2009 November Announcements

2009 November Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center Wisdom of fresh, whole foods. 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. 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 11/25/09: The Dhammapada, Chapter 7 - The Worthy. For those with Books please read Chapter 7: The Worthy For those without books please read Chapter 7: The Worthy This this translation chapter 7 is entitled The Worthy. In other translations the title varies, as in, The Arahant (In early Buddhist scriptures, the word arahant refers to an enlightened being. ), for example, or The Saint. At Dae Yen Sa Temple we have a beautiful mural of the Buddhist Saints from the Korean tradition. At first one notices the brilliant colors and gold leaf that shines out to the viewer. Then, upon more careful observance we begin to see a myriad of people, in all different shapes, sizes, colors and moods. At this point I have a confession to make. Once while in a 2-hour Korean liturgy at the temple, I made the mistake at looking over at the mural only to see the contorted face of one of those saints staring me down! At once it struck me as being incredibly hilarious — it was all I could do not to break up laughing! It was like getting the giggles in church, and biting the bottom of my lip was the only thing that got me through! The point is, arahants and saints come in all shapes and sizes. Saints were, and are, people like us — with feelings and emotions, as depicted in our mural. They are worthy of our respect because they commit their lives to the proactice of mindfulness, renunciation, loving detatchment in order to transcend the cycle of samsara and allow more peace and compassion to blossom. But the job of enlightenment does not rest solely on these. Each one of us is called to a life of Sainthood, or Arahanship. That's because we know that the seed of enlightenment is within us. Each of us has experienced movements from illusion to truth in our hearts and minds. Transformation means moving forward in wisdom, like birds that leave no trace of their tracks in the sky. Namu and Happy Thanksgiving! Nobody is condemned in Buddhism, for greatness is latent even in the seemingly lowliest, just as lotuses spring from muddy ponds. Invite someone new to experience the warmth of the sangha. Buddha Thought There's this wonderful story about the first meeting between Kalu Rinpoche and Zen master Seung Sahn. The two monks entered with swirling robes - maroon and yellow for the Tibetan, austere gray and black for the Korean - and were followed by retinues of younger monks and translators with shaven heads ... The Tibetan lama sat very still, fingering a wooden rosary (mala) with one hand while murmuring, 'Om mani padme hung,' continuously under his breath. The Zen master, who was already gaining renown for his method of hurling questions at his students until they were forced to admit their ignorance and then bellowing, 'Keep that don't know mind!' at them, reached deep inside his robes and drew out an orange. 'What is this?' he demanded of the lama. 'What is this?' This was a typical opening question, and we could feel him ready to pounce on whatever response he was given. The Tibetan sat quietly fingering his mala and made no move to respond. 'What is this?' the Zen master insisted, holding the orange up to the Tibetan's nose. Kalu Rinpoche bent very slowly to the Tibetan monk next to him who was serving as the translator, and they whispered back and forth for several minutes. Finally the translator addressed the room: 'Rinpoche says, What is the matter with him? Don't they have oranges where he comes from?' A classic Buddhist story 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. Buddhist Food Blessing Members of Dae Yen Sa and Stillwater Meditation join together in recognizing the gift of food. MEAL PRAYERS First: We consider in detail the merit of this food and how it came to us. Second: We evaluate our own virtue and practice, lacking or complete, as we receive this offering. Third: We are mindful of our own greed, hatred and ignorance, to guard our minds and to free ourselves from error. Fourth: We take this food as good medicine to save our bodies from emaciation. Fifth: We accept this food to achieve the Way of the Buddha. Oh, all you hungry ghosts, We now offer this food to you. May all of you everywhere Share it with us together. 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!