A Vision of Amitabha - Aryaloka Buddhist Center

VAJRA BELL
Volume 6 Issue III
October 2008
A Vision of Amitabha
By Saddhamala
I
t is the end of the day, all becomes
quiet and on the horizon the brilliant
sun sets. The red glow of the sun
illuminates the sky and a palace appears – a palace with ruby walls - it
is warm and inviting – it is a friendly place
where you can completely relax. The palace is a place of magic where everything
you long for is available. You only have to
think of what you want and it appears.
You are bathed in a golden glow of soft light and you feel
happy and at peace. You rest in the bud of a golden lotus – you
are in a pure land where the trees are made of jewels. Jeweled
flowers are carried along by the rivers. You are caressed by gentle breezes that cause a rainfall of flowers. Everything is permeated with golden radiance. In all directions you see vast lotus
flowers where Buddhas sit and teach the Dharma. And in the
middle of this glowing scene is the Buddha Amitabha, seated on
a great Lotus throne. You are in Sukhavati, a pure land in which
you have ideal conditions for spiritual progress – you are bathed
in the joy of hearing the Dharma and you will hear the Dharma
until Amitabha leads you to perfect Buddhahood.
Amitabha symbolizes attraction. His color is deep ruby red,
the color of love and compassion, the color of the blush of delicate emotion, the color of fascination. Amitabha is the Buddha
of love and compassion, always approachable, giver of unconditional love. Like the setting sun, Amitabha is warm and gentle
– he guides our emotional energy to the quest of Enlightenment. Meditating, visualizing Amitabha, arouses our emotional energy
and transforms worldly passion into discriminating wisdom, the
wisdom that sees the uniqueness, the distinctive characteristics
of phenomenon.
AMITABHA
Continued on Page 15
Aryaloka Buddhist Center
14 Heartwood Circle, Newmarket, NH 03857
Illustration courtesy of Amitabha from “A Guide to the Buddhas,” Windhorse Publications
 
VAJRA BELL
PAGE 2
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
From the Editor
By Samayadevi
The Pureland of Amitabha seems
particularly inviting right about now… “a
palace with ruby walls, warm and inviting,
a friendly place where you can completely
relax.” Instead I find myself caught in the
anxiety of the melt down of our financial
institutions and awash with negativity around
the political campaign. Politics is a dangerous
place for me as passions runs high and I lose
a sense of a calm center. Mercifully there is
Amitabha to invite stillness and safety. And a
little book entitled ‘Mindful Politics’, edited
by Melvin McLeod and in our bookstore. It
takes not only courage but trust to practice in
these times, and that is actually a gift. Thich
Nhat Hahn is very clear that the Pureland is
not a far distant galaxy but possible in the
here and now. And the tether to that reality
is meditation, meditation, meditation. And we
are not alone. We are sangha. As Saddhamala
wrote: ‘We can look at the worlds we create;
we can raise our level of consciousness; we
can lovingly shape our world and the worlds
of those around us, the worlds of all beings in
which warm rays of love flow from the heart.’
May it be so.
This summer three mitras from Aryaloka
were ordained in California. Their private
ordination ceremonies were conducted on retreat and their public ordinations were held on
the North American Order Convention. With
happy hearts we welcome the new members
of the Western Buddhist Order: Danakamala,
Saricitta, and Vihanasari! Their names reflect
qualities of generosity, compassion and joy
that arises from contact with the Dharma. We
look forward to practicing with all of them at
The following is a compilation of the
minutes from the council meetings on August17th and September 14th.
It was suggested that the Council establish a finance subcommittee made up of
Khemavassika, Anastra, and Dayalocana
to review financial issues before they are
[email protected]
www.aryaloka.org
Aryaloka Council
Dayalocana
[email protected]
Amala
[email protected]
Aryaloka. Their generosity, compassion and
joy are echoed by friends, mitras and order
members at Aryaloka. Our center is fortunate
to have so many people with generous spirits.
We depend on the help and kindness of volunteers who give their time and talents. Likewise, there is great benefit from the compassion, concern and care that is extended from
sangha members to those in need, both at Aryaloka and beyond. And the joy that is experienced and expressed as we hear the Dharma
and practice together creates an atmosphere of
beauty and harmony.
Khemavassika
[email protected]
Vihanasari
[email protected]
Samayadevi
[email protected]
Anastra
[email protected]
Vajra Bell Kula
Samayadevi, Chair
[email protected]
Viriyagita
[email protected]
The Council
By Samayadevi
Aryaloka Buddhist
Retreat Center
14 Heartwood Circle
Newmarket, NH 03857
603-659-5456
Saddhamala
[email protected]
Musings from the Chair
By Dh. Dayalocana
Contact
Information
brought to the Council as a whole.
It was voted to allow Khanti Outreach to
establish a donation fund through Aryaloka
for support for released inmates. Checks
can be written to Aryaloka and the funds
will be transferred to Khanti.
The annual meeting of the Aryaloka
Council is scheduled for October 13, 2008. Vihanasari
[email protected]
Stephen Sloan
[email protected]
Eric Wentworth
[email protected]
COUNCIL
Continued on Page 6
Please be sure Aryaloka’s windows stay closed in winter and remember
to close them when leaving the center in warmer months. Thank you!
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
PAGE 3
Pandaravasini, wise consort of Amitabha
By Viriyagita
Pandaravasini is the consort of the
Buddha Amitabha in the mandala of the five
buddhas and represents the female aspect,
the prajna, of discriminating wisdom.
She is a glorious red in color, dressed
exquisitely in white, wearing a five-jeweled
crown upon her jet-black hair. Rubies
and other precious gems adorn her body.
With hands folded at her heart, she holds
the stems of two lotuses. One red lotus,
blossoming at her right shoulder, carries a
vase of immortality. On her left shoulder
the pale-blue lotus holds a vajra-bell.
To give you a flavor of her beauty and
power, I will now quote from Vessantara’s
Speech of Fire, a Puja to Pandaravasini.
SALUTATION
Body of fire, Transcender of the world,
Through the flames of meditation you have burned away
All that was subject to birth and death.
So your body of light is itself a vase of immortality.
Undying love and wisdom of all the Buddhas, I pay homage to you.
