2009 October Announcements

2009 October Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center Master Dae San's 70th Birthday Contents: 1. Stillwater Holistic Health Fair! 2. Dharma School Series 3. Buddha Thought 4. Volunteer! 5. Saturday Schedule Reminder 6. Dae Yen Sa Video ALL INVITED!!! On Saturday, October 24th, Stillwater Meditation Center Sangha, of Wolcott, CT, visited Dae Yen Sa for a Saturday morning session consisting of Tai Chi, Meditation, and a delicious vegetarian lunch. Thank you for attending and thanks to Stillwater Meditation for a wonderful day! Stillwater invites everyone to visit their Holistic Health Fair at their Holistic Health Center, 30 Beach Road, Wolcott CT from 11 am to 2 pm. The day includes free workshops, Reiki massage, transformation energy, snacks and beverages as well as free instructional classes in Yoga, Tai Chi, NIA (aerobics) and meditation. Telephone 203-879-0630 for details and visit them on the net! http://stillwatermeditation.com/ The Dharma School Series Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:30 pm Dae Yen Sa Dharma School & Tea 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm We welcome individuals of all paths and understandings to participate in weekly gatherings consisting of meditation, meditative reading and review along with group reflection on Buddhist principles and practices or Dharma. The only requirement is an open mind and open heart. Study Topic for Wednesday 10/28/09: The Dhammapada, Chapter 2 - Mind For those with Books please read Chapter 3: Mind For those without books please read Chapter 3: The Mind The student asked the master, "How does one attain enlightenment?" The master replied, "What is this mind, covering the world?" The student, expecting and answer rather than a question, sat silently–turning over the question in his mind. The master continued, "What is this mind, covering...?""Understand?," asked the master of the student. "No, I do not." said the student. The master adjusted himself on the cushion, rocking from side to side."What is this mind?" again, an uncomfortable pause. Master continued, now even louder, "What is this?" "You understand?" The student unsure of the meaning of all this and becoming increasingly irritated, remained silent. The master continued, "What is?" What is what, thought the student. The master barked, "What!?" and then spoke no more. Both the student and master sat in silence for a long while.... No student, no master. Western patterns of thought are inherently linear. If we observe ourselves carefully, we'll see how much we're conditioned by the idea that "this logically leads to that, and that logically leads to something else, and so on." In relative terms, we can work responsibly to plan out our lives, but in absolute terms our lives are never linear. Life is dynamic and ever-shifting and changing. And when situations don't turn out the way we planned, or envisioned we suffer. In this week's chapter on mind, the Buddha teaches us how deceptive our thoughts can be. For example, did you ever work so hard to achieve something, only to find it was not what you thought it would be. Chances are you have been here hundreds of times in gross and subtle ways. Remember that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for"? The student wished for a direct answer from the master, and got one. Maybe not the logical and linear answer he wanted.. in fact, the answer was nowhere to be found and everywhere. If we are dedicated to seeking true nature, we must be willing not only live in the paradox but to accept it and transcend it to a place of compassion, beyond duality and notions of good and bad, right and wrong, answers and questions. We can see this in Buddha, Jesus, Ghandi, MLK and so many others in history. This attitude of life is a tall order, but once we touch the spacious reality of conscious awareness, we can never go backward into the small places of self-delusion, craving and hate. Namu to all. Whatever harm a foe may do to a foe, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind can do one far greater harm. Buddha Thought The Buddha Project encourages people worldwide to participate by submitting photos of Buddhas. You can participate by submitting your photos and also by visiting to see the wonderful photos. This is what the site has to say about Buddha images: "Images of Buddha can remind us to take a breath, to look around, to feel calm and compassionate, to be here now. You can notice Buddha almost anywhere — Laundromats, store windows, barbershops, farmers' markets, souvenir stands, tucked away on someone's night table." http://www.lensculture.com/buddha.html Volunteer Requests Assistance with preparation for special events, weekends and teaching nights is always greatly appreciated. This includes assistance in the kitchen, setting up, taking down and any other donation of talent or effort that can assist the temple. You are always greatly appreciated! The temple does have some special requests from time to time as well. Calling all TV Techies! The temple is seeking a volunteer(s) to help us find or purchase a big screen TV for the Main Temple that we could also connect