2010 April Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center
Evening Prayer Sue Yen Sunim doing her evening prayers at the pagoda. Contents: 1. Events and Announcements Events and Announcements Please consider donations to the temple. Their non-profit status was not extended to their open land on Yellow Mountain leaving them with a large tax bill to pay this year. Your assistance, no matter what amount, is greatly appreciated. Yoga and Qi Gong practice is available on an alternating schedule with yoga at the Temple every Saturday. Visit the photo albums to see additional photos from the temple! 2009 April Retreat 2008 Retreat 2008 Photos
Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:45 pm Dae Yen Sa Dharma School 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm Tea, Chanting 8:30 Fruit Party!
Right view is the beginning and the end of the path, it simply means to see and to understand things as they really are and to realize the Four Noble Truth. As such, right view is the cognitive aspect of wisdom. It means to see things through, to grasp the impermanent and imperfect nature of worldly objects and ideas, and to understand the law of karma and karmic conditioning. Right view is not necessarily an intellectual capacity, just as wisdom is not just a matter of intelligence. Instead, right view is attained, sustained, and enhanced through all capacities of mind. It begins with the intuitive insight that all beings are subject to suffering and it ends with complete understanding of the true nature of all things. Since our view of the world forms our thoughts and our actions, right view yields right thoughts and right actions. Namu Buddhist Thought BENEFITS OF RECITING OM MANI PADME HUM There are fifteen major benefits, which are the same for both the long and the short mantra. Actually, there are so many benefits but if one can remember these fifteen, these are the most important, the integrated outlines. 5. One will always receive a perfect human body. Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga or Qi Gong Dae Yen Sa offers retreat days once a quarter, usually on a first Saturday of a month. Call or contact the temple to find out about upcoming retreat days, schedules, and activities for those days. Dae Yen Sa Video Eating the orange together, every bite. 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 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! 19 Kinsey Road Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK! |
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
2010 April Announcements
Saturday, April 17, 2010
2010 April Special Request
2010 April Special Request Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center
Truth Mountain god practice is said to be especially swift and those moving forward are cautioned to be pure at heart with their approach and intentions. All donations are greatly appreciated! Dae Yen Sa Video Zen NoirThe film that asks, "Who am I?"19 Kinsey Road Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK! |
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2010 April Announcements
2010 April Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center
Flower For a long time the Buddha stood there, saying nothing, holding up the lotus and looking into the faces of his audience. Suddenly Mahakashyapa, smiled because he understood! What did he understand? Contents: 1. Events and Announcements Events and Announcements Yoga and Qi Gong practice is available on an alternating schedule with yoga at the Temple every Saturday. Visit the photo albums to see additional photos from the temple! 2010 April Preparations 2009 Buddhas Birthday 2009 August
Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:30 pm
There's an old Christian spiritual song with which you may be familiar.” It's called "Dem Dry Bones", the lyrics go like this... Your toe bone connected to your foot bone, Your foot bone connected to your ankle bone, Your ankle bone connected to your leg bone, Your leg bone connected to your knee bone, Your knee bone connected to your thigh bone, Your thigh bone connected to your hip bone, Your hip bone connected to your back bone, Your back bone connected to your shoulder bone, Your shoulder bone connected to your neck bone, Your neck bone connected to your head bone.... In the coming weeks we will be beginning our study of the Noble 8-fold path. These are the collection of 8 prescriptive Buddhist principles mentioned in the last truth of the 4 noble truths. Will be learning and practicing each one on the cushion and off. They are: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration. While each principal is distinct, none is meant to stand alone. Each principal is connected to another in an interdependent relationship...like "Dem Dry Bones". So far the sangha has studied the Dhammapada and Way of the Bodhisattva, by shantideva. We have listened carefully to the wisdom and continue to work toward the ideals. Our entire practice is focused on helping us become free of delusion and ignorance in order to be more loving and compassionate. The 8-fold path gives us a practical framework for our practice, a skeleton of mindfulness, that we can apply to heal the suffering in our lives, or at the very least, transform our fixed hearts and minds to more flexible hearts and minds. Please take a few minutes to read the descriptions of each principle below, (excerpted from thebigview.com). We will begin our study with a review of the 8 and moving into specific principals as the weeks go on. This is and "experiential" dharma study. I'm asking that you keep a journal to record any observations and insights that come up as you move through each of these practice principles You may be amazed at what you find! As always, there will be opportunities to share our experiences within the refuge of the sangha. Namu. 1. Right View Right view is the beginning and the end of the path, it simply means to see and to understand things as they really are and to realize the Four Noble Truth. As such, right view is the cognitive aspect of wisdom. It means to see things through, to grasp the impermanent and imperfect nature of worldly objects and ideas, and to understand the law of karma and karmic conditioning. Right view is not necessarily an intellectual capacity, just as wisdom is not just a matter of intelligence. Instead, right view is attained, sustained, and enhanced through all capacities of mind. It begins with the intuitive insight that all beings are subject to suffering and it ends with complete understanding of the true nature of all things. Since our view of the world forms our thoughts and our actions, right view yields right thoughts and right actions. 