Planetary Dharma Class - January 16, 2025
TIME: 40 MINUTES
GROUP EXPLORATION:
First, as a group, decide who will report back to the larger group on “what we are uncovering about these topics.” Next, read the statement about The Power of Determination, and spend 15 minutes exploring the topic using the provided questions as guidelines well as any questions that arise naturally within your group. Allow these questions to deepen your shared exploration. After 15 minutes, transition to The Power of Familiarization and repeat the process. Approach the discussion with curiosity and openness, trusting that this shared contemplation can offer valuable insights to support your journey.
The Power of Determination: 20 mins
The Power of Determination comes from the fusion of desire with commitment or resolve. We need to practice activating and fusing desire with commitment. Together they make a strong energy. This is the power of developing the motivational desire, the basic fuel to propel our journey individually and collectively.
Where in our lives have we made the strongest commitments?
What does it feel like to be committed?
What are the benefits of commitment?
What are the disadvantages of commitment?
What scares us about commitment?
Spiritual practice is about committing to a journey beyond even death itself. How does this view affect our commitment?
What psychological issues might get in the way of our commitment?
What do we need to do to invite a deeper level of commitment into our lives now?
The Power of Familiarization: 20 mins
To develop the power of familiarization we bring our practice into the very fabric of our lives and work with the natural symbolism of our daily life to remind ourselves and direct the power of determination into specific activities. When coming down the steps, 'May I reincarnate again to take beings from suffering.' or when climbing the stairs ‘May I climb the stages of the path’. Familiarization helps engage all the subminds towards the center of the mandala of our hearts.
How might you transform actions like watching TV, or drinking alcohol etc into a process of familiarization?
Together, think of daily activities from defecating to eating. What is symbolic there? What might the slogan be that triggers your connection? How might you stay ‘connected’ to the sangha and the interconnect field?
What gets in the way of you engaging your life in this way?
What do you imagine might happen if you really leaned into this practice?
How as a sangha might we encourage each other in the process of familiarization?