PANDARAVASINI
Illustration by Eric Wentworth
Continued on Page 15
Buddhaworks
The Aryaloka Bookstore
* Meditation Candles
* DVDs from Pema Chodron
and Lama Surya Das
* Meditation Journals
* CDs from Thich Nhat Hanh
* Singing Bowls
* Brass Door Chimes from
Nepal and India
* Children’s Coloring Books
* Lots and Lots of Great Books!
Your support brightens Aryaloka’s future.
Buddhaworks is located at the Aryaloka Buddhist Center
PAGE 4
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
Greetings from Buddhaworks (the Bookstore)
By Steve Cardwell
Well summer is really over for another
year and again we are wondering about
the coming cold and windy weather in
New England. What better time to sit in
a comfortable chair by a warm fire reading
something new and profound? Take a few
minutes and check out the products in the
bookstore, you might just see something
you have not seen before. In fact there is
a new printing of The Puja book, released
in the UK and hopefully soon in the US…
There are both paperback and hardback
versions which we will stock when
available… Thanks for your continued
support of Buddhaworks. Your dana makes
Aryaloka a possibility for all of us.
Here are some new titles for the
bookstore:
“Buddha’s Teachings on Prosperity”
By Bhikkhu Rahula
We may have access to Buddhist
teachings, but specific guidance on how to
conduct ourselves in the work-a-day world
may be missing. This remarkable guide fills
that gap, and directs “laypeople” toward a
fuller, more spiritual life, by suggesting
ways to bring skillful, spiritual practice
to everyday responsibilities and concerns.
From money to romantic relationships,
office conflict-management to wise
parenting practices, this book helps readers
negotiate both the road to the Buddha’s
wisdom and the many daily distractions
that threaten to test one’s resolve along the
way.
“The Good Heart: A Buddhist
Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus”
By The Dalai Lama
In this landmark book of inter-religious
dialogue, the Dalai Lama provides an
extraordinary Buddhist perspective on the
teachings of Jesus, commenting on wellknown passages from the four Christian
Gospels including the Sermon on the
Mount, the parable of the mustard seed, the
Resurrection, and others.
“Razor-Wire Dharma:
A Buddhist Life in Prison”
(Paperback)
By Calvin Malone
Calvin Malone is nearing the end of a 20year prison sentence. He’s also a practicing
Buddhist. Oddly enough, it was in prison
that Malone learned about Buddhism, and
it’s the one thing that’s kept him going.
Some of the stories he tells in Razor-Wire
Dharma are hilarious, some are harrowing,
but all express Buddhist wisdom as vividly
as any practitioner could hope to do.
This is true Buddhism: Malone is living
it, and in the unlikeliest of places. For
him, the choice between staying true to
his principles of altruism, compassion, and
non-harming — or just choosing to cast a
blind eye — often requires that he quite
literally jeopardize life, limb, and the few
small comforts available to him to try to do
what’s right.
If he can do it in jail, he can do it
anywhere. And as his book in all its gritty
beauty makes clear, so can we.
Sangha Notes - “What’s Happening?”
By Suzanne Woodland
Like a garden that flourishes when
conditions are favorable, the conditions
here at Aryaloka have produced three
new order members Saricitta (formerly
Rita Holmes); Vihanasari (formerly
Sandy Bonin) and Danakamala (formerly
Dino Papavasilliou).
…In late July members of the
men’s sangha held a GFR (going for
refuge) retreat at the Jikoji Retreat
Center, just south of San Francisco.
Danakamala’s private ordination took
place during this retreat.
…The women’s sangha also met at
Jikoji including a post ordination retreat
and a GFR retreat for women.
…Later in July, the North American
Order Convention was held in
California. It was an opportunity for
Order Members from the east coast,
the west coast, Canada and Mexico to
practice together, to renew friendships,
and to rejoice in the great diversity and
depth of the Western Buddhist Order.
The public ordinations for the three new
Who can contribute to the Vajra Bell?
order members above were held at the
convention (July 27th).
…Later in the fall, the Vajra Bell
should be able to report on three more
ordinations as Anne Rugg, Anastra
Madden and Nancy Lorraine will be
journeying to Spain in October to be
ordained.
…Over the weekend of Thursday, July
31 - Sun Aug 3 the Open Heart, Quiet
Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat
SANGHA NOTES
Continued on Page 7
YOU CAN!
Submit an article, poem or picture for consideration, or simply share some information and we’ll do the writing
for you. Just contact any of the Vajra Bell staff - see the “Contact Information” section on Page 2 of this issue.
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
Movie Review
By Eric Wentworth
“Heavy Metal in Baghdad”
(2007), 84 minutes, Rated R,
Available on Netflix
When we turn on the television, we hear
story upon story from the battlefields overseas - what strategy is working or not, how
many of our troops were killed, which Iraqi
politicians aren’t playing ball with U.S. interests - but how often do we actually hear
what the average Iraqi has to say about
what’s going on in more than a five-second
sound bite, carefully crafted to win hearts
and minds back home?
While heavy metal music is not for everyone, “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” cuts
through our reinforced delusions about
what’s really going on and gives us an hour
and a half of insight into what daily life is
like for the citizens of Iraq.
The documentary film follows the
only heavy metal band in Iraq, Acrassicauda (Latin for “Black Scorpion”), from
the early days of the war. With each successive visit to Iraq to see how the band is
Online In-Site
faring, the viewer witnesses the slow decay
of their dreams, their attitudes, and their
safety. Perhaps because they are already so
used to bucking what’s expected of them,
they are refreshingly honest and open about
their personal experiences and unafraid to
make their frustration and anger visible.
When we first meet Acrassicauda, they
are upbeat, still playing what gigs they can
get, but with some irritation they note that
it was easier to actually play their music
under the Hussein regime, as long as they
played at least one “Saddam song.”
Then their hard-won practice space is
destroyed by a rocket blast, band members
fade away as they escape the chaos and become Syrian refugees, and opportunities to
play dry up completely because of death
threats and dangerous situations. Eventually, two best friends are all that remain of
the band in Baghdad, so afraid to go out
of doors that for months they do not see
one another, despite living only a mile or
so down the street. The documentary itself
faces never being completed, because for
MOVIE REVIEW
Continued on Page 14
News from Nagaloka
By Gail Yahwek
As of October 11th, Nagaloka has moved!
Our new spiritual home is in town, in the
store-front space at 81 Oak Street. Stop by
for a visit!
