Sangha Newsletter January 02, 2014 Upcoming Meeting Schedule Saturday, January 4, 2014 (10 am until after pot luck)
_Teaching with Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Please join us for a seasonal vegetarian pot luck following the teaching_
Saturday, January 11, 2014 (10 am - noon)
TBA
Saturday, January 18, 2014 (10am - noon)
TBA
Saturday, January 25, 2014 (10 am - 3:30 pm)
_Workshop with GesheLa - see next section for details_
Workshops and Retreats Chöd - Cutting Attachments & Transforming Fear
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Time: 10 am – 3:30 pm (lunch break: noon – 1:30)
Nanaimo Buddha House
587 Seventh St., Nanaimo
Suggested Donation $25.00
The ancient Tibetan Buddhist texts say that the root of all suffering is the ego - our sense of self. The ego becomes over-reactive and pressured to use quick solutions to daily problems. The quick solutions come in the form of anger and frustration when the world doesn’t act the way we want. The mind becomes irritated, consumed with trying to align the outside world with our desires.
The Tibetan word Chöd means “cutting off “or “cutting away”. Chöd has two functions: it eliminates attachment to the ego and to the body, and it serves as a means to cultivate generosity. What is cut off in Chöd practice is the attachment to one’s ego, symbolized by one’s physical body.
This spiritual practice from the Mother Tantra of the Bon tradition is a creative & skillful method relying on feminine wisdom energy to “cut through” obstacles, negativity, emotional conflicts and dissatisfaction in one’s life.
GesheLa will share his knowledge of the outer, inner, and secret offerings of the Chöd practice that subdue, satisfy, and heal the obstructing energies in our lives; making ancient wisdom and meditation practices accessible and relevant to our current circumstances.
The workshop is suitable for students of all levels of spiritual practice especially those who are facing fearful circumstances, threatening illnesses, and the stressful challenges of everyday life.
No registration required. Please bring bagged lunch. We will supply the tea for breaks. Lack of funds will not stop you from receiving dharma.
Sangha Notes We are collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the food bank, and warm clothing and blankets for a local shelter. A box is available downstairs for your contributions.
Please be mindful about parking when you come to Buddha House.Park across the street and not in front of the homes of neighbours.
With the onset of cooler weather, you may want to bring a meditation shawl and warm socks to meditation practice.
Opportunities are available for Sangha members to contribute some time to the following weekly duties within our community:
Housekeeping - approximately 30 min. after meditation plus one load of laundry per week.
Back-up for publishing our weekly newsletter - as needed. Training provided.
Please let one of the leaders know if you are interested in volunteering.
In keeping with our respect of the meditation hall, we request that you follow the following TEMPLE ETIQUETTE:
Please…
Practice silence in the Meditation Hall
Wear modest attire
Turn off cell phones
Remove shoes and hats
Do not step over Dharma books and images
Do not place prayer books or Dharma images on the floor
Do not point the bottom of your feet toward the altar or teacher
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