to a computer. There are so many great teachings and wisdom available in multimedia now that would add to study experiences. In addition the temple is considering offering occasional "movie nights" for families. Maybe our first Movie night could be "MULAN" in honor of dear little Sasha! Of course, we are also seeking donations for the purchase of the TV, or, of a TV itself. Thank you in advance for your kindness in achieving this goal for the benefit of the sangha. Please see Su Yen Sunim to help with this endeavor. Lending Library The East gives us thousands upon thousands of Buddhist sacred texts. And here in the West we have access to many books and articles from teachers like Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron and other well-known teachers. It is our goal to begin a small lending library of Buddhist texts that would be open to Sangha members. The idea has been approved by Su Yen Sunim and Master, so we'll keep you posted on the logistics. In the meantime consider donating your books of wisdom to the temple. Make it a practice in letting go! Talks and Workshops While we have the Wisdom of the Triple Gem we also recognize the network of members and friends with wisdom to share with Dae Yen Sa. If you, or anyone you know, has an interest in presenting a workshop/lecture/training that is relevant and appropriate to Buddhist principles and practice, please speak with Eduardo. At present, the Temple does not have funds for lecturers. Any presentation would be considered a donation would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance. SPECIAL MENTION! Nirvana Juice Bar, Torrington One of our Sangha members, Rosie, invites us to visit her juice bar in Downtown Torrington. Rosie offers many wonderful health and energy drinks and foods as well as aromatic incenses and products sangha members would appreciate. In addition Rosie hosts guest lectures and open mike nights. Visit her website for more information and then visit her store for some "chill" time. http://nirvanahealthbar.com/ Nirvana is a healthy, fun and informative place to visit! Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM Tea Break 10:20 AM to 11:00 AM Silent Meditation 11:00 AM to 11:10 AM Walking Meditation 11:10 AM to 11:30 AM Chanting 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Korean Vegetarian Lunch The first Saturday of each month, Dae Yen Sa has a retreat day with a revised schedule. Call or contact the temple for the schedule and activities for that day. Very Special Birthday Bowing! Sasha demonstrates bowing from every point of view all in one clip! From not bowing, to bowing just the right number of times and then to extra special bowing, Master Dae San's very special student completes the honors for his 70th birthday. 19 Kinsey Road New Hartford, CT 06057 Telephone: (860) 489-3254 Cell: (860) 459-6255 Fax: (860) 489-5760 Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK!

2009 October Announcements

2009 October Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center Buddha of Compassion Contents: 1. Stillwater Meditation Center Sangha Visits! 2. Dharma School Series 3. Buddha Thought 4. Volunteer! 5. Saturday Schedule Reminder 6. Dae Yen Sa Video ALL INVITED!!! On Saturday, October 24th, Stillwater Meditation Center Sangha, of Wolcott, CT, will visit Dae Yen Sa for a Saturday morning session consisting of Tai Chi, Meditation, and a delicious vegetarian lunch. We invite all members and friends to participate in this collective program. 10:00 am to 11:00am Tai Chi 11:00 am to 11:30 am Meditation 11:30am to 12:00pm Lunch The Dharma School Series Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:30 pm Dae Yen Sa Dharma School & Tea 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm We welcome individuals of all paths and understandings to participate in weekly gatherings consisting of meditation, meditative reading and review along with group reflection on Buddhist principles and practices or Dharma. The only requirement is an open mind and open heart. Study Topic for Wednesday, October 21, 2009: STUDY TOPIC: Dhammapada: Chapter 2- Heedfulness For those with Books please read Chapter 2: Heedfulness For those without books please read Chapter 2: Heedfulness So how often in the past week have you used the word "heedful" in your communication with others. How often have you encountered the word heedful in the past month, year? The word heedful has its roots in the Old English term "hedan" meaning, "to take care". Here's a definition: heedful ˈhēdfəl adjective aware of and attentive to : she is heedful of her own intuitions. DERIVATIVES heedfully ˈhidfəli adverb heedfulness ˈhidfəlnəs noun the governor is about to deliver a statement regarding the hurricane, and it is imperative that everyone is heedful attentive, careful, mindful, cautious, prudent, circumspect; alert, aware, wary, chary, watchful, vigilant, on guard, on the alert. This week's reading focuses us on heedfulness, or vigilance, or mindfulness, or conscious awareness, as the pathway that leads to Life. The Buddha seems to be telling us something so very simple, and indeed much of the Dhammapada seems like basic common sense