2. Right Intention While right view refers to the cognitive aspect of wisdom, right intention refers to the volitional aspect, i.e. the kind of mental energy that controls our actions. Right intention can be described best as commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement. Buddha distinguishes three types of right intentions: 1. the intention of renunciation, which means resistance to the pull of desire, 2. the intention of good will, meaning resistance to feelings of anger and aversion, and 3. the intention of harmlessness, meaning not to think or act cruelly, violently, or aggressively, and to develop compassion. 3. Right Speech Right speech is the first principle of ethical conduct in the eightfold path. Ethical conduct is viewed as a guideline to moral discipline, which supports the other principles of the path. This aspect is not self-sufficient, however, essential, because mental purification can only be achieved through the cultivation of ethical conduct. The importance of speech in the context of Buddhist ethics is obvious: words can break or save lives, make enemies or friends, start war or create peace. Buddha explained right speech as follows: 1. to abstain from false speech, especially not to tell deliberate lies and not to speak deceitfully, 2. to abstain from slanderous speech and not to use words maliciously against others, 3. to abstain from harsh words that offend or hurt others, and 4. to abstain from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth. Positively phrased, this means to tell the truth, to speak friendly, warm, and gently and to talk only when necessary. 4. Right Action The second ethical principle, right action, involves the body as natural means of expression, as it refers to deeds that involve bodily actions. Unwholesome actions lead to unsound states of mind, while wholesome actions lead to sound states of mind. Again, the principle is explained in terms of abstinence: right action means 1. to abstain from harming sentient beings, especially to abstain from taking life (including suicide) and doing harm intentionally or delinquently, 2. to abstain from taking what is not given, which includes stealing, robbery, fraud, deceitfulness, and dishonesty, and 3. to abstain from sexual misconduct. Positively formulated, right action means to act kindly and compassionately, to be honest, to respect the belongings of others, and to keep sexual relationships harmless to others. Further details regarding the concrete meaning of right action can be found in the Precepts. 5. Right Livelihood Right livelihood means that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. The Buddha mentions four specific activities that harm other beings and that one should avoid for this reason: 1. dealing in weapons, 2. dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), 3. working in meat production and butchery, and 4. selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs. Furthermore any other occupation that would violate the principles of right speech and right action should be avoided. 6. Right Effort Right effort can be seen as a prerequisite for the other principles of the path. Without effort, which is in itself an act of will, nothing can be achieved, whereas misguided effort distracts the mind from its task, and confusion will be the consequence. Mental energy is the force behind right effort; it can occur in either wholesome or unwholesome states. The same type of energy that fuels desire, envy, aggression, and violence can on the other side fuel self-discipline, honesty, benevolence, and kindness. Right effort is detailed in four types of endeavours that rank in ascending order of perfection: 1. to prevent the arising of unarisen unwholesome states, 2. to abandon unwholesome states that have already arisen, 3. to arouse wholesome states that have not yet arisen, and 4. to maintain and perfect wholesome states already arisen. 7. Right Mindfulness Right mindfulness is the controlled and perfected faculty of cognition. It is the mental ability to see things as they are, with clear consciousness. Usually, the cognitive process begins with an impression induced by perception, or by a thought, but then it does not stay with the mere impression. Instead, we almost always conceptualize sense impressions and thoughts immediately. We interpret them and set them in relation to other thoughts and experiences, which naturally go beyond the facticity of the original impression. The mind then posits concepts, joins concepts into constructs, and weaves those constructs into complex interpretative schemes. All this happens only half consciously, and as a result we often see things obscured. Right mindfulness is anchored in clear perception and it penetrates impressions without getting carried away. Right mindfulness enables us to be aware of the process of conceptualization in a way that we actively observe and control the way our thoughts go. Buddha accounted for this as the four foundations of mindfulness: 1. contemplation of the body, 2. contemplation of feeling (repulsive, attractive, or neutral), 3. contemplation of the state of mind, and 4. contemplation of the phenomena. 