Fall is upon us and our Sangha here in
Maine is welcoming the change of seasons.
Our Wednesday Sangha night group has been
studying selected suttas from the Pali Canon.
These are providing a nice opportunity for
new and experienced members to get back
to the word of the Buddha and explore how
2500 year old wisdom still applies today. So
far we have read and discussed Buddhavagga,
Kalama Sutta, Mangala Sutta, Bahiya,
Meghiya, and the Karaniya Metta Sutta.
We were happy to welcome Ratnaguna
PAGE 5
for a visit in September. He attended our
Wednesday night meditation and gave a
touching and open account of his journey
into Buddhism and experiences as teacher
and order member. Thank you so much
to Ratnaguna for sharing with us and for
reminding us to go into our “pain” whatever it
may be rather than run from it.
Dharmasuri is leading a Monday night
Intro group in the study of “Buddhism Tools
for Living Your Life,” by Vajragupta. It is
always lovely to welcome new faces and I
have heard that this group is proving to be very
inspiring. It is nice to have you all with us.
Nagaloka’s regular meditation sessions
are Fridays at 6:00pm, Sundays at 9:00am,
and Thursdays at 6:00am. Sangha nights are
Wednesdays at 7:00pm and Monday night
classes are at 6:30pm.
This issue’s featured websites
http://zenhabits.net
If you’re looking for a fun way
to spend a couple of hours online,
the Zen Habits blog will do the trick
while making you feel that you have
spent your time mindfully. The author is not a Zen teacher but, as he
puts it, just “a regular guy, a father of
six kids, a husband, a worker, and a
freelance writer.” He began the blog
as a way to set positive goals in his
own life, reinforce them by putting
them online, and then make them a
daily habit. While Zen practice is not
defined by goal-setting, the author’s
process of becoming self-aware and
making changes in his behavior are
obviously very beneficial ideas that
get to the core of what Buddhism is
all about.
What attracted me to this blog,
as a person who generally doesn’t
read them very often, is that the author’s thoughts and advice are very
down-to-earth and practical without
being preachy and humorless. He’s
not afraid of revealing the difficulties and frustrations that he’s faced
in dealing with his own obstacles,
and writes in a way that is often very
funny because you can completely
relate to what he’s gone through. His
writing style is conversational and a
joy to read.
As Buddhists, we can be fond of
lists, and there are many wonderful
lists to be had here. Examples of past
blog entries include: “10 Benefits of
Rising Early, and How to Do It,” “20
Things I Wish I Had Known When
Starting Out in Life,” and “Simple
Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life.”
The best place to begin on this
blog is, of course, at the beginONLINE INSITE
Continued on Page 15
PAGE 6
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
Kula Corner
By Sheila Groonell,
Kula Coordinator
events like our recent Festival of Gratitude
Picnic, or run the office, or pay the staff, or
answer phones, or pay for the electricity, This issue I need to talk with you about a or buy books for the library, and on and
quite serious matter: The financial health of on, comes from our own community. The
Aryaloka and the role of the Dana Kula.
Dana Kula imagines, plans and implements
Aryaloka, like all of us, needs to cope with activities to help Aryaloka pay these bills.
soaring costs in the form of increased heating,
And what are those activities? Members
lighting, and the cost of all goods and services of the Dana Kula gather no more than once
provided for and by our beautiful spiritual a month, sometimes less frequently, to dream
home. Aryaloka is a self supporting non- up activities to raise the money needed to
profit entity. We receive no outside funding. support Aryaloka and its activities. Remember
The Dana Kula is responsible for planning the Dalai Lama movie? The Chocolate
and implementing events that help support Buffet with entertainment provided by the
Aryaloka financially. Every bit of money that Silktones? The annual Auction conducted by
we use to pay the mortgage, or buy heating, Nagabodhi? These all started as dreams of
or pay for repairs or construction, or support the Dana Kula. It is a team effort. The current
team is only five people, some of whom have
been involved for quite a while. We need more
members for the Dana Kula. We need new
members. You could be one of the volunteers
to help Aryaloka out in this critical way. It is
not a big time commitment. And you would
never be alone with any responsibility.
So what stops people from volunteering
for this critically important kula that helps
Aryaloka exist. FEAR. Fear and reluctance to
ask people for money. Do you cringe at the
thought of asking others for money? Would
it help relieve your fear if I tell you that
you will not be required to ask anybody for
money? Would that help you feel better about
spiritual community of the Friends of the
Western Buddhist order (FWBO). FWBO
teachers and mentors offer pathways to the
development of spiritual community and
Dharma teaching, with encouragement
and support for spiritual growth. Retreats,
classes, and other activities are guided by
the Buddha’s teachings and Buddhist ethical principles.”
Income was down for the first three
months of the fiscal year. It was decided
to request dana for local (as well as guest)
teachers for retreats and day events.
The Council finance subcommittee will
meet to discuss modifications to the yearly
budget.
The AMT was asked to review the cost
of keeping Akasaloka open during the win-
ter and to make a recommendation to the
Council for the coming heating season.
Vihanasari will send members the recommendations from the energy audits done
on both buildings that have not yet been
addressed. These will be considered at the
next meeting.
In order to bring all retreat registrations
into alignment, it was decided to ask that
those reserving Shantiloka or Akasaloka
for solitaries pay an advance deposit of half
the total registration cost.
There will be a report from the teaching
kula at the next Council meeting, including
an overview of what is being taught.
COUNCIL
Continued from Page 2
Members are asked to decide by then if
they would like to continue on the Council.
The “Promoting Other Organizations or
Causes” policy was revised to read:
“Aryaloka Buddhist Center will not
provide permanent space for other organizations or groups to raise money by selling
items at the Center. Aryaloka will not offer
space to political groups to hold meetings
on the premises. Brochures, fliers, and any
other materials from other groups will be
posted at the discretion of the Center administrator in a designated area.”
It was decided that the Aryaloka mission statement would read; “Aryaloka is a
KULA CORNER
Continued on Page 14
And that’s it for now. The annual meeting will be held on October 13th, 2008.
New Policy for Retreat Deposits:
Retreats/Classes/Solitaries
Those registering for retreats (including solitaries) and
classes of any length will be asked to pay a minimum deposit
of one-half of the total cost. If a registrant cancels two weeks or
more before the even, s/he will receive a refund of the amount
paid, minus a $15 processing fee. If the cancellation is received
less than two weeks before the event, the registrant will forfeit
the minimum deposit.
