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!