2009 April Retreat Highlights

2009 April Retreat Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center 10 Reasons to Visit Dae Yen Sa or Highlights from the April 2009 Retreat The April retreat included morning tai chi with Eric Harris, tea, chanting, readings, discussions, sharing of ideas, walking meditation and everyone's favorite Korean vegetarian lunch! Here are some of the many reasons to visit the temple. 1. Healthy food is served at most gatherings and teaching days. Korean vegetarian meals include healthy foods such as seaweed and traditional kimchi. 2. Exercise is included as part of the practice. Meditative walking can be slow or fast. There are many opportunities to attend scheduled yoga or tai chi classes. 3. Many new experiences await visitors at the temple! Experience chanting, meditation, friendship or any other activity of choice! 4. Learn about Sangha or community. Meet nice people and friends. 5. Relax in a comfortable atmosphere together with others or in quiet contemplation. 6. Enjoy nature and scenic beauty at the temple. A person might even get a glimpse of some of wild turkeys that wander through the grounds. 7. Cultural experiences abound at the temple! Visitors are often from other countries. Find out about the Buddhas, sit down for a vegetarian lunch, see examples of Korean spiritual art. Visit on a festival day or special Buddhist holy day. Remember Buddhas birthday is celebrated in May and is a big day at the temple! 8. Learn about Buddhism! There are Interesting talks, discussions, and opportunities to learn and ask questions to Buddhist Masters from around the world. 9. Come for the spiritual experience. Learn about Buddha, Buddhists and of course, non-Buddhists are always welcome. There are many temple activities for individuals of all beliefs. 10.Personal creativity and open-heartedness is encouraged! Visit the temple and write your own reasons! See photos of the day here! The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum" is easy to say yet quite powerful, because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. When you say the first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics, and Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and patience. Pad, the fourth syllable, helps to achieve perfection of perseverance, Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration, and the final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom. "So in this way recitation of the mantra helps achieve perfection in the six practices from generosity to wisdom. ---Gen Rinpoche 19 Kinsey Road New Hartford, CT 06057 Telephone: (860) 489-3254 Cell: (860) 459-6255 Fax: (860) 489-5760 Love, light and peace! Donations greatly appreciated!