intention Archives - Chicago Buddhist Meditation Group

Selfless Compassion + the Antilogic of the Diamond Sutra

Post author:CBMG
Post published:April 18, 2025
Post category:Dharma Learning Living Dharma Teachers' Corner

On April 13, 2025, after meditation, we watched a Dharma talk recording by Sensei Wendy Dainin Lau of the Upaya Zen Center, titled: "Spin Cycle for the Logical Mind." She described how the Diamond Sutra uses an antilogic approach to expound on the concept of emptiness, helping us break apart our attachment to self, human identity, sentient beings, and lifespan. She shares how even our most noble intentions can become near enemies when they contain notions of separate selves and the importance of grounding our practice in daily life.

“Bodhicitta: Jewel of the Mind” by Guest Teacher Ven. Thubten Lamsel

Post author:CBMG
Post published:April 11, 2025
Post category:Dharma Learning Guest Teacher Living Dharma Past Events Special Event The Teachings Ways to Practice

On March 30, 2025, Ven. Thubten Lamsel joined us via Zoom to lead meditation and offer a Dharma talk on the topic of bodhicitta—the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. She spoke on how this motivation, without the attachment to "self," lies at the heart of the Buddhist path, and how it can guide our actions, speech, and thoughts throughout daily life. Drawing on examples from monastic training and simple practices like mindful eating, she shared how even ordinary activities become powerful causes for awakening when rooted in compassion. The talk emphasized bodhicitta as both the source and expression of our deepest wisdom and connection to others.

Right Attitude, Wise Aspiration, Mindful Thought

Post author:CBMG
Post published:January 17, 2025
Post category:Dharma Learning Living Dharma Teachers' Corner The Teachings

On January 12, 2025, after meditation, we listened to a Dharma talk recording by Insight Meditation teacher, Jack Kornfield, where he delves into the second aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path: “Right Attitude, Wise Aspiration, Mindful Thought.”

A portrait of the Venerable Bhikku Bodhi

Praise and Blame

Post author:CBMG
Post published:November 14, 2021
Post category:Dharma Learning Teachers' Corner The Teachings

On November 13, 2021, after meditation we listened to a talk from the Venerable Bhikku Bodhi about a piece of the Buddha's advice for our speech. In particular, the Buddha…

Giving It All You’ve Got

Post author:CBMG
Post published:October 13, 2021
Post category:Dharma Learning Teachers' Corner Ways to Practice

On October 9, 2021, after meditation we watched a Dharma talk by Ayya Santussika titled: "Giving It All You've Got." The teacher quoted Ajahn Chah who said that in everything…

Unskillful Speech : Idle Chatter

Post author:CBMG
Post published:September 16, 2020
Post category:Dharma Learning Teachers' Corner The Teachings

On September 12, 2020, after meditation we learned more about Right Speech (Samma vaca), one of the elements of the Buddha's Eightfold Noble Path, through a closer examination of one…