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Whispers from the Bamboo Grove #34: 'Just As You Are: Buddhism for Foolish Beings'

'Just As You Are:
Buddhism for Foolish Beings'

"Just As You Are: Buddhism for Foolish Beings' is for anyone who wants to live a good life but is tired of endlessly trying to perfect themselves. 

Pureland Buddhism takes a realistic view of our foolish natures as human beings, and offers us an alternative to the ‘do it yourself’ self-help movement. With anecdotes of temple life and instructions for simple Pureland practices, the authors introduce us to this ancient and unique tradition of Buddhism and show us how it can make a powerful difference to our everyday lives. 

Covering topics such as trust, overcoming suffering, grace, being kind and self-care, the book also contains the voices of different Pureland Buddhists speaking of their own diverse experiences. This book shows us how we are all loveable just as we are, and that understanding this is the key to deep and lasting change. 

"This book will not give you a do-it-by-numbers self-help, pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-effort ladder to climb. Here two good people have written a lovely book about faith and practice, which explains their own journey and many aspects of Pureland Buddhism in terms that are easy to understand. It will remind you of the love that is already there and the refuge that is already at hand. It will invite you to celebrate it and to do so in company with others similarly inspired. In doing so, it will welcome you home to a place of peace where all is completely assured. A wonderful contribution to the growth of the Buddhist community." 

~ Dharmavidya David Brazier 

***

To buy

Kindle and Paperback UK:
http://bit.ly/justasyouareuk

Kindle US http://bit.ly/justasyouareus
Paperback US http://bit.ly/justasyouarepbkus

http://bit.ly/justasyouareca in Canada (or your own local Amazon...)

:: Facebook page for the book

***

Reviews

"What the authors have done in this book is show the way toward attentive compassion - compassion towards others but also, and maybe more importantly, towards oneself. I laughed out loud at the idea of the validation of our foolish, bombu nature. 

The introduction to daily practice is succinct and blessedly clear. The book uses the upaya of personal experience to draw one in to the value and meaning of spiritual experience, and then lays out the actual day-to-day practice itself so that a reader will know exactly what they are getting into and why. This is so useful. 

I have a statue of the seated Buddha on my altar. In his left hand he holds the fire of the Dharma, as though to say atta dipa, you are the light itself. His right hand is raised, palm out, in the universal gesture of peace, saying don’t be afraid. The authors also hold up their hands, palms out, saying to readers, don’t be afraid. It’s okay. There is no distance between us." 

~ Terrance Keenan, Zen Monk, Artist and Writer

"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

"Great introduction to the lesser known Pureland Buddhist tradition. Warm words for the longing soul. If you are a seeker and curious about the different and rich approaches Buddhism offer, this one is for you. "
~ Amazon customer
 

***

Reverend Kaspalita and Reverend Satyavani
are ordained Priests with the Amida-Shu and they run a Pureland temple in Malvern in the UK.

:: Amida Mandala

They both work as psychotherapists and are interested in building local community and in teaching Buddhism that improves the lives of ordinary people like you and me.

***

Vicky Chesterton

We have heard the sad news that Vicky has died. She was living with her son in Vienna. She stayed alongside the Amida community when they were based at The Buddhist House in Narborough. Loving memories from all who knew her.

***

:: link

NAMO AMIDA BU

 

Previous Whispers from the Bamboo Grove newsletters are here

 

 

Whispers from the Bamboo Grove #33: Amida Bodhi Retreat, 2015

News of Amida Events to celebrate Bodhi Day

Amazingly, it'll soon be December, during which many spiritual communities hold their Celebrations of Light. Here, in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are shortening and, as our ancient ancestors have done for thousands of years, we all long for the return of light. For Pureland Buddhists, Amida is the Buddha of Infinite Light and, however gloomy and dark it may seem, Amida's Light is always shining. It's good to join in person or in spirit with our fellows as we bring this to mind.

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 Mandala, Malvern, UK

International Bodhi Retreat 2015
with Dharmavidya David Brazier

Monday 7th – Sunday 13th December

Dharmavidya:"The Essential Meaning of Nembutsu: Nothing to Hide

I take refuge in the unimpeded light. The “I” that seeks refuge and the light that illuminates mutually interpenetrate. There is no part of oneself that is not illuminated, therefore there is nothing to hide. The light is unimpeded, therefore there is nothing to be ashamed of. The light is present in all worlds, therefore there is nowhere to go. Being present in all worlds, liberation is freely available. Caught up in nonsense, life passes in vain, yet on the very pathway to disaster, the Buddha awaits, catching us as we fall. In this retreat we shall reflect upon the essential, secret meaning of nembutsu faith and practice: the purity of heart that is like a lost diamond that Buddha retrieves from the bottom of a muddy pool."

