[Fcm-News] FCM Fall-Winter Intensive

[fcm-updates at floridamindfulness.org]

Letting Go of Egocentricity:
The Path of Compassion and Love
A three-month practice Intensive from October 1st through December 30th, 2007

This is the fourth year our community is offering its members an intensive
experience of Dharma practice outside the traditional retreat environment.
As lay practitioners, we are (to a greater or lesser degree) involved in
family, work, community activities, and other responsibilities. We usually
have limited ability to participate in traditional long-term retreats to
deepen our practice and understanding.  Thus, our ability to participate
in periods of focused practice without “leaving home” has become a much
cherished part of our sangha’s spiritual life.

During the last Intensive, participants undertook a comprehensive and
penetrating look at the self in an intellectual/analytical, psychological,
and, most importantly, experiential/meditative manner. We were able to see
clearly how a strong belief in a separate self combined with an egocentric
lifestyle is the prime cause for our psychological distress and seeming
lack of wholeness.  As we discovered during the last intensive, the wisdom
teachings and practices of Dharma can significantly help us in reducing
our fixed belief in our separateness and our attachment to our “special
uniqueness.”

Equally beneficial to our living a more selfless life and experiencing
greater oneness are the Buddhist practices and teachings related to love
and compassion.  The path of the heart is equal to the path of wisdom in
developing a strong sense of connection with all life and overcoming the
limits that self-centeredness imposes on us. The path of the heart softens
and strengthens at the same time, and shows us how to live less
egotistically and more harmoniously with others. Developing a heart-mind
that views all beings as our dearest friends and naturally seeks their
well-being and happiness simultaneously creates the basis for happiness
and well-being for ourselves and others. During this special Intensive, we
will focus on the specific teachings and practices of our Dharma tradition
that help us cultivate this peerless mind of compassion and love.

Commitments for each Intensive participant:

1)  Each participant commits to a minimum of one hour of daily formal
meditative practice, including specific practices related to this
intensive.
2)  Each participant commits to attending the weekly practice periods of
their sangha during the three months.
3)  Each participant commits to attending a bi-weekly support/discussion
gathering of other sangha members participating in the Intensive (if some
are living in your area).
4)  Each participant commits to having bi-weekly phone consultations with
Fred.
5)  Each participant commits to reading several recommended Dharma texts.
6)  Each participant commits to attending two Days of Mindfulness
specifically for Intensive participants at the beginning and end of the
three month practice period (which will be organized in your geographic
area, if possible).

Due to the length of this practice Intensive and the deeper teachings and
practices that Fred will be sharing, there is a suggested donation of
$125.  Participants are free to donate more or less depending on their
individual practice of Dana and their financial situation. Please be aware
that participation in this intensive is only available to FCM members.

The Intensive will begin on October 1st.  Exact dates and locations for
the Days of Mindfulness will be announced once registration has been
completed. To register for this intensive, email Fred at
Feppst at earthlink.net and send your check made out to the Florida Community
of Mindfulness, to
P. O. Box 111465, Naples, FL 34108

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