Sanghas — NewBuddhist

Creating a space...

raquels — Sun, 30 May 2010 02:21:19 +0000

I was thinking about making myself an altar in the coming weeks. I am already in possession of a large statue of Buddha and candles and incense etc. Today I got some rose bushes which I planted in my garden and while doing so I though "What if I wanted an outdoor altar?" Obviously fountains and statues would make this possible and so how to go about making an outdoor altar isn't my question. My question is what kind of plants and herbs are related to meditation and Buddha?

Ancient Wisdom for Our Modern Society

jinzang — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:49:47 +0000

My teacher, Lama Phurbu Tashi, has written a collection of essays called "Ancient Wisdom for Our Modern Society." They are all online for you to read. Lama was a student of Bokar Rinpoche, did a three year retreat under his guidance, and was asked to lead the second three year retreat.

old sangha...

zombiegirl — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:13:09 +0000

i have expressed in other posts that my initial experience in buddhism was with the nichiren tradition. the soka gakkai international, to be exact. i know some other posters have had bad experiences with them, but honestly, i had a very good experience when i was with them. i do not consider myself part of them anymore for a few reasons (mainly, that i wanted to study a broader spectrum of buddhism), but i still consider myself very indebted to them as my introduction to buddhism.

a friend of mine from my old sangha recently contacted me. she had been forced to return to india to take care of her ill mother and has now just returned to the US. she has transferred to a different school and i have since moved, but she has contacted me through facebook to see how i am doing with everything and expressed that she wanted to talk over the phone.

it has been a while since we have last spoke, so i gave her an update and told her that i no longer considered myself affiliated with the SGI, but i was still very much into buddhist studies and told her my reasoning. basically, this is what nichiren did. it seems silly to me to ONLY read The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin or the writings of other nichiren buddhists, when this is not what the founder did at all. he read every sutra he could get his hands on. in his case, he did so and found The Lotus Sutra to be superior. in my case, i felt that it would be impossible for me to know if it was or not if i had not read the other sutras. i felt that i needed a broader base of knowledge than that. at least, that was my reasoning in the beginning...

her reply, was quite disappointing to me. she basically just said that she has learned that nothing brings greater happiness and victories than her practice and sensei's teachings (daisaku ikeda). she said that she would chant for me to soon experience this.

it reminded me of my experience with christian cults. their belief that there is only "one way" that is the "right way". their belief that through "prayer" they can affect your beliefs. i'm just not sure what to think at this point. this is someone whom i was very close to in our sangha. aside from regular meetings, we would meet weekly to discuss the dharma and have private study sessions. i attribute a lot of my knowledge and understanding to this person, perhaps, i just expected her to be happy for me.

so, what say you, good people of the forum? what would you do in my situation? i do not wish to return to the SGI and her comments have made me wonder about the intentions of the members from my old sangha that have contacted me. i used to think it was out of good will and a genuine caring for my well being, now i am wondering if it is just because i have "gone astray"... the SGI places a lot of importance on "shakubuku", that is, converting others. perhaps, in retrospect, i really shouldn't be so surprised... but i really am. it is disappointing to find someone who you used to consider a mentor, strengthening your resolve to leave their teachings.

Where to visit for Buddhist in Korea ?

bonnie — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:09:44 +0000

Dear all,

Around end of September and early October, I'll go to Korea for attending a Forum in Seoul. Could anybody tell me where I can visit Buddhist's site in Korea? I'd like to pay a visit to others Buddhist community, historical temple etc for 4 days.

And if possible also suggestion where to live there with cheapest way considering my limited budget

I read about temple stay in Korea, it's around $ 40 / day / person? what do you think ? actually, still quite expensive for me..

Thank you and waiting for your kind suggestion.

Buddhist community

Starbreeze — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:42:16 +0000

I have a few questions in regards to practicing with the Buddhist community.

Just so you know where I am coming from, I was raised Christian, but seem to have issues with the idea of organized religion and I do not identify myself as a Christian. At the same time, I have become rather interested in Buddhism and am even contemplating finding a Buddhist center nearby (I know, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me either).

I'm not sure how much this influences what the answers to the following questions will be, but I would probably find a Zen center considering that it is what exists nearby. There aren't many places nearby that support the other schools.

So here are my questions:

1. What is a typical experience of attending like? What is expected from the moment you walk in until you leave? What is proper attire (I can guess what it's not, but I'm not sure what exactly is acceptable)? Is it essential to go each week (is it rude to not go)?

2. Why do you choose to be part of the greater Buddhist community instead of practicing on your own? I understand that this question can have many different answers for different people, but I am curious.

