Meditation and teachings. Non-self and Who Meditates – guest speaker Ted Gutfeldt

Tonight’s guest speaker is Ted Gutfeldt.

Topic: If there is only non-self (anatta), who is it that meditates?

Talk Description: One of the fundamental tenets of Buddhism is that “I-making” and “my-making” results in suffering. We can recognize that the common thread that runs through the suffering of attachments/greed; aversions/hatred; and delusions; is the “self” which practices those qualities. When we look at virtues, there is someone that chooses to make them a priority, and fill life with them. Yet when Buddha was asked whether there IS a self or not, he treated the question as an “imponderable” that has no valid response or answer. So what does Buddha say DOES exist (if anything)?

Biography: Ted Gutfeldt was born in Germany after the war, and grew up in Vienna, Austria. He has pursued his interests in spirituality, psychology and philosophy, along with a career in electrical engineering. He never married, but enjoys spending time with those of similar mind.

Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation groups—Tuesdays evenings we offer an open drop-in sitting group in Mountain View, and Thursdays we offer structured courses in Saratoga.

The Tuesday sitting group meets every Tuesday evening for a meditation and Dhamma talk in Mountain View. The principal teacher is Shaila Catherine and guest speakers are featured regularly. Thematic series are periodically presented, but whether or not a topic has been advertised in advance, Shaila or a guest teacher will lead the sitting and offer teachings. See also weekly sitting.

Newcomers are always welcome. To help newcomers get acquainted with mindfulness meditation and IMSB, a senior member or teacher offers a beginner’s orientation beginning at 6:30 on the first Tuesday of each month.

IMSB relies upon the generosity of participants to support our teachers and cover organizational expenses. Dana is a word in the ancient Pali language that describes donations, offerings and generosity. Two bowls will be available at an event to practice dana for the teacher and IMSB; we encourage you to give joyfully and generously, according to your resources and means. IMSB is a 501(c) (3) organization. All donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.