Message from Carol Wzorek:

Following are questions to help guide our conversation Monday.  Please consider them as you ponder these two profound chapters.  There is so much wisdom, grace, and challenge in the teachings Pema brings to us.

Chapter 9: Six Kinds of Loneliness:

Pema talks about our birthright being the “middle way…..an open state of mind that can relax with paradox and ambiguity”.   What does this mean to you? How easy/difficult is it for you to live with uncertainty in your life?

1. Meditation is described as a way of training in the middle way—not judging or grasping, letting thoughts come and go without struggle.  What helps you to do this/what gets in the way when you are meditating?
2. Meditation is described as a way of training in the middle way—not judging or grasping, letting thoughts come and go without struggle.  What helps you to do this/what gets in the way when you are meditating?
3. Pema identifies six dimensions of “cool loneliness”: less desire, contentment, avoiding unnecessary activity, complete discipline, not wandering in the world of desire, and not seeking security from one’s discursive thoughts.  Which of these do you find most challenging to do on/off the cushion?  What benefits do they bring?

Chapter 10: Curious About Existence

1. Impermanence, suffering, and egolessness are three truths or marks of Buddhism.  Pema suggests that they should be “celebrated, not feared”.  How can this perspective be freeing?
2. When have you seen these truths most clearly in your life?  What was the impact of this clarity?
3. Pema closes the chapter with the following: “Without being cynical or gullible, look for the living quality of the dharma. Recognize impermanence, suffering, and egolessness at the kitchen-sink level, and be inquisitive about your reactions. Find out for yourself about peace and whether or not it’s true that our fundamental nature is joyful”.  What difference could this awareness make in how you live on a daily basis?

I look forward to our time together on Monday.

With metta,

Carol^.