selflessness 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.

Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form

Post author:CBMG
Post published:June 16, 2021
Post category:Dharma Learning Teachers' Corner The Teachings

On Saturday, June 12, 2021, our Teachers' Corner was focused on the famous line in the Heart Sutra: "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form...", with teachings from H.H. The Dalai…

“The Core Principles of Buddhadharma” by Guest Teacher David Listen

Post author:CBMG
Post published:June 2, 2021
Post category:Dharma Learning Guest Teacher Past Events Special Event The Teachings

On May 29, 2021, Chan/Zen teacher, David Listen, joined us to guide meditation and give a Dharma Talk via Zoom. He expounded on the Three Dharma Seals (impermanence, selflessness, nirvana). These describe how things truly are; and when we cannot let go of our desire for permanence or a sense of an independent self, we suffer. He explained how nirvana or "true nature" is not a "thing" we can see or attain, but simply describes our capacity to fully realize the truths of impermanence and selflessness, thereby unleashing our full potential for compassion and wisdom.

Being Present

Post author:CBMG
Post published:July 14, 2020
Post category:Dharma Learning Living Dharma Teachers' Corner

On July 11, 2020, after meditation, we learned about what "Being Present" means for practitioners of the Buddhadharma. At Teachers' Corner last Saturday, we listened to a recent Dharma talk…