observations. But we as students and practitioners need to be watchful that in the face of its simplicity we don't gloss over the text and lose the profundity of the message. What does a life of mindfulness mean for you? What are the implications of developing a deeper sense of mindful awareness in your life and in your relationships? How and where do you encounter carelessness? What is your reaction? Do you feel frustration, anger or other emotions? And, are you mindful of these emotions? If we really dig deep into the teachings and look deeply into ourselves in meditation we can begin to be more skillful at recognizing our own triggers and those times when we speak or act out in heedlessness. Think about it, we may not swear out loud when a driver cuts us off on the highway, but if we're honest, we can feel the heat of justified resentment rise. We as Buddhist practitioners train in radical awareness and in letting go. This is a compassionate act and in no way a sign of weakness, but rather of strength, because it is we who can stop the death-dealing cycle of samsara. Namu, for Life! By sustained effort, earnestness, discipline and self-control let the wise person make for themselves an island, which no flood overwhelms. --- The Dhammapada, Ch. 2, V.5 Thinking of all and wishing peace and light. NAMU! Buddha Thought Each of us can now electronically spin our very own prayer wheel. All you have to do is download th3 mantra to your computer's hard disk. Downloaded, the hard disk drive will spin the mantra for you. Disk drives spin somewhere between 3600 and 7200 revolutions per minute! Given those rotation speeds, you'll soon be purifying negative karma. To see more on this, check this link! Volunteer Requests Assistance with preparation for special events, weekends and teaching nights is always greatly appreciated. This includes assistance in the kitchen, setting up, taking down and any other donation of talent or effort that can assist the temple. You are always greatly appreciated! The temple does have some special requests from time to time as well. Calling all TV Techies! The temple is seeking a volunteer(s) to help us find orpurchase a big screen TV for the Main Temple that we could also connect to a computer. There are so many great teachings and wisdom available in multimedia now that would add to study experiences. In addition the temple is considering offering occasional "movie nights" for families. Maybe our first Movie night could be "MULAN" in honor of dear little Sasha! Of course, we are also seeking donations for the purchase of the TV, or, of a TV itself. Thank you in advance for your kindness in achieving this goal for the benefit of the sangha. Please see Su Yen Sunim to help with this endeavor. Lending Library The East gives us thousands upon thousands of Buddhist sacred texts. And here in the West we have access to many books and articles from teachers like Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron and other well-known teachers. It is our goal to begin a small lending library of Buddhist texts that would be open to Sangha members. The idea has been approved by Su Yen Sunim and Master, so we'll keep you posted on the logistics. In the meantime consider donating your books of wisdom to the temple. Make it a practice in letting go! Talks and Workshops While we have the Wisdom of the Triple Gem we also recognize the network of members and friends with wisdom to share with Dae Yen Sa. If you, or anyone you know, has an interest in presenting a workshop/lecture/training that is relevant and appropriate to Buddhist principles and practice, please speak with Eduardo. At present, the Temple does not have funds for lecturers. Any presentation would be considered a donation would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance. SPECIAL MENTION! Nirvana Juice Bar, Torrington One of our Sangha members, Rosie, invites us to visit her juice bar in Downtown Torrington. Rosie offers many wonderful health and enrgy drinks and foods as well as aromatic incenses and products sangha members would appreciate. In addition Rosie hosts guest lectures and open mike nights. Visit her website for more information and then visit her store for some "chill" time. http://nirvanahealthbar.com/ Nirvana is a healthy, fun and informative place to visit! Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM Tea Break 10:20 AM to 11:00 AM Silent Meditation 11:00 AM to 11:10 AM Walking Meditation 11:10 AM to 11:30 AM Chanting 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Korean Vegetarian Lunch The first Saturday of each month, Dae Yen Sa has a retreat day with a revised schedule. Call or contact the temple for the schedule and activities for that day. Participants in the Memory Ceremony at Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center approach the alter three at a time. Each person carries a flower and performs special gestures with water and bowing. The Memory Ceremony is to honor ancestors and is held once a year at the temple. 19 Kinsey Road New Hartford, CT 06057 Telephone: (860) 489-3254 Cell: (860) 459-6255 Fax: (860) 489-5760 Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK!

