DAILY CONTEMPLATION

"All such notions as causation, succession, atoms, primary elements ... are all figments of the imagination and manifestations of the mind.”

- The Buddha

"Physical concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world."

- Albert Einstein

IF NOT NOW ... WHEN?

REGISTRATION

Registration is required for all programmes, except Sunday morning sesshins. Please contact the Centre at blueheroninfo@yahoo.ca, indicating the following:

1. Full Name (Dharma name if you have taken Precepts)
2. Address, including postal code
3. Day & Evening telephone numbers
4. Email address
5. The programme in which you are interested, including dates.
6. When emailing, please enter the name of the programme in the Subject Line.

Space is limited ... register early! Registrations must be received no later than 7 days before the intended programme.

Your registration will be confirmed by email.

MEMBERS' SITTING

Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

(Except Precept Recitation Week)

Open to all who have taken the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, attend the Centre regularly, and who practice the Six Principles of Harmony taught by the Buddha.

• Sharing similar viewpoints and aspirations
• Practicing the same ethical precepts
• Practicing peacefully together
• Abstaining from quarrelling and bickering
• Experiencing the inner peace and joy that results from community practice
• Sharing the benefits of our practice with all sentient beings

December 7/09: Bodhi Day Sesshin, the sesshin that marks the enlightenment of the Buddha, December 8, is a deep time of practice, when we enter the darkness of winter and look inwardly to the presence of our own Buddha Nature and the awakened nature of all beings. It is a cherished retreat period for Zen practitioners of the Blue Heron Zen Buddhist Centre.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Zen Buddhism is nontheistic, so its emphasis is on realizing our Buddha nature, the nature of the self. Therefore, all of Zen's rituals point to the oneness of the self and the ten thousand things. Zen liturgy is upaya, skillful means. Like meditation and all the other areas of zen training, it functions as a way of uncovering the truth which is the life of each one of us.

Sunday services begin at 10 a.m.

Everyone is welcome.

Please arrive a few minutes early, as the short meditation begins at 10 a.m. sharp.

For a printable calendar of ALL events at the Centre, along with cancellations, please click in Links.

THICH NU TINH QUANG

Bhikshuni Thich nu Tinh Quang was born in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1947. She acquired a B.A. in Philosophy, a Diploma in Human Services, majoring in Addictions and Mental Health, and did post-graduate training at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. She has lived in the U.K. and periodically spends time in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam, with the nuns and children of Tinh That Buu Tich Monastery. "Sister" became interested in Zen Buddhism at the age of 6 years. Although experiencing the sacredness of everything as a child, it wasn't until her early 20's that she became serious about developing spiritually, beginning with the study of Advaita Vedanta. A deeper commitment to the buddha-dharma evolved along with her great psychological and spiritual transformation. Her training has been in Korean and Vietnamese Zen. Sister was ordained in Vietnam.

OFF-SITE PROGRAMMES & TALKS by SISTER TINH QUANG

1. * MCMASTER UNIVERSITY: Religions Conference on November 19, 2009, on the topic of The Holy Founder of My Religion. The event will run from 6p.m. to 9p.m.

2. * VIPASSANA MEDITATION COURSE: See Vipassana Meditation

INTRODUCTORY MEDITATION CLASS

Beginners or those wishing to re-establish their meditation practice are able to learn the basics of meditation by attending our Introductory Meditation Class. The class is two hours long and held at 7 p.m. The next classes will be held:

Friday, October 23

Friday, November 27

7:00 p.m.

Registration is required (See "Registration" information)

Suggested Donation: $20 Completion of Introductory Meditation is required to take the Vipassana Meditation Course.

MEDITATION

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we create the world.

~ The Buddha

If we cannot simply sit with the small, irritating events in meditation, how can we skilfully deal with the large, painful events in everyday life?

VIPASSANA (INSIGHT) MEDITATION

8 Saturdays

February 6 - March 27

10 a.m. to Noon

Vipassana (pronounced Vi-PAH-sha-na) meditation is an experience that changes how we operate in the world helping us become keenly aware of what we say and do. Through Vipassana we develop intuition, reduce tension and fear, and moderate extreme emotions. By watching the mind in a detached manner, the meditator can gain insight into his or her own behaviour, and cultivate mindfulness and intense awareness of the inner workings of all things. Although relaxation and concentration are components of meditation, Vipassana seeks another goal: awareness of one's true self.

