Day of Meditation at the Vihara - Saturday, January 29th

[Administrator]

"Day of Meditation" at the FBV January, 29th  9:00am - 5:00pm    Many regular meditators at the Vihara had repeatedly requested whether we could organize some form of retreat. This month we will dedicate another full day for all of you who wish to spent one day in silent meditative practice.  On Saturday, 29th, 9:00   This will be your opportunity to join your friends at the Florida Buddhist Vihara and practice meditation one full day in noble silence.  What would the Bhavana Day look like?   8:00 - 9:00     arrival, those who like can take 5 or 8 precepts from the monks  9:00 - 9:15     welcome & information for newcomers  9:15 - 10:00     first group meditation 10:00 - 11:30   individual meditation in the Dhamma hall, outside under trees or near the Bodhi tree..  11:30 - 12:00    Buddha puja with and dana for the monks (participation optional, but there will always be someone preparing dana for the monks, so don't worry) 12:00 - 12:30    pot-luck style buffet in NOBLE SILENCE. You can either eat inside at the table or outside at your meditation place. We have plastic mats and tarps for those of you who like to spend their day outside. 12:30 - 15:30    individual meditation -  alternating sitting and walking meditation on the compound. In group or individual as seen fit. We can use Dhamma hall, shade of trees, Bodhi tree. Those of you who have joined us before will remember the great energy and inspiration when a larger group of people practice together in silence, dedicated to walking the path of the Buddha. 15:30 - 16:00    tea break (Someone will prepare tea for all present and they can come into the kitchen and pickup a cup of tea . This is optional too) 16:00 - 17:00   final hour of meditation 17:00   the group comes together and we chant the Metta Sutta.  Noble Silence ends. Opportunity for Q&A with regard to Dhamma and Meditation for those who can/like to stay a little bit longer  Please note: You can come at ANY time, within that time frame. Just make sure you try to observe our noble silence. We are definitely glad about all of you who would like to participate even if some of you can only join later or have to leave earlier - don't worry!! For whatever time you have, it will still be our joy to meditate with you! How much time would be dedicated for meditation?   Basically the entire day. The day is spent in noble silence, so no talking or chatter. Everyone should make sure that they keep their meditation object up during all activities. The main activity, obviously, would be sitting and walking meditation sessions. This is similar to a day spent in a forest monastery or meditation center.  Is there a Dhamma talk?   No. This day is dedicated to meditation practice only. At the end of the day we will have an opportunity for some Q&A though. However, those who look for meditation instructions are welcome to our regular bi-weekly Dhamma-Study-Sundays (the next one coming up this Sunday as well) or Brian's meditation group on Tuesday's... So this Bhavana Day is for those who "know" what they do. Or think they know :-). BTW, practicioners from all Buddhist backgrounds are welcome to join. We won't interrupt your meditation  etc...  What should you bring along?   make sure you bring a clock, timer.. (optional) -  something to drink for you during the day  (bottle of water, etc....you do not want to run into the kitchen after each meditation session) , some food for yourself and maybe to share with others, cushion, blanket...etc. as necessary  (esp. if you sit outside, make sure you are equipped with a blanket...  How do i have to picture such a day?   This day is very similar to a day spent in a forest monastery /meditation center.  You come in the early morning, you leave the food/meal you brought in the kitchen,   then you set up your meditation cushion/blanket, listen to the short instructions and follow our morning chant and off you go....  You can either sit inside with others or look for a nice spot outside in the garden or near the Bodhi tree. When you finish with a meditation session you get up and start a little walking meditation - so as to keep your concentration and relax the body from sitting.  Then, you go back to your meditation cushion and continue with the next session, so as to build up your meditative momentum...You can also change your place of meditation, if you like you can go back outside or inside - but make sure that you keep our vow of noble silence that day.  Those who wish to do some kusala can help prepare the Buddha Puja and participate in the chanting and offering of dana to the monks at lunch time. However, participation in this activity is optional.   After the monks finish their dana a "gong" will remind everyone on the compound about lunch time and then again at 3pm there will be another "gong" for those who like to interrupt for a cup of tea. In the late afternoon after a cup of tea you go for the final meditation and then, at 5 pm after our group comes together for a chanting of the Metta Sutta you simply pack your stuff and leave - or, if something came up in your meditation which you like to talk about, there will be someone around for discussion. What type of meditation can I practice?   You can practice any kind of meditation. We do not give interviews on that day (if you come at 8am in the morning there will be someone to give you some basic instruction if you need) and the meditation intervals are completely up to your comfort level or personal practice. Whether you practice Zen, Tibetan Buddhism or Theravada Vipassana/Samatha everyone is welcome.   When is the next "Days of meditation"  ? We will try to establish a full day retreat at the temple each month. The next one will come up at the end of February or beginning of March. We are looking forward to seeing you this Saturday!

[David Braughton]

Lenard 

Looking forward to it. 

Have a great day,

David

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