3. When looking for a community, what things are important to look for?

4. What effect has practicing Buddhism, alone and within the community, had on your life? I understand this question is personal, and I would understand if you choose to ignore this question.

Thank you very much for your time!

Retreat in South East Asia

mermalaid — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:30:56 +0000

Hi there! Can anyone recommend a retreat (of any discipline) in south east asia ?

I'll be volunteering in Cambodia in January and would love to combine with a retreat at somepoint.

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you!
Metta,
Merms

Sponsor a monk today.

caz — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:35:33 +0000

http://shargadeneducation.org/sponsor.html

[FONT="]Shar Gaden Monastery currently has over 750 monks living and studying here in South India. This number continues to rise as monks from Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and other countries come to receive their primary and religious education. Many of the monks come from poor villages with little or no education or medical care. Here at Shar Gaden Monastery, we have taken the responsibility for providing all of the needs for these monks; including robes, food, medical care and many other basic necessities. All of these are provided free of charge, so that the monk can give all of his attention to his studies and the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. [/FONT]
[FONT="]We now have a sponsorship program here at Shar Gaden Monastery in order for our friends to assist us in continuing this noble task. Here is your opportunity to make a differance in the lives of these dear monks. By sponsoring a monk, you will be helping to ensure that we are able to continue to preserve this precious lineage.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]
[/FONT]
[FONT="]:)
[/FONT]

Monks Pics

comicallyinsane — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 03:22:29 +0000

I just found these on the net and I thought they were really neat.

First Centre

MIG1 — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:37:24 +0000

Wen't to my first Buddhist centre:
http://www.palpung.org.uk/index.html

Got to say I loved it, so peaceful and I didn't realise they had a proper Tibetan monk lol. Felt a lot better than walking into a church:eek:

Meditation wasn't the best as for some reason I seem to meditate better on my own. I can honestly say though I will definatelt consider becoming a Buddhist.

Anyway just wanted to report it.

Peace

Mark

Is this website an appropriate sangha?

Micsunderland3 — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:27:20 +0000

Ive only met three other Buddhists in person in my life. And I only really talked to them for a few minutes.

Ive never really had a calling to be a regular part of an actual temple.

In my mind, this is technically better than any temple that i could be a part of. I am able to experience the views of people from all branches of Buddhism, rather than a single one.

Ive learned so much, and on a side note wanted to thank this awesome and active community for helping me grow. you guys have been a great help.

On topic! Would you guys consider this an appropriate "Sangha"?

My only concern is that i would love to meditate in a group one day.

A Special Day

truthseeker — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:38:55 +0000

I feel quite blessed today.

Luang Ta Ma visited our house in the morning. He came down from Chiang Dao from the main temple site. He is one of the senior monks in Northern Thailand, and he has been my wife's master for about three years. Luang Ta Ma is associated with the forest tradition; he meditated in the forests/caves for about two decades before he started his own monastery. He has now established six or seven other monasteries.

We took the opportunity to offer food to the monks and to make financial contributions to the sangha. We also invited about 20 friends and other disciples to join us. Luang Ta Ma gave me some meditation advice and encouraged all of us. What a great day. What a great opportunity.

Cheers, Thomas

Would like to find a monastery near NYC where I can stay indefinitely.

akromyk — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:01:36 +0000

There were two zen monasteries that my brother's friend stayed at in France and California where he was able to go and practice meditation there indefinitely.

He had to pay some fee, which included both shelter and food. While there he could stay as long as he wanted to or leave when he wanted to. And, because of a pre-confirmed arrangement, he could also help pay for his stay by cleaning or helping out in the kitchen.

I am looking for a monastery near NYC with a similar setup but everything I'm finding is either a retreat or a week-long session. I'm hoping I can find something that I can reach by using either bus or train.

Any suggestions as to what I should do?

Templestay for 1 year in Asia?

ng.yungwa — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:34:38 +0000

Hello everybody,

I'm really interested in Buddhism and thinking about to stay in a temple for a year or even longer. My purpose is to study Buddhism but also to experience temple life. I have been doing a few templestays before, but only for a short period.
Does anybody know a temple where you can stay and study for a long period and where they at least speak english? I'm looking for one in Asia, doesn't really matter which country.
I have been googling for a few days, but still haven't find one. Hope someone can help me.

Thanks in advance,
Yung-Wa

Zen/Theravada Harmony

RichardH — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:25:05 +0000

This May and June has been a period of strong practice with both the “Thai Forest” and Son (Zen) Sanghas that I belong to. Over the years there has been, on and off, some serious internal dissonance between the two traditions in both mind and heart. This has been decreasing in the last few months and was finally put to rest with a clear and pointed discussion at (Zen) group practice this evening that mirrored perfectly recent experiences with “Thai Forest” friends. The teachings have come together seamlessly in practice and the forms compliment each other, the dissonance is gone.

