Dublin Buddhist Centre Newsletter May 2019

Part of the Triratna Buddhist Community

Dublin Buddhist Centre Newsletter

May 2019

Dear Friends,

A Response to Violence

I wrote to you last at the beginning of the year when I was reflecting on the death of our teacher and founder Bhante Sangharakshita. His passing represents a massive alteration in the landscape of our community and we are still thinking and feeling our way into its significance. Personally, Bhante's death has inspired me to revisit many of the teachings and practices that I've learnt from him since I first encountered Triratna in the mid-90s. Somehow his sudden departure has allowed me to recapture an element of `beginner's mind' in relation to them.

Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow

One of the things I've been doing, together with my Mitra study group, is listening to some of the talks he gave. Most recently, we listened to and discussed a series he gave in 1976, entitled Buddhism for Today and Tomorrow, in which he outlines what the Triratna Buddhist Community offers men and women in the modern world. These talks are a celebration of the achievements of the then nine-year-old Buddhist movement, as well as the presentation of a vision for its unfoldment in the future.

Four Gifts

In the first talk, he focusses on meditation as one of the things Triratna has to offer, and how this addresses a fundamental human need for a method which enables personal development. The second talk outlines a vision of human existence that communicates where we are now and what we might become. He talks about the nature of existence as process and how, if we understand the manner in which it occurs, we can achieve liberation. We hear about spiritual community in the third talk. He speaks of it in a highly inspired way as representing the `nucleus of a new society' ? a new kind of collective that exists to support and foster the growth of the individual. The fourth talk outlines the need to bring a new world into existence where truly human values are at the heart of our collective lives. He goes on to indicate how we might bring this into being by extending the spiritual community outwards into wider society.

This all came home to me after the recent extreme violence in New Zealand. Coming from there as I do, and New Zealand historically being a relatively peaceable place, it came as a shock and had a profoundly distressing effect on me much more than I would have expected. Afterwards, I was left with the question of how best to respond.

I concluded that the most immediate response I could make was to resolve to actively counter the arising of hatred in my mind, to take the cultivation of metta much more seriously, to engage with a method of personal development. And not just to do the metta-bhavana myself, but to teach it to others, as part of a path to the enlightened state where hatred does not arise at all.

I feel quite sure that Bhante would suggest that these things alone, as helpful as they may be, are not enough. As he says in his talks, establishing and developing an altruistically orientated spiritual community, which actively engages with the world, is also urgently needed. Making this happen is what Triratna is for, what our Dublin Buddhist Centre is for.

At present our activities are happening on what is admittedly a modest scale, but we are building momentum all the time and touching the lives of more and more people. I'd like to invite you to get involved. This can be as simple as attending the events that we run and taking what you learn out into the world. It is easy to underestimate what a profound difference this can make to our own lives and the lives of others.

Wishing you well for the summer months ahead.

Bhante's conviction is infectious and his arguments compelling. I can't help but feel that he is bang on, that the four things he speaks about - a method of personal development, a vision of human existence, the nucleus of a new society and a blueprint for a new world - are what is needed. Needed, not just for the frustrated and suffering individual, but, equally as important, for a tormented, violent and suffering world.

With metta, Jnanadhara (Chairman)

Stop press: I've just this minute learnt that Declan Brennan has been invited to join the Triratna Buddhist Order! Congratulations Declan. May all blessings be yours!

Unit 5 Liberty Corner, James Joyce Street, Dublin D01 N5H6 Telephone 01 817 8933 Web Email info@ Charity Number 20030698 CHY11311

Part of the Triratna Buddhist Community

Dublin Buddhist Centre Newsletter

Sangha Nights Every Tuesday night, 7.30pm - 9.45pm. On a drop-in, donation basis.

Tuesday night in the DBC is Sangha Night ? `Sangha' being the Buddhist spiritual community. In the small shrine room is an opportunity to meditate with others, especially if you've just completed an introductory meditation course and are wondering what to do next. In it we'll be exploring ways of engaging with meditation and the issues that arise in our lives with help from the Buddhist tradition. All are welcome, whatever your level of practice. In the large shrine room is a chance to come along and do a solid night's practice with other Sangha folk. The evening consists of a long meditation and then a Puja, with a small amount of input. This is for people who have a regular meditation practise and a desire to practice Puja together with others.

