"This moment is like this". The basic "advanced common sense" of secular Buddhism is all about learning to become a kind, nonjudgemental, openhearted observer of what is happening within and without us at any moment. It's aim is to stabilize our mind and behavior and is not a quick "fix". As we develop our ability to observe ourselves we will begin to view parts of ourselves that we have avoided as well as parts of ourselves that we come to appreciate more greatly. Viewing both of these aspects stabilize our life. The so-called negative parts of ourselves that have been running the show are now being revealed and therefore not quietly pulling the puppet strings from the silence below. Our intention is to bring benevolent attention to ourselves at all times. Dzigar Kongtrol, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher located in the U.S., defines faith as being what slowly arrives from repeatedly sitting with yourself and learning what truly resides in your core.

For starters, as teaching is new to me… we will meet for one hour in which I will offer a guided mediation of, probably about 20 minutes which will be somewhat instructive in itself. I will offer some teachings based upon the questions and need for clarity that arise in our meeting. Buddhist teachings are not a rigid set of rules. We are all our own teachers. We will take this as it comes and tailor the format to fit our need as kindly and gently as possible.

For starters, we will meet at my house (Landenberger) which is somewhat capacious right here in Williamsville, 54 Dover Rd. (large yellow house with porch and solar panels, driveway obliquely across from Grist Mill Lane). 6:30 Tuesday nights. This teaching will be ongoing, therefore dropping in is just fine.

I have practicing some form of meditation since my first Zen retreat in 1982 and 3-1/2 month work study retreat in Kripalu Yoga Center in 1983. I have consistently attended a "Dharma Friends" meeting in Brattleboro for 9 straight years, have approx. 100 days of silent retreat experience at IMS and The Forest Retreat in Barre, MA. Currently, I am enrolled in a 200 hour mindfulness/meditation certification program based in Manhattan.

Please write with questions, interest….

T Breeze Verdant