There was an moment during Ajahn Sumedho's visit to this area over the last few weeks when, addressing both monastics and lay people, he talked about doggedly remaining in basic awareness, and then he called it “Buddha Nature”. I almost fell off my chair. After he said this he paused and chuckled saying "That could start philosophical controversy for some” He just didn't care, and it pointed to the rigidity of my own concerns for “pure” teaching. It is more important to have skillful teaching, and skillful teaching can come from many places, in many forms.

Anyway, just sharing a Kumbaya moment. Needless to say this is just one persons view. Others may have a very different take on Zen, Theravada, which is fine.

Buddhism and pain management

Fakiri — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:15:59 +0000

I was once on a vacation to Pakistan, at that time i was i had been a buddhist for a few years, with on off meditation and more or less disciplin, and as i was young(still am, 21 now ) i was experimenting with alot of things, among them drugs, at one point of my 6-7 month vacation, i decided id dabble a little bit with opium, at that point i had tried many kinds of drugs, and i had always had the principle that i would never let myself become fully addicted, as in not being able to let it go when i chose, that worked pretty well, although i must admit that opium was the drug i had taken the longest time, id take maybe a ricekernel size morning and evening

then came the time for me to return to Denmark, with about a month left, and i decided to go cold turkey, better to be free of the withdrawals before coming home i thought

the next few weeks were quiet unpleasant, id have a very heavy body, id have pains all over, id be cold and hot, and my blanket would feel like it was crushing me all the nights i would be kept sleepless by these withdrawals, which i rationed was the universe balancing itself cuz id felt twice as good as a person normally wood while in my high all day...

Some nights i would walk around annoyed, some nights, id have more awareness of my discomfort, and i remember a buddhist quote that said '' this too will pass'' this kind of thoughts along with mantras and chanting buddho till i would be better at actually looking at the discomfort and pain, instead of wishing it not to be there, helped alot and sometimes it would be as if the pain would be totally gone after a while of observing it

this experience showed me first hand that buddhism can practically '' end '' suffering

so to anyone out there suffering, u can be free of it :

Gratitude

RichardH — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:20:31 +0000

This weekend for the first time Ajahn Sumedho lead a retreat for lay people here in Canada. Twenty years ago there was little presence of Thai Forest Sangha in Canada (Ontario). Despite having no Monastery here Ajahn Viradhammo, who has family in Ottawa, used to visit and the Toronto or Ottawa Sanghas would organize retreats. Ajahn “V” was our long distance teacher, and some of us travelled overseas to see him in NewZealand where he was Abbot. Since then the energy of the Ottawa Sangha has given birth to Tisarana Monastery outside of Ottawa where Ajahn Viradhammo is now Abbot. There is also the Sati Saraniya Hermitage Hermitage where Ayyā Medhānandī is Abbess. Ajahn Sumedho's visit has been a reunion of the lay Sangha. 250 (80 from the Toronto area) of us were at the retreat this weekend. It was inspiring to say the least to have this retreat lead by Ajahn Sumedho,Viradhammo, Medhanandi and 6 young monastics. It has clarified practice for everyone and set our heads straight. So.... as a sloppy practitioner and heedless blabber-mouth, just this note of Gratitude and humility for the growth of the teachings in this country, and having Luang Por Sumedho come here to demonstrate the way. Thankyou.

My Way

Unspoken — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:39:24 +0000

Well guys, I from Middle East Europe. It was long way to this stick point. I will be direct. I was doing pick-up, studying psychology, philosophy and it happened so many "things". I need your help. I´d like to find my guru. One person said me that way to India or Nepal is problematic stuff. He said that in Europe are gurus but I am not sure if they are realized. I´d like to practise
Nyingma. Who know what´s best for me? More important wish is to be among a few students. Maybe just me and guru. I want to spend time with him (maybe with her . I don´t want guru who is every day in other country. I have heard that in France or Spain are gurus.

So if is realized guru with few student in Europe say me that please.

I Come to a Realization about Women

comicallyinsane — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:56:44 +0000

Well I have been looking for a girl on line. Before I was married I was really good at it. But now not so much. Anyway I have noticed my relationships with women in person and the relationships I have with girls on line. In person girls know me and usually like me. It seems on line that girls tend to be so afraid nothing ever happens. I have had girls get nervous because I want to talk on the phone. Have we gone so far away from personal contact? It reminds me of that Isaac Asimov book "The Naked Sun". What do you all think?

