In these Wednesday evening sessions, held at Tu-An Pagoda (Vietnamese Buddhist Temple), 3591 Albion Road 7:30 pm, Ajahn Viradhammo guides participants through chanting, a 45-minute meditation, and a study of select Buddhist texts. The objective of the sessions is to incorporate a partial academic understanding of the Buddha's core teachings into one's daily life experience. Questions that arise will be addressed in a practical manner. Participants are encouraged to have read the texts decided upon in the previous meeting so as to best be able to join in the study discussion. Most of the suggested readings will be available on the Internet (links to be provided below.)

If you are new to OBS events, we ask that you please consult the following websites for information on proper conduct / etiquette with Theravada monastics:
- http://www.ratanagiri.org.uk/Book/book3/discipl.htm
- http://www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/content/C43

As only a small number of older meditation cushions are available at the pagoda, you are encouraged to bring your own cushions. A few chairs are also available.

Wednesday Pagoda Readings for 2009

The theme of the study group which starts in February is The Four Noble Truths. A total of 5 sessions is planned. The readings chosen by Ajahn Viradhammo were written by Ajahn Sumedho and can be obtained from the Tisarana website at http://www.tisarana.ca/includes/server.php?act=OBS_study. The purpose of the study group is for attendees to obtain a deeper understanding of the four noble truths and how our practice of meditation and mindfulness facilitates this. The discussion is expected to be at an advanced level; it is not designed to be an introductory course to Buddhism.

Members of the core group are invited to submit specific questions for discussion to evelyn.tan@rogers.com by 10:00 a.m. on Monday of the week of the sitting. Questions submitted later than the deadline will not be used. On the day of the sittiing, we will not be re-reading the article. Rather, Ajahn Viradhammo will base his teaching around the questions submitted by the core group. While only members of the core group will submit questions in advance, drop-ins are welcome to attend the study sessions. Regular attendance is expected only of the members of the core group but it would be to everyone's benefit to aim for faithful attendance at all five sessions.

Please note: New dates will be posted here as confirmed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE OBSCOMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY AT: obs_secretary@yahoo.ca