Inspiration from the International Plum Village Community

                                        September 2024

Being with painful feelings

Nobody escapes pain, but, for most people, knowing how to handle it remains a mystery. That’s why, in this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino discuss ways to cope with painful feelings, both individually and collectively. The two presenters talk about the Buddhist practices of being with pain, and how to handle it, be aware of it, and understand it, in order to start transforming it. 

 

Course registration is now open for the next online course bringing to life the teachings in Thich Nhat Hanh's book, Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet, which will run from 20th October until 8th December 2024. More information can be found here.

 

Here is the Pure Land

By Fan Wen - Own work http://www.flowersview.com/Amygdalus-persica/02-02.jpg.html, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43139210

 Enjoy this beautiful song about the Pure Land on the Plum Village website:

Here is Pure Land, the Pure Land is here.
I smile in mindfulness
And dwell in the present moment.
The Buddha is seen in an autumn leaf,
The Dharma in a floating cloud.
The Sangha body is everywhere.
My true home is right here.
Breathing in, flowers are blooming,
Breathing out, I am aware that
Bamboo is swaying, my mind is clear
And I enjoy every moment.

Day of Mindfulness-June 22, 2024 in Camden, Maine

June 22, 2024, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

First Congregational Church of Camden, Camden, ME

The Gift of Practice - A Day of Mindfulness in the Thich Nhat Hanh, Plum Village tradition led by Senior Order of Interbeing (OI) Member Avi Magidoff and sponsored by OI Dharma teachers Peggy Smith and Theodate Lawlor. A simple, healthy vegetarian meal, with vegan options, will be provided. Please bring whatever you need for sitting meditation, outdoor walking meditation and deep relaxation. The teachings are freely offered. Dana gratefully accepted with registration or at the event.

FMI and to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gift-of-practice-tickets-882162360367?aff=oddtdtcreator

A Day of Mindfulness-June 1, 2024 in Orono

A Buddhist Day of Mindfulness in the Plum Village tradition with Dharma Teacher Theodate Lawlor & Kripalu Yoga Teacher Sandy Cyrus.

DATE: Saturday, June 1, 2024
TIME: 9:30am – 3:30pm
LOCATION: Full Circle Yoga Studio, 78 Stillwater Ave., Orono, Maine.

For more information and to register: https://www.mainekripaluyoga.com/day-of-mindfulness

March 23 Day of Mindfulness Cancelled due to weather-will be rescheduled

 

To register visit https://www.mainekripaluyoga.com/day-of-mindfulness

Transmission of the 5 Mindfulness Trainings-May 11

 If you would like to receive the 5 Mindfulness Trainings, go to this link for an application.

Honoring our Teacher-Feb. 5th in person sangha

 

In January, on the two-year lunar anniversary of Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing, Thay’s monastics and lay disciples from around the world will gather in Vietnam to honor our beloved teacher as he becomes an ancestor in our lineage. The community has prepared resources for you to enjoy and support your understanding of this momentous event including links to online ceremonies.

On Feb. 5th, the in-person Still Water Sangha will be devoted to a ceremony honoring Thich Nhat Hanh with an opportunity for dharma sharing, especially gratitude for his life and teachings. 

Beginning Anew ceremony Jan. 22, 2024

The postcard below is from Wabanaki REACH and the theme is similar to Still Water Sangha's annual Beginning Anew ceremony. During the ceremony we collectively recite the Beginning Anew prayer. We also have a chance to light candles, both requesting and offering forgiveness for unskillful actions. We invite you to join the in-person sangha on January 22, 2024 for the Beginning Anew ceremony.

 

Dec. 18th in-person sangha canceled

Due to severe weather and many power outages, in-person sangha is canceled for Dec. 18th. 

Next in-person sangha on Jan. 1, 2024.

Happy holidays!