Nancy Drew and the Case of Missing Sangha

JizoBosatsu — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 21:43:34 +0000

I picked up a Buddhist magazine today. I began to flip through it about half an hour ago and I had to put it down and walk away. I didn't get a chance to read any of the articles. I saw a lot of pictures and advertisements that showed happy people on retreat, or at abbeys, temples, monasteries, dharma centers, celebrations, et cetera. I became angry, because I want to be in those places, with those people, doing those things, but I can't and I won't be able to for a very long time (if ever).

It's difficult for me to read about the importance and the benefit of the sangha because I don't have one, and I won't have one for a very long time (if ever). The same thing happens when I read about the importance and benefit of having a qualified teacher, or going on retreat, or anything of that sort.

I know it's okay to be angry, and I recognize that I'm not angry with those people, places, things, or events. I'm simply angry because of circumstances both within and beyond my control. I picked up my Three Pillars of Zen the other day again, and put it back down because it began to talk quite a bit about receiving teachings from a qualified teacher, and how koans are passed on. I put down Hooked: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume for similar reasons.

Right now, I'm not sure how to deal with it. I'm just angry and frustrated.

The challenge of finding a Sangha!

Olarte — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:25:25 +0000

This is all very sad for me. In seeking a Sangha in my area, I had hoped to find guidance and support within reach.

I'm currently attending a local Shambhala meditation center and while there is nothing inherently wrong with it, I find it to be a bit disorganized and no emphasis on the teachings of the Buddha. It is more about the practical use of Meditation, and following the Shambhala path etc...

It's all good but I want to go deeper than that, and learn about Buddha's teachings and seek refuge etc.

So while I'm still attending the Shambahala center, I decided to do more research but the only other "Buddhist organization" that I found in my area so far was the local NKT center.

Well at first it looked intersting etc. but then after reading the threads here, and following several of the links a huge WARNING sign came up in my head.

Regardless of biases by the various articles etc, there must be a grain of truth in all this mess. So whether it's true dishonesty, or simply political controversy I cannot in all honesty seek any kind of instruction from this school. There is no way that I could even Partially entertain the thought of being associated with anything or anyone who would be remotely connected with a controversy that deals with the murder of any living thing, or any attempts against the HHDL.

It's sad that politics and the negative aspects of humanity always seem to be present even in the most altruistic pursuits. I have found politics to always rear it's ugly heat in everything I have pursued be it music, martial arts and now Buddhism.

So my challenge is to find an appropriate Sangha in my area so I can find the appropriate support and guidance for my pursuit. At this point I'm at a loss of how to go about doing that.

In the meantime, I will continue to attend the Shambhala center since while light on Buddhism, and a bit disorganized it is at least very open, and does not smell of controversy. I have also amassed my own library of study materials ranging from books on Buddha's teachings to videos & lectures by Robert Thurman and college level classes and keep studying and practicing on my own.

And of course being a member here gives me a lot of support in itself.

I had a similar problem finding a qualified Classical Guitar teacher, but eventually I met someone who I admire greatly and who is an excellent teacher.

I hope that eventually I will find a local group\temple\school where I can seek the guidance and refuge that I am seeking.

If anyone knows of resources for my needs in the Providence Rhode Island area please post the information or feel free to send me a PM.

As Always thank you for your support here, and for your advise.

Ivan

Another Buddhist Forum....

federica — Fri, 13 May 2005 08:55:25 +0000

Hello everyone...
I just thought I would bring this other forum to your attention, seeing as I posted news of this one there.... www.e-sangha.com
Is a bigger forum, with quite a huge range of topics under discussion, including one for every different school of Buddhism. I must also add, however, that I found it to be quite a bit more straight-laced and serious than this one and ( dare I say it? Yes, I dare!) some folks there seem to be a little bit 'up themselves' and don't seem to have a funny side.....
There's a thread on different sexual persuasion, and feminism, and jokes (all clean, of course!!) and much more besides.... I think it may have been established quite a bit longer than this one. Brian may even know it....
But as Dorothy said (and I wholeheartedly agree!) "There's no place like home!" To my mind, this is the place to be..... It was, and always will be my first choice of forum!! I have my Buddha-folks livin' here!!

Am I putting the cart before the horse?

Swanny — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:54:32 +0000

I have only begun to learn about Buddhism but feel very strongly already that I found what I was missing for so long.

I picked up two books by Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness and True Love. I will be reading them today. So far all I have read is information on the internet. By the way, this forum has really shed alot of light already. You all are amazing!

Now, the cart before the horse... Do you think it's too early to start looking at different groups? I am trying to figure out what group with their traditions would best fit and looking at places to learn within the Chicago area, but it seems each place is different. I think I may just be confusing myself... Should I not worry about it at this point and continue to learn and meditate?