2009 October Announcements

2009 October Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center Roses from the Memory Ceremony. Contents: 1. Field Trip Completed! Evening Candle Light Celebration. 2. Dharma School Series 3. Buddha Thought 4. Volunteer! 5. Saturday Schedule Reminder 6. Dae Yen Sa Video FIELD TRIP TO CHUANG YEN MONASTERY! Recently, a small group from Dae Yen Sa enjoyed a field trip to Chuang Yen Temple in Carmel, NY. The group participated in a retreat day, where they learned a new form of meditation practice called Sati. In Sati Meditation the practitioner uses mindful movements of the hands to bring about greater awareness.This practice was introduced by Luangpor Teean Jittasubho (1911-1988) of Thailand and taught to us by Dr. Dwight Chien. It is the temple's intention to make Sati meditation sessions available at DaeYen Sa. If any member who participated in the Sati retreat in NY is interested in leading Sati meditation please see Eduardo. For those wishing to experience the Sati retreat day at Chuang Yen, the next session is December 12, 2009. Email Edwardo eduardobarrios@optonline.net for more information or for a copy of the pdf with more sati meditation information. Evening Candlelight Walking Meditation and Chanting for an End to Violence In November, Dae Yen Sa is planning an evening of mindful walking and chanting for peace within us and within the world. This evening service will take place in the Main Hall that will be lit by (battery operated) candles. As part of the service we are asking Sangha members, friends and guests to offer a short written or impromtu prayer for peace. This special evening promises to be beautiful and powerful Keep posted for upcoming information regarding this event. The Dharma School Series Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:30 pm Dae Yen Sa Dharma School & Tea 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm We welcome individuals of all paths and understandings to participate in weekly gatherings consisting of meditation, meditative reading and review along with group reflection on Buddhist principles and practices or Dharma. The only requirement is an open mind and open heart. Study Topic for Wednesday, October 14, 2009: STUDY TOPIC: Dhammapada This coming Wednesday is the beginning of the 26 week study of the Dhammapada. Books will be provided with a suggested $5 donation. This study will be practiced in the meditative recitation style similar to our Shantideva experience. The first session is this Wednesday evening 10/14 beginning at 7pm. A separate and more detailed email will be coming to you before then. All members are invited to participate. The winters are always shorter when studying together! Let's embark on this Dhammapada journey and see where it takes us. Invite someone new to experience the warmth of the sangha. There are many, many wonderful translations of the Dhammapada, such as the Dhammapada translation by Eknath Easwaran and also the pocket version Dhammapada by Amida Maitreya. We will be using a Dhammapda text translated from the Indian Pali by Narada Thera. It is a bit more traditional in style. However an incredible feature of this text is that it provides commentary and short stories for each verse. Dae Yen Sa has placed an order for copies and will provide you with a book in the next couple of weeks. The suggested donation is $5.00. We will make photocopies of chapters available for those presently without books. And of course we will also share with one another. For those with books please read Chapter 1: The Twin Verses For those without books please read Chapter 1: The Twin Verses, at the link below, or your own transalations. http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/damapada.pdf On The Dhammapada: What would you think if I told you that the seeds of Buddha Wisdom are already within you? And what if I took that even farther and told you that you are already enlightened, but maybe you don't know it, or see it, or conceive it. Many of us might say, "Well this can't be, that's why I'm here... to get enlightened." But we don't "get" enlightenment, rather, through study and practice, we get out of our own way and discover the truth of who we are. As we prepare ourselves to enter into the study of this text, it is important to be aware of the obstacles we might unknowingly place in front of us and to come to the teachings with open hearts and minds. This sacred text is all about helping us let go and shed what may be keeping us in the prison of samara. we've spent years building up our insecurities and protective shells, The Dhammapada is our call to liberation. It is more than likely that throughout this 26-week study you will encounter a word, phrase, a sound, a smile that touches your deepest heart — the heart of Enlightenment within you. Dhamma is the Pali Indian word for, teaching, saying, truth, virtue, righteousness and so-forth. Pada is the word for section, parts, portion or way. Maybe we could think of it as the Way of Wisdom or the Path of Wisdom. It has been said that if all of the thousands of Buddhists scriptures