Introducing: Core

Hi Zadzsters!

My name is Charlie (aka core). I work at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) as the IT Manager. I recently received an e-mail from one of our volunteers about PDN. I have tremendous compassion for anyone incarcerated. So, I decided to check it out.

I just received my PDN packet. I'm browsing the list to see if there's an inmate I resonate with. My primary practice is vipassana, since that's emphasized at my work place. I'd like to explore the jhanas soon. I'm interested in the history of Buddhism and it's bifurcated growth throughout our little planet.

I was in the US Army Reserves for an 8 year commitment. I first started meditating while still in the military. Meditation helped me stay centered in my aspiration to seek liberation in this lifetime. When I joined the military I was an angry atheist. A mystical experience changed everything and catalyzed a newfound spiritual urgency within me. Ever since I've been trying to free myself from the thicket of views through the Buddhas emphasis on sila, samadhi, panna (morality, concentration, wisdom). A few months ago I took the 8 Lifetime Precepts for householders through Bhante Gunaratana. These encompass the Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood components of the Noble Eightfold Path.

I'm studying the Sabbasava Sutta. For about a year now. I listened to talks on the sutta online and read various translations. Maybe 6 months ago, I found a book in the IMS staff library called “Mind Overcoming Its Cankers” entirely on this particular sutta. It seems as though this was a synchronicity of sorts. :-)

I don't feel any different from those who've committed crimes. I know my humanity and understand that if the conditions had ripened just slightly differently I would be behind bars instead of writing this message. I feel that there is always redemption and look forward to sending Dharma books and words of encouragement to an inmate or two. I'm also trying to get some books together with the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies to send to Carson City and Lovelock prisons in Nevada. And I'd like to explore Buddhist Chaplaincy eventually. I participate in the discussion list on Yahoo!

Peace,
Charlie

Re: Introducing: Core

hey charlie, thanks for introducing yourself and describing your journey to dharma. 

welcome! im not sure how much discussion will happen on this pod??? not sure how to get it going???

anway, thanks for speaking up!

kate