NKT spring festival anyone?

Emma-Angel — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:42:24 +0000

Hello all - i was just wondering if anyone is going to the NEw Kadampa Tradition Spring Festival this year?

http://kadampafestivals.org/spring/

Tai Forest Tradition

zenone — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:46:01 +0000

*Thai Forest Tradition

Hello,

I'm 21, about to graduate from college. Im a dual citizen of canada and the u.s. I have no connections and nothing holding me back. I want to explore north america, and eventually find a place where I can live within a meditation community and study buddhism full-time.

Not sure where to begin looking for a buddhism home. I'm involved with the Shambhala center here in Montreal, and was considering checking out their large communities in nova scotia or maybe colorado. I've also considered visiting some monasteries associated with the thai forest tradition. I have a special affinity for the teachings of ajahn chah and his students such as ajahn sumedho, etc. I feel a strong sense of connection to that lineage, although I've never met anyone else who has even heard of it!

Whether or not I actually want to ordain as a buddhist monk or not is probably something that will take me a long time to decide. I suspect not. But it is important for me to find a place where I can comfortably practice meditation full-time with the support of a sangha and teacher.

Thanks for reading! (virtual) penny for your thoughts?

Invite to a temple stay - Philippines

jidao — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:03:44 +0000

Hi NewBuddhist forum members,

I am looking for individuals interested in a 4-month Temple Stay / Buddhist study program for meditation, the Mandarin language, vegetarian cooking and diet, gardening, chanting, and the monastic way of life.

The program is called "Fo Guang Shan Philippine Humanistic Academy of Life and Arts" and is open to 20-35 year-olds, single (no marital or parental obligations), preferably college graduate and emotionally/physically fit.

The first intake is scheduled April 1 - July 31, 2010 in the Philippines (starting in Bacolod Yuan Thong Temple and ending in Manila Mabuhay Temple). It will be under the supervision of Fo Guang Shan monastic order of the Chan (Zen) lineage of Ven. Hsing Yun.

The study program is FREE. But for non-Filipino students, travel to the Philippines and visa requirements will not be covered by the program. APPLICATIONS DEADLINE IS MARCH 15, 2010. For foreign applicants, the earlier you send the better.

For more details on the program, please visit:
http://bliabacolod.multiply.com/journal/item/5

Palms joined,
Ji Dao

PS This is my first post to the NewBuddhist forum, and pardon me if it was immediately a plug like this. I just thought the opportunity would be welcome to this community. And yes, the Philippines is not exactly the first country you will have in mind when thinking Buddhism (because it is 80% Catholic) but in fact it has a considerable population of Mahayana Buddhist practitioners.

Kechara in Malaysia

sharonsaw — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:42:45 +0000

Dear all,

If you live in Malaysia or just visiting and would like to meet with a dynamic Buddhist organisation, please drop by at Kechara! Our spiritual guide is HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche who has inspired all 12 departments and continues to compassionately guide us kicking and screaming to Enlightenment!

We have:
1. Kechara House – the main Dharma centre which is based on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2. Kechara Care – an information and visitors’ centre for the organisation.

3. Kechara Discovery – a travel consultancy which organises pilgrimages to holy places and sources for statues to complement the selection at the outlets.

4. Kechara InMotion – a film production house.

5. Kechara Lounge – an information centre and lounge overlooking the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

6. Kechara Media & Publications – the publishing arm.

7. Kechara Oasis – a new-age vegetarian restaurant.

8. Kechara Paradise – retail outlets in prominent areas of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, offering handicrafts and artifacts from the Himalayan region.

9. Kechara Saraswati Arts – the first Himalayan arts studio in Southeast Asia.

10. Kechara Soup Kitchen – a community action group which distributes food to the homeless and urban poor in Malaysia.

11. Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel – a Setrap Chapel in Johor Bahru, a city in south Malaysia.

12. Tsem Kachö Ling – the future spiritual sanctuary and Buddhist learning centre in Malaysia.

If you would like to know more about Kechara, please contact us at:

Kechara House
21-23, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
SunwayMas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia

Tel: (+603) 7803 3908
Fax: (+603) 7803 3108

or of course, contact me here

List of jobs I would never do.

Xrayman — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 23:42:20 +0000

Hi all.

My list of "jobs" I wouldn't do..

