Sangha Notes
Do you have trouble finding a robe that fits? On Saturday, Shelly will be taking measurements for those who wish to have a custom-made robe. She will be traveling to Vietnam, where these robes will be made. The cost is only $25. If you are interested, please bring cash for Shelly.
This Sunday, June 16th, there will be a one-day workshop in Victoria with Dr. Fraser at the Van Hanh Temple. Cheryl will be conducting individual interviews with retreatants -- this is a wonderful opportunity to receive guidance about your practice. There is still room for this retreat, and you can pre-register by calling (250) 756-2127. Alternatively, walk-ins are welcome. If you are able to offer a ride for carpooling, or you need a ride, please contact Michael at mdchaitanya888@gmail.com or (250) 739-2190. Please see below for more information about this mini-retreat.
We are starting to plan our next three-day retreat, and we are looking for some input. There are two potential dates for the retreat, and we would like to know which days work better for the majority of people. We can hold the retreat on either December 13 - 15 or December 27 - 29, 2013. Please email Michael at mdchaitanya888@gmail.com by July 31st to express your interest for one of these timeframes. The cost will be around $215; however, this is subject to change.
As a gentil reminder, we are practicing noble silence in meditation hall in the upstairs of the temple. As such, we are requesting the talking is kept to a minimum.
Dharma Books resumes on June 19th at 40 Kennedy Street.
Ever wonder what to bring to a meditation sit or teaching? We have foam pads for everyone to sit on, as well as a few cushions; however, if you truly wish to be comfortable, please bring your own cushion, meditation bench, or pillow to sit on. It can also be a bit chilly in the meditation hall, so please feel free to bring a meditation blanket or shawl.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Saturday, June 15 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Regular meditation meeting
Saturday, June 22 from 10 AM - 12 PM
TBA
Dharma Books:
Wednesdays, 7 PM at 40 Kennedy Street.
Workshops & Retreats
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Teaching by Dr. Cheryl Fraser
The Buddha’s Prescription for Happiness
Simple Dharma for a Complex World
Location: Van Hanh Temple, 933 Colville Road, Victoria
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door (vegetarian lunch and a gratitude offering for the temple)
Last minute walk-ins are welcome
A dana (donation) box to support the teacher will be provided. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Register & More Information: email nanaimobuddhistmeditationgroup@shaw.ca or call 250-756-2127 (between 8:00pm and 9:00pm)
The Buddha was a great psychologist. He taught us to face life as it is.
Life is filled with both joy and sorrow, gain and loss. The teaching of Buddha Dharma help us to understand and directly experience that while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. States of fear, anxiety, sadness and discontent occur when we are not in alignment with reality: things change, and we need to change with them. A mind that comes to know this truth is a calmer, happier mind, and this creates a more compassionate, peaceful person.
This silent meditation retreat will include meditation instructions, periods of Vipassana (insight) meditation practice and some guided meditation periods. There will be Dharma talks and optional group interviews with the teacher. Suitable for both beginning and advanced meditators.
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Wednesday July 24 – Wednesday July 31, 2013 (8 days)
Retreat with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Stillness, Compassion, and Wisdom
Location: The Hermitage on Denman island
Register: www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm
www.dharmafellowship.org/pdf/DharmaFellowship_Retreat_Info_Brochure.pdf
The Buddha was a great psychologist. He taught us to face life as it is. Life is filled with both joy and sorrow, gain and loss. The teaching of Buddha Dharma help us to understand and directly experience that while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. States of fear, anxiety, sadness and discontent occur when we are not in alignment with reality: things change, and we need to change with them. A mind that comes to know this truth is a calmer, happier mind, and this creates a more compassionate, peaceful person. This silent meditation retreat will have periods of Vipassana (insight) and Shamatha (calm abiding) practice. There will be some guided meditation periods. Yoga will be offered to support and deepen the meditation practice. There will be daily Dharma talks and interviews with the teacher. Suitable for both beginning and advanced meditators.
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Friday evening Sept. 6 – Sunday afternoon Sept. 8
Retreat with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Living in the United States of Happy Mind
Location: The Hermitage on Denman island
Register: www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm
www.dharmafellowship.org/pdf/DharmaFellowship_Retreat_Info_Brochure.pdf
This weekend retreat will focus on developing the four wholesome mental states, known in Buddha Dharma as the Brama Viharas, or the Divine Abodes. These four psychologically healthy, happy mind states are loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. This silent retreat will have periods of vipassana (insight) meditation practice and periods of guided meditation practice on each of the four divine abodes. Daily Dharma talks/interviews with the teacher. The emphasis will be on opening the heart and thus allowing a deeper settling of the mind.
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Dr. Cheryl Fraser’s Bio
Cheryl Fraser Ph.D. has been studying Buddha Dharma for 20 years. Her root teacher was the venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. Other teachers include Lama Mark Webber, Phillip Moffit, and Adrianne Ross. Cheryl studies and practices in both the Tibetan Vajrayana and the Theravaden Vipassana traditions. She is the resident teacher for the Nanaimo Buddha House and she teaches retreats at the Hermitage on Denman Island and elsewhere. She is a clinical psychologist in private practice, and she draws extensively from Western science and psychology, applying even the more complex Dharma's to "real life". Cheryl writes a column for Best Health magazine. She teaches Dharma in an approachable, colourful and humourous style. She invites us to examine the question: How can I be happy for no reason.
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