Sanghas - NewBuddhist

Sanghas - NewBuddhist http://newbuddhist.com/categories/your-sangha/feed.rss Sat, 25 May 2013 18:42:32 -0400 Sanghas - NewBuddhist en-CA Memphis area - sangha meetup http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18514/memphis-area-sangha-meetup Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:41:09 -0400 Sanghas riverflow 18514@/discussions
There is a small sangha -- of only three! -- that would be nice to have, well, more than just three. So I'd like to invite anyone to come, please.

It is in the Thich Nhat Hahn tradition and meets every Thursday night at 6 pm and lasts about an hour.

We meet at Quan Am Monastery at 3500 S. Goodlett St. in Memphis, Tennessee

If you are interested, contact me here and I can give you an email address--someone you can contact just in case the Thursday night meeting ever gets cancelled (and you can be on a mailing list for any cancellations should something arise).

Just FYI...]]> Struggling to find a sangha in Flagstaff, AZ http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18704/struggling-to-find-a-sangha-in-flagstaff-az Thu, 09 May 2013 18:37:33 -0400 Sanghas ericcris10sen 18704@/discussions
As much as I like this online-'sangha', I just don't feel like I did when I was face to face, and with other people in a group, meditating, and gaining more information and understanding, over in California (where I was living). For those who have been in this predicament, what have you done, or found that works? I'll continue to use this site, because well, you're the only Sangha I have, to be honest. ]]> Alienation. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18307/alienation Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:03:18 -0400 Sanghas Citta 18307@/discussions Others though have a built in aversion to being around other practitioners. They want to protect their own views and habits. They think that no one else comes up to scratch and they want to play sheriff. Or they feel inadequate and think that their inexperience will make them seem foolish.
I think those feelings should be resisted. Traditionally the Buddha left THREE Jewels..Buddha Dharma and Sangha , and the last is not least. I dont think online Sangha counts...useful though it is.
The danger in the absence of Sangha is alienation.
It happens.
The internet is littered with the evidence.]]> I can't find a List of Buddhist Teachers http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18484/i-cant-find-a-list-of-buddhist-teachers Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:50:35 -0400 Sanghas buddhistok 18484@/discussions Wayward teachers, Gurus, cults http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18460/wayward-teachers-gurus-cults Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:38:40 -0400 Sanghas Patr 18460@/discussions
"When teachers break the precepts,
behaving in ways that are clearly damaging to themselves and others,
students must face the situation,
even though this can be challenging, criticize openly, that's the only way."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

But not the easy way....

http://viewonbuddhism.org/controversy-controversial-teacher-group-center-questionable.html :) :)

Read and enjoy..!!]]> Temple finder http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/90/temple-finder Thu, 13 Jan 2005 16:56:51 -0500 Sanghas Justin 90@/discussions I've quit my job and I'm going to be a monk. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18502/ive-quit-my-job-and-im-going-to-be-a-monk Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:55:46 -0400 Sanghas JamestheGiant 18502@/discussions I finish work in two weeks, then off to the monastery to begin training/monastic life/the grand experiment/a big mistake/who knows what!
The first few months I'll be wearing normal clothes. Then I'll apply to be an Anagarika, (pure white clothes!?... lots of bleach in with the laundry) which is basically a year-long try-it-out period before I ask to be ordained as a novice monk and get the pretty saffron robes.
Then... who knows. Most western monks return to lay-life after a few years / a few decades... but... I will take it one day at a time, as someone wisely suggested to me.

It's at Bodhinyana Monastery in Western Australia, and the famous Ajahn Brahm is the abbot there.
I'm not going there because of him, but rather because it is the biggest Theravadan monastery in Australasia.
There is an excellent community of about 20 monks there, and a good sangha is really important for a newbie to learn from. There are also monks with very different approaches to being monks; some are scholar monks, meditation monks, work monks, teaching monks,etc. There are eccentric men there, and also quite normal level-headed types.
So there is tremendous potential for learning different aspects of the life from different style monks.
It's also quite a progressive monastery, with the consequence that this monastery has been expelled from the Thai Forest Sangha for ordaining women as nuns. A fair price to pay, I say, for dragging a chauvinistic sect into the 21st century... or for returning the sangha to the way it was a thousand and more years ago – a double sangha of both monks and nuns. Anyway, it's awesome.

