Hello friends,

In this forum, there is much good discussion about Emptiness, Suchness, Shikantaza, Gathas, and other very good topics for discussion. However, it seems that the "beginner" or "number" topics do not surface as much, i.e.,

4 Noble Truths,
Noble 8-fold Path,
6 Perfections,
12-fold Chain of Dependent Origination,
16 Bodhisattva Precepts.

While discussion of Emptiness, Suchness, etc. can lead to very good and fruitful discourse, I am considering taking a sabbatical from these discussions in order to focus on some of the less spoken of topics here; a sort of "Beginners Retreat," if you will, for this perennial beginner. What I am wondering is whether any of you would be inclined to join me, to discuss the material and explain where my thoughts or interpretations are misguided or just wildly inaccurate.

Please let me know. I will be using this thread to post any musings or insights that come up as I go through the teachings here, starting with the "Buddha Basics" section of the "Talks and Teachings..." forum.

Metta,

Saijun