Philadelphia Young Shambhala Sun 6/14 Meeting

[margaret ferrigno]

COMPASSION IS A REVOLUTION:
TAKING THE BODHISATTVA VOWS AS A WAY OF LIFE
IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

9:00-12:00 meditation with shambhala group
12:00-2:00 potluck lunch: read together, introduction of the topic and dialogue
2:00-5:00 community service(socially engaged Buddhism!!!) at Broad and South-community arts garden

“Those desiring speedily to be
A refuge for themselves and other beings,
Should interchange the terms “I” and “Other”,
And thus embrace a sacred mystery.”

Afew months ago we practiced Tonglen- Giving and taking, it is a practice that equalizes and exchanges self with other. How can this practice be a way of life?

Shantideva, a  7th century scholar wrote a guide for practitioners called the Bodhicharyavatara describing the “way of the Bodhisattva” . The Bodhisattva vows are core to Tibetan Buddhism. Next week I would like to facilitate a discussion on Bodhicitta (commonly translated as loving kindness) and what it means to us. Please read this chapter from the Bodhicharyavatara. These teachings were written in Sanskrit, in ancient India, please translate the teachings into your world.

 Below there are questions to contemplate, everyone is welcome to add their own.

-American culture encourages ego-clinging and self cherishing, working to diminish self-cherishing can be challenging, what are our tools?
-Americans have called for change, we are longing for something.  Obama has called on the American people to engage in service. Gandhi said it beautifully: “we must be the change that we wish to see in the world”. What change do we want and how can we actualize it every moment?
-What are our priorities? How can we actualize our careers as Bodhisattvas while working in Philadelphia? Philadelphia can be raw; how can we be strong enough to face the intensities of suffering and work with it?
-Investigate your thoughts and actions this week: check the state of your mind. Constantly ask: “What  is my motivation?” Reflect and notice what actions are causes for happiness.

The afternoon of volunteering will explore what it means to be socially engaged with the Buddha's teachings. i will also be forwarding an article on socially engaged Buddhism and the environement so that those interested can read and discuss this as well.

Please come for the whole day or just part of it!!!

Cant wait to see everyone!

love-meg

[joeip...@comcast.net]

Is this happening on Sunday?

[joeip...@comcast.net]

I do see it is happening on Sunday, however, I wanted to clarify the location?

[Kari Hexem]

We'll be at the Philadelphia Shambhala Center in the morning until 2 pm, and then at the community gardens in the afternoon.  No evening program this month.

Hope to see everyone!

Best,
Kari