and sacred texts were to be lost, the practitioner would need nothing more than The Dhammapada. The Dhammapada is a collection of Buddha's teachings, compiled by his disciples three months after the his death. The text is pithy and poetic. Each chapter's descriptive label helps us to remember the nature of its content. The text itself is a roadmap that helps orient us in a better direction. By studying together we will be journeying to a place of new awareness, understanding and liberation from the prison of our own self delusion to the vast open sky of peace and equanimity. By swimming in this text we will be saturating ourselves in the wisdom of truth and joining with the Buddha's disciples and great saints like Shantideva! Woohoo!! On Our Practice: Dharma study will continue on Wednesday evenings. As with our Shantideva study we will begin with a 30-minute period of chanting and silent mantra meditation and then proceed to practicing mindful recitation, with each person reading one verse at a time. We will study one chapter per week for the next 26 weeks. A brief Dharma reflection will be given with a period Sangha sharing and reflection, delicious tea and closing chant(s). In Closing: It is a true privilege to not only be graced with such a beautiful temple, but also for the opportunity to study wisdom together in the Sangha. Our study together will be like a warm fire around which we gather during the coming fall/winter months. We encourage all Sangha members to invite those who may be seeking peace, community and warmth to come in to Dae Yen Sa from out of the cold. Namu. Ah, happily do we live without hate amongst the hateful; amidst hateful men we dwell unhating. ---Dhammapada, CH. 15, V. 1 Thinking of all and wishing peace and light. NAMU! Buddha Thought Buddha walks into a pizzeria and says, "Make me one with everything." ---Old Buddha joke by unknown author. Volunteer Requests Assistance with preparation for special events, weekends and teaching nights is always greatly appreciated. This includes assistance in the kitchen, setting up, taking down and any other donation of talent or effort that can assist the temple. You are always greatly appreciated! The temple does have some special requests from time to time as well. Calling all TV Techies! The temple is seeking a volunteer(s) to help us find orpurchase a big screen TV for the Main Temple that we could also connect to a computer. There are so many great teachings and wisdom available in multimedia now that would add to study experiences. In addition the temple is considering offering occasional "movie nights" for families. Maybe our first Movie night could be "MULAN" in honor of dear little Sasha! Of course, we are also seeking donations for the purchase of the TV, or, of a TV itself. Thank you in advance for your kindness in achieving this goal for the benefit of the sangha. Please see Su Yen Sunim to help with this endeavor. Lending Library The East gives us thousands upon thousands of Buddhist sacred texts. And here in the West we have access to many books and articles from teachers like Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron and other well-known teachers. It is our goal to begin a small lending library of Buddhist texts that would be open to Sangha members. The idea has been approved by Su Yen Sunim and Master, so we'll keep you posted on the logistics. In the meantime consider donating your books of wisdom to the temple. Make it a practice in letting go! Talks and Workshops While we have the Wisdom of the Triple Gem we also recognize the network of members and friends with wisdom to share with Dae Yen Sa. If you, or anyone you know, has an interest in presenting a workshop/lecture/training that is relevant and appropriate to Buddhist principles and practice, please speak with Eduardo. At present, the Temple does not have funds for lecturers. Any presentation would be considered a donation would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance. SPECIAL MENTION! Nirvana Juice Bar, Torrington One of our Sangha members, Rosie, invites us to visit her juice bar in Downtown Torrington. Rosie offers many wonderful health and enrgy drinks and foods as well as aromatic incenses and products sangha members would appreciate. In addition Rosie hosts guest lectures and open mike nights. Visit her website for more information and then visit her store for some "chill" time. http://nirvanahealthbar.com/ Nirvana is a healthy, fun and informative place to visit! Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM Tea Break 10:20 AM to 11:00 AM Silent Meditation 11:00 AM to 11:10 AM Walking Meditation 11:10 AM to 11:30 AM Chanting 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Korean Vegetarian Lunch The first Saturday of each month, Dae Yen Sa has a retreat day with a revised schedule. Call or contact the temple for the schedule and activities for that day. Master Dae San chanting for the Memory Ceremony. 19 Kinsey Road New Hartford, CT 06057 Telephone: (860) 489-3254 Cell: (860) 459-6255 Fax: (860) 489-5760 Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK!

