Dear Friends
Could it be that our last blog post was in September 2020? We hope that you have been sustained and nourished by your practice of loving kindness and compassion during these difficult months of the global pandemic. Each day, the light lasts a little longer. May your seeds of happiness be touched by the fresh spring air.
Although unable to gather in person, our sangha has continued our Thursday evening practice via Zoom. The continuing presence of our community, even in virtual space, has been a source of joy and strength for our sangha members. A deep bow of gratitude to all. For the friends who would like to begin practicing on Zoom, here is the information on how to join us.
As always, the first Thursday of the month is dedicated to reciting the Five Mindfulness Trainings. This Thursday (March 4), we will be holding a full ceremony for the recitation.
For the past few months, we have been studying and practicing with the Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness, centering on the book Transformation and Healing by Thich Nhat Hanh. In March, we will be studying the fourth Establishment, mindfulness of the objects of mind in the objects of mind while also touching on the 52 mental formations.
On the third Thursday, Christiane will lead us through practice songs related to mindfulness (and transformation) of the mind in the mind.
On the fourth Thursday, we will look deeply into mindfulness as social justice practice, specifically in the areas of anti-racism, de-colonization and Indigenization. We will present a talk by Dharma Teacher Larry Ward on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness as tools for consciously transforming the colonial mind.
We understand that Zoom practice is not ideal for many practitioners. In these blog posts, we hope to offer you a range of alternatives to support and ground your practice during these challenging times – including sharing the resources from our Thursday night gatherings.
Resource to share from last month’s practice : Taking care of anger — a short teaching video by Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Raft is a special bi-weekly series, assembled by the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation, Plum Village Monastery, Parallax Press, and the Plum Village App team to help keep you grounded and connected. The series includes short videos, articles, interviews with monastic and lay practitioners and announcements of virtual practice sessions and retreats. Click here to subscribe.
For wholesome entertainment : Spirited Away is a Japanese anime film that offers many Buddhist teachings. The 2001 film is considered by some to be the best animated film ever – and it is available on Netflix as well as the Vancouver and Burnaby Public Libraries. Aside from being a beautifully made film, it is great fun to look for Buddhist characters such as the hungry ghost, Avalokita, manifestation of craving, fruits of loving kindness practice and so on. Bethan and Susu recommend!
From the Earth Holders Community : practice session “Earth Mother Love” with facilitator and Dharma Teacher, Michael Ciborski. With songs, guided meditations and Dharma talk, Michael offers a practice on interbeing awareness. Click here to watch.
Waves and Water Sangha Caretaking Council is committed to supporting your practice and your wellbeing, especially if you are currently unable to join us in virtual space. We welcome your thoughts on how we could better support your practice. We would also love for you to share resources that have sustained you. You can reach us at : wwsangha@gmail.com
May you be happy, safe and free from suffering.
