AT VEJJASALA
An Afternoon of Mindfulness & Insight
with Lynne Bousfield, Grahame White & Steven Smith
Saturday 29 October 2011
At Vejjasala 219 Forest Rd, Wingello, New South Wales
An Afternoon of Mindfulness & Insight
with Lynne Bousfield, Grahame White & Steven Smith
Saturday 29 October 2011
At Vejjasala 219 Forest Rd, Wingello, New South Wales
Vipassana (Insight) meditation is the development of understanding or “insight” through the cultivation of mindfulness. The understanding we develop equips us to help ourselves with our lives, to find happiness by knowing where to look. Insight through mindfulness, transforms confusion and painful emotions into mental stillness, composure and clarity. Mindfulness practice trains capacities like resilience, self-reliance and discernment so as to understand and respond to life with greater meaning and potential.
The afternoon is offered to celebrate the opening of Vejjasala, founded by the Association of Engaged Buddhists as a residential meditation retreat centre and a place of refuge for those living with serious illness. Vejjasala is located on a serene and beautiful property in the Southern Highlands, close to Bundanoon. The afternoon is open to everyone, regardless of meditation experience and is an opportunity for teacher-led and group-supported meditation practice and as an invitation to visit Vejjasala.
The afternoon has been inspired by the friendship between the teachers and Bhante Tejadhammo, Vejjasala’s director. Friendship is the beautiful state of mind we all cultivate through meditation practice and in the spirit of which a Vejjasala operates. Lynne, Grahame and Steven, friends for 35 years, have over that time been instrumental in founding meditation centres and developing meditation practice in Australia, Burma and Hawaii as well as supporting local community development in Burma, home to their lineage. They are committed to carrying the teachings of the Buddha from traditional and monastic settings in Burma, into everyday life.
Program: The afternoon will run from midday until 5pm and will include teaching, instruction and practice sessions. We suggest a late breakfast or brunch on the way to the Southern Highlands. There will be a break for afternoon tea.
Cost: Traditionally, the teachings of the Buddha have been offered and supported by the practice of Dana. Dana means generosity, the practise of giving by extending oneself in accordance with one’s means. Dana is a subtle and sophisticated approach to the teacher/student exchange – as such, an appropriate Dana to a teacher cannot be prescribed. It requires sensitivity to its intent and awareness of how the responsibility for costs and expenses associated with providing the teachings is met and borne collectively by the participating students. On this afternoon, the teachers will offer the Dana they receive from the participating students, to Bhante Tejadhammo to support Vejjasala’s development.
Registration is required by Tuesday 25th October: Spaces are limited and registering reserves your place. Please let us know if you do have to cancel your registration to ensure your place can be offered to someone else. To register and for directions to Vejjasala please email: sanghalodgeretreat@gmail.com
Enquiries: Should you require further information please contact: Lynne Bousfield - Bousfieldl@ozemail.com.au or Grahame White - gralyn@ozemail.com.au
AT SANGHA LODGE:
1. Wednesday Night Teaching and Meditation
GUEST TEACHER FOR March
28 March Guest teacher will be Merran Dawson. As she says:
When I was a teenager, I sometimes visited the stone Buddha at the Art Gallery and he would always bring tears to my eyes. I didn’t know who to ask about him.
When I got jobs teaching in high schools, and then training teachers, I gave full rein to my creativity and loved every moment.
When I held my newborn children in my arms, I caught a glimpse of the great continuity and my own impermanence.
When I was promoted to developing policy and inspiring change I was proud to be part of a quiet revolution in teaching. When another revolution came, and most of my co-workers were made redundant, I burned with the hurt and regret of the directionless survivor.
When I met my life-long teacher, Susan Murphy Roshi, I thought I had found the person to ask about the Buddha – but she invited me to ask myself instead. When I accepted the roles of managing staff in the public service, and then a university, I also began working with my perpetual challenges: greed, hatred and ignorance. When I began my business as a consultant I found autonomy and a good living, and I wrestled with my commitment to right livelihood, right there in the market place.
When I abandoned the pursuit of money and offered myself as a hospital and mental health chaplain, it seemed as natural as my tears for the stone Buddha.
Now, when I sit with a patient I sit with the living Buddha. Who could have known that he would be in so many places?
2. Dharma Discussion
On the third Saturday of each month between 4-6 pm, a Dharma discussion is held at Sangha Lodge. A topic is chosen by the host who facilitates the discussion. All are welcome to join the discussion, no prerequisite is required except an interest in Buddhism and the desire to learn. The host is anyone who has a desire to share what he/she knows and there is no expectation that the person be an expert in Buddhism. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about Dharma - either from the position of participant or host. If you are interested in being a host or have a topic to suggest, please email us at office@engagedbuddhists.org.au
When: Every Third Saturday of each month, 4 - 6 pm
Where: Sangha Lodge
Dharma Discussion for October will be on 15 Oct on the topic "Reflections on Re-Incarnation", hosted by Lachlan Warner.
No registration required. Just turn up at Sangha Lodge at 4 pm and be prepared to take something away.
3. Yoga
At Sangha Lodge we practice a classical Hatha style of yoga that is suitable for all bodies and all levels of fitness. Even difficult looking postures can be modified so that anyone can do them. A consistent yoga practice will make you stronger and more flexible and you'll be able to move more easily. Yoga will lift your mood and has been shown to benefit many chronic illnesses.
Practicing the yoga postures allow us to meditate on the body in action and gain a profound understanding and knowledge of its nature. We develop a deep appreciation for the miraculous way in which the body functions and at the same time we become less attached to fixed ideas about the way the body should look and be.
Your teacher, Sue Toohey, is a fully qualified member of the International Yoga Teachers' Association.
Our practice space is limited so it's best to call before attending class for the first time (0421 973 785)
Where: Sangha Lodge Buddhist Centre, 20 Victoria St, Lewisham, Sydney
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm
Cost: Casual class $15 ($13 concession) or 5 classes for $65 ($50 concession). Part of your class fees goes to help support Sangha Lodge.
To enrol call Sue on 9660 4448 or 0421 973 785
4. Monday Night Group Meditation
All welcome to join the group for about 55 mins of Silent Sitting. It begins at 7.30 pm. There is no teaching or any guided meditation.
If the Monday falls on a public holiday, there will be no practice on that day.
Where: Sangha Lodge, 20 Victoria St, Lewisham
When: Every Monday from 7.30 pm