Les 1
The Flower
In this lesson, we examine the instrument used to transmit prajna or deep wisdom. The Buddha utilized a flower – something natural, beautiful, and joyful. The flower represents interdependence since, without sunshine, rain, soil, and water, a flower cannot exist. Similarly, we will recognize the principle of interdependence as we become aware of our human existence since without our ancestors, air to breathe, food to eat, and other factors that contribute to life, we cannot exist.
Les 2
The Smile
In this lesson, we talk about the reaction to the teaching. Kashyapa smiled when the Buddha held up the flower. The teaching was then complete; or, perhaps it was just beginning; or, perhaps the wisdom that was imparted had always been inside Kashyapa, and the flower simply awakened an inner awareness of what he already knew to be true. We also discuss how smiling is a joyful, outer, energetic expression of peaceful, everlasting, inner illumination which does not have a beginning or end.
Les 3
The Law of Impermanence
In this lesson, we discuss the fact that a flower does not live long. It must cease to exist, just as human beings must also cease to exist. The flower teaches impermanence. It teaches us to value, honour, and treasure the preciousness of life and every moment we get to be here in human form. Since all life forms are natural to decay and die and pass from this realm of existence into the next, we will learn not to waste time on earth but to use it to find our purpose and to love and serve others.
Les 4
The Teacher-Student Relationship
In this lesson, we discuss how the role of a teacher is to guide each student home to themselves. We talk about the codependent nature of the relationship between someone who has knowledge and those who seek it. We discuss skilful means utilized to transmit teachings since every student is different and requires specific tools to learn what is needed upon any individual path toward enlightenment or transformation.
Les 5
The Community
In this lesson, we discuss the power and importance of community. Kashyapa was standing amongst fellow disciples when this teaching occurred. A collective energy is cultivated when likeminded seekers gather for unitive purposes. Without the support and safety of his fellow monks, Kashyapa may not have understood the teaching of the flower. And without the presence of friends upon similar paths toward emancipation, we will learn that we might not be able to learn what we need to know within this lifetime.
Les 6
The Atmosphere of Silence
In this lesson, we discuss the physical setting of the story. The events happened outside in nature amidst silence. We discuss how silence is crucial if we are to hear the inner calling of our true nature so we can comprehend internal messages. We learn how outer distractions within our contemporary world can drown out our inner voice, and that we may never hear messages from the heart unless we cultivate silence and befriend its qualities. Additionally, the flower sermon was transmitted wordlessly. Therefore, we will discuss how to communicate truth in simple and humble ways, with or without words.
Les 7
The Present Moment
In this lesson, we discuss the importance of being in the present moment if we are to learn and grow and spiritually develop. If Kashyapa was not physically present, he would have missed this transformative encounter with the Buddha. If Kashyapa were not also mentally, emotionally, or spiritually present, he would have unlikely received this teaching that liberated him. We will practice specific meditations to learn how to fully dwell in the here and now.
Les 8
The Release of Expectations
In this lesson, we discuss how to let go of what we think we wish to receive or know; and how to let go of when we wish to receive such things. We will learn to remain humble and open-minded so that whatever comes into our lives can be observed as a teaching to help us on our path. We will learn to accept all words or wordless moments as noble instances and as opportunities to practice coming home to ourselves.
Les 9
The Mindfulness of Movement
In this lesson, we learn how stillness affords us opportunities to uncover truth within the reality of now. Kashyapa was physically still when he saw the Buddha; the Buddha was also still. Without physical stillness, the mind cannot relax or remain open to receive and discern truth. We will also learn how and when mindfulness of movement are appropriate so that we can move about the world with integrity. Additionally, we will honor the power of our senses and their abilities to sense what abides within both the historical and ultimate dimensions.
Les 10
The Oneness of Existence
In this lesson, we talk about what truly happened when the Buddha and Kashyapa recognized sameness and suchness within the presence of each other. This was indeed a momentous occasion amidst a noble silence. We will learn how to comprehend all moments as teaching moments, all living beings as connected entities, and all hearts and minds as unified. We will also meditate on the fact that all individual life purposes coincide to create the world we live in.
