June this year with eight precepts, dhamma study and meditation.

Feathers wrote:the one thing ALL traditions seem to agree on is you shouldn't cherry pick, and should stick to one tradition!

Well that's completely up to you: do whatever you find beneficial.