Everyone can benefit from this practice. It helps free us from illusion, so that we can look at ourselves with greater clarity and make appropriate changes in our lives. We become aware of the depth of selfishness and the real intent that can motivate actions that are thought to be altruistic.

Based on the Buddha's style of Vipassana (Insight) Meditation, the original techniques used are for increasing your awareness and freeing yourself of painful mental habits. Vipassana meditation is based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as mentioned in the Satipatthana Sutra. Your understanding and experience of meditation will deepen. Sister Tinh Quang will give teachings on: Walking Meditation, The Three Poisons, Karma, Four Brhma Viharas, Metta, Karuna, The Five Hindrances, Dukkha, Intention, and Equanimity. Vipassana meditation is a lifelong process that requires daily practice, discipline, and patience.

LOCATION: Quiet Place Yoga, Stoney Creek

Suggested Donation: $20/week

Registration Required.

To register email: mary@quietplaceyoga.com or

telephone 905.561.2367 or 905.561.8543

Completion of all classes is required in order to take

DHARMA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

DHARMA TEACHER TRAINING

Blue Heron Zen Buddhist Centre

Dharma Teacher Training

Based on a teacher-disciple relationship in which disciples can experience hands-on training (study-and-practice) in non-monastic situations while dealing with the realities of everyday life, this programme is designed for people who aspire to become Dharma Teachers without renouncing their worldly life pursuits.

The next semester begins in January, 2010. For more information, contact the Centre.

WINTER SANGHA DAY

Friday, December 18 - 6:30 p.m.

Four times a year, around the time of the solstice/equinox, members and friends of Blue Heron Zen Buddhist Centre, gather together to reconnect, socialize, and share a vegetarian meal.

Location: Forbidden City, 206 King Street East, Hamilton, ON L8N 1B5

Telephone the Centre at 905-575-5976 to confirm you will be there. Everybody is welcome.

Due to it being a busy time of year for restaurants,

RSVP is required by Monday, November 23.

SISTER HUE LIEN ON IMPERMANENCE

PRECEPT RECITATION

Recitation of the 5 Precepts usually takes place on the Thursday closest to the Full Moon, at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. If you have taken Refuge and the 5 Precepts, in any tradition, please join us on the following dates.

June 11*

July 9*

August 6*

September 3*

October 8

November 5 **

December 3

* Self-organized by members during these months ** Precept Recitation and Three Earth-Touchings

When we touch the Earth, we take refuge in it. We can feel its solid energy. The Earth embraces us and transforms our ignorance, suffering, and despair. As we touch the Earth, we release all of our fear, anxiety, dis-ease, instability, and anger. We know the Earth can absorb our negativity without reacting to us or judging us. We return to the Earth and to our roots, and recognize that we are not alone, but connected to a whole stream of ancestors. We touch the Earth to let go of the idea that we are separate and to remind ourselves that we are the Earth and part of Life.

BLESSINGS & SERVICES

1. Children's Blessing: A children's blessing is usually held during Wesak (Buddha's Birthday Celebration. An infant can be blessed by request at another time through the Centre.

2. Weddings: In Buddhism, wedding services are usually secular. If you would like a Buddhist Ceremony to bless the union, it can be performed at the Centre. A full ceremony at the Centre is about 45 minutes long. A consultation with Sister Tinh Quang and a rehearsal are required.

3. Funeral Services: In a funeral home or at the Centre If at the Centre, ashes may be kept at the Centre for 49 Days, for the 49-Day Observance and Service. A photo of the deceased may be kept at the Centre indefinitely.
   First Day Service
   Forty-ninth Day Service
   Weekly Sutra Chanting
   One Hundredth Day Service
   Yearly Memorial Service
   Group Memorial Service on Ancestor's Day (after three years)

4. House Blessing: A blessing of your home may be requested.

ATTIRE

Wear loose, clean clothing, something that is comfortable and allows you to stretch. Sweat pants and shirt are fine. Avoid bright colours. Shirts with logos and writing can be distracting to a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Warm socks are a good idea in the winter, as you will be asked to remove your shoes at the door. Perfume and jewellery are discouraged.

NEW BOOK: THE WORLD IS MYSELF

Bhante Kovida's most recent publication is now available for purchase. The World is Myself: A Monk's Travel Journal, Part I.

Travel with Bhante through Thailand, Malaysia, and India. Bhante Kovida is a good friend of the Centre, and author of An Inquiring Mind's Journey.

These books are for free distribution, but a suggested donation of $10 to $15 is requested in order to cover Bhante's costs of publication and shipping from Malaysia. You can get your copy at the Centre.

LIBRARY

We have an extensive library for members, of over 250 dharma books from various traditions. The most recent additions to the library are ...

1. The World is Myself: A monk's travel journal, Part 1, by Bhante Kovida
2. A Chant to Soothe Wild Elephants, by Jaed Coffin
3. How to Expand Love: Widening the circle of Loving Relationships, by H. H. the Dalai Lama
4. How to See Yourself as You Really Are, by H. H. the Dalai Lama
5. The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving Kindness, by Pema Chodron
6. At Home in the Muddy Water: A Guide to Finding Peace within Everyday Chaos, by Ezra Bayda

Members can borrow these or any other book in the library by contacting our Librarian, Quang Prasad.

ZEN MEDITATION REALLY DOES CLEAR THE MIND

Zen meditation discourages mental withdrawal from the world and dreaminess, and instead asks one to keep fully aware with a vigilant attitude. Typically one focuses on breathing and posture and aims to dismiss thoughts as they arise. Brain scans now show that Zen training leads to different activity in a set of brain regions known as the "default network," which is linked with spontaneous bursts of thought and wandering minds. Image credit: Dreamstime

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Zen meditation discourages mental withdrawal from the world and dreaminess, and instead asks one to keep fully aware with a vigilant attitude. Typically one focuses on breathing and posture and aims to dismiss thoughts as they arise. Brain scans now show that Zen training leads to different activity in a set of brain regions known as the "default network," which is linked with spontaneous bursts of thought and wandering minds. Image credit: Dreamstime

The seemingly nonsensical Zen practice of "thinking about not thinking" could help free the mind of distractions, new brain scans reveal.

This suggests Zen meditation could help treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (so-called ADD or ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, major depression and other disorders marked by distracting thoughts.

In the last decade, there has been a resurgence of scientific research into meditation, due in part to the wide availability and increasing sophistication of brain-scanning techniques. For instance, scientists recently found that months of intense training in meditation can sharpen a person's brain enough to help them notice details they might otherwise miss.

"It is important that this type of research be conducted with high scientific standards because it carries a long-standing stigma — perhaps well-deserved? — of being wishy-washy," said researcher Giuseppe Pagnoni, a neuroscientist at Emory University in Atlanta. "Constructive skepticism should always be welcomed as a great sparring partner."

Pagnoni and his colleagues investigated Zen meditation, which Pagnoni himself has practiced while studying for his doctorate in Italy.

The Zen of Zen

Zen meditation vigorously discourages mental withdrawal from the world and dreaminess, and instead asks one to keep fully aware with a vigilant attitude. It typically asks one to silently focus on breathing and one's posture with eyes open in a quiet place and to calmly dismiss any thoughts as they pop up, essentially "thinking nothing." One can over time learn how to keep one's mind from wandering, become aware of otherwise unconscious behaviors and preconceived notions and hopefully gain insights into oneself, others and the world.

http://www.livescience.com/health/080902-zen-meditation.html

MEDITATION TIMER

Set the meditation timer for the length of time you want to meditate, then click BEGIN.

HELP SUPPORT NUNS IN VIETNAM

Proceeds from the sale of these items goes to help support the nuns of Tinh That Buu Tich, in Vietnam. To order any item, double-click on the item. You can change style and colour of apparel items.

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

BELL GATHA

The bell is very important in our practice. Every time we hear the sound of the bell, we immediately stop whatever we are doing and take three breaths. This can be any bell ... the telephone, a church bell, or the bell at the Centre. The sound of the bell brings us back to our true home.

