Greetings Sangha Friends
So that you can keep up with the ever growing number of events happening at the Centre, we now have two new ways of seeing what is going on.
The first is a Centre programme leaflet with all the “extra” events (other than the regular weekly courses) – it is available at the Centre so pick one up next time you are there
Or for the more IT orientated, the Centre programme is available on Google calendars. To access it you first need a Google account. With that you should be able to access “Google calendars”. When you get there you will find a box on the bottom left of your screen labeled “other calendars”, and at the bottom of that is a link marked “add” Click on that and you get the option, “add by URL”. Click on that and enter the following URL
and with a bit of luck – hey presto! This calendar should be updated regularly and so should be a current indication of what’s on
Now for a little disclaimer. Some of you may have observed that some day workshops or weekend events are more expensive than others. The reason is largely that some of those who come to do the events have other support and so only need their travel expenses. Others are trying to make a living out of the skills they impart at their workshops, so need rather more revenue from their events. I hope that explains some apparent disparities
Centre Activities
Open Weekend 9th & 10th Jan, starting both days around 10 am. Do come along to try out some of the activities on offer – Yoga, Tai Chi, Chanting, Life coaching – or just to support the day. Its always good to have some Sangha members around
AGM Thursday 21st January at 6 pm. This is a chance to hear the reports of the Officers of the Charity (Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary), and to make your views known!
21st Jan – Study Day with Ratnaghosa to launch our year’s theme of Generosity. He is a well known Dharma teacher and people who have attended workshops with him have been very impressed. Suggested donation £15
Recent Events
i) National Interfaith Week 14 to 21 Nov, with “Open our Doors” event on the 21st. The was a small but steady trickle of visitors, some of whom have fed back very positively about the Centre
ii) The Men’s study with Dayasara on Friday evening has had its first session
iii) Wednesday morning Meditation has commenced at 7.30 am for the early birds
iv) School visit 7.12.09 from Mellis Primary year 6. Twenty two children attended and seemed to have a great time
v) The Sangha Retreat was held from 11th to 13th December at Vajrasana, with the largest numbers yet, and was a great success, discussing themes from Milarepa’s 100,000 songs.
vi) “Light and Dark” event was held again this year, at 7.30 pm on the 24th December, and 11.30 am on the 25th, led by Jnanamitra. Though a bit slippery and icy underfoot, the conditions were fine otherwise and the woods as atmospheric as ever
vii) The New Year’s Eve Puja was the Celtic Puja, dedicated to Tara.
Future Events
Saturday 30th January - “Purls of Wisdom” led by Srivandana – Knitting and Dharma. Do you knit, crochet, do patchwork orapplique? Would you like tomeet witha group of like-minded Dharma practitioners and not only practise your craft but talk about the Dharma? If 'YES!' then please join Carol andSrivandana on Saturday, January 30th, 10.30am at theCentrefor a couple of hours stimulating chat and crafting (or even mending!).
Our theme for the first of hopefully many meetings will be 'Life, Death, Rebirth and Everything!' and it might be helpful to turn your mind to the topic before we meet.
And our next Film Night this Saturday, 9th January. The film is Donny Darko, a great film- a bit of a cult classic. Come and enjoy! For the meal come at 6.30 with vegetarian food to share, the film itself probably starts around 7.30 pm,
New Meditation class starts on Wednesdays at 1 pm, and the early morning Meditation sessions will be continuing on Wednesdays at 7.30 am, as well as the Friday morning 7.30 session
Our next Festival Day will be Paranirvana Day, on 14th February. This event remembers, and reflects on the significance of the Buddha’s physical death. See the poster at the Centre
As a run up to this festival Acalavajri is organizing ‘Dispelling the Myths’ - a visit to Michael Smy’s – the funeral directors and a look at the work at the crematorium to see what happens practically after death. It is scheduled for Thursday the 11th February in the day, but not sure whether am or pm as yet. Let Acalavajri know if you are interested on 01473 327176, or put your name on the list at the Centre
Classes
New Part 1 class starting 12th January
The women’s “Book Group” with Jnanamitra continues to meet the 2nd Friday of each month. Contact Jnanamitra for details on 01473 741763
Women’s Mitra study resumes on Thursday nights from the 14th January
And for those attending Sangha night on Thursday evening there is to be new series on “Going Deeper in Meditation” led by Jnanamitra and supported by Swadipa, for 6 weeks starting the 14th Jan
Also a new Wednesday lunchtime Meditation session from 1 to 2 pm
The other regular sessions continue, such as the Tuesday lunchtime Meditation and discussion, Wednesday and Friday morning Meditation at 7.30 am, and the Sunday evening Mens Group with Harshaprabha. Dayasara’s Mens study on Tuesday afternoon will be resuming when he returns from his solitary, as will his Friday evening study.
Well, I think that is all for now
Wishing you all a Happy and spiritually profitable 2010
With Metta
Swadipa