Forfeited deposits may not be transferred to another event.
Yoga Retreats
Those registering for yoga retreats will be asked to pay the
full cost in advance in order to finalize the registration. If a
registrant cancels two weeks or more before the retreat, s/he
will receive a refund of the amount paid minus $35 that may
be credited to another event. If the cancellation is received less
than two weeks before the event, the registrant will receive a
refund of $100. Thirty-five dollars ($35) of the remainder may
be credited to another event, the rest will be forfeited.
* * * * * Note: In both categories above, special circumstances will be taken in to consideration. * * * * *
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
Concord Retreat a Success
The Sangha at the New Hampshire
Men’s Prison held its summer retreat on
July 18th and 19th. Once again, the event
was a success. The focus of the retreat
was Skillful Speech. This engaging topic
spurred some lively discussions that were
informative, honest, and at times, very
moving. Our time together ran out way
too soon. We all left with an increased
sense of Sangha, strengthening ties and
making new friends.
On Friday night, the Sangha welcomed
Roger Jones. He took his Refuges and
Precepts, an indication of his seriousness
toward his practice. We enjoy his
participation at our regular Thursday
meetings. On Saturday, David Macklin
became a Mitra. His expression revealed
the peace and obvious thoughtfulness of
his commitment to the practice and study
of the Dharma. Sadhu to them both.
During the retreat we had the
SANGHA NOTES
Continued from Page 4
once again provided a supportive and
transformational environment featuring
the practice of Kripalu yoga and Metta
Bhavana meditation. These retreats are
held regularly throughout the year. They
fill up quickly, so check the schedule to
see when the next one is.
…On August 9 the men’s sangha
here at Aryaloka came together for a day
of meditation, discussion and reflection.
The momentum arising out that day
was carried through September 21 for
an additional men’s practice day that
attracted an enthusiastic crowd. Sunday
October 12th is the next event.
…Got Hindrances? Then Dh.
Sunada’s workshop on August 16th
was the place for you. The Working
with the Hindrances Intermediate
Practice Workshop focused on how to
work with the difficulties we encounter
in meditation - distraction, ill will,
restlessness, sleepiness and self-doubt.
opportunity to meet and speak with
friends from Aryaloka. In attendance
were Debbie and Steve Cardwell,
Candice Copp, Lori Seibert, Stephen
Sloan, Bodhana, Saddhamala, and
Khemavassika. They all shared some
personal experiences with their practices,
instilling a sense of determination and
wisdom only achieved by honest effort. Thank you to all who came and also to
those who could not. Your support and
friendship is a cornerstone of our practice,
providing enthusiasm for the Dharma.
Our next retreat is scheduled for early
November. We invite everyone to come
and take part in this positive experience. Contact Bodhana for information and
speak with those who have attended in
the past.
Metta,
Rich Cormier
…On Sunday August 24th Aryaloka
held a picnic to celebrate the
accomplishments of the sangha. There
was great food and a chance to meet all
sorts of sangha members. Recognitions
were handed out to sangha members
who have contributed to Aryaloka’s
vitality over the years.
…Late August saw the arrival of
monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery
for a week full of activities. The focal
point for the week was the creation and
dissolution of a beautiful sand mandala.
The monks’ presence not only provided
an opportunity for our own community
to witness and connect with another
Buddhist tradition, but also brought
many outside of our community to
our sacred space.
During the week,
Rimpoche Jamyang Chozin gave a
well-attended talk on the Eight Verses
of Mind Training, a text from Geshe
Langri Tanpa (1054-1123). The monks
also created and helped dedicate butter
sculptures and performed a Green Tara
puja.
PAGE 7
News from the
Boston Sangha
By Sunada
Our sangha may be small, but we like
it that way. We have a handful of regulars
that meets every Wednesday in Davis
Square, Somerville. We’re currently
studying Sangharakshita’s Living with
Awareness, which has triggered some
thought-provoking discussion on all the
implications of bringing more mindfulness
into our daily lives. With a smaller group,
we have plenty of space for everyone to
contribute their thoughts in a more personal
way.
We also recently decided that once a
month, we’ll meet for a casual drop-in-ifyou-can burrito dinner at Anna’s Taqueria
an hour before our weekly sangha meeting.
We had our first get together in September,
which proved to be a lot of fun!
…In early September, Ratnaguna, a
visiting order member from Manchester,
England, led a weekend retreat for order
members and mitras to explore teachings
from the Sutta Nipatta (from the Pali
Canon). On Tuesday September 9th, he
gave an inspiring talk on the importance
of reflection as told from the context of
his personal experience.
…Also on September 9th, Diane
Palaces became a mitra. Sadhu.
…Throughout the summer and early
fall, Sangha night study sessions have
been devoted to the topic of “Engaged
Buddhism.”
This topic has been
explored through the framework of the
noble eightfold path. It has engendered
much discussion concerning the
intersection of spiritual practice with
society and its organizations.
…Friday night meditation and
puja continues to be available most
Friday evenings at either Aryaloka or in
the neighboring Akashaloka.
PAGE 8
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
Poetry Pages
Random Musings
by Samayadevi
The only currency
Not subject to devaluation
Is kindness.
If I hoard my treasures
In the deepest caves of longing
They disintegrate in the light of awareness.
Like linen from the tombs of the pharaohs
When once again they are bathed in sunlight.
This treasure has no limits,
Is not subject to time or space.
It flourishes out beyond the limits of our grasping
And makes a mockery of birth and death.
A word here, an insinuation there,
And like a drop of vinegar in the cream
I’ve created mistrust,
A small crack in the foundation of sangha.
For what?
To be right in my indignation at a perceived slight,
Or just for the perverse pleasure of spreading negativity,
Like soot on tulips?
There is a juice in quashing another –
It is short lived and toxic.
It will wilt goodness and leave me with only ashes for my soil.
Be still as a log,
Wait for the moment to pass,
Seek the cream and let the vinegar go.
Life is short and will end too soon.
Do I really want to leave a barren landscape
Destroyed by a word here, an insinuation there?
Equanimity can sound so very cool, so rational,
so devoid of passion.
Yet, what is it but an unbounded, indiscriminate loving concern
For all beings; saints and rapists,
Betrayer and betrayed,
Snakes and kittens.