I'm not jumping into this blind, by the way, this isn't some sudden idea I've had.
I have stayed as a guest for 6 months at a monastery in New Zealand, have lived at a meditation centre for 6 months or so, and have done a good amount of meditation, so I know roughly what I might expect. I've been working to pay off my debts ( can't ordain if you owe money) for the past year, and now I'm all set.

From now on it's going to be one long psychedelic roller-coaster of wild meditations, mystical adventures, and, um, other cool stuff.
Either that, or a life of getting up appallingly early, wearing ridiculously impractical clothes, having no dinner and no sex, and being bored a lot.
Or something in between.

Much excitement! So if you don't see much of me around here in future, that's why.
I'm not going for another three weeks yet though.

]]> Sangha Volunteers - Wanted in France http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18504/sangha-volunteers-wanted-in-france Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:01:06 -0400 Sanghas SanghaRetreat 18504@/discussions
Does anyone fancy holidaying in rural France this Spring/Summer?
We are looking for help in exchange for free food and lodgings.
We're happy to accommodate short (a few days) or Long term (a few months) visitors.

We're looking for enthusiastic workers to join in the fun and become part of our new community of friends. Please check out details by clicking on the link below and dropping us a line.

sangharetreat.co.uk/

Metta

Steve

]]> Venerable Phuntsok - NYC http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18421/venerable-phuntsok-nyc Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:20:17 -0400 Sanghas rivercane 18421@/discussions
I was wondering if anyone has ever attended the meditations and dharma talks given by Ven Phuntsok in New York City and if so what were your impressions? Is anyone here a student of his?

I only listen to the podcasts since I live over 2,000 miles away and am unable to attend but I can honestly say that it has been life changing for me. I've had an interest in Buddhism for a very long time and had made some progress in meditation before discovering him on iTunes but I experienced a major breakthrough just by listening to the podcasts.

There's something about the meditation technique he teaches - it's different then anything I had encountered before and I find it extremely powerful. Through his dharma talks, I have also been able to make progress in understanding advanced topics such as emptiness and dependent origination. Once I finally "got it", it changed the way I think and my view of the world.

I have only visited NYC once, many years ago, and if I have the opportunity to go back I would love to visit his sangha. If it were possible, I would like to actually move there just to become a student of his.

Please share your thoughts and feelings if you have experienced his teachings, even if just through the podcasts (technology is amazing) and the effect he has had on you.

Thanks, and it is good to be here.]]> The Sutra Club http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18312/the-sutra-club Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:51:19 -0400 Sanghas zombiegirl 18312@/discussions Once a week or so, we could have a post denoting a certain sutra with links online so everyone who wants to can partake... then we can all add our thoughts on the writings.

What do you guys think? All I know is that we would need someone more advanced than me (so, basically, anyone, haha) to lead it. I'm not as well versed as many of the other members on this site are, so I wouldn't even know where to begin.

Anyone interested? ]]> Eshin Godfrey to be Abbott of Rinzai-ji http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18323/eshin-godfrey-to-be-abbott-of-rinzai-ji Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:16:35 -0400 Sanghas Invincible_summer 18323@/discussions
http://sweepingzen.com/eshin-godfrey-to-be-abbot-of-rinza-ji/

I don't know all too much about all the politics of the Zen community, but it's sort of cool to see that a local Zen sangha will have the head of a whole tradition in residence.]]> No Local Sangha Available, What Now? Thai Forest Tradition. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18197/no-local-sangha-available-what-now-thai-forest-tradition Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:32:46 -0400 Sanghas Gavin 18197@/discussions Dharma work exchange http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18260/dharma-work-exchange Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:29:53 -0400 Sanghas blu3ree 18260@/discussions
Schools of interest are zen vajrayana tibetan

Appreciate any links.
Many thanks in advance!]]> Magnolia Grove Monastery http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18106/magnolia-grove-monastery Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:21:44 -0400 Sanghas riverflow 18106@/discussions Magnolia Grove Monastery

Sunday, March 17 I am going! The Monastery is in Batesville, MS. I live approximately an hour away, in West Memphis, AR.

