Greetings Sangha Friends
Greetings Sangha Friends
The year seems to be getting off to a monumental start, with so many activities going on at the Centre that it is hard to keep up (and you know me – I probably haven’t, and will need a supplementary to fill the gaps!)
Not to mention the most radical change of all – our planned NAME CHANGE! As many of you may have heard already, for a variety of reasons, but prompted by the desire to have more consistency with the Order in India, it has been proposed by Sangharakshita and the European Chairs Assembly, that the name of the Order be changed from the “Western Buddhist Order” to the “Triratna Buddhist Order” (Triratna being the three jewels to which we go for Refuge – The Buddha, The Dharma and the Sangha). The “Friends of the Western Buddhist Order” would become the “Triratna Buddhist Community”. Discussons are now underway around the timing and arrangements for the name change, and a way of marking the event
And on a very much more mundane and local level – we are delighting in our new Water Boiler which is making the preparation of beverages so much easier. It is truly said that Buddhist Centres run on tea!
Centre Activities
'Purls of Wisdom’ the knitting/crochet/stitching group at our Centre met for the first time on Saturday, January 30th. “Five women attended and we enjoyed spending a couple of hours together engaged in our various crafts. The theme for discussion was based around karma, death and rebirth
We very much appreciated spending time together in this different way and decided to plan in another meeting. SO ‘Purls of Wisdom’ will meet again at 10.30am on Saturday, March 20th at the Centre.
Sadly we had no men with us but we do really encourage you to come along chaps!”
from Srivandana and on behalf of Barbara, Carol, Nell and Sue
Recent Events
9th Jan Film Night – Donnie Darko. A fascinating look at this film
9th & 10th Jan Open Day at the Centre with the Practitioners. Not a bad turnout considering the extreme weather conditions
12th Jan A visit to the Centre from Police Cadets in training
12th Jan Part 1 course started
14th Jan The new Thursday night series started, “Going Deeper in Meditation” led by Jnanamitra, with around 20 people attending
21st Jan Our AGM was held, with not quite so many people attending!
24th Jan A Study Day with Ratnaghosa was held in the Centre, and really appreciated by those attending
30th Jan The first “Purls of Wisdom” morning was held (see above)
Future Events
11th Feb A visit by the Sangha to Michael Smy, Funeral Directors, to see what happens behind the scenes. Part of the preparation for Parinirvana Day. Still just about time to join up – contact Acalavajri on 07590 264046
11th Feb Super Thursday. Continuing the Parinirvana Day theme, with more ways of engaging with this
13th Feb Film Night. This month’s offering is a wonderful film set in Korea, called “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter” Beautiful photography and a very moving message. Come at 6.30 for shared supper (bring vegetarian food to share) or 7.30 for the film
14th Feb PARINIRVANA DAY. Do sign up for this at the Centre. Cost £15 (with concessions available) and lunch included. 9.30 to 4.30
21st Feb Curry Night for Mitras and Order Members at the Centre. Sign up on the sheet in the Centre, 7 pm. Cooking courtesy of Vicky and John, and it’s all free! (Though Dana appreciated, of course!)
26th Feb Practice night. Buddha Puja led by Acalavajriwill, normal start time, 7.30 for 8pm
27th Feb Open Day at the Centre attended by the Mayor. We would like a good turn out of Sangha members, and we will be treated to a talk covering the tale of FWBO(sic) Buddhism in Ipswich with short talks from those who were there at various stages. Doors open at 10.30 am and the Mayor should be arriving about 11 am. In the afternoon we are planning a sort out and clean up in the old Centre in the Thoroughfare in preparation for the ending of the lease. Again it would be great to have a good gang of volunteers. Thanks
28th Feb Womens Study Day at the Centre. “Generosity of the Heart” A Day Retreat for Women exploring the Metta Bhavana. 9.30 to 4.30, led by Acalavajri, Janamitra and Srivandana. £12/10/8, but if finance is a problem come anyway and give what you can
4th Mar Super Thursday with Mitra Ceremonies for Lynne and Paul. Not to be missed!
6th March A Study Day with another very eminent member of the Order. No other than Dhammarati, the Chairman of the Preceptors College, and a very good speaker. Do come along to join in. 10.30 to 4 pm. Suggested Dana £12 (with concessions available)
14th Mar Womens Regional Study Day for those who have asked for Ordination, in Ipswich
20th Mar The next “Purls of Wisdom” Get your knitting, crocheting, tatting or whatever out and come along. Men are welcome too (though no carpentry!)
21st Mar Civic Celebration of Community at the Wolsey Theatre, 2.30 to 4.30, admission free. See the Buddhist Centre’s contribution courtesy of Dayasara and Avril!
26th Mar Practice night
28th Mar Singing and Voice workshop with Mahasukha. 10.30 am to 4.30. Should be a great event. Check out his website or Facebook and see what to expect. Sign up at the Centre. Suggested contribution £25, concessionary rates £20/£15
27th March Young People and Sparkly Ideas Evening - Ruth is just back from an inspiring weekend at Taraloka Womens Retreat Centre and is initiating a Bright and Sparkly Ideas evening for young people.
PS The Volunteers Day on 20th Feb has been deferred. We will be doing something on a Super Thursday on the 8th April
Classes
The Part 1 course continues until the 16th Feb, with the next course starting 2nd March, also Part 1
Going Deeper in Meditation continues to the 25th February
Newcomers night continues as normal, as does the Women’s mitra study on Thursday nights, and Mens mitra study on Tuesday afternoons
Tuesday lunchtime Meditation and discussion continues, starting at 1 pm
And there is a new Meditation class now on Wednesday at 1 pm
There is early morning Meditation for early birds on both Wed and Friday mornings, 7.30 am
The Mens group continues on Sunday night at the Centre
Additional Items
And finally – Frank is keen to hold a Poetry evening at the Centre. There are about fifteen people interested so far, and there is a notice on the kitchen notice board where you can indicate if you are interested. Date has been set for the 13th March on the same basis as the Film night, with a “bring and share” meal at 6.30 pm, then the poems! Do put your name down and come along. Bring your favourite poem, one you have written yourself, or just come along and enjoy the evening
With Metta
Swadipa
