the tree of life sangha

a change of name and a change of practice

Of our regular sangha members, some of us have gathered for nearly 20 years and others for over 7.  

Until Spring of 2021 we were known as 'Amida Scotland'. Following the dispersal of some of the Amida Order in various directions, we looked for, first, a new name, deciding on being known as the 'Tree of Life' sangha.

We then explored different forms of practice and different Buddhist sanghas to find what practice we felt comfortable with and also who seemed to be inclusive.

After practicing with several Plum Village UK sanghas via Zoom and feeling at home with the practice (which Sujatin had previously offered at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities) we feel we have found a new emphasis and home with Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. So we affiliated with Plum Village UK at the beginning of February. 

We continue to offer some Pureland practice.

We will continue to meet via Zoom as this allows sangha members who live further away to join us.

Updated 18.01.23

 

 

morning guided meditations

Morning Meditations

Suitable for newcomers and experienced practitioners, these guided practice sessions occur every weekday with Plum Village UK.

Start Your Day in Stillness

Mondays & Wednesdays, 06.15 – 07.00

Simple Plum Village meditation practices for a calm, relaxed start to the day offered by UK lay Dharma Teacher, Teri West.

Beginning the Day with Love

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 07.30 – 08.15

(Update: Currently every Monday to Friday)

Gentle love meditations to start the day with freshness and warmth. Offered by UK lay Dharma Teacher, Vari McLuskie.

In both sessions we nourish love for ourselves and others. On Thursdays we nourish love for ourselves in more depth.

Also, on Thursday, 22nd April, Vari will facilitate an Earth Love Meditation Session. We will practice Love Meditation and enjoy listening to some of the Love Letters to the Earth.

Guided Meditation, short slow walking meditation, a reading from Thay

Fridays, 06.15 – 07.00

Guided meditations from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “The Blooming of a Lotus,” helping us to meet ourselves where we are and to develop our understanding and compassion. Whatever your tradition you are welcome to join. Guided by Plum Village monastic, Sister Tam Muoi.

How to attend

Plum Village UK uses Zoom webinars, so you can enjoy the benefits of guided community practice in your own home.

Simply sign up using the link below.

Come along

 

:: link

Our gathering on 21 February 2022

Last night four of us gathered via Zoom - one person who has been a member of the sangha for nearly 20 years, another for 7 and a new person. The format for the meeting was the one we have been following for almost a year. We started with a quick check in - 'internal weather, external weather', followed by a guided mindfulness meditation. Then time for walking (or sitting quietly or tea-drinking meditation). Then guided Metta meditation and, finally, the opportunity for speaking from the heart.

It's a troubling time just now - in the world and in people's lives. So we were grateful to share a time of peace, friendship and tranquility, bringing us back to our True Home.

 

this evening's meeting

We started the evening with a  quick check in, then listened to the introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh's book about Pureland Buddhism: 'Finding Our True Home', followed by silent sitting or chanting, as each participant preferred. This was followed by a reading of  Thay's translation from the Chinese of the Smaller Amitabha Sutra. Following this we had the opportunity to take turns sharing from the heart.

On-line meetings

To join us online, please install Zoom.

As with our in-person meetings - when we are online we include sitting and guided meditations, chanting, walking meditation, readings, talks, sharing in small groups and other practices. 

Online Practice Guidance

As in a meditation hall, please find a comfortable seated position so that you can remain still throughout.

Controls for microphone and video are bottom left of your Zoom window:

• Please keep microphone muted except during group sharing.
• Our main connection is visual, so please keep video on.
• But if need to move, please turn video off so as not to distract others.

Unless on mobile, you can switch between gallery view and speaker view using the control in the top right or top left of your screen.

Please only send chat messages when essential.