Apologies – a little late owing to Birthday Celebration!
Dear Friends
Wishing you all a very fruitful 2017
A time to reinforce or reconsider our direction.
Tip o’ the Day below
Practice makes perfect.
Diary
So much has happened this past year! We’ve had a new dais and pedestal made for the Meditation Room (see link in Announcements below) and a statue is being sculpted for us in China of the Parinibbana Buddha, the Buddha in the lying posture as he died, which is to be placed at the top of the pond.
And the great project of the year, the new Accommodation Block started in the summer, should be finished by the end of February at the latest.
You can just about see the metal frame for the balconies and stairs. The scaffolding is still because the roofing has still to be put up.
We are coming to end of enlarging and enhancing the property. Happy that day will be when all is done and we can finally settle into a peaceful meditation centre.
It’s also been an important personal year. Reaching 70 has been a milestone birthday for me and I mean to step up my practice, taking advantage of a future that is quickly being used up! I shall be going to Burma to Sayadaw U Pandita’s country centre in November. This has allowed me to run an extra-long course this year throughout the winter and next year we shall be up to speed with numbers since the Accommodation Block will be in use.
You will also notice that now there are three teachers with Noirin, Guus and Carl, all offering a week or more. I mean to build up a ‘halo of teachers’, either my own or other’s students.
Announcements (Lots!)
A New Treasurer: Mike Regan had to retire from the Trust for personal reasons. Mike was the one who suggested we use PayPal and that has been a blessing. Many thanks. Sorry to lose him since he has a great eye for detail and that’s the sort of person I need!
Richard Benjamin has stepped up to fill the void. He has been a long-time supporter. You may remember him as the builder of the Dining Room extension and he’s looked after the odd jobs that have come up. Unfortunately, he has joined the Trust when we have a new accounts person and the change has brought unforeseen difficulties. So there has been a bit more weight put upon him than usual. But he’s on top of it. Very grateful! Plenty
Meditation Room : Have a look at The New Dais and pedestal in the Meditation Room. If you click on the linked photos and then Info you’ll find out who the two gentlemen in the photos are.
***Assistants: Plenty of opportunity to come and serve. It’s still a retreat for you. Up to six hours sitting practice is possible and an occasion to bring the practice into ‘ordinary daily life’ tasks. You must have done a retreat in the Mahasi tradition – if only a weekend.
Meditation Teacher Training: If you have a done a few courses and think you might like to run a group or would like to know how you might introduce a friend, do apply. (See below)
The Complete Calendar for 2017
Assistants Needed
N.B. All the courses are serviced by assistants.
As an assistant, we do not expect payment of the deposit because you have kindly offered your time.
And as usual any dana by you is entirely in your gift.
However, your commitment is essential, for the course would be very difficult to run without an assistant and may indeed have to be cancelled.
If you are interested, follow this link: Course Assistant
For info. about Retreats and teachers see website www.satipanya.org.uk
See drop down menus: especially About Us, Teachings and Retreats
If you would like to come and assist on a course?
Scroll down to see where we need you.
Click on teacher names for bio.
Day Retreat
Sunday 08 Jan
Bhante’s 70th Birthday
Arrive 09.30. Finish 17.00
Please bring veggie food to share.
Winter Mahasi
Assistant :Jim Tibby and Mark Blaxland
Eight week roll-on, roll-off Retreat.
Minimum stay eight nights.
Start dates: Saturdays:-
14 & 28 January; 11 & 25 February
Finishing Sat. 11 March
Open only to those who have at least one Mahasi Retreat
either at Satipanya or with another teacher
Alternate Sundays possible: 22 Jan.; 05 & 19 Feb.; 05 Mar.
You are encouraged to stay for more than one week.
Day Retreat
Sat. 18 March
Local Assistant : Needed
Kick Start/Top up
Arrive 09.30. Finish 17.00
Please bring veggie food to share.
Mahasi Retreat
Sat.01 – Sat. 08 April
Assistant : Needed
Sayadaw U Pandita's definition of Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the observing power of the mind, which clearly and simply experiences an object, without reacting to it.
We start actively to develop this power with the body as primary object. That makes it possible not to get fully entangled in the hindrances and to come to know something about them. Sitting meditation, walking meditation and daily activities are fully equal in importance. Gradually we come to know other objects of meditation, both internally and externally.
Practical thing: It is useful to take a small notebook and a pen, to make notes of observations after a session or during the day. This will be helpful to make the interview sessions useful and relaxed.
Easter Mahasi Retreat
Sat. 15 – Sun. 30 April
Assistant : Needed
The usual schedule and format – see website.
Preference given to those who want to stay two weeks.
Vipassana means “Seeing clearly”. When we see the world as it really is, we will be free from the distress that comes from identifying with a limited view of who and what we are.
During the retreat, we relax from all our usual busyness to give our full attention to present experience. We learn to see the world more clearly, and to disentangle the knots of confusion that bind us to emotional turmoil. At precious moments, the heart opens and we may sense what it means to be free.