I noticed on their website to contact them in advance, so I sent them a brief email. I don't know how long it will be for a response. For first-timers, they recommend coming at 8 am for a general orientation. The Sunday schedule goes something like this:

5:30am- Sitting meditation & chanting
7:00am - Breakfast
8:30am- Walking meditation
9:45am- Dharma talk
11:30am- Precepts recitation
1:00pm - Formal lunch
2:00pm - Total relaxation (if conditions are favorable :))

The dharma talk may be given by one of the monks or a DVD of Thich Nhat Hanh. I believe they are still in the middle of constructing a large meditation centre there.

Here's the email I sent:

Hello,

My name is Josh and I live in West Memphis. I am would like to visit for the Sunday Day of Mindfulness for Sunday, March 17.

I have been involved with Buddhist practice by myself (only with the aid of books, including a few by Thich Nhat Hanh) for the past three years but I have not yet been part of a sangha or been in any group meditation setting before. This is something I would like to now explore in order to deepen my practice and learn from others.

I notice on your website it says to contact you when visiting and also for first-timers to arrive at 8:00 am for a kind of orientation. I just wanted to make sure this is correct. My email is ******@outlook.com

I am very much looking forward to coming to the practice center this Sunday.

With much metta, gratitude and bows,
Josh

I'll let you all know how this goes!
]]> FYI: Thich Nhat Hanh in Mississippi in Sep 2013 http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18146/fyi-thich-nhat-hanh-in-mississippi-in-sep-2013 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:57:25 -0400 Sanghas riverflow 18146@/discussions

We are happy to let you know that there will be a Day of Mindfulness at Magnolia Grove Monastery on Sunday, September 29th, 2013. Our teacher Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and about 80 monks and nuns from Plum Village, Deer Park & Blue Cliff Monasteries will be present. It will also be the last day of our 5-day retreat “Healing Yourself is Healing the World” (from September 24th to September 9th), so about 900 retreatants will also already be at the monastery. It will be a great opportunity for us to practice Mindfulness together. The powerful collective energy of the community will be healing and transformative for every one of us. Please do your best to attend this special day. Please bring your family and friends with you, too.

In order for the monastery to better welcome our friends coming for the day, we kindly ask you to make make a small donation of $50.00 or more (per adult), $30 or more (per child 6-18 year old), to help us with these preparations. There will be a special program for children over 6 year old. Dormitory and camping spaces are only available to friends who participate the whole retreat; therefore, we cannot accommodate friends who wish to spend Saturday night at the monastery.

There's no way I can do the whole retreat (Sep 24-29), but THIS (just the 29th) is very do-able for me. @Vastminds , you may be very interested -- and others perhaps...?

More info and registration HERE: http://pvretreats.org/magnolia/index.php/en/
]]> First trip to a meditation centre http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18115/first-trip-to-a-meditation-centre Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:00:53 -0400 Sanghas TheEccentric 18115@/discussions Should the people of a Sangha be welcoming? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18063/should-the-people-of-a-sangha-be-welcoming Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:35:35 -0500 Sanghas DaftChris 18063@/discussions
I know people are different and no two temples are the same, but, generally, should the people of a Buddhist community be welcoming of those who wish to join? Especially if the seeker is not of the temples ethnicity? ]]> Insight Meditation Society http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18024/insight-meditation-society Sun, 03 Mar 2013 17:15:22 -0500 Sanghas Invincible_summer 18024@/discussions
I know that lots of well-respected teachers and authors (Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Noah Levine, etc) are affiliated with IMS (or in the case of Kornfield & Salzberg, founded it), but I'm wondering - are they more of a secular meditation group geared towards "stress reduction," or are they rooted in Buddhist foundations (e.g. 4NT, 8FP) but with a greater emphasis on Vipassana meditation?

]]> Hello world! All suggestions and feedback welcomed http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18028/hello-world-all-suggestions-and-feedback-welcomed Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:13:47 -0500 Sanghas SanghaRetreat 18028@/discussions
I am in the process of moving to France and setting up a very small and informal retreat in Limousin. It is an old farm house / cottage type property with quite a bit of land. The place is very rural and beautiful.

I am new to this and am just wondering if anybody has any suggestions that would help making the process easier. The set up is going to be very basic. Flights (Ryanair) to the nearest airport (Limoges) are very cheap. What do people look for when they go to a rural retreat? Are facilities important? I do have the website already up and running http://www.SanghaRetreat.co.uk, any feedback and suggestions are very welcomed!