Job, Reason
Ambulance Driver , Nasty stuff-busted bodies
Police officer , Low pay
Nurse, Low pay
Doctor @ Palliative care facility, Too sad-I'm sorry, I just couldn't do it.
Air Traffic Controller , Got to be Arrogant (I work with them-I know)
Scientist in the Hot Zone, possible Infection with heamoraggic fever

Now I know that some of you do this sort of work listed above well all I can say is I WORSHIP YOU ALL.
:bowdown:

Deer Park Monastery video

river_cadence — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:51:19 +0000

This is so beautifully done. It brought a peaceful moment to my morning and I wanted to pass it along.

http://deerparkmonastery.org/community/deer-park-videos/joyfully-together-a-day-of-mindful-living

Rena

Remembering the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

msmedusa — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:14:39 +0000

Well..good evening folks!:cool:

I have just walked in looking like a drowned rat, hair sticking to my face in a most unflattering 'cap effect'.:eek: My trainers and jeans are covered in mud and I am soaked from the waist down. But..I feel so happy I dont care because I have just had a wonderful experience. I would like to share it with you too.

I have just returned from a lantern floating ceremony at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes to remember the victims of the Nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A deeply moving and thought provoking experience I would not have missed. It is held every year and draws a large following from the local community , admittedly slightly fewer tonight due to torrential rain.:D

We huddled together barefoot , and dripping into the temple .Standing shoulder to shoulder in complete silence, captivated by each new speaker.

One speaker was a Jewish born Roman Catholic Priest .He had spent many years in the US Airforce, including a period where he was involved in the development of effective Nuclear bomb guidance systems. My understandin was that he was also trained as a fighter pilot.He talked alot about 'repentance', and the fact that the word comes from the Latin for 'rethink'. He said that over the years he has come to 'rethink' his own actions. He said that Buddhism had helped him to understand that right action can only come from right view. He spoke with dignity and gentle humour, in a way that almost belied the harshness of his subject matter. He also mixed up the noble truths which caused many a quiet chuckle among the audience!!!

Later we were handed lanterns and monks led a long procession down from the temple to the lakeside. The monks abandoning their sandals waded out into the lake and many of us followed suit postioning ourselves in a line to accept the lanterns people passed across. The lanterns were then set out to float across the lake, 200 lanterns in all. It was a truly wonderful moment which could not be diminished by the sea of umbrellas or the crackle of thunder. The sight of so many tiny flickers of light bobbing against the gray water brought a lump to my throat and it is a sight I will never forget.

Medusa

please help a friend with a sanskrit translation

Brian — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 13:40:53 +0000

I have a friend who is looking to have the proper sanskrit translation of a certain phrase. You can see exactly what he's looking for here.

If anyone is familiar with sanskrit enough that they could identify the proper sentence from the Bhagavad Gita that he is looking for, I would appreciate if you could take a look at that thread

Thanks!

B

Meditation community in North America

zenone — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:12:04 +0000

Hello,

I was wondering if there are any meditation communities in north America?
By ‘meditation communities’ I mean places where lay people can stay for several months and engage in regular meditation practices and participate in a sangha without officially ordaining.

I am open to any tradition, the important point is living with a community of dharma-seeking individuals who engage in serious meditation on a daily basis.

Thank you,
Zenone

Apologies

_BeautifulSpringtime — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:45:58 +0000

dearest sangha,

please allow me to extend my deepest apologies to all for my absence. i've been following a quite solitary path until recently and, though productive as it may have been, have not expressed much to my brothers and sisters here at my inter(net)national sangha.
i'm so happy to read the comments of all my old friends here and have also been interested to note many new members. this sangha has always been a great blessing for me and i'm happy to be back and participating once again.
my love to you all.
in deep gassho,
dave (?? renshi)

What use is a sangha?

blueface — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:09:16 +0000

Well you have to have a snappy title or nobody notices

But seriously, I am pretty early in my practice and I am not sure where a sangha comes in for me.

Of course you'll notice that an online sangha is a strange place to ask this question! However in a way it's a little different - you can hide a little if you need to here. However I am aware that like minded peers can help me given that the majority of my time is spent being influenced by pretty unbalanced people. Yet I feel my practice is strong in its solitude in a way...

Ch ch ch chan...

blueface — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:06:47 +0000

...ges (D. Bowie)

No but seriously- Chan: there is a group near me, and i am currently in another group (as you my have read) of Vietnamese Zen a long drive away. I know i must find out for myself but i need to know what i am letting myself in for from those in the know. Is Chan and Thien and Zen compatable or are they going to ask me to grow a ceremonial moustache or something? The order of practice seems pretty familiar...

http://www.westernchanfellowship.org/york-chan-group.html

A bit confused and concerned.

chrispche — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:33:56 +0000

I have been going to a local group in Essex, UK, that is part of Longchen.

http://www.longchenfoundation.org/

Anyway, I'm moving up to Yourshire in the UK, tomorrow. I have found another group which is local to me which is part of the New Kadampa Tradition.

http://www.enjoymeditation.org/index.php

Anyway, I was warned off of them by my Longchen teacher, who said there is a lot of bad energy associated with New Kadampa. That they are against the Dalai Lama. Usually I take all these rumour mongers with a pinch of salt. They look nice enough, do I have cause for concern about any of this?

