Flint Sparks's Page
Flint Sparks's Blog
Inquiry Poem : The Mistake
This is the Mark Nepo poem I used as a reflection today in Inquiry following the sangha meetings readings on mistakes and being in the "mud and water." This piece comes from Surviving Has Made Me Crazy (2001)
The Mistake
Mark Nepo
The wind had been knocked out of me
and doubled over, I looked like I was asking
for something. It was then that someone
passing by offered me something precious,
which I…
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 1:58pm — 2 Comments
Ordinary Practice: Dharma Talk at the Houston Zen Center
This is a talk I gave at the Houston Zen Cener on January 7, 2012. Todd Bankler came with me from Appamada and was able to experience temple life there and was at the talk.
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 12:28pm
Appamada is not just the occasional mindful thought or attentive state of mind, it’s actually a commitment to being attentive. It’s more than just a meditative state of mind, it’s more than just being mindful. It has to do with that primary ethical or moral orientation we have in life, with which we bring into being whatever activity we’re engaged in. Whether in formal meditation, in our interactions with other people, in our social concerns, or in our political choices, it’s the energetic cherishing of what we regard as good.
—Stephen Batchelor
Events
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Depth in Practice Study Group
January 16, 2012 at 7pm to December 31, 2012 at 7pm – Appamada
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Negotiating the Way: Skillful Means and Invitations to Freedom
January 19, 2012 at 6:30pm to May 17, 2012 at 6:30pm – Appamada
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Zen and Right Use of Power
January 22, 2012 at 7pm to June 10, 2012 at 7pm – Appamada
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March Three Day Intensive
March 30, 2012 at 6:30pm to April 1, 2012 at 5pm – Appamada
© 2012 Created by Peg Syverson.
Comment Wall (6 comments)
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Dear Flint, I would like to have interview with you at a Thursday early morning sitting. PLease let me know the soonest Thursday you would have time.
Thanks, Joan Mueller
Dear Flint, I am pleased to be starting your new class. The materials is mind-blowing. This looks like really good information that can bring me to the present moment with someone even if it just causes curiosity and the intention of being present in the moment.
Lots of question arise while you are talking and asking questions during your brief time of lecturing is not the right time. I will have to get in line for interview with you if I know when you will be there.
Even as I just wrote that, I wonder if asking for information is a good way to learn...Even a bad or unskilled beginning is a beginning.
Joan Mueller
In any case,I appreciate the gift you give us.
Dear Flint, I found a short article about Georg Baselitz I mentioned to you. I have it in an envelope with your name on it. Can I leave it somewhere at Appamada for you?
Blessings,
Joan Mueller
Thank you Flint for making this past weekend a reality. It was truly wonderful to have you in my own backyard. Looking forward to your return.
Gratefully,
Wendi