Collective Wisdom. Dharma Discussion or Dharma Sharing is an opportunity for us to learn from one another’s experiences and insights from the practice. It is a chance for us to share concretely things that are truly in our heart. It is a special time for us to share our experiences, our joys, our difficulties, and our questions relating to the practice of mindfulness. We may wish to share our insights or experience with the Dharma reading or Dharma talk that we just heard, or with any of the meditations in the first half of the meditation session.
We can help to create a calm and receptive environment by practising listening deeply while others are speaking, without judging or reacting, maintaining awareness of our breathing and feelings. We contribute to the collective insight and understanding of the Sangha by learning to speak out about our happiness and our difficulties in the practice. Dharma sharing is therefore a valuable practice where we may realize that others share similar difficulties and aspirations. Sitting, listening deeply and sharing together mindfully, we recognize our true connections to one another and we realize that our problems are not unique. It enables us to touch the richness in ourselves and others, and to develop understanding.
Mindfulness Practice Community of Toronto 