Welcome!

 

Come and practice with us on most Sunday mornings,

overlooking a Zen garden at the inspirational

Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies,

Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut,

10 a.m. to 11:45 - 12 p.m. 

 

 Please arrive 10 minutes early but if you are late,

 feel free to join us.  Dress informally and comfortably.

Open to all beginners and advanced seekers.

 

 

All new guests will receive a free gift book, 

Living Meditation, Living Insight

by Dr. Thynn Thynn.

 

 

Sunday morning activities are offered Free of Charge 

but a donation is greatly appreciated.

See our calendar below.

 

 

e-mail us at

10/11. Craving, Consumption and the Challenge of Living Mindfully. In this discussion we will explore the variety of ways that human beings attempt to avoid pain and seek pleasure, from overindulgence in food or entertainment to life threatening drug addiction. We will focus on mindfulness practice as a spiritual method of recovery from these issues, as it is described in the text of Mindful Recovery by Thomas and Beverly Bien. Presented by Jinshu.

 

10/18.  A New Earth. According to Eckhart Tolle, there is hope for the dire state of humanity. A new state of consciousness is emerging in the world. This talk and discussion will cover our erroneous identification with the ego-self, the storylines it creates, and the path that leads to a new state of consciousness so that we can experience who we really are. the Talk is based on the book by Eckhart Tolle. Presented by Myo-on.

 

10/25. The Day of the Dead & Cemeteries…Buddhist Style. Discover the unique Shin Buddhist way of honoring the dead and the how the décor of its cemeteries reflects its philosophy of life, its deep trusting faith in the Great Compassion and about its views on the afterlife. Presented by Senpai.

 

11/01. We Can't All Be Bald Monks.  This talk and discussion will explore how we can all strive for inner peace and liberation without being a monastic or clergy. Learn about what it really means to be a lay buddhist in 21st century America, and how the teachings and example of Shinran Shonin, the founder and foremost Shin teacher, and other contemporary Shin practitioners can guide us in living a deeply nembutsu lifestyle. Presented by Abhaya.

 

11/08. I Met the Buddha and He Winked At Me. An insightful, fun and spontaneous talk and discussion on how the Buddha touches and transforms our lives, and to explore if people in general are ready to encounter this transformational experience. Sachi relates her often amusing personal experience to initiate the conversation. Presented by Sachi.

 

11/15. Suicide and Abortion. What is the approach that Buddhist takes to these controversial issues? Is it ever ethical to commit suicide? Is abortion a "sin"? How can women deal with abortion? Explore the realms of applied Buddhist ethics. Excerpt readings from Buddhist Ethics by Damian Keown and Ocean by Kenneth Tanaka. Presented by Daikan.

 

11/22. The Most Shin of all Holidays. Gratitude is what Shin is all about. This Thanksgiving gathering will explore how waking up to our indebtedness and learning to live a life that makes Thanksgiving an everyday experience. Presented by Senpai.

 

11/29. The Art of Breathing. We all have a powerful tool for healing and relaxation at our fingertips at all times which is the breath and is integral to Buddhist practice. Learn about the healing and transformative properties of breathing along with some practice of different breathing exercises taken primarily from Kundalini Yoga. Presented by Myo-on.

 

12/06. What Do You Want to Know About Buddhism? Do you have a lingering question about a specific teaching of or practice in Shin or general Buddhism? Once again, we offer this popular and interactive format of Q & A lead by Abhaya and assisted by the BFF of Ct’s teachers and community.

 

12/13. The Treasury of Truth. From one of the most beloved and ancient Buddhist scriptures, The Dhammapada, this talk and discussion will explore the nature of self, fear and anger, happiness and the path to liberation. Excepts read from the book The Dhammapada (The Sayings of the Buddha). Presented by Shoshin.

 

12/20. Buddha’s Enlightenment. Come and celebrate the most important Buddhist festival, Bodhi Day that honors Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bo-tree over 2,500 years ago. An illustrated enlightenment story will be told and gifts will be given to adults and children. This event is a family event so feel free to bring all regardless of age or size. On display will be a small Bodhi Tree with lights and garland and a Buddha statute underneath. Happy Bodhi Day!

 

Winter Recess

(No gatherings at Wesleyan University)

 

New Year’s Day – Shusho-e. While there is no specific gathering on this date, New Year’s Day is a time to reflect on our life, its purpose and spiritual practice, and make a rededication to live a life of nembutsu, compassion and gratitude. Take time to read about Buddhism and share the nembutsu with family and friends. We suggest following our Eightfold Daily Practice as a guide for your own home observation.

 

 

01/24. In the Name of Love. Honor Martin Luther King Day with a look into the working of the Great Compassion (Amida Buddha) in our lives of anxiety, strife and fear, and how the Primal Vow can be seen as our spiritual Emancipation Proclamation revealing our inherent inner freedom. Presented by Senpai.

 

01/31. From Skirmishes to Jihads. What is the approach that Buddhist takes to warfare? How do we wage inner and outer warfare? Is there such a thing as a just cause to war? Can a Buddhist become a soldier? Explore the realms of applied Buddhist ethics. Excerpt readings from Buddhist Ethics by Damian Keown and Ocean by Kenneth Tanaka. Presented by Daikan.

 

02/07. To be announced.

 

02/14 Embrace Life-As-It-Is: Impermanence, Death and Rebirth. Come and honor the Buddhist festival of Nirvana Day – Nehan-e that commemorates the passing of the historical Buddha over 2,500 years ago with story, discussion and song. The discussion will explore change and our aversion to this reality, life and death as one reality, and the hope of rebirth in the Pure Land using the life and death of the historical Buddha as an example.

 

02/21. Did Buddha Ever Have "A Case of the Mondays"?  A discussion about “Work and Buddhism” In this discussion we will explore work as an integral part of our spiritual path rather than a barrier to it. We will focus on how to remain mindful during times of stress on the job as well as how to recognize opportunities in our employment for gratitude, meditation, and transformation. This discussion will be based on the book entitled Work as a Spiritual Practice by Lewis Richmond. Presented by Jinshu.