You'll find Talk 2 here
34 min:04 sec
You'll find Talk 2 here
34 min:04 sec
Posted at 03:16 PM in Amida, Amida Malvern, Amida Pureland Retreat, Amida Sangha, Buddhism, Buddhist, David Brazier, Dharma Talks, Film, Inspiration, Pureland Buddhism | Permalink | Comments (0)
"This is a lovely, gentle introduction to a lesser known (in the west) Buddhist tradition. It gives a user friendly outline of what Pureland Buddhism is and a realistic insight into the lifestyle of devotional religion. The authors use their experience to carry a message of compassion and a deep insight into Human nature as foundational aspects of a revolutionary way of life. An essential read for the Buddhist who wants to look beyond the dogma to the heart of the teaching. Namo Amida Bu!"
~ Adam Dunsby
"An enjoyable and understandable read. Very open, honest, and realistic. Covering day to day temple life and daily experiences, and shared moments of real insight.
Both writers and contributors capture the essence of what is unique in Pureland Buddhism and explain simply the various methods of practice.
A very positive and helpful book with a feeling of real gratitude running throughout."
~ Stan
"This is a very accessible introduction to Pureland Buddhism and an open account of life in a temple. Factual information is clear and never dry, and this alternates with personal experiences which are always honest. The overall impression is of warmth and acceptance - a must read for Buddhists, non Buddhists and the spiritually curious."
~ Amazon customer
Posted at 02:29 PM in Amida, Amida Malvern, Books, Buddhism, Buddhist, Gratitude, Inspiration, Kaspalita, News, Pureland Buddhism, Satyavani, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove, Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)
Bodhi Day, which marks the Enlightenment of the Buddha, is celebrated on December 8th each year. It is traditional to hold a retreat at this time. Always the most important event in the Amida calendar, the Bodhi Retreat has grown in significance as the Amida-shu and the Amida Order have developed.
Every two years, we hold an international retreat, which will include periods of continuous chanting of the nembutsu, which we know, from past experience, has a wonderful effect upon participants. The retreat may also include teachings, seminars, silent periods, Amidist ceremonial, and opportunities for personal sharing.
During this time the Order holds ordinations, commitment ceremonies and renewals of refuge, membership and precepts.
Amida Northeast, Durham, UK
Saturday 5th December
10am - 4pm
Kuvalaya: "The 5th of December will be our northern Bodhi Day. I'm delighted to say that Sujatin will travel down from Perth and join us for the day! There will be chanting, Pureland practice and teaching, and a ceremony."
For further details, if you are in the Durham or NE England area,
:: contact Kuvalaya
*****
Amida Scotland Bodhi Day in Perth
Tuesday 8th December
7 pm - 9 pm
Delighted that we will be celebrating Bodhi Day in 'The Fair City' of Perth, for the first time. During the evening there will be Pureland Sutra reading, a period of extended nembutsu chanting, renewal of vows, warm community and, of course, seasonal refreshments.
:: for more details
:: website
Posted at 12:33 PM in Amida, Amida around the world, Amida Hawai'i, Amida Malvern, Amida Pureland Retreat, Amida Sangha, Amida Scotland, Buddhism, Buddhist, Buddhist Practice, Ceremony, David Brazier, Diary, News, Pureland Buddhism, Taigh an t-Solais, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove | Permalink | Comments (0)
Here are many more audio teachings
by Amida Ministers, Rev Kaspalita and Rev Satyavani of Amida Mandala
Posted at 07:49 PM in Amida, Amida Malvern, Buddhism, Buddhist, Buddhist Training, Inspiration, Modgala, Pureland Buddhism, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove | Permalink | Comments (0)
For those of you who couldn't join us, I wanted to give you all a taste of our two weeks of retreat in Bessait-Le-Fromental at Dharmavidya's hermitage, Eleusis. We were an international bunch - the group was Ganendra (Spain), Modgala, Kaspa, Satya, Adam and Caroline (UK), Prajna and James (Canada), Jan (Hawaii), and Maitrisimha, Annetta, and Floor and Jnanamati (the Hague).
Our first week was a Nei Quan retreat and Dharmavidya asked us to pay attention to any thoughts and feelings which arose during practice or times writing in our journals, chasing them and examining them rather than letting them go. We gave daily 'reports' of our findings to Dharmavidya in front of the group which was helpful for individuals and stimulated thought for the rest of the group. Many of us felt great personal shifts, held by Dharmavidya, the daily practice, the group and the beautiful setting.
