Basics of Buddhism

Flitter is the official newsletter of Chrysalis Spiritual Center in DeLand, FL  Chrysalis meets each Sunday at 10 am to 11:30 am during the period from Sunday after Labor Day in September to the end of July. Additional meetings may be scheduled during the year. Pastor is Skuli Thorallsson, a certified minister of the Swedenborg order.

The setting for Chrysalis is an intimate and informal symbolic circle. Dress is casual. Themes for each service are based on the wisdom and truth found in all religions. Comments and thoughts about each service are welcomed and encouraged. Everyone is welcome to our non-denominational group.

Members may participate in special services as speakers during the year.  When extra services are planned notices will be sent by email. If you would like to be on our email list send your request to nan.sherrill@gmail.com   Requests for healing prayer  may be emailed. Donations to Chrysalis are never solicited, but are needed. Every donation is appreciated and may help support our maintenance of the home that houses our worship center.

Members are active in Bamboo Arts Yoga Center, the Slow Food Movement, and other local businesses and institutions. Host at the center is Barry Colley, an internationally known bead and jewelry artist who is considered the top global expert in bead antiquity. Barry is also an organic gardener and gourmet cook. Nan Smith is a retired graphic designer and typesetter who publishes the Flitter blog frequently during the year. Contributions and submissions of articles for the blog (as well as photos) are welcome.

Refreshments are available at each service, including organic treats and flavored coffees. for more information email nan.sherrill@gmail.com

Topics for blog do NOT represent the beliefs of anyone who attends Chrysalis and are intended to be informative and provocative as well as inspirational.

 

Essentials of Buddhism

 

The workings of the mind are examined with great precision in these teachings of the Buddha that originated in India over 2000 years back. However the way to freedom lies not in a scholarly study of these teachings, but instead in practicing meditation and mindfulness. The reality of suffering draws many to Buddha's teachings; the teachings are not about suffering though. Instead they are about ultimate freedom, and the exuberance that this freedom is accessible to all. Strive to be a Buddha, not a Buddhist!

Four Noble Truths
   1. Suffering exists
   2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires
   3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
   4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path

Noble Eightfold Path

Three Qualities	Eightfold Path
Wisdom (panna)	Right View
	Right Thought
Morality (sila)	Right Speech
	Right Action
	Right Livelihood
Meditation (samadhi)	Right Effort
	Right Mindfulness
	Right Contemplation

Three Characteristics of Existence

   1. Transiency (anicca)
   2. Sorrow (dukkha)
   3. Selflessness (anatta)

Hindrances

Unwholesome mental states that impede progress towards enlightenment.
   1. Sensuous lust
   2. Aversion and ill will
   3. Sloth and torpor
   4. Restlessness and worry
   5. Sceptical doubt

Factors of Enlightenment

   1. Mindfulness
   2. Investigation
   3. Energy
   4. Rapture
   5. Tranquility
   6. Concentration
   7. Equanimity
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