Drop-in Meditation Sits

Mornings: This is for those of you who would like to have a communal meditation before you start your day. Please arrive around 7.20am to set yourself up beforehand. And after the Thursday morning sit, there's a coffee morning in a local cafe! Weekday mornings, 7.30am - 8.25am. Lunchtimes: Come along for a lunchtime sit in the centre, weekday lunchtimes 1.15pm - 1.45pm.

Meditation Practice Mornings Once a month ? see calendar for dates. 10am - 1pm. Led by Maitrikaya.

These meditation practice mornings are an opportunity to come together regularly for intensive collective meditation practice. The morning consists of three consecutive sits, each around 45 minutes long, with short leg stretches and a tea break in between. No teaching, just a simple morning of practice.

Sub-35s Group Every month ? see calendar for dates. Thursdays, 7.30pm - 10pm. Led by Sadayasihi, Kevin and Kasey.

This evening is a space where people can meet, share their experiences, practise together, and develop meaningful connections and friendships based on the Dharma. It will be a welcoming place for people interested in exploring meditation and Buddhism with the support and friendship of their peers, and is open to anyone who is 35 years or younger and for all levels of experience. It meets monthly, and begins with meditation, followed by a discussion of Buddhist principles relevant to young people. In particular, it will explore how practising as a Buddhist can help transform the world in which we live.

Buddhist Action Month ? Transforming Self, Transforming World

June 2019 is Buddhist Action Month (BAM), where Buddhists of many traditions will be engaging together in socially beneficial activities rooted in Buddhist values. BAM is an invitation to take part and get involved in actions that express our care and concern for our planet and our environment ? for all living beings that exist on it ? in a practical way. The essence of BAM is to encourage individual Buddhists to take any action they wish that benefits the environment, other people, our local communities or society. We can also take the opportunity to reflect on the ethical issues that arise from living in a world that is dominated by individualism, materialism and consumer values. For more details, see BAM and BAM

Film Night ? AWAKE, A Dream from Standing Rock by Myron Dewey Friday 7th June, from 7pm. Hosted by Maitrikaya & Micheal O'Callaghan. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota captured world attention through their peaceful resistance against the U.S. government's plan to construct an oil pipeline through their land. This film documents this struggle, and is described as `an evocative wake-up call told as a visual poem'.

For the Benefit of All Beings: Litter Picking in our Locality Saturday 8th June, 11am - 1pm. Organised by Sadayasihi. Litter is unsightly - but it can also clog storm drains, pollute our water supply and it also signifies a waste of resources. On this morning we will gather to help beautify the area around the Dublin Buddhist Centre, making it a safer and more beautiful environment for all.

Actions Have Co2sequences: Climate Meditation at the Dail Wednesday 12th June, 1pm - 2pm. Led by Maitrikaya. Join us as we meditate outside D?il Eireann to raise awareness about the climate crisis and to call on our leaders to take immediate and urgent action.

Summer Solstice Ritual Tuesday 18th June, 7.30pm - 9.45pm. Led by Pavara. We will be connecting more with the passing of the seasons by celebrating the Summer Solstice, an important time of year in the seasonal calendar, celebrated by people on this island for millenia. As part of Sangha Night.

Writing for Transformation Saturday 22nd June, 2pm - 5pm. Led by Liz Evers. In this workshop we will use writing to explore and express our relationship with the natural world, and hopefully be inspired to engage more deeply and responsibly with it. No writing experience necessary. Just bring pen and paper.

Outdoor Meditation Practice Morning in St Stephen's Green Sunday 23rd June, 10am - 1pm. Led by Maitrikaya. This practice morning will be outdoors in nature! Come along and join us for a morning of meditation in the bandstand at St Stephen's Green.

