Summer 2017
During the summer months, our sangha usually moves away from structured classes. We will have a number of one-off sessions, which will often be led by a sangha member rather than one of the regular teachers. Most of these sessions will not be recorded, as they are more experiential than instructional.
Sep 14 – Erika will lead a conversation on “right action” in these complex times. How do we act to shift the energy of aggression and fear without furthering confusion and pollution? Do our practices really help? We’ll be touching on absolute and relative bodhicitta, tonglen, and the paramitas.
Sep 7 – Due to popular demand, we will have another evening of poetry sharing, led this time by Elisse. Please bring poems that resonate with you (including your own work).
Aug 31 – Radical Dharma Camp. Sandra will talk about the weekend workshop on Radical Dharma that she attended, taught by three Black Buddhist teachers: Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Dr. Jasmine Syedullah. We will also watch a recorded talk with two of the teachers, and discuss.
Sandra Galejs.
Aug 24 – Modified Soul Collage. We will do a shortened meditation session and then have an experience of creating collages intuitively, borrowing from the Soul Collage(TM) method, and interpreting them.
Elisse Ghitelman.
Aug 17 – Mini-retreat – extended meditation. Creating spaciousness through alternatively sitting and walking – a “mini retreat” for the mind.
Megan Schy Gleeson.
Aug 10 – no class. Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche will be speaking in Newton on Aug 8, 9, and 10. Her topic will be “Taking the Leap: Transcending Doubt Through Meditation” – you can pre-register for these talks if you would like to attend,
Aug 3 (POSTPONED) – Secular Buddhism. We will listen to a recorded talk by Stephen Batchelor and discuss.
Sandra Galejs.
July 27 – Poetry sharing. Everyone is encouraged to bring some poetry to share. We’ll read aloud, and maybe do some free-style collaborative writing of our own.
Linda Graetz.
July 20 (POSTPONED) – The Container. An introduction to the Profound Treasury Retreat, held annually at Ferry Beach. The class will include a brief explanation of what happened at this past retreat, as well as an experiential activity for fun! All are welcome. Please bring a pen or pencil.
Muffy Young and Megan Schy Gleeson.
July 13 – Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche. We will listen to part of a recorded talk by Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche and discuss.
Meghan Gardner.
July 6 – Mindfulness with the Dying. Meghan Gardner will lead a discussion on how to be present with those who are nearing death, as well as experiencing the dying process, and what you can do to help the dying and their loved ones.
Outline of talk.
June 29 – A mini-retreat: meditation for one hour and 45 minutes, with sitting and walking meditation as well as readings.
Elisse Ghitelman.
June 22 – Erika and Elisse will lead a session on “Journey without Goal”. What brought you to meditation? What do you hope to gain? How can we both want an outcome and at the same time let go of the goal?
June 15 – This week we continued working with the book “The Posture of Meditation” by Will Johnson, using a section in the chapter on Resilience as a guided meditation in working with breathing. You will do the exercise lying on our back on the floor: you may use a yoga mat or blanket to lie on, or just use the rug. You may also use a small pillow for your head, if desired. There will be time for a discussion at the end of the exercise.
June 8 – Posture workshop with Ann McWalter. We discuss the important points of posture in a chair and on a cushion, followed by individual assistance.
Ann also provided some notes on the book “The Posture of Meditation”.
June 1 – Open discussion to share our experiences of studying with various Buddhist teachers.
Information about upcoming summer retreat opportunities
May 25 – “When the Iron Bird Flies: Tibetan Buddhism Arrives in the West”
This movie is an excellent documentary featuring many living Buddhist teachers in the West, with commentary by their students.
Handout from movie night.
May 11 – Extended meditation period (7 to 8:30), followed by a half-hour of open discussion.