I have also set up a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sangharetreatfrance

Looking forward to meeting new people on this forum!

Steve ]]> Talk to me about Shambhala please http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/7183/talk-to-me-about-shambhala-please Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:26:36 -0400 Sanghas username_5 7183@/discussions
I am familiar with Zen (intellectually), but Shambhala is new to me. I became familiar with it while reading a book by Pema Chodron and I very much enjoy her teaching. However I have heard that it's controversial to some primarily due to it's founder's antics. It also seems it's not Buddhist, but Buddhist like.

Anyway, I really don't know much about it as my above paragraph makes clear so I thought I would ask you folks what it is about and if it is 'kosher'. I do like the idea of their weekend training programs and the level 1 program starts next week so I am considering that.]]> I'm not anti-Sangha, but... http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17917/im-not-anti-sangha-but Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:09:17 -0500 Sanghas darkprincess128 17917@/discussions
But moreover, I feel that the Dharma should mean something special to you yourself as opposed to simply agreeing with what your teacher says. Of course I feel that other opinions can be beneficial, and I still do go to my temple for services. But I mostly do private practice without the assistance of a Sangha.

I guess my point of this post is this - what do you find beneficial about a Sangha? Is there something I'm missing?]]> A Buddhist monastery open to new people http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17431/a-buddhist-monastery-open-to-new-people Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:51:32 -0500 Sanghas Keyouse 17431@/discussions
Thank you and peace to you.
]]> Western Buddhists in Chiang Rai? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17841/western-buddhists-in-chiang-rai Thu, 14 Feb 2013 02:18:22 -0500 Sanghas Barra 17841@/discussions
Has anyone on this forum ever lived there?]]> Input needed on teachers, groups, etc. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17734/input-needed-on-teachers-groups-etc Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:28:34 -0500 Sanghas black_tea 17734@/discussions
I'm interested in both Pure Land and Zen. I've always been very drawn to Pure Land, but I've also really enjoyed and gotten a lot out of the books I've read on Zen. Furthermore, both have been practiced together in China for a long time, so they aren't incompatable -- this is what I would ultimately like to do, combine Zen and Pureland practices. There are no places around here for Pureland, but there are Zen centers. I went to an intro class at a local Zen center that looked promising. However, it turned out not to be a very good fit for me. I appreciated the meditation instruction I got, since it really helped with my posture and having gone, I feel much more confident dropping in at other places. However, we seem to have a fairly fundemental difference in philosophy since this particular center does not in fact consider themselves to be Buddhist, and quite honestly, I felt like the teacher's attitude towards Buddhists and Buddhism as a religion to be well, rather dismissive. It did not make this self proclaimed Buddhist feel very comfortable. There are other Zen centers in my area, but they all seem to be affiliated with this one.

This weekend I'm going to go check out another place that is Buddhist, but multi-denominational -- everybody comes and meditates in their own tradition. If this works out, it could provide a supportive environment, but not a Zen teacher specifically. I know that Zen really stresses the need for a teacher which is what has me stumped. I don't know if I should try practicing with this group and on my own or if I should try something other than Zen. What is more important -- having a teacher, or following the tradition that you are most interested in? There is always a possibility that I could practice on my own and the situation here could change, but there's no guarantee. I might have just dropped Zen altogether in favor of only Pure Land, but learning how to actually sit properly has really inspired me.

]]> Differences in Tibetan Sects http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16561/differences-in-tibetan-sects Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:05:46 -0400 Sanghas southsider 16561@/discussions
A few months ago I made a post about looking for a Sangha in the Chicago area. I had to put off my search for a little while and am going to start visiting some local centers again but after doing some more research I came up with another question I am hoping I can get some input on.

I am primarily interested in Tibetan Buddhism (although I would also like to visit a Theravada center to compare the differences) and I wanted to know how different the practices are within the various sects of TB. Primarily between the Gelupa and Kagyu traditions because they seem to be the most prevent in the Chicago area.

If it helps the discussion I am planning on visiting these centers.

