Why Basic Buddhism Meetup?

Why did I decide to join Basic Buddhism? On the surface, the reason is rather superficial. To learn the basics about Buddhism. But I knew that the most important lessons that I would learn are not the ones that were prepared by the two instructors. Although their lessons are well structures and thought out, I found that I can learn just as easily by devouring all the Buddhist literature and writings out there. But, what I'm learning from the group are the lessons I had intended to learn – those of the lessons learned from the diverse experiences from each of the instructors and participants in the Meetup group.

Each Meetup I've attended – three so far – I've learned some lessons about life but also about myself. I'm a firm believer in the following basic principle. If I can learn to treat myself with love (substitute any emotion – negative or positive), I can learn to love others. On the negative side, if I constantly judge and criticize myself, how much more others?

I see in everyone a reflection of something I like about myself or something I don't like about myself. Rather narcissistic sounding. But, that interaction is the reflection in to my own soul that a mirror can't show. A mirror only reflects my material body. People reflect emotions, thoughts, actions, attitudes – soul. I learn more about myself by learning about others. The more intensely I am aware of others, the more I become aware of myself.