dharmatalks

There is a discussion beginning… a discussion that has occurred on the “fringes” of Buddhism for more than seventeen years now. Something seems to be different about the evolution of the discussion these days, however. Serious Buddhist practitioners in the West are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the sectarianism, supremacy, attempts to discredit other teachers or traditions and fundamentalism that is diluting the essence and practice of the Dharma.

Rooted in the commitment made to my own Refuge Guru, who was among the pioneers in the field of monastic interreligious dialogue and non-sectarian contemplative Dharma, the Emergent Spirituality Movement has been something I’ve been deeply involved in for just over thirty years. And now, there is a groundswell of Buddhist practitioners, monastics, and former monastics, largely in the West, who are coming together to support one another in a desire to transcend a path that has been well-worn, but can be less accessible, less relevant and culturally-removed from our own culture and ethos, so that the Dharma can thrive and its fruits ripen on future generations, alleviating suffering everywhere it goes.

The approach of Integral Buddhism integrates all aspects of postmodern life, and helps the sincere practitioner maintain a body poised and at ease, a mind clear and compassionate, and a life compassionate and purposeful.

The Centre for Integral Buddhism™ combines various methods of contemplative spiritual practice, Buddhist traditions and the timeless essence of the Dharma taught by Buddha Sakyamuni, Rav Yeshua be Yusef (Jesus the Nazarene), Je Tsongkhapa, Swami Abishiktananda, Neem Karoli Baba, Tenzin Yangchen and our own Refuge Lama, the Dharm’acharya and abbot of the Contemplative Monks of the Eightfold Path, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda.

The Centre for Integral Buddhism™ recognises that life is a process, and that as we develop, and as our stories unfold, we are able to uniquely transcend our previous journeys from a more personal, culturally-oriented, or traditionalist path toward a more integrated, universally-relevant and radically inclusive awareness that emerges from our individual experiences, and becomes truly amazing.

We readily recognise and encourage all responsible, compassionate and well-travelled practices and paths as potential means of achieving this transcendental awareness and understanding of the Dharma. We affirm that each person’s journey is unique and due equal respect, and by integrating our understanding of the essential truths of the Buddhist philosophy, with a postmodern, Western recognition of the psychological, sociological and anthropomorphic needs of the human psyche, personality and need for cultural expression/identification, we are able to foster a safe environment for people to discover their own transcendent path, so that the ego-mind dissolves into awareness and compassion, without the hindrances of hatemongering, intolerance, fundamentalism and sectarian drama queens.

In order to better facilitate dialogue with other progressive, postmodern and Integral Buddhists, as well as contemplatives from other traditions and paths, we’ve established an online social networking site, much like what Facebook has done in a secular society. We hope to use this community as a launch pad for unlimited small networks, core communities, discussion groups and fellowships worldwide. Each person will have a blog, their own media storage, and the ability to interact with the larger community. The community will also be a place where discussion can take place for listeners and guests on the Talking Dharma radio program, co-hosted by Zen practitioner, John Pappas and Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, spiritual paths and Buddhist traditions to share in a more inclusive, postmodern and truly integrated approach to alleviating suffering, and creating peace. Intolerance, sectarianism, attempts to attack or discredit anyone’s path or teacher(s), and disrespect for any other member of the community will not be accepted here, and will result in immediate removal.

This is a safe-haven for those who want a more relevant, more accessible, more inclusive and more radically authentic Dharma… a Dharma of Compassion.

It is OUR HOME, and we welcome you, and ask you treat it with the respect with which you would treat and sacred space.

Practice whatever you can, so that the teachings of our lineage holders and dharma acharyas will not have been in vain, but above all, practice compassion, loving-kindness and mindfulness with every step.

Namasté

The Community Moderators for Talking Dharma™ – The Centre for Integral Buddhism™
http://talkingdharma.ning.com

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