Community of interbeing?

blueface — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:57:55 +0000

Hi folks. At hinking of approaching this UK based group associated with well known zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Any expereriences/information you can give would be most welcome. I value the shared wisdom of this community and one can feel vulnerable approaching an unkhnown spiritual group:eek:
(ps Posted this in another section but might be better here.)

Sangha in North-Central Wyoming

upekkharich — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:44:18 +0000

i have info from dharmanet and dharmaweb
but, i also know that sometimes this info is not current

an acquaintance is looking for a practice group in north-central wyoming for Korean people training in this region for 6 months at a time who need a place to practice without driving to Denver - i am not sure their affiliation, but i presume it is chogye (Korean zen); none of the dharmanet nor dharmaweb listings indicate such lineages, but may be sufficient, as traditional Korean Zen does incorporate many dieties and spirits

Sharing a Changing Practice

RichardH — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:23:55 +0000

Moving into a practice of non-practice, non-doing or non-renunciation. This is an approach that I have always known, even before taking refuge, and always understood it to be the end result of the “logic” of Non-duality. A pure condition is no “closer” to the unconditioned than an impure one, and the purification of bodymind brings an equidistant result. So one must simply let go at once, allowing bodymind and world to unfold without obstruction. Paradoxically this is only real to me after many years of renunciative practice. If I had not made all that effort in the trenches , the perfection of things as they are would mean nothing more than ordinary unconscious dispersion. So the notion of “doing nothing” seems to be tricky. Perhaps there are those who's karmic situation allows for “sudden awakening, sudden cultivation” but for me it has been “Sudden awakening, gradual (ongoing) cultivation”

My practice as it is now is to be/act naturally within the weightless effort of recognition. Body-mind and world are ownerless and unobstructed. The pivot point of practice is simple recognition, remembering when in dispersion. In the moment of recognition things are already unbound.. But.... I must choose recognition instead of dispersion. It is never an issue of not being able to wake-up, but not wanting to. The compensations of being born yet again are chosen over freedom. The melodrama of being born is picked over the perfect peace of remaining unborn. Why is this? I have suffered enough through privation, illness, the death of loved ones, and am working through a major illness with my partner now, yet somehow I am willing to invest once again, in becoming an entity with an agenda. Even though I know full well it is just another run on the hamster wheel.
Anyway.. Would be interested if anyone is at a similar place in practice. And please ...a disclaimer ..I am not saying this is the approach to practice so if you are at a very different place I respect that.

Gettin my mala beads.......

Iawa — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:09:27 +0000

any suggestions of mantras.

I already have "Om gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha."

Found My Own Slice of Nibbana

nomad — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:31:31 +0000

After several months of soul searching I have decided that Theravada Buddhism is the one that is right for me. I’ve read an eclectic array of Buddhist texts and I feel that Theravada best suits me at the moment. I’ve even been lucky enough to find a Sangha here in the Dayton area that is going to help me get started in some Thai-based Theravada studies. Reading the teachings of the Buddha and applying them to my life has been such an amazing spiritual journey and I can’t wait to get back on my feet and start studying regularly now that the move is finished.

~nomad

I may have found a temple

Linc — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:38:41 +0000

I've found a temple in the area that I may be visiting soon. I'm really pleased to have found a Zen temple (that looks like it has its head screwed on straight) within a half hour of my home. Unfortunately I won't be able to stop in until the 20th, but I'll report back if/when I make it.

Friendship on this Online Sangha

Nirvana — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:27:19 +0000

Somebody who contributed to this forum regularly has said, "Time to Say Goodbye."

I responded —in fact, twice. The truth is I was saddened, and extremely. I guess I really rely on people on this site, even though I don't keep in contact as I should. I assume people know most of us are extremely busy.

Well, those words quoted above brought Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's performance to mind. Below are some of the Italian words, but the url has all, both Italian and the translation: Time to Say Goodbye.

Andrea:

When you're far away I dream of the horizon and words fail me.
And of course I know that you're with me, with me.
You, my moon, you are with me.
My sun, you're here with me with me, with me, with me.

Time to say goodbye.
Places that I've never seen or experienced with you.
Now I shall, I'll sail with you upon ships across the seas,
seas that exist no more,

Both Sarah and Andrea:

I'll revive them with you.
I'll go with you upon ships across the seas,
seas that exist no more,
I'll revive them with you.
I'll go with you.

You and me.

