APPAMADA

Appamada is a Pali word that means mindful, active care. According to the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha, it was a common theme in his teaching and the last word that he used, encouraging his followers to fare forward with appamada—with care. He often compared appamada to an elephant's footprint, which is so large that it can contain the footprint of all the other animals. In the same way, the Buddha said, mindful, clear care contains the heart of all of his teachings.

We have adopted this name for our community of practice and inquiry because it reflects not only our aspiration as teachers, but our sense of the community as a whole, and its contribution in the world. (You can read more background here.) In our teaching we draw on the Zen teachings and tradition we were trained in, as well as other Buddhist teachings and contemporary work in psychology, interpersonal neurobiology, language, the sciences, and philosophy.

Zazen—meditation in silence and stillness—and shared inquiry are at the heart of everything we do, and everything we teach. Through your participation and sincere practice you help create this community for deep inquiry into our lives and the timeless wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. This realization permeates the world through our everyday actions, words, and thoughts. Our community is connected not by ritual, dogma, or obligation, but by our aspiration and mutual care. Together we cultivate this dynamic process of waking up and growing up. This is our offering to a troubled world.

Blog Posts

Flint Sparks

Wonder

Happy St. Patrick's Day,



Continue

Posted by Flint Sparks on March 17, 2010 at 8:26am

Jane Ross

Internal Family Systems: NYTimes writer provides a perfect illustration of how an exile forms

I don't know if the author of this recent article from the New York Times knows about IFS, but she's written a beautiful article about a textbook case of an exile being formed in childhood and carried forward into adulthood, to eventually be brought back into the light:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/fashion/28love.html

Posted by Jane Ross on March 8, 2010 at 9:21am

Peg Syverson

Your Buddha nature

When we say “you are perfect just as you are,” we do not mean perfect as in “ideal” or “exemplary,” or even “awakened.” We mean you are the perfect expression of all the causes and conditions that brought you into being and that sustain your present existence. Everything that you need is already available to you, already within you. You lack nothing whatsoever and you are becoming.

Continue

Posted by Peg Syverson on March 5, 2010 at 8:10pm

Forum

Hannah Thornton

Where to park? 2 Replies

Hello! I would like to come to Zazen tomorrow, but I'm not sure where to park. I drove by the house on 38th street three time last weekend without coming to an answer :) Any advice?Many thanks,Hannah

Started by Hannah Thornton in Other Events. Last reply by Hannah Thornton Feb 8.

Robin Bradford

December Intensive

Is there anyone doing the intensive who has a room I could stay overnight in for the Thurs, Fri & Sat nights of the retreat? Coming home to family life will be challenging for me - and my dear o…

Started by Robin Bradford in Uncategorized Nov. 8, 2009.

Notes:

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Appamada is not just the occasional mindful thought or attentive state of mind, it’s actually a commitment to being attentive. It’s more than just a meditative state of mind, it’s more than just being mindful. It has to do with that primary ethical or moral orientation we have in life, with which we bring into being whatever activity we’re engaged in. Whether in formal meditation, in our interactions with other people, in our social concerns, or in our political choices, it’s the energetic cherishing of what we regard as good.
—Stephen Batchelor

Audio

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The APPAMADA Flickr Gallery

Buddha in the snow

Peg Syverson has added a photo to the pool:

Buddha in the snow

Swiss Retreat October 2009

Peg Syverson has added a photo to the pool:

Swiss Retreat October 2009

Mountains

Swiss Retreat October 2009

Peg Syverson has added a photo to the pool:

Swiss Retreat October 2009

Spiritually potent, it is bright, vast, and removed; it is
transparent.
Thoroughly illumine that which comes before the
principal essence,
until you reach a state where the light becomes naked
and pure—
Where not a single speck of dust can be attached to.

—Chan Master Hongzhi

 

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