Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center
Read on for the meaning of flowers!
Contents:
1. Upcoming Events 2. Dharma School Series 3. Buddha Thought 4. Volunteer! 5. Saturday Schedule Reminder 6. Dae Yen Sa Video
Upcoming Events
Candlelight Walking Meditation
Evening Candlelight Walking Meditation and Chanting for an End to Violence ---In November, we will be 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 impromptu prayer for peace. This special evening promises to be beautiful and powerful. We will keep you posted on specific date.
An Invitation to Enjoy Stillwater Meditation!!!
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/
Nonviolent Communication Workshop
Sangha members Aaron Doyle and Eduardo Barrios are working on scheduling a non-violent communication workshop in the coming months. See more info at http://www.cnvc.org and stay tuned for more information in the future!
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 11/04/09: The Dhammapada, Chapter 4 - Flowers For those with Books please read Chapter 4: Flowers For those without books please read Chapter 4: Flowers
Flowers are a sensual pleasure. We can see their beautiful colors, shapes and sizes. We can smell their wonderful fragrance. We often give flowers to people to let them know we love them, that we wish them well on a new endeavor, to cheer them up when they are feeling sad or sick, to celebrate a milestone and more.
Paradoxically, we offer flowers, which are fragile and impermanent, to others as a sign of lasting affection and support. The Buddha uses the image of flowers to remind us of the truth of impermanence of life and exhorts us to live our life this very day in virtue, gathering merit as we go. But how do we do this?
First, rather than criticizing or judging others we practice meditation, on and off the cushion, looking deeply and honestly at our own subtle and gross forms of attachment in order to let go. This is a continual and gentle practice of coming back to our true nature. Each time we let go of craving we become more free. The teaching of the 8 fold path gives us a road map and the sangha supports us in our practice toward liberation.
In Hawaii, guests are given leis, flower garlands placed around the neck as a sign of welcome and affection. Each lei is made by adding one flower at a time. Maybe we could think of our life as a lei. When we let go of an attachment our hearts and minds become free to begin gathering and stringing together, one by one, flowers of virtue. Maybe this fragrant lei of merit and love that we've gathered in this life is what is to be shared.
Namu.
Ongoing Wednesday Night Dharma ---Wednesday's we are continuing the 26 week study of the Dhammapada. Books are provided with a suggested $5 donation.This study will be practiced in the meditative recitation style similar to our Shantideva experience. The first session started Wednesday evening 10/14/09. The winters are always shorter when we're 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.
Nobody is condemned in Buddhism, for greatness is latent even in the seemingly lowliest, just as lotuses spring from muddy ponds.
Buddha Thought
Three monks decided to practice meditation together. They sat by the side of a lake and closed their eyes in concentration. Then suddenly, the first one stood up and said, "I forgot my mat." He stepped miraculously onto the water in front of him and walked across the lake to their hut on the other side. When he returned, the second monk stood up and said, "I forgot to put my other underwear to dry." He too walked calmly across the water and returned the same way.The third monk watched the first two carefully in what he decided must be the test of his own abilities.
"Is your learning so superior to mine? I too can match any feat you two can perform," he declared loudly and rushed to the water's edge to walk across it. He promptly fell into the deep water. Undeterred, the yogi climbed out of the water and tried again, only to sink into the water. Yet again he climbed out and yet again he tried, each time sinking into the water. This went on for some time as the other two monks watched. After a while, the second monk turned to the first and said, "Do you think we should tell him where the stones are?"
A classic Buddhist joke found on the net.
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.
Sati Meditation
Recently, a small group from Dae Yen Sa enjoyed a field trip to Chuang Yen Temple in Carmel, NY. We participated in a retreat day, where we 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 our intention to make Sati meditation sessions available at DaeYen Sa. If any member who participated in our 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.
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.
Good Luck! Bad Luck!
Pierce from Stillwater Meditation presents the classic parable of the father running the farm and viewing events as good luck and bad luck. The points of view in the story are very temporary.
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