It's possible to attend all or part of the retreat -
look :: here
:: details here

To give you a taste of what continuous nembutsu chanting is like, and to get an inkling of how joyful it feels, look ::here

This year's chanting and dharma talks will be streamed live - more details nearer the time.
*****

Here are details of other Bodhi celebrations that the Amida Order are holding this December:

Amida Hawaiʻi Bodhi Day Service & Celebration
 

Saturday 12th December

 

2:00 - 4:00pm - Bodhi Buds Youth Service Group

4:00 - 5:30pm - Sangha Gathering, Practice, and Advancements

6:00 - 8:00pm Sanga Potluck Year-End Celebration

 

Advancements will include some members taking/re-taking the Fivefold Pureland Refuges and some members joining Amida-shu!

 

Aloha & Namo Amida Bu

:: for more details contact Shantikara
*****

Amida Mosaic, London, Ontario, Canada

The Amida Mosaic sangha will celebrate Bodhi Day on
12th December 

9am - 7pm. at the home of Prajna and James. 
We will chant and meditate  9am-4pm.
conduct a Vow ceremony at 4:30pm and
host a festive potluck at 5:30pm.
Vows will include Lay Order (Mitra) membership, Amida-shu admission, and the 5 Refuges.
:: website
:: registration
*****

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
 

:: link

Whispers from the Bamboo Grove #32 - Modgala on Freedom

Acharya Modgala

Last weekend, during the Amida Order Retreat at the

Amida Mandala Temple in Malvern,

Acharya Modgala,an Amitarya*, gave this

wonderful talk about her early days with the

Order, including a reading from the book she is

currently writing - giving a glimpse into her

personal spiritual journey during intensive training with

Dharmavidya in France as she learns to face her fears

and find her voice. She tells of some of

her activist experiences and answers questions from

retreatants and the Malvern sangha:


Freedom

:: link to audio
(55minutes 33 sec)

*****

 Here are many more audio teachings

by Amida Ministers, Rev Kaspalita and Rev Satyavani of Amida Mandala

* Among the ordained members of the Amida Order there are two ordination tracks. Those following the ministry track tend to live settled lives developing Dharma activities in their area, performing religious services, and getting socially engaged amidst their local population. Those following the amitarya track live mobile lives in mutually supportive community more like the traditional Buddhist friar (bhikshu).

*****

 The ITZI Conference, Madrid, 25 - 27 September 2015 

:: http://www.itziconference.eu

:: more details here

 

Read previous Whispers from the Bamboo Grove newsletters here

Amida Newsletter 29: Whispers from the Bamboo Grove ~ Satya's report of the Amida Order Retreat

Satyavani

 

Two weeks in France

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

Amida Newsletter 26: Whispers from the Bamboo Grove ~ Amida Mandala: The First Four and a Half Months

The First Four and a Half Months

Amida Mandala, Malvern, UK

Reverend Satyavani:
We have now been resident in Amida Mandala in Malvern for four and a half months. Is that all? It feels like we've had at least a year's worth of experiences! We now have four residents, Adam, Brian, Steve and James, and are currently looking for one more. We are into a new routine of running three services and one listening circle a week, and the occasional chanting day, retreat day etc. We have had a new wave of sangha members since moving and some of these are now settling into the community and practice having attended regularly since we arrived. Adam has now run his first services and has also started a monthly book study group. Kaspa and I have given talks to schools, students from theological college, and the Rotary club, and met with interfaith ministers, local politicians, neighbours...

A recent unexpected project has been major work on the garden, led by a new sangha member and volunteer, Ron. With the help of our volunteers he has already taken down several big cypresses to clear space in the garden and let in light to us and to our neighbours. We have plans for a meditation hut!

Although we are taken up with the big list of things-to-be-done here, we feel connected to and supported by the wider sangha both in the UK and beyond, and of course by Dharmavidya. We are looking forward to another visit from Jnanamati and we are in very regular contact with the Trust who are behind us (and in front of us!) all the way. I especially feel this connection when we have services and retreat days. You all have a space in the shrine room!

Over the rest of the year we hope to continue work on the garden and continue with work that needs to be done to the house - some expensive gable re-rendering, and a new boiler. We're starting up a fundraising group soon and you may hear from us soon about that.

We hope that you keep in touch with us here - through our newsletter, our website www.amidamandala.com, or by coming and visiting us. We feel very privileged to be the ones who are currently looking after this special building. We are blessed.

Namo Amida Bu!

Reverend Kaspalita:

The buying and moving in process, which seemed to take a lifetime in itself, now seems like another lifetime away. As I write this the morning sun is streaming in through our windows, and I can hear the sound of Ron, who Satya mentioned above, working in the garden.

Today I have done some writing, I have taught a meditation class, and been talking to some contractors about taking a bathroom out of what was one of the old B&B bedrooms, to make it into a more useable space.
I’ve had a chat with a couple of residents, and this afternoon I’ll be seeing my own private clients, before leading our Wednesday evening service (It’s my turn this week). After service this evening, we’ll have a short stone passing, which we do once a month.

This is a typical day, a mix of my own private work and work for the Temple, either with a management hat on or a priests hat on, so to speak, sometimes both at once.
It feels like we are just entering into a new phase here, the first couple of months new people were coming and going and we were settling in ourselves. Now some of those new people are beginning to feel like old friends, and Satya and I are feeling much more settled ourselves.
How lucky we are to have been gifted such a space, and such a community. It is a grace.

