Contents of Sutra of Forty - two Sections - New Zealand Unchecked

... monistic, all-is-one unity
234-241SECTION 26 Neurotic clinging brings suffering - 'asubbhava' -
contemplation of the loathesomeness of the body etc. - Questions this as a
helpful practice.
236The psychological method - develop in oneself the attractive qualities one sees
in the other.
237Aversion techiques - are they really successful?
239-241Importance of spiritual friendship - enjoyment of community life etc.
SECTION 27 - see text) - 'Those who follow'the Way' are like a piece of wood
etc....',
'Eternalist' and 'nihilist' attitudes
243-253SECTION 28 - Avoiding distractions - the opposite sex-

Ilmportance of developing spiritually - indispensability of spiritual community
in every sense
246Consider everyone's views before making decisions
Be open to learning from everyone
248Knowing one's limitations - breaking old patterns, even good ones
Be open to new elements entering the situation - prevents exclusiveness and
stagnation - danger of Sangha becoming a group if not 'open' - the 'couple'
syndrome.
SECTION 29 - Advice to monks about relating to women- inhibitions against
incest - how this applies to us now.
255Try to see members of the opposite sex as individuals-
May be different methods for men/women
257-258Control thoughts running through our mind - applies to both sexes.
SECTION 30 - Set on fire by desires - dangerous situation - meditation is the
water that cools down desires.
SECTION 31 - The senses are not to blame - it's the mind - perception itself is
pure - distinction between the "beautiful" and the agreeable".
262-26SECTION 32 - On nature of 'suffering' through desires- distinction between
‘desire’ and ‘craving’(thirst)
263Learn to appreciate and then let go
264Danger of adopting extreme views re desire.
264-268SECTION 33 - Heroic aspects to following 'the Way'
Mythological and legendary models - Red Dakini is a symbol of freedom not
battle - overcoming all obstacles.
268-272SECTION 34 Balance 'vigour' and 'concentration'- grasping at results -
unhealthy attitudes - attaching magical significance to practices -
270Pseudo-technism - "reliance on rites and ~~~~~~~~l
271Bargaining attitude is self-defeating - reverse attitude of 'going with the flow'
is also detrimental.
272Importance or external conditions -
272-276SECTION 35- quote Mahatma Gandhi: -"The end is the extreme of means”
273Need to create a 'different' mind with which to meditate.
Preparation for meditation - Place of 'virya'.
Taking responsibility for oneself.
275-276How women/men play helpless.
276-314SECTION 36 - 2nd. list or "hard things' - statements
Discussion on disability of being born a woman - the weaknesses and strengths
in women/men - how to recognise and overcome the disadvantages - on raising
feminine qualities and strengths to a higher level -
305Importance of health - physical weakness and neglect of the body are not
signs of spirituality - inadequacy and failure in worldiy life do not indicate
one's ability to lead the spiritual life - spiritual life is not a soft option for
drop-outs and social wrecks.
Physical handicaps more easily overcome than psychological disabilities -"
having a chip on your shouider" is a handicap.
304Physical handicaps often stimulate desire to overcome them.
Balanced attitude needed - The Buddha's Middle Way between self-indulgence
and neglect of the body.
305-309What is a 'central country'?
Importance of becoming widely known -
308Place of advertising and publications - danger of parochialism -
Order members should strive towards being able to function anywhere with
other Order members.
“directly into Buddhist surroundings" -
“to come in contact with 'the Way" i.e. as an exnerience.
312-313Importance or faith - no skilful mental event without it.'
How to cultivate faith - importance of spiritual fellowship - need to eradicate
all cynicism -
3I3Arising of theBodhicitta'
"....to attain the state where nothing is practised etc.”, i.e. state of true
spontaneity
SECTION 37 - Real contact is spiritual contact not mere physical proximity.
315Distinction between 'hanging around' and true spiritual friendship - receptivity
is the key -
3I7-320SECTION 38 - Urgency in using this present human life.
Life is precarious - over-planning one's life gives a false security - fail to see
opportunities for growth.
319Relative life-spans of men/women
Problems of retirement - Impermanence a blessing -
320-323SECTION 39 - (see text) "Just as when you eat honey it is with my words'
What is the word of the Buddha?
322Distinction between religious, sentimental pseudo-positivity of religious
groups and genuine spiritual positivity
323Different 'styles' of religious groups - warning against developing a style of
pseudo-friendliness and pseudo-mindfulness
323SECTION 40 - see text) "A sramana studying'the Way'.......with its mind". -
"silavrata paramarsa"
Inner attitude must be in accord with actions, and 'vice versa'.
SECTION 41- (see text) "Those who follow 'the Way are like
oxen........through deep mud”
Questions this simile -
Distinction between 'having fun' and 'bingeing'
Living the spiritual life with a relaxed attitude.
SECTION 42 - see text) "I look upon etc......."
How the eniightened mind sees everything -
327The "six dragons" - the six senses -
"Going against" worldly values - how this is done in the context of the
Movement - Anecdotes re "Vicar of Hampstead" - Resistance to change -
332Attitudes to possessions - simile of tree as a symbol of spiritual growth -
limitations of simile -
THE END
Those present: The Venerable Sangharakshita, David Moore(Ratnaketu)
Barbara Gill (Aniketa) Ann Gill (Suvajri) Keith Downer(Dharmadhara)
Jim Sharples (Vipula), Udaya, Priyananda, Puma, Achala, Vijaya,
Megha, Verne Barrett.