Virtual Retreat

lobster

As we approach the commercial mayhem and frenzy of Xmas, I will be gearing up for a virtual retreat. Will we be hanging a Buddha or two on the Christmas wishing tree? Will we be sharing Dharma gifts? Will we be hanging up our sacks for amrita from bodhisattva Santa Claws (yes a relative)? Will we be chanting Merry Mantras? I can hardly wait . . . :clap:
http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/36631149521/as-we-gear-up-for-the-commercial-festival-of

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_Christianity

Amelia

My sangha also has a virtual Rohatsu retreat that will end the ango period.

My teacher also has this website: www.BuddhistFamilyHolidays.com

how

And here I thought a virtual retreat was turning off the computer.

lobster

Well we will be starting in a few days. The theme will be Happiness. I will be learning a new mantra and suggesting practices that make for a happy bodhi.

http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/36743302375 :clap:

fivebells

I would participate, but I'm going on a Goenka retreat on the 5th.

TreeLuvr87

following on tumblr :-)

lobster

fivebells said:

I would participate, but I'm going on a Goenka retreat on the 5th.

Well we may have started by the time you get back . . . :clap:

I have been prostrating to the Buddha begging for amrita, had Tara (one of the names of my shrine/computer) chanting to Amitaba all night.

Now I am experimenting with meeting points. One place will be this thread another might be here . . .
https://amitaba.jux.com/

As we are themed on 'Happiness' - well why not have a Happy Christmas - stuff the turkey!
. . . actually some good news my brother in law will be cooking. I will just be general purpose dogsbody. I am thinking of getting a tray, white gloves and saying things like . . . "Dinner is served" and "will that be all Sir and Madam . . ."

Anyway for now I suggest thinking about times you were happy (if ever) or what would make you happy (if anything) and getting a pic (at least) of amitaba.
Also learn the Amitaba mantra . . . let me know of any good links for youtube, wallpaper, sound files devoted to Amitaba

Vastmind

*feeling moments of clarity tonight*

Had minor surgery on Wed....Recovery will be
a couple of weeks.....

Someone is going to need an online retreat.
Well....look what the Good Lord Buddha brought me!


Anyway...I heard the meal call, so I thought I would
shuffle out of my room tonight. hahaha.

I will never look at a Donkey the same way after today.
*felt my heart cry at that teaching*
From the outside in.

Gratitude for the teachings I am receiving.

Gratitude for all the things that made this
opportunity present itself to us.


BYOB? I got this......Cork Altar on the wall.

lobster

Hope the surgery recovery goes well

Dharma noticeboard. Good idea. Good plan.
Gonna think of a way to implement this . . .

Yes the documentary about a rinpoche living in a shed
and his compassion for donkeys and the search for lost teachings - very good
http://youtu.be/A-I79ktnFlY

thanks for following on tumblr TreeLuvr87 :-)

lobster

I suppose we should have an agenda.

Practice in the morning
Practice in the evening

I don't usually practice in the evening. So will look for happiness (that should be fun) and radiate to our retreat participants . . .

What practice? Whatever makes you happy. Just do a bit more than normal . . . :clap:
http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/37190955563/why-are-we-here

lobster

I had to abandon Amitaba for various reasons. So the name and nature of the retreat is likely to emerge after its completion.

We now have a formal agenda. As you can imagine it is very disciplined . . . or not . . .
The link for 'what meditation really is', should provide a variety of online teachings . . .

http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/37366978625/the-agenda

Those of you able and willing to share a teaching or provide a talk are very welcome to suggest your blog, youtube video, podcast, text, link to a post here or other material you feel worth sharing . . .

It is of course totally drop in and drop out . . .
How long will we go? When did we start? . . . nobody really knows . . .
:coffee:

DairyLama

lobster said:

Practice in the evening

I thought evenings were for slobbing out in front of the TV?

Vastmind

lobster said:

......

It is of course totally drop in and drop out . . .

How long will we go? When did we start? . . . nobody really knows . . .
:coffee:

Who drops in and out? I know duality when I see it. lololol

If you dont mind......I'm there all the time.
I'm there with and each and every time.

lobster

thanks guys,
a little mahamudra for your contemplation
:clap:

Vastmind

*putting on a leotard*
*snapping of my pink ballet shoe*

Hey other retreaters.....am I the only one nervous
about the olympic/spiritual games starting?

These guys look serious. haha
How do I know what event(s) to enter?
Who are my opponents?
The venue laws could get tricky...

http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/24320417803/spiritual-olympics

lobster

Hey other retreaters.....am I the only one nervous
about the olympic/spiritual games starting?

The games are now closed. Fearless and focussed training continues for the next opening. :clap:

Being serious may lead to suffering. Being sincere to the wrong event may also result in suffering. Entering the wrong lane may lead to suffering.

What is a potential Buddha to do?

Dance?

Where is my tutu? :wave:

Jeffrey

rastafari jah selassie

Cole_

I read the spiritual Olympics and laughed the whole way through, good show, good show.

lobster

Jeffrey said:

rastafari jah selassie

As a pastafarian (devotee of HH The Flying Spaghetti Monster - Peace and Sauce be Upon Hymn) I and I am glad to be the source of amusement . . .
:clap: