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How to subscribe to the Amida Newsletter: 'Whispers from the Bamboo Grove'

These are newsletters from the Amida Order, highlighting such things as Dharmavidya's Buddhist teachings, Susthama's Pastoral Letters, news from Amida Mandala and to let you know what various Amida sanghas are up to. They come out, usually, at between monthly and three-monthly intervals.

You can subscribe

:: here

And it's always easy to un-subscribe in the future, should you want to.

Past issues, sent to the previous subscription list, can be seen

:: here

 

Amida Shu in Delhi: An Introduction and a Request for Help with Funding: Whispers From The Bamboo Grove, Amida News #45

Introducing Amida Shu in Delhi: A Request for Support

Reverend Jnanamati writes:

I’d like to tell you about the Amida sangha in Uttah Pradesh, Delhi.

The sangha began over 10 years ago, when Rev Sahishnu and Acharya Modgala were invited to go to Delhi to carry out an educational programme which taught English to Dalit children on the streets of Delhi. The Dalits – or so-called ‘Untouchables’ – are the lowest caste in the Indian system and are subject to the most extreme prejudice, seen as less than human, worthy of no respect and restricted to work regarded as unclean. Dalits generally live in great poverty and often fear for their lives, especially if they challenge the system. Learning English is an essential first step to improve the prospects of Dalit children.

The educational programme was a great success, teaching English to many dozens of street children and their Dalit families, and helping to gain respect from the local authorities.

The Delhi sangha grew as the fruit of this work. Children and their families asked for classes in Buddhism and then became Buddhists, inspired particularly by the legacy of Dr Ambedkar’s Dalit Buddhist Movement, which sees Buddhism as a way out of the Dalit predicament.

When Rev Sahishnu retired 3 years ago, Rev Suvidya, a local member of the Dalit community, was ordained as a full minister and took over the leadership of the project, to great success. A local organisation, the Amida Buddhist Association (ABA), was set up at the same time and now oversees the work of the project. Last year, new premises were rented to become the sangha’s first Dharma centre.

Rev Suvidya runs three busy weekly children’s classes in three different locations, teaching English and Buddhism, as well as leading two adult/mixed family services. He also makes regular pastoral visits to Buddhist families and others needing support.

You can read more about his work here :: Amida India



For the last three years, Amida Trust* has supported Rev Suvidya in his work by providing him with a modest allowance and paying the Dharma centre rent. However, the Trust now needs to find additional donations to maintain the level of financial support needed to sustain this wonderful project. We are fundraising and have a team concentrating efforts on new ways of attracting donations, but………

We need your help. 

Please help us to support Suvidya, Suando, Sudoshin and the community by making a donation today. 

No matter how small, your contribution will make a difference and help us secure the future of this project. 

We would particularly welcome regular monthly contributions.
Even £5 per month would have a significant impact.

You can make a donation online

In the UK - use this link ::CAF Donate

Based outside the UK - you can donate in euros, USD or CAD using PayPal or by card at the bottom of the page :: here
*****
Follow Amida India on :: Facebook

* Amida Trust is a registered charity in the UK. The Trust supports the work of the Shu in the UK and Delhi. It supports people to come to the dharma, to learn and practice and to open their hearts to give and receive loving kindness.

NAMO AMIDA BU

Whispers From The Bamboo Grove, Amida News #44 February 22 2017: Amida Shu Home Groups

Introducing Amida Shu Home Groups

We have a new offering for people who would like to practice and study Amida Shu Buddhism in their local area - Amida Shu Home Groups. 

These are local groups which can be run by anyone who is interested in our form of Buddhism. Group leaders will be offered ongoing support from an Amida Shu mentor and a pack of resources, including a suggested script to make setting a group up nice and easy. 

If you are interested in starting one of these groups you can have a look at the resources here. 

These include:

:: How to run a Home Group

:: Home Groups Introduction

:: Home Groups welcome

:: and more
 

We are hoping that this will be a new way of spreading the wonderful seeds of Amida Shu Buddhism, and bringing Amida's grace to people through Dharmavidya's teachings and through this wonderful sangha. 
If you have any questions or would like to ask for a mentor
do contact Satya

Namo Amida Bu
*****
Amida Academy
This is the on-line academic platform which delivers distance learning programmes: 
:: link

Amida Newsletter #43, announcing a retreat in the UK

Summer Retreat - Dwelling in Entrustment

13th - 18th August in Holland House, Worcestershire, UK



A residential retreat

Spend a week learning to trust, 'lean in' and be held on this Pureland Buddhist retreat led by priests with the Amida Order:
 Rev. Kaspalita, Rev. Jnanamati and Rev. Satyavani.

The perfect opportunity to deepen your connection the sacred. Dharmavidya is not running any retreats in France this year, so come and join us at this beautiful location in the UK. 

This retreat will include silent contemplation, chanting, personal enquiry through the creative process (including writing, poetry and visual art), group sharing and dharma talks. The retreat is open to all - Pure Land Buddhists, Buddhists from other traditions or other spiritual practitioners interested in learning experientially about the Pure Land way and a more faith-based tradition of Buddhism. 

This retreat is an opportunity to enter more deeply into the Pure Land practices. Dharmavidya has referred to Pure Land Buddhism as refuge Buddhism, and explains that rather than being a tradition that encourages the cultivation of practice Pure Land invites us, over time, to deepen our refuge. The various practices we engage in are devotional and are in this context ways of deepening our refuge in Amida Buddha. They are also ways of opening to the grace of tariki or Other Power of the Buddhas.

Venue: The retreat will be held at Holland House near Evesham in Worcestershire, a beautiful retreat centre with lovely gardens with a great kitchen. The cost includes all accomodation, delicious food and dana for the retreat leaders.

Cost: A £40 deposit is required to book your space - this deposit is non-refundable. The earlybird fee (until end Feb 2017) is £365, after this the fee £395. Unwaged fee £345. Payment by installments is also an option. For details of how to pay your deposit and secure your place, contact Satya: [email protected] 
Phone 01684 572444. 

You can read more about the retreat leaders below, read more about the Amida-Shu school of Buddhism at www.amidashu.org, or more about the Amida Mandala temple at www.amidamandala.com. 

Namo Amida Bu

The Retreat Leaders
Rev. Kaspalita runs the Amida Mandala Buddhist Temple in Malvern with his wife Satya. He is a practising psychotherapist and offers mindfulness classes as a part of Mindfully Whole. He co-runs Writing Our Way Home, a mindful writing company, with Satya. 

Rev. Jnanamati is a Pureland Buddhist Priest with the Amida Order. He works as an art therapist and also does chaplaincy work in health care settings. He is the Amida-Shu representative for the Worcestershire Interfaith Network. 

Rev. Satyavani is a Pureland Buddhist Priest, psychotherapist in private practice and a writer. She co-authored 'Just As You Are: Buddhism for Foolish Beings' with Kaspa and has written several novels.

See the Facebook event or get in touch for more information.

:: link

Whispers from the Bamboo Grove #39: News of the UK Faith Leaders' letter to the Prime Minister in support of refugees

UK Faith Leaders Write In Support Of Refugees

Over 200 leaders of the UK's major faiths met yesterday morning in London to call on the Prime Minister to do more to help refugees fleeing Syria, Iraq and other areas of conflict. The Amida Order's ::Acharya Modgala Duguid, who does sterling and important work as the ::Network of Buddhist Organisation's interfaith officer, is one of the signatories and spoke at this event (see below).  

Here is the Faith Leaders' Open Letter to the Prime Minister, signed by leaders and representatives of the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist communities. It includes the words “The best of this country is represented by the generosity, kindness, solidarity and decency that Britain has at many times shown those fleeing persecution, even at times of far greater deprivation and difficulty than the present day. We rejoice in the mosaic of different faiths and British communities that we now represent.” :: link to letter. 

This is a ::newspaper report on the event: "Rowan Williams and 200 faith leaders call for revised refugee policy."

and a ::reflection by the Bishop of Croydon
"Why faith leaders are demanding urgent change to the refugee system."

Amnesty is arranging many 'Refugees Welcome' events, including ::this one in London on Saturday, which members of our Amida Malvern sangha will attend.
 

*****

Acharya Modgala

Some of our great Buddhist teachers came to the west as refugees and brought with them the teachings of wisdom and compassion. 

I travelled giving teachings and in 2003  spoke at a psychology conference in Sarajevo. The main concern of the participants was how to help their traumatised children. From running workshops I learnt more about the terrible long term psychological effects of such a war. 

 Amongst the refugees here in the UK we have many traumatised children and families, the trauma made worse because they are separated and are worried about family members and the dangerous journeys they are taking to escape war. Families need to be together to recover and then can take their place in society. 

 Once here much help is already available, many of our Buddhist groups are already linking with local communities to help refugees. In the UK  there are many people of all faiths and none waiting to help refugees. 

 As humans we feel an ethical imperative to help and I join my fellow faith leaders in making a plea to this government to design a safe, legal route that can enable reunions.
 

Acharya Modgala Duguid

Namo Amida Bu

 

Read previous Whispers from the Bamboo Grove newsletters here

:: link

Amida Newsletter: Whispers from the Bamboo Grove 37: Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring
Here in Perth, on the edge of the Scottish Highlands, the day has dawned warm and sunny, even though there's still snow on the peaks of the Cairngorm mountains I can see from my window. Snowdrops and crocuses are blooming in the garden and buds are swelling on all the trees.

There's a resurgence of life, too, on our Friends of Amida-shu online community. This is in no small part due to the behind-the-scenes efforts of Kaspa, who has tidied and pruned the site to make it much more accessible and has created the Amida-shu site.
In both, it's now much easier to navigate and find what you are looking for.

We are glad to be able to tell you that Dharmavidya is continuing to heal and to recuperate at Eleusis. Gentle to moderate exercise in the wonderful countryside there - no major tree-felling at the moment, or travel other than short distances - will be the order of the day for sometime to come. Dharmavidya is taking what is turning into personal retreat time as an opportunity to write regular Buddhist teachings. These are a major factor in the enlivening of Friends of Amida-shu. Among the groups on the site you'll find Dharmavidya's 'Questions in the Sand' (answers to questions about issues in psychology, spirituality, philosophy and personal life). Do you have any questions you'd like to put to him? If so, visit the group and you'll find out how to ask.

There is also his 'Buddhist Teaching' group, with nineteen of his essays so far, including Nembutsu and the Jesus Prayer, Dependent Origination is Other Power, Teachers, Disciples and Students.
and Does the Dharma need Up-dating?
(Well, do you think so? - add your own point of view).

Other groups include 'Buddhism Practice',
and 'Liturgy'
which includes new recordings of the entire Amida Nien Fo Chant book (thank you, Satya!)
So why not pop by and see what new or revitalised shoots of growth appeal to you there. And, don't be shy - join in discussions or add your own blog posts. A good way to enliven your own understanding and practice - and to make good friends along the way. 

Namo Amida Bu

 

Whispers from the Bamboo Grove #35: Dharmavidya's health

News about Dharmavidya 

On Thursday 28 January around 16.30 Dharmavidya was rushed to the hospital in St. Amand Montrond, France. He had been experiencing difficulty breathing earlier in the week and it has now been confirmed that he has four large blood clots in his lungs.

He has begun treatment and will most likely be in hospital for a while.
It is still uncertain if he will respond well to the treatment but we will report on any further developments. 

As he is unable to access his emails or do anything except rest and follow the treatment programme all his engagements in the near future have been cancelled.

~ via Acharya Susthama

***** 

Reverend Kaspalita writes:

 

I wanted to share the prayer for long life that Reverend Ananda wrote.
Here it is:

Dharmavidya, founder of the Amida Order
Who turns the wheel of Dharma in the West and reveals the Nembutsu Vehicle
So that all may be reborn in Amida's Land of Love and Bliss
May you, who shines with Amida's light, live long!

Namo Amida Bu

*****
If you would like to send a message to Dharmavidya, who doesn't have internet access at present, you can do so here and we will make sure the messages are forwarded to him.

***** 
Update, Monday: Heartening news:
We have heard that Dharmavidya 's hospital treatment is working and his health has started to improve. He will be screened to ascertain both his rate of recovery and whether there are any other concerning issues that need treatment. All being well, it is possible that he could be discharged to recuperate at the end of this week. 

Both while he is in hospital and after he is discharged, he will continue to need to have his health monitored regularly for some time.  Due to this necessary recuperation he will be quite limited as to what he can manage to do for several months to come.  

Namo Amida Bu
 

Read previous Whispers from the Bamboo Grove newsletters here

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