For our September 2026 book club meeting, we met in person at DDM. The book club is a combination of meeting on line and in-person. It was a beautiful sunny day to meet. We had a diverse group of practitioners in this gathering. I think having Venerable Chang Xiang’s attendance at the book club meetings has allowed me to see the dharma through the eyes of a monastic. It’s been valuable to have Fashi present while reading one of Master Sheng Yen’s books to add more context to the teachings. On this occasion, we were also joined by another Venerable, Yan Qi Fashi, who also offered good insight into the subject we were studying.
We read about the Five Skandhas (a.k.a. Five Aggregates) and the discussion was lively. Three things still remain with me from this gathering. One, the power of in-person study and dialogue. Technology has its place, but this experience reminded me that it cannot replace the dynamic interactions with brothers and sisters in-person. Second, the sincerity and honesty of how we are all striving to practice in real life situations was encouraging. I felt that people were sincere in sharing their struggles and victories with their practice. Third, this session reaffirmed to me that while the Dharma is “a serious matter” that we can still smile and laugh, when appropriate, as we walk down this path together.
I think back on this day and what stands out to me is the profundity of the Five Skandhas and a group of beings sharing smiles, their challenges and efforts to understand and apply its deep meaning in their daily lives. If you have not joined this book club please join it. If you cannot make it to every session don’t let that stop you from attending. Each session has its own unique energy. May we all stay steady on the path of the Bodhisattva and attain Buddhahood.
Wisdom and Compassion,
Brother Derek
