PRESENT SITUATION
GOOD FWBO has a strong connection with theravada buddhism. I think that FWBO has an important place in giving basic education in buddhism. Meditation courses and dharma talks based on Pali canon. Topics: Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path, karma, death and rebirth, importance of the sangha, theory of meditation. Only institution in Estonia that could teach Abhidharma.
Connections with Finnish FWBO sangha Celebration of festivals (Wesak etc) Retreats and meditation days People – our sangha. I love your compassion, wisdom and cheerfulness
PROBLEMS Estonia is little country on the European border. Our sanghas are small. We are far away from more active buddhist life in Western-Europe. Solution: co-operation between sanghas and other institutions (Estonian Institute of Buddhism; universities); being more connected with buddhists abroad
Financial problems. How to find financing? Again: Co-operation!!! Writing projects Searching different funds
What is buddhist life? Importance of dharma (knowldedge, theory), meditation and ethics. How buddhism can transform our everyday life?
„Spiritual but not religious“. New age vs religion. Why many people are against institutions? Religious problems today: from traditionalism to new age/post- modernism and forward.
How to connect everyday life with spiritual practice? How to be spiritual person with regular practice and be a lay person.
REALISTIC IDEAS (these aren’t new ideas, more reminders) Meditation course in Russian Eating together Retreats on mindfulness and metta bhavna Being more visible – keeping „doors open“. What is FWBO – our aproach to Buddhism? Maybe a little introduction on the website.