Amida Buddhism Newcastle

Rachel Abel has become an Amida-shu member

On the evening of 1st July 2008 Rachel Abel became a member of the Amida School, Amida-shu at a ceremony held at Amida Sanctuary. She also took the Five Precepts in the Amida-shu form of the Five Prayers of Upasikas.

The celebrant was Rev Sujatin, Bellmaster Sophie Williams and the congregation included Rachel's mother, husband and a friend, regular sangha member Jackie and long-term friend of Amida, David.

Meal time and incense offering verses

Meal time verses:

Infinite benefits bless the breakfast food.
All beings profit greatly therefrom
Since the results are limitless and wonderful
the pleasure is ours for eternity

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This food is the gift of the whole universe
the earth, the sky, all sentient beings
in this food is much joy, much suffering much hard work
we accept this food so that we may follow the path of practice
and help all beings everywhere

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The first bite it to cut off delusion
the second bite is to grow in faith
the third bite is to help all beings
we pray that all may be enlightened.
We pray for peace in this world
and the cessation of all misfortune

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The Buddha invites us to eat in mindfulness
of the food, the earth, the world around us
we pray that our minds may not become dull
nor our attention scattered
and that we may realize the deep significance of life

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Incense offerings
(the first may be used for tea or flower offerings, with appropriate words inserted)

In gratitude we offer this incense
to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
throughout space and time
may it be as fragrant as earth herself
reflecting our careful efforts
our whole-hearted awareness
and the fruit of understanding
slowly ripening
may we and all beings be
companions of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
may we awaken from forgetfulness
and realise the Pure Land

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The fragrance of this incense
permeates our practice centre
and goes forth to worlds beyond
in the sincerity of our training
the Sanghakaya is revealed
hearts and minds bow in gratitude
offerings multiply like the action
of the all good one
and the light that knows no obstacle
fills the Dharma realm.

Simon Stephenson's Taking Refuge ceremony

Simon Stephenson, who has been attending the Buddhist group at Newcastle University for the past year, took Refuge in a ceremony at Amida Sanctuary on the evening of October 2nd 2007. The celebrant was Sujatin and the bellmaster was Rachel Abel. The ceremony was attended by members of the Amida Newcastle sangha and friends. We had a warm and wonderful evening!

::more photos here

Tuesdays at Amida Sanctuary

Pureland Buddhism at Amida Sanctuary

Come and join us on Tuesday evenings: (7:30 - 9:15 pm) 7 - 9 pm

During the autumn we will be including a selection of the following: Nembutsu chanting, walking and sitting meditation, lessons from the Introduction to Buddhism course (generic Buddhism, with a Pureland flavour), Dharma talks and readings from books, including 'Who Loves Dies Well' and 'The Other Buddhism'.

No experience is necessary.

On Tuesday October 2nd we will be holding a Taking Refuge ceremony for Simon Stephenson at the time above. You are all welcome to join us.

Amida Newcastle Newsletter 26th March 2007

Amida Newcastle

Pureland Buddhism in the North East

Newsletter: March 2007

News

Recently we changed the format of our meetings at Amida Sanctuary and Newcastle University, giving Guided 'Meditation For Relaxation', which caters for people who are interested in meditation in the Buddhist style primarily as a means for feeling calmer, who are not so interested in Pureland practice and studying Buddhism. For those are interested in Pureland Buddhist practice and understanding, there are the Pureland services on Tuesday evenings at Amida Sanctuary and, at Newcastle University, Buddhist classes at Castle Leazes. We are delighted that from the beginning of the Summer Term the Tuesday Meditation For Relaxation sessions at Newcastle University are going to be held in the Kings Road Centre - a warmer and quieter environment.

Colin's Ceremony

On Tuesday March 27th, at 7:30 pm, we will be holding a ceremony at Amida Sanctuary for Colin, who will be confirming his membership of the Amida-Shu - Amida School - and renewing the Five Mahayana Precepts. You are all invited.

Ceremonies at The Bodhi Retreat

This morning Rev Master Dharmavidya and Rev Minister Sujatin were celebrants at a ceremony at The Buddhist House, during which Sally, lately of Newcastle, became an aspirant. This means she is following training to ordain as a chaplain/minister.

At the same ceremony Gareth became a postulant, following training to ordain as an amitarya.

Following this, Lisa Urbanic and Sudana Edwards, both residents at TBH, and Tony Danford from London, all Amida-shu members, were admitted to the Order of Amida Buddha as lay members. This admission creates a second convocation of the Order.

Yesterday Angela Dietrich from London, Judy Walker from Hawaii, and Ngi Yi from Leicester became members of Amida-shu in a ceremony at The Buddhist House conducted by Rev. Sujatin

2-9 december 2006: bodhi retreat

Now is the time to book for the Bodhi Retreat at The Buddhist House (12 Coventry Rd, Narborough, Leicestershire), the most important retreat in the Amida Calendar. 

 

2-9 December 2006: Bodhi Retreat

Always the most important event in the Amida annual calendar, the Bodhi Retreat has grown in significance as the Amida-shu and the Amida Order have developed. It is traditional to hold a retreat at this time of year in memory of the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha celebrated on the 8th December. Last year was the most memorable Bodhi Retreat so far and included the introduction of 24 hours of continuous chanting on the first Saturday-Sunday: an event which had a wonderful effect upon participants and which we plan to repeat this year. The retreat includes teachings, seminars, silent periods, nembutsu practice, Amidist ceremonial, and opportunities for personal sharing.
::details here

Amida Newcastle meetings at Amida Sanctuary 24 August - 11 September

Details of meetings here