Namo Amida Bu
 

 

 

Weekly Scheduled Events
Wednesday evening service, Friday morning service, Sunday morning service, Sunday evening sharing circle
:: further details here
Find out about other events: retreat days, open mornings, art events, volunteer work sessions, :: here
:: website
:: mailing list
:: contact details
:: FaceBook Page

 

 

Amida Academy
Distance learning programmes.
:: link





Read previous Whispers from the Bamboo Grove newsletters here

Amida Trust Culturally Engaged Buddhism Friends of the Amida Order

Amida Mandala

there's a room to let at amida mandala

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

 

whispers from the bamboo grove - amida newsletter 23

Upcoming Amida Events around the World

Retreat with Dharmavidya
Friendship on the Path
24 - 28 February 2015
Venue: Amida Mandala
:: details here

Dharmavidya
will be speaking at 

- the First World Congress for Existential Psychotherapy
14 - 17 May 2015 in London
 

- the conference
'Mindfulness and Compassion: The Art and Science of Contemplative Practice'
3 - 7 June 2015, California

http://www.mcc2015.org
 

- the ITZI Conference, Madrid, 25 - 27 September 2015 

http://www.itziconference.eu

Amida Birmingham
Meetings on 14 February, 14 March, 11 April at 10 am
For further details, venue etc, email Reverend Sanghamitra
:: facebook

Amida Hawai’i

Monthly Amida Hawaiʻi sangha gatherings/practices and the Bodhi Buds youth group:  Sangha Gatherings 4th Friday of month - 6:30 - 7:00 Tea, Treats & Talk Story, and 7:00 - 8:30pm Pureland Buddhist practice.
Bodhi Buds youth group meets from 9 - noon, on the 4th Saturday, every other month.
:: website
:: facebook

Amida London, UK
Sangha meetings: Tuesday evenings 7 - 9 at "Zen in London", Basement Flat, 486 Caledonian Road N7 9RP
For further details of meetings contact Reverend Padmaghosa

Amida Mandala, Malvern, UK
After much hard work and activity during the last couple of months, the temple is now up and running and offering a wonderful variety of events.

Weekly Scheduled Events:
Wednesday evening service, Friday morning service, Sunday morning service, Sunday evening sharing circle
:: further details here
Find out about retreat days, open mornings, art events, volunteer work sessions, :: here
:: website
:: mailing list
:: contact details
:: facebook

 

whispers from the bamboo grove - amida newsletter 21

News from
the Amida Order
October 5th, 2014

Here's the smart updated Amida website :: link
(thanks to Kaspalita)
and here's the Friends of the Amida Order social network :: link
*****

Adrian Thompson has just published the next

Running Tide 32

You'll find a link to a high resolution on-line version :: here.

If you prefer a paper copy so you can relax and peruse it, with a nice cup of tea (my own favourite option, I must admit), then email Adrian :: here

Adrian says:
"I am in the process of having some copies of this edition printed in full colour.  The cost will be £2.50 + P&P.  Unfortunately, at the moment I can only offer UK delivery.  If you are interested please e-mail me privately (see above)"
*****

The Move That Moves The Heart

Colin McDougall, Mitra with the Amida Order, writes:

 

"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

*****

Dharmavidya David Brazier is visiting our Hawai'i sangha

from October 2 - 15.

This weekend (3 - 5 October) he is leading a retreat, which includes chanting, meditation, discussion and instruction focused on expressing the Dharma through silence, words and symbolic action, including instruction in the principles and practice of ritual, not as a dead form but as a living language of expression of faith and devotion, as meditation in action.

The retreat also includes advice on the giving and receiving of Dharma talks and guidance.

Various sangha members are participating in a Recommitment/Progressions Ceremony.

This is the Amida USA website :: link
*****

whispers from the bamboo grove - amida newsletter 20 - an exciting new development!

A New Chapter for Amida UK
September 10, 2014

Padmaghosa Tony Danford:

 

Dear Friends

 

I'm writing to you as chair of Amida Trust, to tell you about the exciting new developments and possibilities opening up for the UK Amida sangha in partnership with Amida Trust.

 

Most of you will know that the Trust owns a property in London - Sukhavati - which was left to the Trust by Christina Thompson in 1999, on condition that the building be used as a Dharma centre. Dharmavidya initially ran the centre as the Trust headquarters and UK Dharma Centre for a short while until the establishment of the Buddhist House in Narborough, whereupon Sukhavati became the London satellite for Amida Trust. It fulfilled that function very well for many years under the care of many Order members including Madrakara, Modgala, Sumaya, Jnanamati, Padma and lastly Andy Paice, our current housekeeper. Many people encountered Pureland Buddhism and Dharmavidya's teachings for the first time at Sukhavati, and some of these good people went on to become Order members themselves. Many others were touched by the teachings and became good friends of the Order and Trust. Modgala in particular developed a network of sympathetic friends and provided a place for people where they could find trust, faith and openness.