Spring Practice Program

Our apologies! We are very late with our March Program Newsletter! 

So far in March, we have recited the 5 Mindfulness Trainings, then shared beautiful readings from 3 books by Plum Village Bhikkhunis (nuns) to celebrate International Women’s Day: Learning True Love by Sister Chân Không, Mindfulness As Medicine by Sister Dằng Nghiêm and Moments of Joy by Sister Jina. 

Last week, we watched a video on Happiness and Suffering. Here is a link to the video we watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGi2QM5cfXk

Here is the practice schedule for the coming weeks:
March 24
Noble Silence
We will watch a video about the practice of Noble Silence and have an opportunity to share about our insights and challenges with this practice.

March 31
Tea Ceremony
On the rare fifth Friday of any month, we will share in an informal tea ceremony. It’s a special ‘be-in’ treat and everyone is invited to bring a story, poem, song, photo, talent or anything else they would like to share.

April

In April, we will recite the 5 Mindfulness Trainings and explore and practice with the Satipatthana Sutta, the Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness. This is one of the Buddha’s most fundamental teachings and the foundation of all mindfulness practice.

It teaches us how to deal with strong emotions like anger, fear and jealousy, to nurture the best qualities in our friends and family and to greet hardship and death with compassion and equanimity.

Thích Nhất Hạnh’s book, Transformation and Healing is a wonderful book on this Sutra, which we will be referencing.

If you haven't already, feel free to take a moment to review this Practice Orientation Guide, which outlines what you need to know about practising with the sangha in person.

Please arrive 5-10 minutes early and note that for security reasons, we lock the doors at 7pm. If you arrive late, please enjoy your breathing in the hall until we can come to welcome you into the meditation hall (around 7:25pm).

Masking is optional but recommended if you have symptoms or have had a recent exposure.
We invite you to please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful spring equinox day. How lovely to know that the days are growing lighter and longer!

With blessings and bows,
Alda, on behalf of the Caretaking Council