A reading from a FWBO book “What is the Dharma” reflected on how suffering is present in all aspects of conditioned life. How we bounce between pain and pleasure, believing if we satisfy our desires this will lead to happiness.

The Buddha encourages us to turn towards our suffering, to investigate the causes that keep us trapped in samsaric existance, to open ourselves to this discomfort. Through the practice of acceptance and enquiry, we can experience what is really happening and respond with love and compassion. In discussion we agreed this is often difficult to do, however, the experience of sharing these challenges as a Sangha is hugely helpful.

May our practice together bring light, hope and liberation to us, our loved ones, and all beings, seen and unseen.

With metta

Hi everyone

The Dharma training retreat on Concentration last weekend was a wonderful experience of learning and sharing. The next retreat on Wisdom is in April in the New Barn cottage in Devon. There is also the National retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh in Nottingham this summer. Please let me know if you need more details or check the events diary on the COI website, www.interbeing.org.uk.

A Lotus to You

John

As Collyers is closed due to the conditions we will not be meeting this Sunday 10th Jan. There is no meeting on the 17th due to a retreat so the next Sangha gathering will be the 24th.

Breathing in I see the True nature of snow
Breathing out I smile to the snow

The first meeting this year was a wonderfully warm and supportive experience. Visitors from Spain, Vietnam and recent of Hertfordshire no less!! None of us had met before yet the group practiced together in a comfortable and easy way. After a Dharma reading on dealing with worries over meditation we practiced Deep listening and Sharing from the Heart. The contributions were simple and heartfelt reflecting the simplicity of the space created by the Sangha that evening. May this practice bring warmth and a smile to our faces and to those we live and work with.