Jewel Heart http://www.jewelheart.org/chapters/chicago/ (Gelupa)
Bodhi Path http://www.bodhipath.org/chicago/ (Karma Kagyu)
Chicago Karma Thegsum Choling http://www.chicagoktc.org/ (Karma Kagyu)
Padmasambhava Buddhist Center http://www.padmasambhava.org/ (this one is Nyingma)
Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha http://www.chicagoratnashri.com/ (Drikung Kagyu)

Thanks for your help

-Matc]]> Bone Mala - Ethical? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/3393/bone-mala-ethical Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:19:52 -0400 Sanghas TheFerretPrincess 3393@/discussions first visit to a sangha http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17335/first-visit-to-a-sangha Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:20:28 -0500 Sanghas swanny84 17335@/discussions
thanks for you're time.]]> Ven. Wimalagnana http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17663/ven-wimalagnana Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:44:41 -0500 Sanghas Bunks 17663@/discussions
Apparently he is a forest dwelling meditation monk from Sri Lanka.

Anyone heard him speak or have any details?]]> Solitary Buddhists http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17611/solitary-buddhists Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:39:39 -0500 Sanghas TheEccentric 17611@/discussions Longchen Foundation / Rigdzin Shikpo http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/10950/longchen-foundation-rigdzin-shikpo Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:02:13 -0400 Sanghas Diane47 10950@/discussions What is it about japanese/chinese culture??? I could just stare at japanese paintings all day! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17561/what-is-it-about-japanesechinese-culture-i-could-just-stare-at-japanese-paintings-all-day Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:16:06 -0500 Sanghas zenmyste 17561@/discussions
Especially painings of ancient zen monks and lay people, just sitting, or working, or walking, and the scenery in the back ground is so peaceful to look at! The mountains and temples - i could just 'sit' and look at them all day!

(As if its telling me a 'story' about how to live' )
Its as if they knew something we dont!

(At least thats how i see their culture - the ancient culture at least) ]]> sanghas/teachers in Chengdu, China http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17527/sanghasteachers-in-chengdu-china Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:06:37 -0500 Sanghas pommesetoranges 17527@/discussions
P.S I learned a lot from many of you here, thanks!]]> Clothing and privacy during meditation http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/6794/clothing-and-privacy-during-meditation Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:48:09 -0400 Sanghas wertyupf 6794@/discussions Please help...!

Namaste,
wertyupf]]> Life Beyond the Begging Bowl - Trilogy http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17486/life-beyond-the-begging-bowl-trilogy Sat, 29 Dec 2012 07:16:09 -0500 Sanghas Jayantha 17486@/discussions
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL70fWqztn7OVM8pTgX2MDRjSWXi83jHI_

Life Beyond the Begging Bowl - Trailer

The Monk Story

Lost Buddha - Story of Venerable Sister Yeshe Chodron

Life Beyond the Begging Bowl | Awakening

]]> Intention to renounce and enter the homeless life(ie become a monk) http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17380/intention-to-renounce-and-enter-the-homeless-lifeie-become-a-monk Sun, 16 Dec 2012 14:14:51 -0500 Sanghas Jayantha 17380@/discussions
anyone else? what are your plans and how has the process been for you? If you have ordained in the past I'd be interested to hear your story as well.]]> Ajahn Chah http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17466/ajahn-chah Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:30:39 -0500 Sanghas Jayantha 17466@/discussions
Ajahn Chah was able to put the dhamma into words that we can all understand in our daily lives. He died near on 20 years ago but his teachings survive.. as do many funny and insightful stories.

Once there was a layman who came to Ajahn Chah and asked him who Ajahn Chah was. Ajahn Chah, seeing that the spiritual development of the individual was not very advanced, pointed to himself and said, "This, this is Ajahn Chah."

On another occasion, Ajahn Chah was asked the same question by someone else. This time, however, seeing that the questioner's capacity to understand the Dhamma was higher, Ajahn Chah answered by saying, "Ajahn Chah? There is NO Ajahn Chah."

There is the one story where a disciple had to go into the army and came begging Ajahn Chah for a little buddha necklace to protect him from bullets.. and Ajahn Chah pointed to the only Buddha that could stop bullets.. a 15 foot tall buddha statue.

There is also the story of a big general coming to Ajahn Chah asking for holy water, and when he was insistent Ajahn Chah spit on him (the spit of a monk.. holy water.. lol)

Anyways on to some Ajahn Chah resources for those interested.