8. Right Concentration The eighth principle of the path, right concentration, refers to the development of a mental force that occurs in natural consciousness, although at a relatively low level of intensity, namely concentration. Concentration in this context is described as one-pointedness of mind, meaning a state where all mental faculties are unified and directed onto one particular object. Right concentration for the purpose of the eightfold path means wholesome concentration, i.e. concentration on wholesome thoughts and actions. The Buddhist method of choice to develop right concentration is through the practice of meditation. The meditating mind focuses on a selected object. It first directs itself onto it, then sustains concentration, and finally intensifies concentration step by step. Through this practice it becomes natural to apply elevated levels concentration also in everyday situations. Namu Buddhist Thought BENEFITS OF RECITING OM MANI PADME HUM There are fifteen major benefits, which are the same for both the long and the short mantra. Actually, there are so many benefits but if one can remember these fifteen, these are the most important, the integrated outlines. 4. One will always be able to meet with virtuous friends. Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga or Qi Gong Dae Yen Sa offers retreat days once a quarter, usually on a first Saturday of a month. Call or contact the temple to find out about upcoming retreat days, schedules, and activities for those days. Dae Yen Sa Video Sue Yen Sunim performs one section of the Memory Ceremoy at Dae Yen Sa International Budhist Temple and Meditation Center. This is part of a special day to remember and honor ancestors. 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 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! 19 Kinsey Road Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK! |
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
2010 April Announcements
2010 April Announcements Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center
Buddha Mandala Sue Yen Sunim completed this most recent mandala, the Buddha. Representations of the Buddha contain messages in their non-verbal communication. The posture of the Buddha and the position of hands and feet are part of that message. At the temple, there are several Buddhas to view. Contents: 1. Events and Announcements Events and Announcements Yoga and Qi Gong practice is available on an alternating schedule with yoga at the Temple every Saturday. Namu. Lorein, Dae Yen Qi Gong Facilitator Visit the photo albums to see additional photos from the temple! 2010 April Preparations 2009 February Retreat 2009 Dae Yen Sa Retreat
Chanting & Meditation 7 pm - 7:30 pm
For those with Books please read Chapter 26: Brahmina For those without books please read Chapter 25: Brahmins In the time of Buddha, in India, the Brahmins were those people of a priestly caste. They performed and practiced vedic rituals and rites of the time. They were considered the religious, holy ones. This closing chapter of the Dhammapada is focused on this culturally/religiously elite group. The message? Nothing new to we who have been studying this sacred text for so many weeks. Each one of us is responsible for identifying and transforming the greed, anger and ignorance into generosity, loving-kindness and mindfulness. Only in this way can we really realize a state of Whole-ness and Holiness. Rituals, which may be beneficial, cannot replace our own diligent efforts in our meditation and practice. The Buddha knows the human condition so well and exempts no one from doing the internal work of liberation, not even the Brahmin. When we think of a religious caste we are reminded of spiritual pride. We can all fall into this mindset in both gross and subtle forms when we attach our identities to a "special" roles, groups, or people. Paradoxically, this can create separation between us. After all, we attend temple, we study Dharma, we meditate - we are the Enlightened ones, right? And spiritual pride can very subtly, and imperceivably erode respect for the teachings, because we might start to believe we've learned all there is to know! This is why we are reminded, time and time again, to let go of attachments. In fact, an underlying teaching of Chapter 26 is about letting go of sense pleasures, so we can be free to concentrate our meditation and practice loving-kindness with humility and charity of heart. Listen to the words of a modern day Brahmin, the Dalai Lama, "There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness." This simple and yet profound statement is a wisdom we have been studying all this time in the Dhammapada. Now we come to the end of this Holy scripture, but to the beginning of a new perspective on our own journey toward Nirvana. May we all be peaceful, happy and well Namu Buddhist Thought BENEFITS OF RECITING OM MANI PADME HUM There are fifteen major benefits, which are the same for both the long and the short mantra. Actually, there are so many benefits but if one can remember these fifteen, these are the most important, the integrated outlines. 3. One will always meet with fortunate times and good conditions, which will help your Dharma practice. Having many good things happen it inspires you to practice Dharma, to receive teachings and to meditate. Saturday Temple Regular Schedule: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Yoga or Qi Gong Dae Yen Sa offers retreat days once a quarter, usually on a first Saturday of a month. Call or contact the temple to find out about upcoming retreat days, schedules, and activities for those days. Dae Yen Sa Video Little Chant: Shine in Life and Health for Yourself and OthersOM A-MOGABA EE-RO CHA-NA MA-HA MUH-DE-RA MA-NI PA-DUH-MA ZUH-BARA PURA BA-UL TA-YA HUM 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 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! 19 Kinsey Road Donations greatly appreciated! VISIT DAE YEN SA ON FACEBOOK! |
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