Gathering: October 21, 2012

After sitting, walking, and mindful movements, we listened to a recorded talk by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Today Thay reminded us that walking meditation can be a very useful practice for beginners.  Walking slowly, we take one step as we breathe in, and one step as we breathe out.  We focus on our breathing, and on walking mindfully and peacefully.

You Can Do It

Walking meditation is practicing meditation while walking.  It can bring you joy and peace while you practice it.  Take short steps in complete relaxation; go slowly with a smile on your lips, with your heart open to an experience of peace.  You can feel truly at ease with yourself.  Your steps can be those of the healthiest, most secure person on earth.  All sorrows and worries can drop away while you are walking.  To have peace of mind, to attain self-liberation, learn to walk in this way.  It is not difficult.  You can do it.  Anyone can do it who has some degree of mindfulness and a true intention to be happy.

(excerpt from "A Guide to Walking Meditation" by Thich Nhat Hanh)

Sangha Update: Fall 2012

The Waves and Water Sangha have continued to meet every Sunday at the Dalhousie Multifaith Centre for over a year.  Yay us!

We have a core group of four who share the responsibility of leading the group through sitting and walking meditation, mindful movements, and a discussion.  The first Sunday of every month we perform the "Five Mindfulness Recitation Ceremony" which is an excellent introduction to our practice.  This format has been very successful, and we hope it will continue to work well for us this coming year.

As always, we are happy to welcome newcomers at any time.  We are a casual bunch, with various levels of experience, just happy to have a group to sit with.  Please email for details:  info@wavesandwatersangha.com

Sangha Returns

After a long hiatus, the Waves and Water Sangha has begun to meet regularly again. Beginning on October 2, 2011 we have been meeting every Sunday morning at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Carrie at info@wavesandwatersangha.com for an introduction to our practice.

Sangha Update

The organizational meetings have been very productive, and we are getting close to deciding on a format. Overall, it will remain consistent with the practices of other Thich Nhat Hanh sanghas, and we are currently researching the possible variations. In response to suggestions to have more time to get to know each other, we have decided to incorporate a short social break at some point during the evening.

The general format will be as follows:

First hour: Alternating sitting and walking meditation
Second hour: Ceremony or discourse reading, followed by a short social break, ending with dharma discussion.

We are intent upon keeping the gathering to a maximum of 2 hours, which will be challenging with the addition of the social break. If duration becomes an issue the social time will be moved to before the sitting, and will then become optional. On evenings where we perform a ceremony we may focus our dharma discussion on an aspect of the ceremony instead of introducing a new topic. Whereas on evenings without a ceremony we will have more time to present a topic of discussion (or listen to a tape or video) and follow up with a discussion.

As we continue to plan, your continued input is welcome.
info@wavesandwatersangha.com

Request for Input

This week we are having an organizational meeting to discuss the direction the Waves and Water Sangha will take in the coming months. We encourage everyone who is interested to send their suggestions and comments to:

info@wavesandwatersangha.com

Topics to consider may include:
- format of the weekly meeting
- which ceremonies to include and how often
- topics of discussion
- where to meet, possible venues
- sharing of sangha duties
- events such as a regular "Day of Mindfulness" or guest speakers
- personal goals - what would you like to accomplish, and how can the Sangha help?

A New Era Begins

Recently there has been some exciting news! A number of people have begun to meet again, this time at a private home of one of our sangha members. We meet on Thursday evenings, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm.

We begin with sitting meditation, then we listen to a recorded dharma talk by Thay, followed by discussion.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Dorothy (dablythe@eastlink.ca) for directions.

End of an Era

The Waves and Water Sangha will no longer be meeting on a regular basis. With the loss of our space downtown, and the absence of some of our members, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a consistent gathering.

We will take this time to strengthen our individual practice, in the hope that when we meet again we will be a stronger and more stable community.

I will continue to use this space to post readings and excerpts from Thay's teachings, but it will not longer be reflective of the sangha's practice, but rather my own personal exploration of Buddhism.