Sub-35s Group Evening Thursday 27th June, 7.30pm - 10pm. For the Sub-35s group this month, Sadayasihi, Kevin and Kasey will be pursuing a special BAM theme. More details closer to the time.

Community Garden Taster Sunday 30th June, 11am - 2pm. With Liz Evers and the Summerrow Community Garden. Come along to see community gardening in action. Learn about growing food in the middle of the urban jungle. And sample some inner city-grown fruit and veg. This will be a morning of satisfying labour, neighbourhood improvement, community spirit and connection to the environment, followed by a leisurely lunch!

Unit 5 Liberty Corner, James Joyce Street, Dublin D01 N5H6 Telephone 01 817 8933 Web Email info@ Charity Number 20030698 CHY11311

Yoga and Meditation Days Sunday 12th May & Sunday 7th July, 10am - 5pm. Led by Pavara.

This Yoga and Meditation Day is suitable for all levels of yoga, as well as for those interested in meditation. It will be an opportunity to reconnect with your meditation or yoga practice if it has slipped, as well as a great way to try them out if you haven't done them before. On the day, the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana will be taught, as well as two sessions of yoga. Cost: 75 waged / 35 unwaged.

Buddhist Festival Days

These Buddhist festival days are opportunities for the Sangha to come together and spend a day on retreat in the midst of the city. All welcome. Buddha Day ? Sunday 19th May, 10am - 5pm: A celebration of the Buddha's Enlightenment, which Buddhists regard as the highest human achievement, and celebrate not only his accomplishment but also the fact that any man or woman who makes the effort can gain Enlightenment themselves. Dharma Day ? Sunday 21st July, 10am - 5pm: Without the Dharma, the Buddha's teaching, there would be no path to Enlightenment. Dharma Day is a chance to celebrate and rejoice in these teachings, which have led to the transformation of the hearts and minds of countless men and women.

Study Day for Women Mitras Saturday 25th May, 10am - 5pm. Led by Paramachitta.

Paramachitta is a private and public preceptor in the Triratna Buddhist Order. She was one of the team of Order members that established Triratna in Spain. She is particularly committed to taking the Dharma across cultures and has also worked in Triratna in the UK, Mexico and India. She will be leading this day for women Mitras, on the importance and significance of Altruism in the Dharmalife. Cost: 30 waged / 20 unwaged.

Retreat in Cavan ? Vision & Transformation Friday 31st May to Monday 3rd June. Led by Jnanadhara & Prajnagita.

We all have moments when we are moved, when we have a sense of something more, or when we even have a vision into some deeper and usually hidden reality, some deeper truth. All too often, however, we lose sight of those moments in the hurly-burly of life. On this retreat, we'll be exploring how to stay open to these moments of vision, grasp their implications, and transform our day-to-day lives in the light of these experiences. There will be plenty of metta and mindfulness meditation, space for unwinding and reflection, stimulating input on practice, and good company. Takes place in Sandville House, Co. Cavan. Cost: 185 waged / 165 low-waged / 125 unwaged.

Introduction to Meditation Days Sat 15th June & Sat 24th August, 10am - 4.30pm. Led by Jnanadhara & Maitrikaya.

On these days, both the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Development of Loving Kindness meditations will be taught, as well as walking meditation. They are ideal as an introduction to meditation, or as a refreshing day retreat if you'd like a boost to your practice. Cost: 75 waged / 35 unwaged.

Know your Mind Buddhism Course Monday 24th June, 7.30 - 10pm, for six weeks. Led by Prajnagita.

The Buddha's profound insight into the nature of mind informed the Abhidharma, a `training manual' to help us understand and transform our own minds. In this Abhidharma, we are given the means to live a happier and more fruitful life, a language to talk about our mental states, and ultimately a pathway to liberation from all suffering. We may even catch a glimpse of the ultimate mind in harmony ? the mind of the Buddha himself. We will be working from Subhuti's book Mind in Harmony, a wonderful guide for the journey. Cost: 125 waged / 105 low-waged / 75unwaged.

Study Day for Men Training for Ordination Saturday 29th June, 10am - 5pm. Led by Paramabandhu.