It is a fierce passion that burns away preference and aversion,
A flame fueled by profound insight into how things really are.
Enlightenment isn’t the flash of insight
Shattering world views,
But the ho-hum of washing toilets,
And drinking tea.
Denying yourself is still about ‘self’.
In the light of the profound acceptance of insubstantiality,
The ‘self’ doesn’t come up.
Life is lived in the context of the confluence of all beings
Without distinction or discrimination.
There is no security in groundlessness,
Only the buoyancy of sangha.
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
PAGE 9
Meditation
by Sangharakshita
Here perpetual incense burns;
The heart to meditation turns,
And all delights and passions spurns.
A thousand brilliant hues arise,
More lovely than the evening skies,
And pictures paint before our eyes.
All the spirit’s storm and stress
Is stilled into an nothingness,
And healing powers descend and bless.
Refreshed, we rise and turn again
To mingle with this world of pain,
As on roses falls the rain.
The Fragrance
of Compassion
by Sangharakshita
Artwork by Betsy Sterling Benjamin
Seeing this world, this hapless world,
With all its store of woes,
Compassion in the Buddha-Heart
Bursts open like a rose.
And from that flower, that wondrous
flower,
There came at once to birth
A breath whose perfumes even now
With fragrance fill the earth.
Annual Aryaloka Auction - October 28, 2008!
Mark your calendars! No Tricks – Just
Treats! The gala Annual Aryaloka Auction
comes your way on Tuesday, October 28! The
auction will start at 7:00 p.m. with previewing
time beginning at 6:00 p.m. Nagabodhi – as
always – will be our guest auctioneer. This
year we will feature a dessert table to sample
while you bid. We need contributions of auction items. Perhaps you have a special bread recipe that
others will love and pay for. Or maybe you
can donate two hours of raking leaves – we
know there will be bidders for that at the
end of October! Or maybe you would like
to host a dinner at your home for several
lucky bidders. Do you have a favorite shop
or café willing to donate a gift certificate to
Aryaloka? Maybe you have a wonderful
necklace that you do not wear any more. The
possibilities are endless. We will have sign up
sheets at Aryaloka where you can list your
donation. Knowing early helps our committee
to prepare the auction booklet early.
But most of all – we need YOU and
your friends and family to attend. Anyone
who has attended will attest to the fact the
Auction is a fun event! There will be silent
auction items for bid starting October 18
and bidding will conclude mid-way through
the live auction.
The Annual Auction is the major
fundraiser for Aryaloka. Last year we
raised over $6,000. Please be a part of the
gala evening. Even better – be a volunteer. We need bidding clerks, several Vana
Whites and help with set-up and clean-up. Contact Khemavassika, Stephen Sloan or
the Office team if you can help us the night
of the Auction.
Thank You!
The Auction Committee
PAGE 10
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
Self View and the Tibetan Monks
By Stephen Sloan
Okay, so this all started on the day
the Tibetan monks started their visit
to Aryaloka. We had a meeting of the
Vajra Bell kula. I was sitting with my
fellow kula members, planning the next
issue of the Vajra Bell. The subject of
the monks’ visit came up. Someone
suggested that we do an interview with
them and all eyes fell on me. Almost
immediately I felt resistance to
the idea. So I said: “I can’t do
that, it conflicts with my self
view.” No sooner had the words
left my mouth than I knew I
would be doing the interview.
Quick word of advice: never
tell your spiritual friends that
you can’t do something because
of a self view.
This story combines my
experience
following
the
monks’ visit and an interview
with Geshe Jamyang Chozin,
the tour leader (Geshe is a term
in Tibetan Buddhism that refers
to an individual who has studied
extensively. It’s akin to a PhD in
Buddhism). It all began Monday
night. The tour coordinator and
translator, Nima Nedup, had
a laptop computer that was
acting up. I was recruited to
assist him. We got him up
and running, and soon it was
time for Mitra class, where our
group was joined by Nima and
the Geshe, Rinpoche Jamyang
(Rinpoche is a term of respect
and affection). Following meditation,
we had an opportunity for questions.
Rinpoche Jamyang left Tibet at age
18 following the Chinese invasion.
He moved to a monastery in southern
India, where he continued his extensive
education. As a member of the Gelug
school of Tibetan Buddhism, his
education focused on several major
subjects, including a strong meditation
practice. In this meditation practice, he
focused on developing and maintaining
compassion, metta and Bodhicitta. He
has received several initiations from his
teachers.
Following many years of study he
underwent six years of examinations.
The examinations comprised at least 15
days per year and were both written and
oral. He was responsible for memorizing
thousands of pages of Buddhist texts.
Following this, he attended a tantric
university where he mastered about
twenty practices in two years. And of
course there were more examinations.
Now he is the resident teacher at a
Tibetan center in Los Angeles.
Nima Nedup grew up in Bhutan
where he attended Catholic school and
learned to speak English. He joined the
same monastery as Rinpoche Jamyang
in the 10th grade. After studying for
many years circumstances required his
return to Bhutan and he was unable to
complete his studies.
When I think of Nima, I feel a lot
of gratitude. None of the monks spoke
much English, and without Nima
communication would’ve been difficult.
But beyond that, Nima demonstrated a
deep connection to the Dharma. When
he was translating for the Geshe, the
words and phrases he chose reflected
the depth of this practice. Throughout
our question and answer period Monday
night, both Nima and the Geshe
demonstrated great patience
and compassion. The answers
to our questions provided much
material for future reflection.
For the rest of the week, I was
fortunate to have the opportunity
to attend many of the monks’
functions. On Tuesday night,
there was a stimulating talk held
in the shrine room (attended by
75 people) on the Eight Mind
Training verses. Wednesday
brought a dedication ceremony
for the butter sculptures that
had been constructed by the
monks for our Aryaloka shrine.
On Thursday, I attended the puja
opening the day’s work on the
sand mandala that the monks
constructed in Aryaloka’s yoga
room over the week long visit.
Friday night saw over 60 people
gather for a Green Tara puja.
Another large crowd gathered
Saturday for the dissolution
ceremony where the sand
mandala was swept up and
thrown into the river (a lesson on
impermanence). My interview,
which follows, was conducted shortly
after lunch on Saturday.
So back to my self view. The prospect
of this interview was a bit intimidating.