Here is a site with a variety of small quotes - http://zbohy.zatma.org/Dharma/zbohy/Sruti-Smriti/Inspiration/ajahnchah.html

( dhamma talks by Ajahn Chah read by disciples)

http://www.ajahnchah.org/pdf/no_ajahn_chah.pdf (no ajahn chah.. wonderful book in pdf)

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/teachings_chah.pdf ( selection of dhamma talks)

http://www.amazon.com/Being-Dharma-Essence-Buddhas-Teachings/dp/1570628084 ( an amazing book that I personally own)

also I'm just finishing up watching this great video with Ajahn Sujato talking about stories from Ajahn Chah's life.

also I put together an Ajahn Chah playlist - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL71C69EAEBC545423]]> Who here has stayed in a monastery/temple? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17153/who-here-has-stayed-in-a-monasterytemple Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:33:18 -0500 Sanghas DaftChris 17153@/discussions
To those who have stayed in temples or monasteries: a.) What should I expect and b.) How should I conduct myself? ]]> Drepung Loseling Monastery Atlanta http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17107/drepung-loseling-monastery-atlanta Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:25:38 -0500 Sanghas Anic 17107@/discussions
I am just wondering: are you or someone you know from Atlanta, GA? If so, are you familiar with the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta? Or any Atlanta monastery/Buddhist center for that matter?

I am beginning to practice Buddhism on my own, but I would like to join a community or give one a try at least. I feel that it would be beneficial. I would enjoy having a good experienced teacher as well.

Thanks!
~Anic]]> Sanghas in Los Angeles? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17137/sanghas-in-los-angeles Sun, 18 Nov 2012 10:11:33 -0500 Sanghas Daiva 17137@/discussions Anyone have any suggestions or advice?]]> Meal Offering http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17126/meal-offering Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:46:59 -0500 Sanghas Jason 17126@/discussions
As far as I can recall, this was my first meal offering outside of a monastery or meditation hall, and I'm glad I was able to make it. I almost missed out because I wasn't paying as much attention as I should've been while looking up the directions and took the wrong bus, jumping on the 4 instead of the 14. If nothing else, today was at least a good lesson on the importance of mindfulness. :p

Just thought I'd share that for anyone interested.]]> Becoming a monk; money/assets http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/6940/becoming-a-monk-moneyassets Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:04:34 -0400 Sanghas Magga 6940@/discussions
I'm interested in becoming a monk at some stage in the future, and i'm not sure what you're expected to do with regards to your money and assets before you join a monastery. Is the idea to donate and give away everything you own before you can become a monk, or can you leave money in an account indefinitely?

My concern is that if I give away all my money and assets what happens if I decide to become a lay person again. I would have get a job, etc and get 'caught up in the world' again. Whereas if I didn't give away all my money and assets I would be able to spend much more of my time on practicing dhamma, because I would have enough to support myself.

I'm also thinking perhaps given my circumstances it would be best if I just focus on joining a monastery as an anagarika, and then see how I feel about all this in the future.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Cheers
Pete]]> Solitary Practitioner ??? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16947/solitary-practitioner Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:15:57 -0400 Sanghas Steve108 16947@/discussions Zen commentary http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16943/zen-commentary Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:59:43 -0400 Sanghas genkaku 16943@/discussions
Read elsewhere and much appreciated these words from the Chinese Zen teacher Boshan (1575-1630):

If you’re unable to arouse the Doubt when practicing Zen, you may feel annoyed by the restrictions of the sangha. Some may want to go deep in the mountains where there’s no one around. For a while they may be satisﬁed there, closing eyes and unifying mind with legs in full lotus and hands in grateful prayer. After a few months or years, however, they ﬁnd themselves lost. Others, after sitting only a few days, turn to reading books and composing poetry. Self-indulgent, they shut the door and doze off. From a distance they seem digniﬁed, but up close their decadence knows no bounds. Others are like juvenile delinquents greedily sneaking around, neither knowing shame nor fearing karmic retribution. Putting on airs and speaking as if they knew, they deceive the unwitting: “I met a great teacher! He transmitted the Dharma to me!” and so on. They herd the unwitting into their ﬂock, then keep company with them or even make them their disciples. They act Zen-like and those under them follow suit. Unaware of their errors, they do not even know to reﬂect on themselves or feel regret, to seek out a worthy teacher or Dharma friend. Reckless and arrogant, they spread terrible lies. They are really pitiful. Recently, some have grown weary of the sangha and now seek out their own living quarters. It should send shivers up their spines! If you are to genuinely seek the Way, I trust you’ll drop such notions. Then you can inquire together with others in the sangha, and work together to keep an eye on things. Even if you cannot realize the Way, at least you will not fall into such corrupt paths. Practicing the Way, you must beware of these dangers.