Carrie

Fourth of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings

I have been absent from the past couple of sangha gatherings, but the schedule has continued as usual.

This past Wednesday, April 11, we sat and walked for the first hour, then continued our discussion of the 14 mindfulness trainings. This week we look at:

Awareness of Suffering

Aware that looking deeply at the nature of suffering can help us develop compassion and find ways out of suffering, we are determined not to avoid or close our eyes before suffering. We are committed to finding ways, including personal contact, images, and sounds, to be with those who suffer, so we can understand their situation deeply and help them transform their suffering into compassion, peace, and joy.

This week we will attempt to experience the suffering around us, and not look away when faced with the suffering of others. Also, we are reminded that when faced with difficult emotions or situations, to use the power of mindfulness to calm us and bring us back to the present moment.

Gathering: March 14, 2007

After sitting and walking meditation, we took a few minutes to review the form relating to our practice. We discussed bowing, breathing, moving about the room, ceremonies such as the incense offering and touching the earth, as well as a reminder of how and when to invite the bell to sound.

Afterwards we continued our discussion of the 14 mindfulness trainings with the second Mindfulness Training:

Nonattachment to Views

Aware of the suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, we are determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. We shall learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to others’ insights and experiences. We are aware that the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found in life, and we will observe life within and around us in every moment, ready to learn throughout our lives.

The discussion that followed was pretty intense, and would have continued much longer if our time had not run out. We talked about situations where we have found it difficult to remain openminded about another's point of view, because we so strongly believe it to be wrong. For instance, whether torture can ever be justified, or how to remain open in the presence of someone who believes it is okay to abuse women.

We all have views that we feel so strongly about, that we have great difficulty letting go of our attachment to them. We can agree that we need to be open to new and changing ideas in order to continue to grow, and that we do not have the right to say "I am right, and you are wrong", but it is a continuing challenge to remain open and compassionate.

Gathering: March 7, 2007

On the first Wednesday of the month we have three periods of sitting and walking meditation.

During the discussion which followed, we each shared how our practice of mindful speech had unfolded throughout the week. Our experiences varied, from discovering that a typical week did not supply many opportunities for deep listening and compassionate speech, to observing how an unmindful remark can suddenly change the mood and create defensiveness in the listener. For me, I learned that my mindfulness is not yet at a level where I am able to catch my words before they leave my mouth, and instead I am left analysing the motivations and consequences of my remarks after the fact.

The story that I relayed to the group was about a conversation I was having with a friend. He began to tell me a story, and part way through I laughed at one of his remarks thinking that I knew what direction his story was going. This got me a strange look from the storyteller. As he continued, I realized his story was going in a much different direction, and my laugh was quite out of place. Thinking about this after the fact I realized it was not only a good illustration of where deep listening and mindful speech would have been useful, but it also illustrated an unrecognized trait in myself. When I laughed, it was not because what he said was particularly funny, but because I thought that was the reaction he wanted. In my own way I was trying to be considerate, and to be a good listener by giving him the feedback he wanted, but this was not true deep listening, and my laugh was an example of unmindful speech.

After our discussion we decided to continue with our efforts for the coming week, and discuss our experiences next week.

Gathering: February 28, 2007

Instead of listening to a Dharma talk, we have decided to study and explore the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, with a focus on applying the principles discussed throughout the following week.

The first of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings:

Openness
Aware of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, we are determined not to be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist teachings are guiding means to help us learn to look deeply and to develop our understanding and compassion. They are not doctrines to fight, kill, or die for.

Following our discussion, we decided to use this week to observe our speech habits, to learn more about our openness towards others and their ideas.

Gathering: February 21, 2007

Being the third Wednesday of the month, we recited the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Here is an excerpt for your contemplation:

The Fourth Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain and will not criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

Gathering: January 17, 2007

Being the third Wednesday of the month, we recited the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Here is an excerpt for your contemplation:

The Third Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a

long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken

by sexual misconduct.