I had spent the week pondering what
questions to ask. I decided the interview
should have a mix of lighthearted
questions as well as serious ones on
Buddhist practice. I started with the
lighthearted ones.
TIBETAN MONKS
Continued on Page 11
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
PAGE 11
TIBETAN MONKS
Continued from Page 10
VB: How is your visit to New
Hampshire going?
RJ: (Rinpoche
Jamyung
as
translated by Nima Nedup) We’ve had
a great visit. We would like to extend a
hearty thank you to Aryaloka and all of
the sangha members especially Amala.
We really appreciate the warm welcome
and have enjoyed staying in such a
beautiful place.
VB: So what do you do for fun?
RJ: At the monastery, there really is
not too much entertainment. For some
of our festival days, there are holiday
games, always linked to the Dharma.
VB: I’m a big Red Sox fan, how
should I act towards the Yankees?
RJ: In such matters, equanimity
is a good practice. This can start with
compassion, especially for someone
close to you.
Generate a strong desire to free them
from suffering, from any problems that
they may be facing. Next try to generate
those same feelings for a neutral
person. Finally work on enemies. Try to
equalize your compassion amongst all
three groups.
VB: How do you deal with doubt?
RJ: I have not experienced doubt. I
maintain a strong motivation to achieve
the highest state of enlightenment. I
focus on putting the teachings to work.
It is important to keep this on a practical
level, and not be too intellectual.
First I listen to the teachings and
meditate on them. Then I am able to
share my experience with others.
If I do get off track, guidance from
others can help me to correct any wrong
views.
VB: I’ve noticed that you use both
a Vajra and a bell in your ceremonies.
Could
you
comment
on
their
significance?
RJ: There are many different
explanations of the Vajra and bell and
many practices that employ them. In
the ritual, they are employed as a way of
generating Bodhicitta. In this method,
the Vajra, which is held in the righthand, represents compassion, while the
bell, rung with the left hand, represents
wisdom. In the Tantric practices the
sound of the bell reminds us of the lack
of intrinsic nature.
that underlies all of the chants. First we
begin with the refuge formula. Then
there is contemplation of the merits
of giving followed by transference of
merit. There is a part dealing with the
generation of Bodhicitta and the four
immeasurable thoughts. There may
also be other parts of the chant that are
specific to the occasion at hand.
While the chanting may sound
foreign at first, many have learned this
style of chanting.
VB: I’ve been fascinated by your
chanting, could you comment more on
it?
VB: Thank you so
answering my questions.
RJ: The chanting used in our rituals
is not just words and melody, but a form
of meditation. There is a basic framework
And that was it. Turned out to not
be as difficult as I’d thought. One small
chip away from my self view.
much
for
PAGE 12
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
San Francisco Hosts North American Order Convention
By Suvarnaprabha
The San Francisco Buddhist Center
FWBO hosted the North American Order
Convention this year in July, at a retreat
center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a
short distance south of San Francisco. The
Convention began with a ceremony marking
the entry of three people from the Aryaloka
sangha into the Western Buddhist Order:
Saricitta (“Heart-Mind Like a Waterfall”),
Vihanasari (“Thrush at Dawn”), and
Danakamala (“Lotus of Generosity”).
The ceremony was beautifully and jointly
led by public preceptors Dhammarati and
Dayanandi.
The Convention was attended by 25
of the 70 or so Order members in North
America, who traveled from Washington
State, Vancouver (Canada), Montana,
Maine, New Hampshire, Boston, New
York City, plus two from the UK, and
the delightful Saddhajoti from Mexico
City. For 5 days we met, caught up with
each other, and focused on meditation,
especially Order practices (“mula yogas”)
such as the Bodhicitta practice. Khajit also
got some of us to give our kesas a much
Danakamala, Saricitta, and Vihanasari were welcomed as Order members at
the 2008 FWBO North American Order Convention.
needed wash! As often happens at FWBO
gatherings, we had a cultural evening on
the last night, which is a chance for people
to share themselves in a more creative way,
adding a little spice into the mix.
And it must be said, we outdid ourselves!
We witnessed Karunadakini transform into
a diner waitress falling in love with a logger,
and with our own eyes we saw Vajramati
and Naganatika’s heads on a plates in a fit
of hilarious Beckett-esque high drama in
the dining room. Not to mention poems
and stories, an a capella song, Argentinian
guitar, an original blues song, and a cello
solo. It was all very beautiful and I felt a
very strong connection to the Order, such
a deep sense of sangha. Many thanks to
Sangharakshita for making that connection
possible. May he and his Order thrive for
many years to come.
Men’s GFR Retreat - Jikoji Retreat Center
The Practice of the Perfections
This year’s retreat was led by Dhammarati, a senior order
from the UK. The theme of the retreat was the Eight Verses on
Mind Training. Along with study there was plenty of time for
meditation and reflection. Several attendees spoke about the
excellent atmosphere, “I’d go back there in a second.” Get the
full story at http://web.me.com/aapaine/Site/Movie.html
The Aryaloka men’s sangha is in the middle of a series
of practice days focusing on the six perfections. Beginning on
August 9th Stephen Sloan led a discussion on the dana paramita
(generosity).This was followed on September 21st by Narottama
who led the discussion on the sila paramita (ethics). On October
12th Arjava lead the event on the kshanti paramita (patience).
More events will be following in December and next year.
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
PAGE 13
Festival of Celebration and Gratitude
By Sheila Groonell
On Sunday, August 24, about 60 sangha
members, families, and friends gathered
in Aryaloka’s back yard with the happy
presence of Kuan Yin, to play, eat, laugh,
give thanks, and rejoice in each others’
merits. Our primary intent was to thank
all the kula members who, over the past
year, have donated so many hours out of
their very busy lives to the care, love and
improvement of our beautiful spiritual
home, Aryaloka.
After a monsoon summer, the weather
for Festival day couldn’t have been
better: sunny, but not hot or humid. The
mosquitoes must have gone for a weekend
on the Cape, ‘cause they were no where
to be found! There was much yummy
food, most provided by our Council, with
Saddhamala’s guidance, and lovingly
prepared by sangha members. Lots of other
treats were brought by generous guests.
So many friends came to give thanks
and rejoice! So many new friends, people
we’d never met before, happy to be in our
friendly environment. Many tours around
the buildings and grounds were conducted
for them to see beautiful Aryaloka more
closely. Many friends we hadn’t seen in
ages made time to come and reconnect.