We learn so much from other people and when they go away it's hoped that they'll take what they've absorbed from us with them and come back enriched to visit us someday.

Both in the noological sphere and in the physical sphere we owe a huge debt to so many people. In the sheer legal sense, many people are sprung from a common ancestor, but the way it works genealogically and biologically, we have twice as many ancestors every generation before us. In other words, it's truer to put it the other way around and say that we're sprung from a multitude of ancestors — an exponential curve in reverse. It's so silly when people talk of the French or British royalty being descended from the line of King David or whatever. It doesn't work that way, really.

Getting back to Bocelli and Brightman, I believe a horizon is quite a frightening and sad thing without a keen sense of having friends being beyond it who know the way back. Friends carry each other in their hearts alway and horizons exist just to give us some peace and perspective.

_________________________

My childhood, my best friend.

Kadampa Group

twobitbob — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 07:28:40 +0000

Hey guys, hope everyone's well.

Just looking for a little advice. I started going to a Kadampa meditation group and i was just wondering if anyone had any experience of the group. They're all very nice people and i like the teachings (heavy emphasis on cultivating compassion towards others). Only thing is i asked if the noble eightfold path was ever taught, as it had not yet been mentioned in the classes i had attended. One teacher had never heard of it while another had heard of it but didn't know the particulars. Just wondering what i should make of this; i do think they teach the 8-fold path, just not explicitly.

Comic's Update

comicallyinsane — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:33:25 +0000

Hi all,

I've been taking some time to myself. I haven't been soul searching like usual. I took some time and just experienced a little life like other people. I grew some facial hair which is unusual for me. I also started drinking again. I was so attached to non attachment that it became another attachment. So I feel more balanced with these decisions and life is getting better for me with the divorce going through. I try to see my kids whenever I can but money is always an issue. I am working on getting into the sheet metal union her ein Vegas. It pays well and it is geared toward my career goals. I also started going to my friend's Drink and Draw every thursday. It has helped me become more social and blow off steam hanging with my friends. So all of you who fogot about me or wondered I am ok.

Jason

Rio Grande Valley, Texas

chapulincolorado — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:42:48 +0000

If you ever in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas, join us.....:)

Flor de Nopal Sangha

gassho.....

the new routine

padre — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:01:51 +0000

I've just bought a new house and had planned on converting a large walk-in closet for use as a small zendo, but got to thinking...

Why not use the closet for a closet, and convert the living room into a zendo slash contemplative tea room instead? (And by tea room, I mean I do this whole ritualized matcha preparation process.)

The picture below isn't the whole room, but I think it conveys the basic aesthetic at work and shows my personal practice spot.

I've been sitting twice a day, with prostrations in the morning and a slightly longer form including walking in the evening.

And I've begun participating regularly with the local Soto group when they meet three times a week (plus about 15 hours this past weekend if I count right).

Although I've been sitting solo for years with the occasional group participation and even full-day practice "retreats", this routine seems to be clicking better than all that.

I just thought it might be pleasant to share.

An excerpt...

Ypip — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:54:44 +0000

from Reflections on the Path,
by Rev. Meiten

http://www.vizs.org/excerpt.html

Disruption and high jinks....

federica — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:39:56 +0000

Due to unprecedented administrative problems at e-sangha, (I'm not prepared to say anything more) some prominent ex-members have formed a new website:

http://www.dhammawheel.com/index.php

This is exclusively a Theravada website, and has been created for Theravadans to be able to discuss, learn, study and debate with ease and in peace.
of course, it goes without saying that Buddhists of other traditions are more than welcome to hop aboard and discuss with us.
But the likes of:

Ben O'Loughlin
Retrofuturist
The Venerables Dhammanando and Appicchiato
Element
and me -
Will not be going to e-sangha any longer.

Thanks.

Prayers

LesC — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:35:57 +0000

Having been raised in the Judeo-Christian belief, I have always been a believer of the existence of God. My understanding of God has changed over the years, and now look to be changing again. I still have an overwhelming belief in some all powerful force in the Universe, something that is in everything and of everything, and I'm trying to reconcile that with Buddhist belief systems. When I pray for someone/something, it is to this all powerful force that my prayers are focused.

One of the issues I'm having trouble with is that I hear you all talking about praying for this friend that is experiencing some difficulty. I'm certainly confused. As a Buddhist, who or what to you pray to/for when you are offering up prayers? Can you share some examples with me (without being personal).

Namasté

Dalai Lama teaching in So. California

Will — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:40:32 +0000

Tickets go on sale 6 Dec. The morning 2 hour talk will be on the nature of mind & the afternoon one on ethics. April 24 is the date.

http://www.religion.ucsb.edu/dalailama/index.html