Gathering: February 14, 2007

Throughout February we will continue to follow the schedule of three sittings on the first Wednesday of the month, a dharma talk on the second and fourth Wednesdays, and a recitation ceremoney on the third Wednesday.

We continued to listen to Thay's talk. Today he focused on Compassionate Listening. We can relieve so much suffering in others just by listening. Use the energy of mindfulness to practice deep listing. This is something we have lost, making communication impossible.

When we have problems with our loved ones, we go to a therapist, because they will listen to us. It is their job to listen to us without judging and without arguing. This is what people need when they suffer... someone to listen to them without judging.

The power of listening is very strong, and can relieve the suffering of others.

Gathering: January 10, 2007

Both last week and this week we continued listening to the Dharma talk by Thay. In error, we repeated a part of the talk already discussed. But Thay is worth listening to more than once!

Holiday Schedule

There will be no gathering on December 20th or December 27th. Our next meeting will be on January 3rd, 7:00pm, when we will have three periods of sitting and walking meditation, lead by Roberta.

Happy Holidays!

Gathering: December 13, 2006

Tonight we continued Thay's series of talks called the Ultimate Dimension.

"The Gift of Space is True Love"

Thay reminded us that the deluded mind is characterized by anger, violence, prejudice and lack of understanding. Imagine a world where many people with deluded mind come together. It would be chaos, because we would not be able to understand each other. There would be much violence, discrimination and affliction in such a world. This closely describes the world in which we live today.

Thay then asked us to imagine a world full of people with clear, awakened mind. We would have joy, love, understanding and beauty. This is the world of the Avatamsaka. We can choose to step into this world, and experience light, peace and understanding. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can spread the light of the Avatamsaka realm to all those around us, and help bring people back from forgetfulness.

The Avatamsaka realm is characterized by light, but also by unlimited space. Space outside and inside is necessary for happiness. There is not much space in our samsaric world. We fill our space with projects, worries and ambitions. Many people believe these things are necessary to fulfill our goals and bring us happiness, but in reality these things could be obstacles to our happiness.

Thay also reminded us not to love someone in a way that deprives them of their own space and freedom. Do not be possessive. The gift of more space is true love.

Gathering: November 29, 2006

Unfortunately no other sangha members were able to join me for tonight's gathering. I sat and walked. Being alone, my thoughts often strayed to the future of the sangha. The number of regular participants is shrinking, which is a concern.

When considering ways to promote our sangha, I feel a website is important. Many people use the internet to find information about local Buddhist groups, and I believe it would be helpful to have a stronger presence online. Afterwards, I went home and worked steadily on our webpage, and hope it will be ready to publish next week.

Gathering: November 22, 2006

As always, we began with two periods of sitting and walking meditation. We then continued listening to a series of talks by Thich Nhat Hanh called "The Ultimate Dimension".

In the section titled "The Teaching of Interbeing" Thay discusses the Avatamsaka Sutra. Many gathas that we use today come from this sutra. In "Present Moment, Wonderful Moment" Thay has added new verses for modern circumstances such as driving in our cars, or talking on the telephone. These verses help us to practice mindfulness in daily life.

In "Toucing the Whole Cosmos" Thay chants a verse for us in Vietnamese, then translates it line by line. One line, "Our practice centre is the Net of Indra" refers to the heavenly abode of the God Indra, where there hung a net of infinite dimension. On each intersection of the net hung a glittering jewel. If you looked closely at any one of these jewels, you would see every other jewel reflected in the polished surface. This is a metaphor for the non-dual nature of existence, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Gathering: November 15, 2006

Being the third Wednesday of our new schedule, we recited the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Here is an excerpt for your contemplation:

The Second Mindfulness Training:

Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.

During the discussion that followed, it was noted that the ideal of not stealing and not possessing anything that should belong to others, is very closely tied to the basic Buddhist teaching that craving is the root of suffering.