And so many children were there! Their
laughing and squealing sounded like bells
ringing. So joyous, and happy!
The games, organized by Vihanasari,
were great, simple fun for little kids and us
big kids too: bag races, three legged races,
(plastic) egg races, bobbing for apples.
Things some of us hadn’t done for decades
kept us hopping! Everyone whooping and
cheering, laughing to be so happy and
free.
Dayalocana, Chair Person of the
Council, was the perfect presenter, a most
precious hoot! With her unique brand of
crystal pure sincerity and ego-less silliness,
she kept our hearts full of gratitude and
laughter as she recognized the contribution
of each kula and each sangha member.
As I looked at everyone throughout the
afternoon, there were smiles all around.
A relaxed, casual, joyful atmosphere
prevailed. With all our jobs done, all our
thanks expressed, there was nothing else
to do, but relax, catch up with each other,
and rejoice in each other’s company and
merits.
We are all so fortunate to have Aryaloka
as our spiritual home, a home of love and
appreciation. We are fortunate for every
single person who offers service through
kula to our home.
We are fortunate to have these
opportunities to serve, learn, grow, rejoice,
and experience forgiveness and gratitude.
We are fortunate for our friends, fortunate
for the Dharma, fortunate for this precious
life. My heart is full of gratitude and
affection for you all.
If you have not yet offered kula service
to your precious spiritual home and to your
sangha family, please consider joining us
in the very, very near future. We need and
appreciate all the help we can get.
Your friend and fellow dhamma farer,
Sheila
For Your Information ...
• FWBO Centers in the U.S. - Newmarket, NH; Portland, ME; Belfast, ME; Lubec, ME; Somerville, MA; New York City, NY; Missoula, MT; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Richland, WA.
PAGE 14
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
KULA CORNER
Continued from Page 6
volunteering for the Dana Kula? Because
it is true - you will not be required to ask
anyone for money. We need you simply
to gather with other members of the Dana
Kula at their occasional meetings, discuss
the various activities that people dream
up for fund raising, discuss their pros and
cons, and, when a program is chosen, help
implement that activity. That’s it. Helpful
qualities include friendliness, energy,
organizational skills, and enthusiasm.
Please seriously consider donating
your time to the Dana Kula and thus to
the Aryaloka community. Aryaloka needs
this help and you are a crucial part of the
Aryaloka community. Make a commitment
to try the Dana Kula for one year. If you
feel after one year that you have done
your share for Aryaloka, you can move
on. But you then will have the satisfaction
of knowing you answered Aryaloka’s
call for help in this time of real financial
need. Please open your hearts and minds
to this important service for your spiritual
community. Without you, there is no us.
Thank you very much for considering
this important topic. Please call me at 7787522 or email me at sgroonell@comcast.
net if you could possibly help Aryaloka
in this way.
MOVIE REVIEW
Continued from Page 5
an Iraqi to be seen talking to a foreigner
or even speaking English on the street
would make them a target.
The pain, frustration and sorrow of
the men is overwhelming. They are unable to live peaceably in their own country, or do something as simple as express
themselves through music, and everyone
they know is either dead or living in terror from all sides. Yet, their story is a
testament to perseverance. Throughout it
all, they maintain their smiles, their love
for their families, and their dedication to
living a life of freedom as heavy metal
musicians. The film draws no judgments
or conclusions about the rightness or
wrongness of the war. From a Buddhist
perspective, however, it solidifies how
unskilful war is.
Practicing With the Dana Bowl
By Stephen Sloan
About two years ago I was asked to
hold up the dana bowl on Tuesday nights.
Dana is the Sanskrit word for generosity.
The dana bowl is where contributions for
Aryaloka may be placed. While I was
never told why I was chosen for this task, I
accepted it as something I was trying to do
to help out.
Generosity is an important concept
in Buddhism. It is said that when the
Buddha came to a new place, generosity
was the first practice he taught. One of
the most important considerations in
practicing generosity is the state of mind
of the giver. It can be very easy to give
for the wrong reason. Looking back I can
see that, initially, giving my time to hold
up the dana bowl may not have been for
the most skillful reasons. Perhaps I saw
standing up on Tuesday nights as some sort
of recognition of the depth of my Buddhist
practice. There was more than just a little
bit of ego involved.
Of course ego can have its way of
sticking out a foot to trip us as we try to
follow the path of the Dharma. For while
I may have craved the recognition, I also
feared making myself look foolish in front
of the Tuesday night crowd. For the first
six months, I had a set script that I repeated
every week. This afforded me a bit of
protection, I wasn’t likely to slip up if I
said the same thing each week. It was one
of those screens that the ego sets up to keep
us apart from others.
One day someone parroted my speech
back to me, and I knew things would have
to change. It was time for me to come
out from behind the mask and practice
generosity with more skillful motivation. I
decided that I would try to offer something
back as part of each of my presentations
Tuesday nights. This would take the form
of some piece of dharma that I would read.
The transition wasn’t easy. At first, I
would write everything down and read it to
avoid the opportunity for slipping up. The
ego was still whispering in my ear: “What
are you doing?” As I went along, I realized
that reading the message wasn’t going far
enough. I had to learn to share myself, to
share my practice of generosity.
These days, I offer a short dharma
reading and frequently some reflection. I’m
working on opening my heart and really
connecting with the people I’m talking to. I try to maintain compassion and increasing
metta as the motivations for my actions.
Mostly I’m grateful for the opportunity that
my Tuesday night activities with the dana
bowl offer me to work on my practice of
generosity.
