The Friendly Heart: A Practical Approach to Metta
The Friendly Heart: A Practical Approach to Metta
Mondays from Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, 7 to 9 p.m.
Taught by Jessica Swanson at the Portland Dhamma Center and on Zoom
For online participants: Please arrive at the meeting before 7 p.m., so Zoom technicians have a chance to meditate/participate once the class has begun.
The main objective of this four-week course is to integrate loving-friendliness into our regular practice. We will use the traditional way of extending metta to ourselves and those around us, as well as look at what the Buddha said about metta and the different ways monastic teachers from our lineage incorporate this foundational teaching. The classes will include meditation, Dhamma reflections, group sharing, and some chanting.
Our resources will include:
I’m right, you’re wrong, a booklet on loving kindness by Ajahn Amaro
Catching Suffering Before it Happens, a talk by Ajahn Amaro
Metta Bhavana by Luang Por Pasanno
Peace and Kindness & Gratitude books offering teachings on metta and gratitude from senior monastics in our lineage
http://www.abhayagiri.org/
http://www.bhavanasociety.org/
Metta Means Goodwill by Ajahn Thanissaro
All are welcome to attend, and donations for the center are gratefully received. Registration encouraged but is not required. Send RSVP’s and questions to pdxdhamma.org/contact. Jessica Swanson is a Theravada Buddhist in the lineage of Luang Por Chah and Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, assistant spiritual director at Portland Friends of the Dhamma, and a board member of the Pacific Hermitage, a small monastery in White Salmon, Wash.