Next meeting: 30 May 2025
Time: 11am – 12pm
Each month, our Book Group facilitator will choose a book from the Library’s collection of free e-resources. You download the e-book, and read and reflect on it over the month. Then on the last Friday of the month, meet up online via Zoom to exchange ideas and opinions with others who’ve read the book, and expand your understanding of Buddhism.
Theme for the May meeting: “Restraint and Strength”
In the digital age there are many new temptations. It can be difficult to resist fascinating images and text online. But these often don’t add lasting value or richness to our lives.
The teachings of the Buddha provide us with skillful means of restraint from temptations. In this discussion we will look at how we can live wholesome lives and not impulsively follow every distraction that comes our way.
1. This dhamma talk elucidates the value of practicing restraint;
‘Meditations: Forty Dhamma Talks’ by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. “The Dignity of Restraint” – pages 99 to 102.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Erv8nH9M-P2J_Ku3TgfX_yQ7KDbx4Kt9/view
2. How can we develop strength of mind and practice restraint? Here is guidance from the dhamma for strength of mind;
‘Inner Strength and Parting Gifts’ by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo. “Inner Wealth – pages 6 to 8.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XMlVW3uhO8UgFVG1VbVjx88LEzdsehWa/view
The readings are available at the above links from the Buddhist Library catalogue.
We welcome new and previous participants to join our discussion.
Facilitator for May: Patricia Austin
Patricia Austin
Patricia has been a Buddhist practitioner for over 20 years. Her meditation training is in the Burmese Theravada tradition. Buddhism is integral to her daily life. Patricia was a clinical psychologist and is now retired. She previously worked in HIV/AIDS services and carried out research into the mental health of detained asylum seekers. For 19 years she worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in palliative care providing psychological therapy to the bereaved. Patricia lives on the NSW Central Coast with her husband.
All Sessions are by Donation (Dana) to the Buddhist Library. All donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Dana is the traditional practice of generosity, the extending of one’s goodwill, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The dana you give is shared between the Library and Teacher. It helps to maintain the Library and allows more teachings on the Dhamma so that others may benefit in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma.