Due to bank holiday weekend there will not be a meeting on the 30th May. Next meeting on Sunday 6th June.

We met on a beautiful sunny Sunday for our Day of Mindfulness. In the morning we looked at what a meditation practice is and followed the usual format of guided, walking and silent meditations. After some time to enjoy the peaceful internal courtyard we sat in the shade of a maple tree and shared lunch. The afternoons shared reading and discussion was on the Five Mindfulness Trainings and Three Refuges. After a futher guided meditation lying on the grass we shared poetry before ending the day.

Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to our first Day of Mindfulness.

The guided meditation was based on the Three Refuges of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Each Refuge following the breath, reminding us of these wonderful jewels.

The reading was from ‘Everyday Zen’. Charlotte Beck explored our searching and how we need to experience the unease that drives us to look. It is not the search that matters. This is the sign that can point the way to our direct experience of life, often fearful, which drives our attention away from where it needs to be, right here within us.

Bamboo pierces the air, yet the Buddha is still. Clay jar cracks open.

The shared reading this evening was from the Plum Village Chanting and Recitation book. By invoking the Bodhisattvas names we water the wholesome seeds in our conciousness. Each one offers us the possibility of bringing our practice into our daily lives. Each Bodhisattva reminding us our practice is to live a life of service, to maintain our practice in order to be available to life, in whatever form it presents itself.

We finished by reading the Three Refuges and a Dharma discussion, sharing our practice as a Sangha, giving and receiving support.

We will be holding a Day of Mindfulness at Collyers College Horsham on Sunday 23rd May, 9.45 - 4.30. During the day there will be a talk on what a Meditation Practice is, guided and silent meditations, opportunities to share experiences and a vegetarian lunch (please bring some food to share).  Contribution for the day is based on affordability, a suggested level is £10.00, but as always, do not let cost be a barrier to you coming. This is our first Day of Mindfulness, do come and benefit from sharing the practice with The Horsham Sangha. Please telephone/email John via the contact page.

We enjoyed the new meditation cushions, flowers and Buddha. The guided meditation was from Thays book ‘The Blooming of a lotus’, encouraging joy in the Practice. The reading was an excerpt from Ajan Chah offering advice on too many thoughts. Stick to the present and do not attach yourself to obstacles, let all things come and go of their own accord.

Cherry blossoms waving in the wind.

John