BUDDHIST CHANT - SHINGON

FIRST PRECEPT

FOOD BANK

May a rain of food and drink descend

To clear away the pain of thirst and hunger,

And during the eon of famine

May I myself change into food and drink!

~ The Way of the Bodhisattva

During this particular time of year and in tough economic times the Food Banks are in desperate need of food donations.

Non-perishable food items are always required; canned produce, pasta and pasta sauce, soups, beans, peanut butter, laundry detergent, shampoo, items of a personal nature, plus baby food and diapers.

Please watch the expiry date on all items.

A box is located at the entry of the Centre to receive your donations.

GREAT COMPASSION DHARANI in VIETNAMESE

Dharani begins at about 4:40.

GREEN DHARMA

Consider the following resources for consideration of the Earth and keeping of the First Precept.

1. A video on how our diet affects the Earth and it's inhabitants: http://www.nonviolenceunited.org/veganvideo.html
2. A downloadable book: http://www.shabkar.org/references/green_dharma.htm
3. Opening on Earth Day - April 22, 2009 ...

WHAT IS NIRVANA?

HOMAGE TO AVALOKITESWARA (Vietnamese Version)

MINDFULNESS COUNSELLING & THERAPY

Contemplative psychotherapy & counseling for individuals is rooted in the teachings of Buddhist psychology and practice woven with contemporary Gestalt Therapy. Open to Members and Friends of the Centre. To make an appointment, contact Sister Tinh Quang.

SISTER TINH QUANG in MONGOLIA

( double click on photos to enlarge)

LIGHT SOME INCENSE

Earthstore Bodhisattva Vow Recitation Recitation of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's Fundamental Vows. Merits are transferred to the deceased and blessings for the sick or anyone experiencing dukkha. Send your intention to us by e-mailing us at blueheronzencentre@cogeco.ca. A stick of incense will be offered for your intention at Morning or Evening Recitations for one week, beginning on the day sent. All we ask in return is that on your next visit to this Centre or any Buddhist Centre/Temple/Monastery, you make a small donation.

IMPERMANENCE

Although every attempt is made to keep the schedule as published change, as you know, can happen. If you do not attend regularly, please check this site periodically. Changes are made on this site as they arise. You can be notified of changes as they occur, by submitting your email address at the bottom of this site.

MINDFULNESS RELAXATION CD

Mindfulness Relaxation with Sister Tinh Quang

Sister Tinh Quang has produced a CD offering a short relaxation, and two long relaxations to help you become centred and more mindful of your body. The short relaxation is designed to help you wherever you are ... at work or at home, and don't have the time or place to stop for very long. One of the relaxations is designed to help you fall asleep when you are having difficulty doing so. Much metta and thanks goes to Quang Samatha, Svadhina (www.laughingboy.ca), and Dino Quarin (www.digitaldog.ca) for volunteering their time and expertise. Feedback on this cd has been exceptional. Order your copy by contacting the Centre. Cost is $15. Please make cheques payable to Sister Tinh Quang.

DHARMA SCHOOL

Ages 8 to 12. Sister Tinh Quang uses nature, storytelling, song, creativity, and meditation practice, to teach children dharma, self-reflection, mindfulness, and peacemaking in a way that allows them to be comfortable and understand the teachings. Temple/Centre etiquette will also be taught. Held every Sunday, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

Chua Huong Dam Temple

208 Brucedale Avenue

(1 block west of Upper Wellington).

LOST and FOUND

Items left at the Centre will be kept for 30 days, after which time they will be recycled.

* DANA

Your donations help to keep the Centre open. All donations are suggested only. All programmes are run on the Buddhist principles of Generosity or Dana. It is customary to make a voluntary contribution to a monk or nun for their time and to offset their costs, in any amount, large or small. however, there is no wish to deprive anyone of the opportunity to attend a workshop or other sessions because of financial inability.

CONTACT US

BLUE HERON ZEN BUDDHIST CENTRE

74 Alpine Avenue

Hamilton, Ontario

L9A 1A6

blueheronzencentre@cogeco.ca

905-575-5976