The Bodhi Retreat, December 2 - 9, 2009

Here is a message from Sumaya at The Buddhist House:

Dear Friends,

 

Every year during the Bodhi Retreat we chant the Nembutsu continuously for a period of time. This year we will be chanting the Nembutsu for 72 hours and would like to invite you to come and participate / experience some or all of it. The aim will be to keep it going for 72 hours between all of us therefore we do not expect anyone to chant continuously without taking any breaks. The practise will be shared and so people are welcome to dip in and out according to their needs for rest and food.              

 

It would be lovely if you could join us. Along with the three days of chanting there will be a special enlightenment day retreat on the 8th December and ceremonies on the 9th.

 

Here is the description of The Bodhi retreat:

 

2009: December 2-9: BODHI RETREAT at The Buddhist House

 

The Bodhi Retreat is held in commemoration of the Enlightenment of Shakyamuni and the founding of the Buddhist tradition. Always the most important and exuberant event in the Amida annual calendar, the Bodhi Retreat has grown in significance as the Amida-shu and the Amida Order have developed. Four years ago we inaugurated the practice of 24 hours of continuous chanting at th beginning of the retreat. This year we plan to extend this to three days of continuous chanting. This practice provides the opportunity for a complete immersion in the nembutsu. One can spend every waking hour in nembutsu practice. In order to make this possible we have scheduled all admission and renewal ceremonies for 9th December, the day after enlightenment day, to symbolise their forward orientation. Once the Buddha is enlightened, admission to his community becomes possible. If you are a present or intending member of Amida-shu, do make every effort to attend. If you are contemplating an advance in your commitment, please arrange to discuss this ahead of the retreat with one of the teachers of the Order.

 

There is also a short video clip on The Bodhi Retreat by Dharmavidya that can be watched on Friends of Amida ning site http://amidatrust.ning.com/events/the-bodhi-retreat-1.

 

I realise that some of you will be busy or away at that time, but hope that those who can make it will join us at this special time of year.

Please let me know by 26th November if you would like to attend some or all of it sumaya@amidatrust.com.

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Namo Amida Bu

Sumaya

PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE



Wednesday 2 December

10.00 am Brunch

11.15 am Briefing for Bell Team

2.00 pm onward: Arrival and registration

6.00 pm Evening Meal

8.00 pm Evening Service



Thursday 3 December

10.00 am Brunch

11.15 am Briefing for Participants

12.00 noon Start of 72 hour nembutsu chanting



Friday 4 December

Continuation of 72 hour nembutsu chanting



Saturday 5 December

Continuation of 72 hour nembutsu chanting



Sunday 6 December

Continuation of 72 hour nembutsu chanting

12.oo noon: End of chanting

12.30 Meal

2.00 pm Informal



Monday 7 December

10.00 am Brunch

11.00 am Gathering

2.00 pm Dharma Talk

3.30 pm Seminar

6.00 pm Supper

7.45 pm Service



Tuesday 8 December: Enlightenment Day

Programme to be announced



Wednesday 9 December

7.00 am Bell

7.20 am Chanting Larger Pureland Sutra

8.00 am Nien Fo Service

9.00 am Admission & Renewal Ceremonies to Amida-shu and the Amida Order

10.30 am Brunch

11.30 am Meetings:

2.00 pm Lotus Ceremony

3.00pm Gathering

4.30pm Closing Ceremony

6.00 pm Supper

Do join the group about this on our Friends of Amida network http://amidatrust.ning.com/events/the-bodhi-retreat-1