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
VAJRA BELL
PAGE 15
who wallow in, and who devote their lives
to craving. Hungry ghosts have large stomThe passionate lover wants to be with one achs and tiny mouths – they are frustrated and
person, aware of that person’s distinctive qual- desperate, unloved and unlovable and so they
ities which are seen as endearing, special and grasp at life. Amitabha’s meditation soothes
lovable. The discriminating wisdom of Am- their restlessness and brings them to a deep
itabha sees and loves the differences of all be- state of peace. Amitabha is the meditating
ings without the sense of self and other – there Buddha, the central image of Buddhism, repis no exclusive attachment, there is loving ap- resenting the Buddha’s attainment of Enlightpreciation of all beings. Amitabha teaches us enment while in deep meditation under the
about non-duality and ego-lessness that can bodhi tree. Amitabha’s hands are in the meditating
lead us to insight and to the pure land, Sukhavati. From the passionate lover of one person, mudra, the mudra that expresses the union of
we become the loving presence for all beings. opposites: activity and receptivity, the middle
Amitabha’s emblem is the lotus – the sym- way, a constant awareness of balanced spiribol of gentleness, openness and receptivity. tual development. It is through the process
His element is fire, which consumes and cre- of meditation on Amitabha’s infinite love and
ates space. His animal is the peacock which, compassion combined with wisdom which
according to legend is capable of swallowing creates a pure land in which we make spiritual
poisonous snakes without being harmed. This progress. Contemplating Amitabha, meditating in
symbolism of being open even to poison, and
transforming it to beauty (the snake nourishes Sukhavati we can look at the personal worlds
the peacock’s beautiful plumage) illustrates we create; we can raise our level of consciousthe transformative power of Amitabha’s love ness; we can lovingly shape our world and the
worlds of those around us, the worlds of all
and compassion.
In the realm of the wheel of life, Amitabha beings in which warm rays of love flow from
transforms the hungry ghosts – those beings the heart.
AMITABHA
About Saddhamala
Continued from Page 1
http://www.wildmind.org/
INSITE
Continued from Page 5
ning. On the top right of the homepage you
can browse entries by category and popularity, and it includes a “Beginner’s Guide”
link for Zen Habits newbies.
There’s some great advice in these entries, and it just may inspire you to make
some simple changes in your own life that
could have far-reaching effects.
Happy browsing!
*****************************
UPCOMING
Continued from Page 16
13 13 14 15 18 19 21 Saddhamala
encountered Buddhism at Aryaloka
in the summer of
1992. She became
a mitra a year later
and was ordained
in Tuscany, Italy in
2000.
Saddhamala is the Women’s Mitra
Convenor; she has taught mitra study
since she returned from her ordination
retreat; she is a member of the Aryaloka
Counsel and the Teaching Kula. She has
recently offered Dharma Teaching workshops at Aryaloka.
When Saddhamala is not at Aryaloka,
she offers workshops to Corporations and
teaches at Granite State College. Saddhamala is mom to two sons,
Adam, who practices law in New York,
and Zach, who works in Higher Education at the University of Arizona.
Intro Day
Order Day
Council meeting
Men’s mitra class
Women’s mitra class
Meditation and puja
Solstice celebration
We’ve covered the great offerings at
Wildmind in issues past, but the big news
this issue is Wildmind’s revamped website
- spectacular! Aside from being beautiful
design work, the navigation is easy and intuitive, with all the information you could
want at your fingertips. Be sure to check
out the interactive graphic at the bottom of
the home page, which allows you to pick a
search term from a rotating globe of words
- very cool. Kudos to Wildmind!
22 24-31 26 29 31 Men’s mitra class
Winter Retreat
Meditation and puja
Men’s mitra class
Gong-Ringing and
Purification (11:30-a.m.)
JANUARY
1
Meditate for Peace Day
PANDARAVASINI
Continued from Page 3
Speech of fire, namer of the world,
You bring light to all beings through symbols and doctrines.
Yet you only produce the concept ‘All living beings’
In order to love them all. Perfect communication of all the Buddhas,
Homage to you.
Heart of fire, burning up all craving
With the blissful flames of your great love.
Your steepled fingers express your ardent devotion
For truth itself. Great heart of all the Buddhas, Homage to you.
Mind of fire, knower of the world,
In the empty crucible of mind’s true nature
You mould each individual moment. Yet you bring into existence
Nothing at all. Pure perception of all the Buddhas, homage to you.
PAGE 16
VAJRA BELL
VOLUME 6, ISSUE III
Upcoming Events
(Akasaloka events are listed in italics)
OCTOBER
20 24 24-26 27 28 29 31 Men’s mitra class
Meditation and puja
“From His Greater Lamp” retreat
with Nagabodhi
Men’s mitra class
ANNUAL AUCTION with Nagabodhi
Intro evening class begins (7-9 p.m.)
Meditation and puja
NOVEMBER
1-2 Order retreat with Nagabodhi
2
Sangha Day (1-4 p.m.)
3
Men’s mitra class
5
Intro evening class
6-9 Yoga and Meditation retreat
6
Women’s mitra class
7
Meditation and puja
8
Intro Day
10 Men’s mitra class
12
Intro evening class
13-15 Non-Violent Communication advanced class
13 Women’s mitra class
14 15-16 17 19
20 21-22 21 23 24 27 28 Meditation and puja
WORK DAYS
Men’s mitra class
Intro evening class
Women’s mitra class
Prison Sangha retreat
Meditation and puja
Council meeting
Men’s mitra class
Thanksgiving Potluck Get-Together
Meditation and puja
DECEMBER
1
Men’s mitra class
3
Intro evening class
4
Women’s mitra class
5-7 Retreat for Rest and Renewal
5-6 Women’s GFR overnight
7
Men’s event
8
Men’s mitra class
10 Intro evening class
11 Women’s mitra class
12 Meditation and puja
UPCOMING
Continued on Page 15
Ongoing
Sangha Night at Aryaloka
Friday Night Puja
•
•
•
•
The rich devotional practice of meditation and puja is
shared most Friday nights by those who find devotion an
important part of their practice.
Every Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:15 p.m.
Led by Amala and Khemavassika
Open to all who have attended an
introductory class at Aryaloka
Fee: Suggested donation $10 per class
No registration necessary
Typically, our Tuesday night activities include:
•
•
•
•
7:00 - Gathering, tea and announcements
7:15 - Meditation and shrine room activity
8:00 - Study, discussion or a talk on the evening’s topic
9:15 - End
With all of the activities, you are free to participate or to
just sit and listen. Nothing is compulsory. If you have any
questions, please ask!
Friday evenings as scheduled. See the
Aryaloka web site for dates and locations.
7:00 p.m. meditation, followed by puja.
“When we celebrate the Sevenfold Puja, which combines
faith and devotion with poetry and sometimes an element
of visual beauty, we find that our emotional energies are to
some extent refined. When this happens, it becomes possible
for the vision and insight of the higher thinking center to act
through these refined, sublimated emotional centers directly
on the moving center. In this way, the whole of life is completely transformed.”
Sangharakshita ~ Ritual and Devotion