Buddha Day
Saturday 29 April
Celebrating the Life of the Buddha
Bhante Bodhidhamma
Taking Refuges and Precepts Ceremony
Please bring veggie food to join us for communal lunch at noon.
Ceremony starts 13.30
Mahasi Weeklong Retreat
Sat. 20 – Sun. 28 May
Assistant : Grace Kelly
The usual schedule and format – see website.
See above for Noirin’s description.
Meditation Teacher Training
Sat. 3 June – Sun. 11 June
Assistant : Needed
Please contact Bhante direct if you wish to join this course.
It is for those who have a regular daily Mahasi practice
and who wish to start a group or be able to teach individuals
or have some vague desire that they might like to do so.
Mahasi Weeklong Retreat
Sat 17th – Sun 25th June
Assistant : Needed
The usual schedule and format – see website.
Summer Mahasi Retreat
Assistant : Needed
Eleven week roll-on, roll-off Retreat.
Minimum stay eight nights.
Start dates: Saturdays:-
01 & 15 & 29 July; 12 & 26 Aug. 09 Sept.
Finishing Sun. 17 Sept
Celebration Sat 16. See below
N.B. Start restricted to listed Saturdays.
Alternate Sun. possible for Mahasi devotees.
A challenging Retreat easily modified for beginners.
See Beginner’s Testimonials on website.
You are encouraged to stay for more than one week.
Assistants : Needed
Starting and ending on following Saturday.
01 – 15 July : Needed
15 July – 29 July : Assistant : Needed
29 July – 12 August : Assistant : Needed
12 – 26 August: Assistant : Needed
26 August – 09 September: Assistant : Needed
09 – 17 (Sunday) September: Assistant : Needed
Sangha Day : Ninth Anniversary
Saturday 16 September
Please bring veggie food to join us for communal lunch at noon.
Ceremony starts 13.30
Talk: To be announced.
Weekend Retreat
Fri. 29 Sept. – Sun.01 p.m. October
Assistant : Needed
See usual weekend Schedules
Mahasi Two Week Retreat
Preference given to those who want to stay two weeks.
Assistant : Needed
Sat. 07 Oct. – Sun. 22 October
The usual schedule and format – see website.
Day Retreat
Saturday 28 October
Local Assistant : Needed
Jenny Birkett
Kick Start/Top
Arrive 09.30. Finish 17.00
Please bring veggie food to share.
Autumn Mahasi Retreat
04 Nov. – 26 Nov.
Assistant(s) : Needed
Preference is given to those who wish to stay for the full three weeks.
The usual schedule and format – see website.
Day Retreat
Kick Start/Top up
Saturday 16 December
Local Assistant : Needed
Arrive 09.30. Finish 17.00
Please bring veggie food to share.
New Year Retreat
Fri. 29 December to Tues. 02 January
Assistant : Needed
N.B. This retreat is reserved for those who have completed a Retreat as Satipanya.
The first day will be a normal retreat schedule though we shall rise at 5.30.
An opportunity to make it a day of fasting
in solidarity with the one in nine people undernourished and starving.
On the second day, the Eve, we will see in the New Year.
During a group event, you will be asked to tell us about an event which has had a effect upon you - international, national or local or personal.
We hope to have a bonfire.
A day to reflect on the past year, plenty of time to oneself.
Retreatants will be asked to say a little about an virtuous event chosen by them.
The third day, New Years Day, is communal with a walk – weather permitting.
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Calendar 2016 |
Bhante’s Calendar away from Satipanya |
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These are my courses when I am away from Satipanya Buddhist Retreat. Please confirm all dates with contacts below. Beginners are welcome on all retreats. |
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PLACE |
CONTACT |
DATE |
COMMENT |
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SPRING COURSES |
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Gaia House,West Ogwell Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6EW |
Bookings : 01626 333613 |
Weekend Fri 05–Sun 07 May Weeklong Fri 05–Sun 14 May |
You can come for the first weekend only. The course is challenging, but easily modulated for beginners. |
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Sunyata Buddhist Centre, Snaty, |
Michael O’Brien
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Long Weekend May : Fri. 19– Sun 21 pm
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No previous experience needed. Arrive by 6pm on Fri. End after lunch on Mon. |
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Friends Meeting House 12 Jesus Lane Cambridge CB5 8BA |
David Brown |
One Day Sat. 27 May |
Arrive 09.30 Finish 17.00 Bring veggie food to share |
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The Dharma School 149 Ladies Mile Rd. Brighton BN1 8TB |
For enquiries, Rosie or Richard |
One Day Mon 29 May Communal Walk on Sunday! |
Ditto Register online at www.bodhigarden.org from 29th March. |
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Pian dei Ciliegi 29028 Ponte dell’ Olio, (PC) Italy |
Gianni Burgazzi T: 0039 (0) 523 878 948 |
Weekend &Weeklong Fri. 16 June p.m. to Sun 25 June a. m. |
You can come for the first weekend only. The course is challenging, but easily modulated for beginners. |
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AUTUMN COURSES |
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An Tobar, Ardvaccan Navan, County Meath, Ireland |
Margaret Groome Tel: 00353 1 282 8199
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Weekend Fri. 29 Sept To Sun. 01 Oct. |
Arrive 1830 Friday. Finish 1600 Sunday Can also come for a day. |
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Association Terre d'Eveil |
Renée Rousso
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Sat. 07&Sun 08 Oct. |
Two separate day longs |
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Chartreuse de la Part-Dieu Bulle |
Anne Michel [email protected] www.mudita.ch
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Five Days Fri. 13 Oct to Tues. 17 Oct |
Arrive 1830 Fri. Finish Tues. 16.00 Can also come for the weekend. |
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Oxford Retreats Headington Parish Hall, Dunstan Road Oxford OX3 9BY |
www.oxfordgaia houseretreats.co.uk
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One DaySat. 21 Oct. |
Register 09.15 Finish 17.00 Bring veggie food to share.