]]> Buddhist sceptic & taking refuge http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/8891/buddhist-sceptic-taking-refuge Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:14:57 -0500 Sanghas Ada_B 8891@/discussions
Basically, I went through almost 20 years of being conned. I was a fundamentalist Christian whose devotion was largely about a deep fear of hell. It was pretty horrible and it took me a couple of years to "de-program" myself (you have to be in a religion like that to understand the psychological pressure).

Having lost my faith, I went through a deeply nihilistic (bad sense of the word) and atheistic stage. I felt I'd been conned and I was never going to be conned again. In addition, I have a scientific background (major reason I lost my Christian faith) and feel it is important I remain objective and sceptical. "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" as the saying goes.

I've had no problems with the Buddhist teaching I've had, even though I have ended up in a Tibetan Kagyu sangha and they are fairly mystical. 'Mystical' is fine for me however - there is no explicit requirement for me to take stuff literally. We were discussing maras the other day, for instance, and my lay teacher explained that although the word is translated "demon", it is not that we have to believe we are literally being stalked by little ugly creatures trying to mess up our practice. Then again, maras are as much an illusion as everything else in this life.

I believe the Four Noble Truths and try to practice the Eightfold Path. I find meditation immensely beneficial and like to think I am much calmer, happier and easier to be with than I was 5 years ago, as a result of my practice.

My would-be teacher (Lama Chime Rinpoche) has many scientists among his students, and told me that he does not require blind faith. I do not believe it would actually be a problem if I were to say to him at some time "I don't believe that". I also do not believe he would ever pressurise me into accepting something I fundamentally did not believe in. However, I am still concerned.

Meditating on the issue, and thinking about it, I have concluded my real worries are about some of the New Agey people in the sangha, who do hold beliefs I cannot share. I'm worried I'll get sucked in, and start agreeing with stuff I don't agree with, or even get brainwashed again. None of my worries are actually centred on Lama Chime Rinpoche, but I do feel I need to get to know him better before taking refuge. This is difficult for me as the sangha house is an hour away, and Lama Chime is not one of those lamas who writes long books. He's more of a "doer" (which is one of the things I admire about him).

Lama Chime says there is no hurry. Should I perhaps leave it a bit before taking refuge, until I feel more confident, or is my reticence really just a delaying tactic of my ego!]]> How Ajahn sumedho came to England. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16690/how-ajahn-sumedho-came-to-england Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:27:28 -0400 Sanghas jll 16690@/discussions http://www.everythingandnothing.co/?p=5271]]> A monk laughed at me today http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16634/a-monk-laughed-at-me-today Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:07:33 -0400 Sanghas RebeccaS 16634@/discussions
I had a really terrible time :lol:

First off I was really anxious. I had pretty much no sleep last night and when I'm tired I get really anxious, I was really cold and about ten minutes in I had to pee really, really bad and I didn't want to get up because it was so quiet. I sat on a chair rather than a cushion because I figured I'd be more comfortable... But omg I couldn't stop fidgeting! It was so bad! I was tired and I wasn't feeling well... And it was kind of like a church service and I didn't really know what I was doing... Oh man, it was just so bad. It started with some meditation, and I was shaking from cold, but trying to be super quiet... And then they banged a gong and I crapped myself because it was really loud and I wasn't expecting it, and it hurt my ears so I tried to discretely put my fingers in my ears when they banged it :lol: and they did a chant I didn't know the words to, which was fine, and then we sat for more meditation and all I could think was "when will it be over? Where is the bathroom?".

And I think the monk noticed because when it was all over and we left the hall he laughed at me :lol: In a nice way, though. He spoke at the end, about the purpose of meditation, and he was really nice. I've seen a lot of weirdo gurus and teachers, and I like to think I've gotten pretty good at spotting frauds, but this guy was so nice and genuine. He looked a little angry at first, but when he spoke he spoke like a normal person, no woo woo stuff. He had a pretty thick (Japanese I think? It was a zen temple) accent which would probably just take a little time to get used to and what he was saying was really good. We got a really good vibe from him and from the temple, so we're going to try it out again next week after a proper nights sleep and some thicker socks, making sure we "go" before it gets started.