The second week was the Order retreat which coincided with a heatwave and so we held most of our meetings in the shade under the walnut tree rather than in the stifling attic room! We heard reports of Amida sanghas in India, Malvern, London, Canada, the Hague, Belgium and Spain. The Order retreat is also a time when those who run groups can get support from others in a similar position, and share ideas and experiences.
We were cooked delicious food by Jnanamati, Adam and Floor, and enjoyed much good conversation over the washing up table, going on walks and gathered by the wall in the evening with a cup of chicory. We also enjoyed a swim!
Maybe we'll see you next year... If you'd like to visit before then to volunteer for Dharmavidya in the house or garden, get in touch with Jnanamati for more information.
Namo Amida Bu.
Reverend Satyavani, secretary for the Order
*****
Dates for your Diary - retreats led by Dharmavidya
There are three opportunities to attend a retreat led Dharmavidya over the coming year - do put them in your diaries.
Tues 8th - Sun 13th December 2015 - Bodhi Retreat, Malvern
(12th - all day chanting, 13th - ceremonies)
For more information, look here
*****
Tues 31st May - Saturday 4th June 2016 - Retreat in Malvern
(you can attend part or all of the retreat)
Tues 28th June - Sat 2nd July
Mon 4th July - Fri 8th July 2016
Retreats in Dharmavidya's hermitage, France
More information to follow
Namo Amida Bu
Posted at 08:17 PM in Amida, Amida around the world, Amida Malvern, Amida Pureland Retreat, Buddhism, Buddhist, David Brazier, Eleusis, Inspiration, Pureland Buddhism, Retreats, Satyavani, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Amida Trust |
Posted at 04:15 PM in Amida Academy, Amida Courses, Amida Malvern, Buddhism, Buddhist, Buddhist Practice, Inspiration, Kaspalita, News, Pureland Buddhism, Satyavani, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove | Permalink | Comments (0)
Satya writes:
We currently have a room free upstairs in our Pureland Buddhist temple Amida Mandala (:: photo) for a fourth resident.
We are looking for someone quite specific - someone who will be happy with our house rules (no meat, no alcohol), broadly sympathetic with our spiritual aims, and robust enough to deal with the building's use as a (sometimes busy) temple. We will suggest a month's trial (for both of us) for any potential residents.
The room is smallish and would suit a single person. It has a bath and toilet ensuite. We are charging £320 pcm including all bills and a weekly community meal on Friday nights. There are generous communal spaces - a shrine room, a dining room, a big kitchen, a living room and a library (and a beautiful garden). Our other residents Steve, Adam & James are all settled in now and enjoying living here, as are we. We also have three cats which roam the house!
If you or anyone you know might be interested in talking further (please do forward this email to your friends), do let us know - hello@amidamandala.com.
Namo Amida Bu,
Satya & Kaspa
www.amidamandala.com
Posted at 12:50 PM in Amida, Amida Malvern | Permalink | Comments (0)
Continue reading "whispers from the bamboo grove - amida newsletter 23" »
Posted at 06:50 PM in Amida, Amida Academy, Amida around the world, Amida Courses, Amida Hawai'i, Amida India, Amida London, Amida Malvern, Amida Newcastle, Amida Pureland Retreat, Amida Sangha, Amida Scotland, David Brazier, Eleusis, Friends of Amida, Jnanamati, Kaspalita, News, Pureland Buddhism, Retreats, Satyavani, Susthama, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove | Permalink | Comments (0)
"With the winter night's rapidly approaching it is almost time to say farewell to Sujatin as she and her husband Peter head north towards their new home in Scotland. Although I am pleased to see the happiness sparkle in their eyes as they look forward to setting up their new home, it is also with a heavy heart that I bid them farewell. A bitter sweet occasion no less.
The home of Sujatin and Peter {The Amida Sanctuary at Beacon House} has been the light where Amida's Newcastle Sangha have met for around 12 years approximately. Beacon House being the point of contact to the Buddha's teaching and the wider Amida community. A place where at a personal level, I have found sanctuary, when life's events have become more than a day to day challenge. The welcome which I, and many others, have received during this period, has on many occasions been a heart felt experience. Its is with much gratitude that I thank both Sujatin and Peter. Not only for opening their home but also their hearts. Love and warm wishes."
Colin
Namo Amida Bu
Continue reading "whispers from the bamboo grove - amida newsletter 21" »
Posted at 01:40 PM in Amida, Amida around the world, Amida Courses, Amida Hawai'i, Amida London, Amida Malvern, Amida Newcastle, Amida Sangha, Buddhist Psychology, David Brazier, Diary, Friends of Amida, Gratitude, Kaspalita, Pureland Buddhism, Retreats, Whispers from the Bamboo Grove, Zen Therapy | Permalink | Comments (0)