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London Insight King Alfred School, 149 North End Rd. London NW11 |
Louise Kennedy
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One Day Sun. 22 Oct |
Arrive 09.30 Finish 17.00 Bring veggie food to share.
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Cardiff |
Tim Blanch |
One Day Sat. 25 Nov |
Ditto |
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Liverpool Buddhist Meditation Group |
Ursula Haeckel: 0151 427 6668 |
One Day Sat 09 Dec. |
Arrive 09.15 Finish 16.30 Bring veggie food to share. |
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Birmingham Vihara Osler St. B16 9EU |
Sayadaw U Ottara Nyana 0121 454 6591 [email protected] |
One Day Sun 10 Dec. |
Arrive 09.30 Finish 17.00 Bring veggie food to share. Ditto |
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A New Dais and pedestal in the Meditation Room
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1Q
Practice makes perfect.*
Practice is repetition. Think of the tennis player, the piano player, the actor. Indeed even if you want to become proficient on the keyboard, you have to practice. I myself have become fairly proficient in the two finger technique!
Now we can’t just practice for the sake of practice. Repetition would be meaningless if the aim was simply to repeat and repeat. It would be a hell realm. Consider the punishment of Sysyphus, ‘the king of Ephyra (now known as Corinth). He was punished for his self-aggrandizing craftiness and deceitfulness by being forced to roll an immense boulder up a hill, only to watch it come back to hit him, repeating this action for eternity’ (Wikipedia). That’s tough!
There has to be an aim, a purpose. And it’s the purpose which should give us the courage and tenacity to keep up the practice. Again bring to mind the dedication of Olympic athletes.
In this sense we should endeavour to be spiritual athletes. Luckily this does not need physical prowess or intellectual brilliance – in fact we don’t need any special talent at all.
What we need is confidence in the vision that we are capable of perfect contentment and happiness.
To achieve this, the Buddha has given us a technique, vipassana and instructions on how to maintain Right Mindfulness in ordinary daily life. It all boils down to this Right Awareness.
And when he talks of living the life guided by the Dhamma, it is always based on the virtues – the emphasis being on Metta, that universal quality of good will to all beings.
In our sitting practice, the repetition starts with settling on the breath. And then to repeatedly bring ourselves back to the presenting event – what’s actually happening now. That’s the practice. Insights arise naturally into the three spiritual gateways of awakening – understanding how we create suffering, experiencing the reality of impermanence and realising the false identities and possessions we are creating. Insights are not shattering experiences, but moments or recognition, of acknowledgement, most reinforcing, deepening what we have already seen.
In ordinary daily life, this mindfulness is conjoined with ethical behaviour and the very life we lead is the practice. Much of our daily life is repetitious. The morning ablutions, the eating, the job and so on. And yet, of course, each event is just that little bit different from the rest. Even so the practice is bringing ‘this-moment-attention’ to bear with a good heart.
When we have an aim, all repetition becomes meaningful. But that doesn’t translate into dedication. That comes by exercising the virtues – raising enthusiasm and resolve. A real heart-felt commitment. Resolute practice underpins awakening.
If all we have is the aim, some vision as to the future attainment, and no practice. Then the spiritual life enters the world of fantasy and disappointment.
The Buddha did not become the Buddha by aspiration alone.
* Seemingly this phrase is coined from a man who is a legend in American Football coaching, Vince Lombardi. He actually said : Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.
Finally, please forward this email if you know someone who may be interested. Thanks.
Metta
Onward
Bodhidhamma
SATIPANYA BUDDHIST TRUST
Directors - Rob Poleykett, Richard Benjamin, Dea Paradisos, Jim Tibby
Limited Company Number 05924965 Registered Charity Number 1116668
Satipanya, White Grit, Minsterley, Shropshire SY5 0JN
T: 0044 (0)1588 650752 email: [email protected] info: [email protected]