2009 October Announcements

2009 October Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center Lotus root served at the Memory Ceremony and at other important celebrations. Contents: 1. Field Trip! 2. Dharma School Series 3. Buddha Thought 4. Saturday Schedule Reminder 5. Dae Yen Sa Video FIELD TRIP TO CHUANG YEN MONASTERY! Participans will leave from DAE YEN SA IN NEW HARTFORD BY 8AM on Saturday, October 10th. All sangha members and friends are inviated to attend a field trip to Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY. Visit Chuang Yen Monasteries site at http://www.baus.org/bfc/sps/baus/baus_ce.html for more information about the monastary and the workshop. On the 10th the Monastery has scheduled a Sati Meditation workshop. The fee is $10 which we believe includes a vegetarian lunch. The day begins at 10 am and goes until 4 pm. The drive is about 1-1/2 hours from Dae Yen Sa in New Hartford. Since we do not have a Dae Yen Sa Buddha Bus(yet !) we will have to car pool. Please email if you are interested in going and indicate if you would also be willing to be a "driver". The Dharma School Series Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:30 pm Dae Yen Sa Dharma School & Tea 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm We welcome individuals of all paths and understandings to participate in weekly gatherings consisting of meditation, meditative reading and review along with group reflection on Buddhist principles and practices or Dharma. The only requirement is an open mind and open heart. Study Topic for Wednesday, October 7, 2009: STUDY TOPIC: THE 5 PRECEPTS Last Wednesday we finished covering the Noble Eightfold Path with a discussion on Wisdom. The Noble Eightfold Path was the summary of principles or skills we develop to achieve the end suffering. This Wednesday we will be discussing the Five Precepts, the most basic and practical code of conduct to which Buddhist laypeople subscribe. In their most concise form the Five Precepts can be expressed as: 1) To refrain from killing 2) To refrain from taking that which is not given 3) To refrain from sexual or sensual misconduct 4) To refrain from incorrect speech 5) To refrain from intoxicants These five principles have been expressed in many other ways and using different terms. Thich Nhat Hanh calls them the Five Mindfulness Trainings, and our Dae Yen Sa Temple recites his version on many Saturday mornings (the text is in the blue folders at the temple). He has transformed the wording of "refraining from 'negative' actions" into more positive wording, or tools for developing awareness and cultivating beneficial practices and relationships. Although the precepts are thousands of years old they continue to generate discussion in their interpretation and application (especially numbers 1 and 5). You can read Thich Nhat Hanh's Five Mindfulness Trainings at the Plum Village website. The English word "precept," which is the almost universally accepted translation from Pali (the language first used to put the Buddha's teachings into writing), comes from the Latin "praeceptum," meaning advice, rule, or direction taken beforehand. Most teachers distinguish precepts from laws and commandments by pointing out that they are principles one evaluates and chooses to adopt and live by, as opposed to being ordered by a higher authority under threat of some penalty. The precepts come from the Buddha -- an authority figure, it's true -- but they are presented as "The Five Faultless Gifts" that are "original... and unadulterated from the beginning" in the Abhisanda Sutra (the Buddha's original teaching). Buddha does not claim to have invented them; he just discovered them and is presenting them as faultless gifts: beneficial principles to live by. This presentation clearly differs from most other rule systems. You can read the actual Abhisanda Sutra verse (less than two pages if printed) at this link. As preparation for Wednesday's discussion please also read the Five Precepts Q&A in Buddhanet located at http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/qanda04.htm. Thinking of all and wishing peace and light. NAMU! Buddha Thought "The crucial question in the practice of morality in Buddhism is not 'Is this action right or wrong?' but 'Does this action come from attention or reaction?" ---Ken McLeod, Wake Up to Your Life, p. 32. Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM Tea Break 10:20 AM to 11:00 AM Silent Meditation 11:00 AM to 11:10 AM Walking Meditation 11:10 AM to 11:30 AM Chanting 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Korean Vegetarian Lunch The first Saturday of each month, Dae Yen Sa has a retreat day with a revised schedule. Call or contact the temple for the schedule and activities for that day. Footage of the Memory Ceremony at Dae Yen Sa with Master Dae San chanting in the background. Sue Yen Sunim is shown giving those remembered the ceremonial bathing. 19 Kinsey Road New Hartford, CT 06057 Telephone: (860) 489-3254 Cell: (860) 459-6255 Fax: (860) 489-5760 Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK!