Joy of Living Level 2 Discussion

[kathy]

This topic is for the discussion of Joy of Living Level 2 practices. All who have completed Level 2 are welcome here. Please ask your classmates to join this discussion!

Topic

[ssb2]

I have previously attended and completed JoL 1 and so I attended rinpoche’s teaching on JoL1+2 at Oselling earlier this month. When I sat down to try and start the practices I realised that I am not getting the connection between ‘moving from moment to moment driven by our desire for happiness, avoidance of suffering’= basic goodness.
I had hoped that once I went home and read the relevant extracts from JoL and JoW it would become clear, but it hasn’t.
In fact the extracts seem to point more to being aware and inspired by our own minds, the wonder that we can think at all – which I concur with.
But then when I searched for and found Mysohin’s guided meditation for loving kindness, the instruction is to feel loving kindness for ourselves; and I have no idea what that is, no example of what that would be.
When I read the group handbook for loving kindness it also infers that recognising our own desire to be free of suffering equates to basic goodness. And I don’t get this at all. Why would that be? Or are we just taking ‘basic goodness’ as a label, it could equally be ‘banana’?
How does being driven by basic urges (to stretch my legs, to have a cup of tea) equate to basic goodness?
This makes no sense and there seems to be no further explanation in the resources.

Can someone pls provide some other examples or explanations of this assumed connection
looking out for ourselves = basic goodness

[slowmo]

Having just completed the JOL Level 2 online course for a second time I can say that it was both very rewarding and enjoyable. It was indeed just like reading a good book again. As a beginner, it gave me more confidence in my efforts and general understanding.

I particularly appreciated the opportunity to do the course with two different instructors: first Myoshin and then Tim. Both were wonderfully encouraging and clear in their teaching, but they had different ways of expressing some points and I found that this really helped me to see things more clearly and not get so stuck in rote learning or rigid thought. In the same way, doing the course with a different group of students made for new insights and discussion.

Grateful thanks to all.

[idabrasil]

I am talking about the question of Love and Compassion for a Difficult person,that question,the post is not working for me.

[idabrasil]

Hi, since 3 days already,I am not able to post anything on the J.of Living 2 discussion group,I tried to answer the question,and when I post,my answer disapears…I tried more tham 10 times,and asked already help by mail,but till now,no answer,that is why I am trying to post her,asking for help and some explanation.Tks

[maxm]

Hi Michael,

“Like reading a good book for the second time, when you notice and appreciate so much more” is a nice way of explaining it. I’ve taken the level 2 a few times. The classics never get old!

[slowmo]

Another JOL level 2 online course begins this month and I’ve decided to take the opportunity to do it. I am hoping it will be like reading a good book for the second time, when you notice and appreciate so much more. It is also very motivating to feel part of a group, albeit at a distance, and to learn from the comments and experiences of other students as well as the teachings themselves.

[slowmo]

Continuing to practise the level 2 teachings, I think I’m noticing their effects on my everyday life. On a number of occasions recently, often during a pause such as waiting for a train, there have been moments of insight – quiet but definite. Sometimes these bring pleasure, sometimes the squirmy discomfort of uncomfortable truth.

Another change has to do with Judgemental thoughts. There are still plenty of these (like a big pile of black pebbles) but I think I’m often more aware of them and, sometimes, able to treat them as just background babble.

Small changes like this in day to day experience are very encouraging. They are like pointers to the value and practical relevance of the teachings.

[slowmo]

Hi Max / @maxm

That’s a great description, and tangible is just the right word. But I might have given the wrong impression when I said ‘most easily’. It’s easy in the sense that the practice is accessible. It feels like it’s calling to me. On the other hand, the feelings that get stirred up and the insights that come to mind can be very uneasy ! I’m hoping that’s a good sign.

[maxm]

@Michael That’s great that you connect most easily with the practice of transforming difficult emotions. For me, I don’t think it is the easiest practice, but after reading your post I realized that I have a nice sense of accomplishment when I do that practice, particularly when in the midst of a disturbing emotion. There is something very tangible about working with an emotion and feeling that experiential shift that comes from awareness. Nice!

[slowmo]

Hello all,
I find the practice that I connect with most easily and fruitfully so far is transforming difficult emotions. I love the way that it brings meaning and value to my own feelings and experiences, and nurtures a sense of connection and compassion with others. Sometimes the objects of this sense of connection and empathy have come as such a surprise that it’s taken me outside my usual boundaries, at least for a few moments.

[slowmo]

Something that has struck me more and more since the course is how pervasive and affecting these teachings are. Their effect is more far reaching than I had expected – especially as during the course (online) I often felt like a laggard struggling to connect or understand. Some of these effects are pleasant, such as finding more joy in simple experiences. Others are uncomfortable, such being more aware of my own negative habits of thought and behaviour.

[slowmo]

Now that the course has completed I want to watch all of Rinpoche’s lectures again. There was so much to digest in the teachings. I’m hoping that I’ll notice and understand more the second time through.

Has anyone here used the DVD of the course for revision ?

[Anonymous]

How can I get to the last on line programme of level 2….I forgot to watch it and wonder how i can now….Thank you

[romain]

Hello everyone,

I am very happy to read your comments. I am currently doing the JoL2 programm with the help of the student’s book. I am now in the 3rd month of JoL 2 : Immeasurables Love and Compassion. I do agree with Lisa : I feel comfortable with practising one main meditation for one week. It gives me time to welcome my emotions, thoughts and other inner experiences which comes during or between my formal meditation “sessions”. From one day to the other, over a week, I also can take note of what changes in my experiences. And when unexpected experiences, thoughts or emotions come, I feel I have the time during the day to go back to some JoL 1 meditations, to observe what is going on in me and around me.
Moreover, our local meditation group meets twice a month. I can only attend one of the two monthly meetings. I feel it is quite useful for me to follow a frame regarding my personal, daily practice, in connection with our local Tergar practice leaders.

[cynthia]

The teachings for Love & Compassion, Tonglen or Equanimity, typically have us practice with a progression through ourselves, a loved one, a neutral person and a difficult person. After weeks of meditating in this manner, this morning I had the cool sensation of finding the lines between these categories was blurring.

with thanks for a continuing forum

[lisakramerhunt]

Hi Friends,
Thank you Kathy for creating this forum. I have just started the 4th week in the six month practice. I am finding this very beneficial because each of the meditations are practiced for one week at a time which allows a lot of time and spaciousness around the different aspects of these meditations. Currently, I am meditating on a person who I care deeply for. I chose I daughter who is quite a happy and generous person. At first I was difficult to connect with her joy because my own life had been colored with so much difficulty. But this morning, I could really connect with her happiness. She has such a generous nature as well and just to be a part of this in my meditation was quite wonderful. Ii would like to hear how others are doing with the Joy of Living Level 2 practice.

[Author]

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