So it was a little awkward, but in a funny way rather than a really embarrassing way and I definitely want to go back. The meditation course is a five week course and at $150 that's really good value for money. The people there were all sitting really nicely, good posture and none of them were fidgeting so looking at some of the people who have done it I think it's probably a really good course, especially if it's lead by the monk we met today. I liked him a lot and so did my husband.

So yeah, it was good, we both felt really good after. My husband did really well, he got to do some meditation. He didn't like it at first because it was kind of like... Churchy, but he started to like it towards the end. I quite like the devotional aspect of Buddhism so a churchy vibe is kinda cool IMO.

No questions or anything, just sharing. I'd like to hear about your first time temple experiences though! :)]]> Theravada Sangha http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16635/theravada-sangha Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:23:46 -0400 Sanghas jessie70 16635@/discussions
I have sat with a Soto Zen group, and have become very used to their methods. I have been reading more and very interested in exploring Theravada sangha.

What can I say, I have always been a comparison shopper ;-)

I don't know what will be different, except from what I have read, they will probably not recite the 4 Bodhisattva vows..."Beings are numberless" etc...

Can someone who has sat with a Theravada sangha tell me the usual flow? Do they also do walking meditation? Do you arrive in silence, take off shoes? Are singing bowls and incense still used? If someone has sat in both types of groups, are there noticeable differences?

Anything else I should be aware of having come from sangha in the zen school?
Thank you.]]> Finding a Sangha http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16576/finding-a-sangha Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:49:08 -0400 Sanghas amandathetexan 16576@/discussions
I've been looking for a while at the options here in my area (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX) and have found that there are several things that pop up on search engines, I don't know how to navigate the options. There are also some places which don't have websites (ie driving along and noticing a 'Meditation Center') or have them but primarily in foreign languages, and so I'm unsure of how to approach them. What has been your approach? I've visited one which has a very easy-to-navigate website, but seem quick to require a membership fee, which is off-putting. ]]> Loneliness is Killing MEE!!! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16203/loneliness-is-killing-mee Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:51:41 -0400 Sanghas LeonBasin 16203@/discussions
"I'm confused and conflicted.
I don't really have any friends right now. That is, I have human contact, I go to work, but I don't do anything outside of work with other humans. I feel distant and separated from everyone.
Which is strange, because in Buddhist thought we're all ultimately without separation or self, dependent origination, etc. So how can I feel separated? Yet I do, because the brain of any social animal compels them to seek contact with others. So that's an inescapable skandha, right, so I just need to make sure I'm not attached to it?
Then there's that quote everyone loves to toss around, the one about the rhino. "Be as the rhino and walk alone unless you find someone worth walking with." But we're also told to practice compassion and understanding, and if you're not having contact with other people because you're walking alone, how are you exercising compassion?
I tried going to the Buddhist temple for a while to find some sort of community or belonging in a social sense. I feel stupid for it, because it's just another form of clinging, right? Anyway, the temple didn't bring me anything, as dukkha inhabits all things. Not sure what I expected.
What do I think will change if I have friends or if I talk to people? Possibly being a hermit is a good thing.
But there's something else that gives rise to a thought that violently rejects that notion. No, being a hermit cannot be a good thing, I must be social, I must know people, but how?
I just feel really lonely right now, and I know that indicates my clinging and the lack of depth of my practice and my immaturity. But... I still feel these things. And I'm confused as all hell. Do I need friends? Should I have friends? Do I deserve friends?
I even feel distant from you guys, but I need to talk to somebody.

"Ashgromnies" I'm with this guy! What the hell do I do? Focus on sitting? I'm stuck!!"]]> Been quite a while.. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16325/been-quite-a-while Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:50:21 -0400 Sanghas OneLifeForm 16325@/discussions
Months and months.

I moved across the country and where I am there isn't any center nearby.

This Sunday it looks like I'll be able to drive 3 hours across state to go to a teaching; The Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Je Tsongkhapa.

There is a hurricane coming though which is supposed to hit Monday so I hope that it does not interfere with my getting out yonderville to the center.

Being alone in such a way has given me incentive to strengthen my personal practice which I have.

Trying to practice acceptance of things as they are.

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