Lansing Area Mindfulness Community

the World is always turning to the morning light

Turning Toward the Morning Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesTurning Toward the ...

We have repeatedly studied this concept from the perspective of Buddhist teachings. This article confirms those ideas.

Say These 3 Words to Instantly Defuse Your Rage — TIME The next time you're furious, don't try to calm down. Just put a name to the anger coursing through your veins. Say "this is rage"—three words, three seconds—either out loud or silently to yourself, and you've already kept the feeling from swallowing you whole. The technique is called affect lab...

7-9 PM Wednesday 10 JUNE 2026
3015 S MLK BLVD Lansing MKI

Meditation & Discussion of 4 Noble Truths, led by Carolyn.

7 JUN 2026

7-9 PM Wednesday 03 JUN 2026
3015 S MLK BLVD Lansing MI

Hello everyone hope you’re all well. This week we will continue our look at the lessons from the “Lotus Sutra”. I’m hoping to cover the parables of the “Phantom City” and the “Hidden Jewel “.
In peace
Terry

7-9 PM 20 May 2026
3015 MLK BLVD Lansing MI

Dear sangha sisters and brothers,

This Wednesday evening, the 20th, we will look at the last five of the Ten Ox Herding Pictures.

I'm looking forward to sharing your deep insights and keen observations of this Zen tool of skillful means.

Bowing to you,
Barbara

7-9 Wednesday 13th & 20th May 2026
3015 S MLK BLVD Lansing MI

Dear sangha sisters and brothers,

This Wednesday, May 13th and next Wednesday, May 20th, we will sit together in exploring and discussing the Dharma Door that is the Ten Ox Herding pictures from Zen practice. These are from Thay's tradition, from Thay's formation as a monastic.

There is nothing you need to do in preparation. I only ask that you come with an open heart.

In the meantime, please enjoy the glorious days of spring, which in itself is the perfect preparation for our discussion.

Bowing to you,
Barbara

7-9 PM,!Wednesday 06 May 2026

Good morning, dharma friends!

Most of us have an understanding that "Nirvana" means "peace," and generally speaking, it does. But it also has a more specific, actionable meaning that we can actually practice with! In short, "Nirvana" means to put out the fires that cause suffering.

What fires? The fires of greed, ill-will and delusion, small and large, that can manifest in our hearts and minds. These include irritation, impatience, hostile feelings, contempt or judgement towards those different from ourselves, fantasies of various sorts, lust for people and things that can cause suffering in our minds and in our lives.

I have found it fruitful to see and understand how those fires manifest in myself and to practice putting them out through a combination of mindfulness, meditation, and the cultivation of the beautiful qualities that are the opposites of kinds of greed, ill-will and delusion. Because these can be practiced with, the peace of Nirvana can be experienced in moments and situations and hopefully for the long term.

I love this stuff and am excited to talk about it with you! The attachment has the first sutta in it is a teaching to lay people (like us!) on Nirvana. Following it is the Buddha's sermon on The Fire Sermon, which I like to pair it with as well as some good definitions of what craving and clinging mean. And there's some lists of good qualities we can cultivate. We will only get to a third of this so we have at least 25-30 mins of discussion, but I wanted to provide all of it for those who have time and inclination to read and think about it.

Grateful thanks and appreciation to you, dharma friends! Hope to see you on Wednesday! Emoji

Warmly,

Elizabeth

PS Was unable to copy link.

Dear Sangha,

This Wednesday we will discuss the Fifth Mindfulness Training, particularly as it relates to "tangible and intangible poisons." I will bring a handout and hope to make it available through email prior to sangha if I am able.

Bowing to You,
Peter