Sat. Sangha:Protecting An Open Heart- Paramis #2 Sila w/ Candle Summers 8/15/26

In this second talk in our series exploring the Ten Pāramīs—qualities of heart cultivated on the path to awakening—we turn to Sīla, ethical conduct. Rather than approaching ethics as rules or restrictions, the Buddha invites us to notice which choices lead toward greater freedom, trust, and peace. Candle will  explore the Five Precepts as ways of protecting what is precious: life, trust, relationships, truth, and clarity of mind. Through the Buddha's teachings, everyday examples, humor, and a short guided meditation, we’ll consider how Sīla helps us become not perfect human beings, but increasingly trustworthy ones—creating a “field of harmlessness” wherever we go. 00:00 Dharma Talk-Protecting An Open Heart-Parami #2-Sila 14:35 Five Precepts 26:59 Guided Meditation Sutta References Used in This Talk MN 61 — Ambalaṭṭhika Rāhulovāda Sutta (Advice to Rāhula)The Buddha teaches Rāhula to reflect on bodily, verbal, and mental actions before, during, and after acting, considering whether they lead to harm. This supports the talk’s emphasis on ethical reflection rather than blind obedience. AN 6.63 — Nibbedhika Sutta (Penetrative)Contains the well-known teaching identifying intention (cetanā) with kamma: intention is central to understanding the ethical quality and consequences of action. AN 11.1 — Kimattha Sutta (What Purpose?)Describes a natural progression beginning with skillful ethical conduct and freedom from remorse, followed by gladness, joy, tranquility, happiness, concentration, and deeper knowing and release. Note: These are the three specific sutta references presently named in the working talk. As the talk is finalized, additional references can be added if they genuinely support the material rather than simply increasing the bibliography. *Candle's meditation journey began in 1983. Following her first 10-day mindfulness retreat, she went on to complete training as a Community Dharma Leader at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 2003. Her root teachers in the Theravadan tradition are Kamala Masters and Steve Armstrong of the Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui and Minneapolis teacher Mark Nunberg. She has also been influence by Burmese teacher Sayadaw U Tejaniya. A dedicated practitioner, Candle taught at Portland Insight Meditation Center from 2020 - 2024. In 2024 she co-founded PNW Meditation. She continues to share mindfulness practices for daily life in live, hybrid, and online classes from her home in SE Portland. Visit https://www.givenfreely.com/ to learn more. -Please join PNWM in person or online Sats. 4:30-6:30 PDT for Meditation, Dharma talk and conversation in a relaxed setting with people of like mind. All identities are welcome. PNWM strives to be an inclusive open community that studies and practices the teachings of the Buddha and is welcoming all identities, physical and neuro abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, cultural and religious backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions. It is a non-profit w/ 401C3 status and operates on the principle that the Dharma is offered freely. Donations are accepted in person and on the website www.pnwmeditation.org For more info go to the Pnw Meditation FB page , visit the website www.pnwmeditation.org or write to pnwmcommunity@gmail.com. Please subscribe to this YouTube Channel. Candle can be reached at candlemaui@gmail.com. More info about Candle can be found at www.givenfreely.com Thank you for your practice! May it bring you joy and ease.