Good evening dear friends –
As late Autumn moves into Winter, we are once again in a transitional place .The growing darkness and shifting colours of the autumn leaves offer us an opportunity to appreciate the fragile beauty of transformation. Our Thursday evening practice takes place in still darkness and we can look forward to our solstice candlelight and cookie practice on December 21. Our Day of Mindfulness December 16 will support our mindful practice of celebration over the holiday season.
During November and December we will continue our study and practice of the Discourse on the Four Kinds of Nutriments, looking more deeply into the nature of consciousness – the fourth nutriment. We will also explore the recitation included in the Four Nutriment Sutra Service: Repentance and Taking Refuge for Life. There is so much to gather into our heart from these teachings!
We also invite you to nourish your practice with an episode on CBC Radio’s Tapestry : Coming Home to the Present: The Life and Teaching of Thich Nhat Hanh at http://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/coming-home-to-the-present-the-life-and-teaching-of-thich-nhat-hanh-1.4375595
As many of you may know, Lu – our good spiritual friend and joyfully committed Sangha member – suffered a workplace injury last month. With the support of family, friends and Sangha members – as well as his diligent self-care – Lu is making good progress with his healing. Nevertheless, there have been challenging financial consequences. Some friends have developed a YouCaring site that we ask you to respond to and circulate wherever it seems appropriate: www.youcaring.com/LuLamRecoverFund. By allowing us the opportunity to practice generosity, the first paramita or perfection, Lu offers us a great gift.
In gratitude, Bethan