Paramabandhu is a private and public preceptor in the Triratna Buddhist Order. He will be leading this day for men training for ordination, on the theme Satipatthana: The Direct Path to Freedom, exploring the Buddha's teaching on mindfulness as a radical path to complete freedom, especially as stated in The Satipatthana Sutta. Cost: 30 waged / 20 unwaged. Note that Paramabandhu will also give a Dharma Talk on Friday 28th June starting at 7pm, open to all, entitled Manjughosa & Emptiness, exploring the figure of Manjughosa, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and Shunyata, the Buddhist philosophical concept of 'emptiness' (or equally `fullness'), giving us a healthy dose of `Perfection of Wisdom' teachings.

The Five Great Stages of the Path - Summer Retreat Friday 5th - Friday 12th July.

Meditation has always been integral to the Buddhist path, but how do the different meditations we practise each play their part in bringing about the profound liberation that is the culmination of that path? On this intensive meditation retreat we'll be exploring the significance of these practices as expressions of five great stages ? integration, positive emotion, spiritual death, spiritual rebirth and spiritual receptivity ? and the way in which the subtle interplay between them gives rise to spiritual unfoldment. The retreat will include walking and seated meditation, talks, discussion, ritual and one-to-one meditation reviews with the retreat leaders. It will take place at Sandville House in the quiet and peace of the Cavan countryside. Led by Maitrikaya, Prajnagita & Jnanadhara. Cost: 350 waged / 310 low-waged / 240 unwaged.

Opening to Nature, Deepening into Metta - Nature Retreat Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August.

Over this weekend we will be focusing particularly on how an immersive experience in nature can help us deepen into a loving connection with ourselves, with others and with the world around us. In essence we will explore how opening to the fullness and beauty of our natural environment can help us deepen into Metta and vice versa. As it is the fourth of its kind, `faithful followers' can expect a deepening Dharmic enquiry and dialogue, as well as it being an exciting initiation for newcomers. This retreat will take place in Mucklagh House, Co. Wicklow. Led by Prajnagita & Joanna Goldsmid. Cost: 220 waged / 180 low-waged / 130 unwaged.

Triratna International Gathering ? Alchemy of the Dharma Thursday 22nd - Monday 26th August, in Adhisthana

Alchemy is the magical art of turning base materials into gold, a potent metaphor for what we are trying to do in our Dharma lives. How do we transform the `base material' of ourselves, our spiritual community, and the wider society into `gold', into `personal' riches, shared riches and the sustaining riches of loving wisdom? This biennial event brings together large numbers of the Triratna Buddhist Community from around Europe for a feast of inspiration, stimulation and fun ? all are welcome, including children. Book online at

108 Year Puja for Bhante Sangharakshita Tuesday 27th August, from 7.30pm, as part of Sangha Night.

August 26th would have been the 94th birthday of Bhante Sangharakshita, who set up the Triratna Buddhist Community and who passed away last year. Each year around this date we celebrate his life and work, and express our well-wishing for him and our gratitude for his efforts in creating and sustaining the Triratna community. This will be year 17 of the planned 108 years (108 years being traditionally a very auspicious number in Buddhism) that the puja will be taking place, so come along to celebrate Bhante and to be part of this ongoing 108 year celebration!

Unit 5 Liberty Corner, James Joyce Street, Dublin D01 N5H6 Telephone 01 817 8933 Web Email info@ Charity Number 20030698 CHY11311

Part of the Triratna Buddhist Community

Dublin Buddhist Centre Newsletter

may

Wed 1st Mindfulness & Loving Kindness Meditation Course begins. 7.30pm - 10pm. Sat 4th Meditation Practice Morning. Led by Maitrikaya. 10am - 1pm. Sun 12th Yoga & Meditation Day. Led by Pavara. 10am - 5pm. Thu 16th Mindfulness & Loving Kindness Meditation Course begins. 10.30am - 12.45pm. Sun 19th Buddha Day Festival, celebrating the Enlightenment of the Buddha. 10am - 5pm. Thu 23rd Sub-35s Group. An evening of Dharma for those 35 years and younger. 7.30pm - 10pm. Fri 24th - Sun 26th Men's Mitra Retreat in Cavan ? The Buddha's Enlightenment. Sat 25th Study Day for Women Mitras ? Altruism in the Dharma life. Led by Paramachitta. 10am - 5pm. Fri 31st - Mon 3rd June Retreat in Cavan ? Vision & Transformation. Led by Jnanadhara & Prajnagita.

jun

June is Buddhist Action Month!

