How long have you been coming to MOI events?
4 months
How did you get interested in meditation practice?
Living in Portland Oregon, I was invited to attend a gathering to hear a monk speak. This was the beginning of many years of swimming in the water of Theravada Buddhism with ordained monks & nuns. They inspire me.
Share a memory or feeling you have about MOI.
After the evening teaching, we gathered in the back yard. There were 6-8 of us and we had lots of laughs and some very good tea around the fire pit.
What does your meditation practice look like?
I have a daily practice of a 30-45 minutes of meditation, and then either reading dhamma or listening to dhamma talks daily. 3 days a week, my meditation is with sangha members from Oregon.
Share a favorite quote, mantra, intention or saying that is currently guiding you in practice.
Is this for my welfare and the welfare of others?
What is your definition of sangha?
Monks, nuns, lay men and lay women who follow the path of the Lord Buddha. This includes living by the 5 or 8 precepts and the 8-fold path.
Name a book on the dharma that you consider a must read.
Ajahn Sumedho – The Sound of Silence
What are you currently working with in your practice?
Currently keeping the khandas (aggregates) in awareness, remembering that I am not them.
What has mindfulness and/or mediation helped you with?
Practicing Buddhism, including the foundational teachings of sila, samadhi and panna have opened my life to understanding that all suffering is a result of mind. And that this suffering can be overcome through the teachings: 4 noble truths & 8-fold path
Tell us about one success story you have had on your dharma journey.
My success story involves living every day in this moment, not in the past or the future.
Finally, what are some of your other interests outside of the dharma?
Hiking in nature (off concrete makes me happy). I study Spanish and speak with others in Latin countries each week. Classical music and opera are lovely!
Thank you, Patty! We are so happy you are a part of MOI’s sangha!