Fri 7th BAM: Film ? Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock. Hosted by Maitrikaya & Micheal O'Callaghan. Sat 8th BAM: For the Benefit of All Beings: Litter Picking in our Locality. Beautifying the area around

BAM the DBC. Organised by Sadayasihi 11am - 1pm.

Mon 10th New cycle of Meditation & Yoga courses begins. Mon 10th Mindfulness & Loving Kindness Meditation Course begins. 7.30pm - 10pm. Wed 12th BAM: Actions Have Co2sequences: Climate Meditation at the Dail Raising awareness about the

climate crisis and to call on our leaders to take action. Organised by Maitrikaya. 1pm - 2pm. Wed 12th Mindfulness & Loving Kindness Meditation Course begins. 7.30pm - 10pm. Sat 15th Introduction to Meditation Day. Led by Jnanadhara. 10am - 4.30pm. Tue 18th BAM: Summer Solstice Ritual with Pavara, as part of Sangha Night. Sat 22nd BAM: Writing for Transformation. Led by Liz Evers. 2pm - 5pm. Sun 23rd BAM: Outdoor Meditation Practice Morning, St Stephen's Green. Led by Maitrikaya. 10am - 1pm. Mon 24th Know Your Mind Buddhism Course. Led by Prajnagita. 7.30pm - 10pm for six weeks. Thu 27th BAM: Special Sub-35s Group. Suitable for anyone 35 years and under. 7.30pm - 10pm. Fri 28th Dharma Talk by Paramabandhu ? Manjughosa & Emptiness. Starts 7pm with meditation. Sat 29th Study Day for Men Training for Ordination? Satipatthana: The Direct Path to Freedom.

Led by Paramabandhu. 10am - 5pm. Sun 30th BAM: Community Garden Taster, with Liz Evers in the Summerrow Community Garden. 11am - 2pm.

jul

Fri 5th - Fri 12th Summer Retreat ? The Five Great Stages of the Path: Intensive Meditation Retreat Sun 7th Yoga & Meditation Day. Led by Pavara. 10am - 5pm. Sun 14th Meditation Practice Morning. Led by Maitrikaya. 10am - 1pm. Mon 15th New cycle of Meditation & Yoga courses begins. Mon 15th Mindfulness & Loving Kindness Meditation Course begins. 7.30pm - 10pm. Wed 17th Mindfulness & Loving Kindness Meditation Course begins. 7.30pm - 10pm. Thu 18th Sub-35s Group. An evening of Dharma for those 35 years and younger. 7.30pm - 10pm. Sun 21st Dharma Day Festival, celebrating the teaching of the Buddha. 10am - 5pm.

aug

Thu 15th Sub-35s Group. An evening of Dharma for those 35 years and younger. 7.30pm - 10pm. Sun 18th Meditation Practice Morning. Led by Maitrikaya. 10am - 1pm. Thu 22nd - Mon 26th Triratna International Gathering ? Alchemy of the Dharma.

Taking place in Adhisthana, UK. Fri 23rd - Sun 25th Opening to Nature, Deepening into Metta Weekend Retreat in Co. Wicklow. Led by Prajnagita & Joanna Goldsmid. Sat 24th Introduction to Meditation Day. 10am - 4.30pm Tue 27th 108 Year Puja for Bhante Sangharakshita. Starts 7.30pm as part of Sangha Night.

Unit 5 Liberty Corner, James Joyce Street, Dublin D01 N5H6 Telephone 01 817 8933 Web Email info@ Charity Number 20030698 CHY11311

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