GLOBAL SANGHA NEWSLETTER 122
July 2022
Summer is here


All times in this Newsletter are Rome time zone

PODCAST GS71
Whatever else, chant.


THE NEXT THREE WEEKENDS

SATURDAY

23rd & 30th July & 6th August 14:00
Refuge Group 
A group for those who have
taken refuge in Buddha, Dharma & Sangha in any tradition of Buddhism.
Puja, Dharma Talk, Sharing, Discussion,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83365263186?pwd=cURmOW5FNGJvdTd2SG1qVWtPSDJrZz09
Meeting ID: 833 6526 3186  -:-  Passcode: 353386


SUNDAY

24th & 31st July & 7th August 10:30, 
Global Sangha Interest Group
- Liz Allmark
An informal meeting for all.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88974912642?pwd=N2VyQnc0MUM4WUU0YTFTdCt0QWVmQT09
Meeting ID: 889 7491 2642  -:-  Passcode: 537296

Sundays 20:00 
GS Friendship Group
An informal meeting for all
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87394084532?pwd=eEY3eUhHcjN0b0xLanZXcTNqVmVzdz09
Meeting ID: 873 9408 4532  -:-  Passcode: 519784


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EVERY DAY EARLY CHANTING 

Geeta Chari: From Monday 6th June, I have been offering Nembutsu every morning at 6:30 am Rome time. We begin to chant straightaway, without social talk, for 20 minutes, in chain-style. There is a bell rung at the end. People who wish to stay and talk afterwards are welcome to do so. Namo Amida Bu Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84702079106?pwd=bGxZbGF4c2hTU2xUbTdNWjZoRFNMUT09
Geeta will not attend on 7th July but the Zoom link will still work.



Picture
  

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EARLY WARNING:

3rd June 2023 09:45-17:00 (UK time)
MEDITATION AROUND THE WORLD
Miguel Farias, David Brazier & Ambikananda Saraswati
Oxford University Department of Continuing Education
Hybrid day seminar: Rewley House, Oxford or online.
Website: https://bit.ly/3B82Xrt


SHORT FILM

You can see the latest short film made by Jayata "Buddhas in early summer garden with quotes from Dharmavidya" here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTEjBTlOSJk


REFLECTIONS

Geeta Chari suggests that we visit
https://linktr.ee/oxherdboy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=713d0692-fb4b-4c08-9f95-7ef39518f976
and reflect upon the various quotations there.

Here is one from artist Keith Haring:
"Do you ever feel like you don't understand anything about life?"
"I think," replied the ox, "that's the key to understanding everything."


POETRY PLAYGROUND

I was going to call this little feature "Poetry Workshop", but "work" seemed altogether too serious a proposition, so here goes. Many of the great poets who penned proud and dignified verse, also enjoyed (in their spare time, as it were) writing nonsense. Why not have a go at writing a few lines of nonsense to get yourself out of the groove? A suitable occupation for summer. Here is a starter:

Sobek was a crocodile
who lived along the sleepy Nile.
As he had much time to spare,
he'd sit and bathe his snout and stare
at ducks and tin cans floating past
and sailing ships that had no mast
and waterweed in the great blue sky
(which must be the reason why
ducks and fish had learnt to fly).
What can one do on a summer's day
but let the mind fly far away
collecting all the cans and weed?
It surely would be fun, indeed,
to sit and bathe one's snout and stare
and dine on weed without a care.

Write some summer nonsense, or, alternatively enjoy a paddle in the stream - but watch out for crocodiles.

Or, more seriously...


OBON IS COMING

Soon, in mid-August it will be Obon: time to celebrate family and ancestors, times to meet friends and dance, and time to feed the spirits. Here is a poem by John Del Bagno. It is called "In Case of Spirits"

Spirits,
Now that you are here
come into the circle of Amitabha's light,
Which is already shining down upon me.
Tuck yourself into his light
As if an overhang used to avoid a downpour,
The cloudburst of all your despair.

As I say the Buddha-Name
You will come to know Amitabha
In the waves of my voice.
Let me speak the sounds
That you are unable to make for yourself
So that you too
May find yourself embraced by Amitabha
And born into the Pure Land.

You can find this poem on page 89 of his delightful book Hope from the Pure Land Way in Unnerving Times. This book is a little treasure and everybody who is interested in Pureland should immediately get a copy. 
info@purelandarts.com


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FORWARD PROGRAMME

8-12th August 2022
POETIC WEEK IN FRANCE
At Eleusis, Central France  -  In person only

As last summer, a time for relaxed living in good company, sharing poems and other writings over brunch, Dharma discussions, going for walks, good conversation, community, communing with nature in the adjoining 35 acres of meadow and woodland where we hope, eventually, to establish the Oasis 2 Project. A chance to unwind in good company and tranquil surroundings well off the beaten track.

Full board: 30€ per day, lower rate if you stay longer.


13-14th August 2022
OBON: CELEBRATION OF FAMILY & ANCESTORS
At Eleusis, Central France  -  In person & Online

Obon, tamburo
Chiamo gli antenati
Apro le danze!
 - Obon haiku by Angela Romani

This year Global Sangha will celebrate Obon on the second weekend of August, which is also full moon, so this will incorporate the August Upavastha. Some of the event will be online. A more full and comprehensive event will take place at Eleusis, including a visit to the nearby community at Oasis. Nembutsu; chanting; readings; meditation; offerings to the ancestors and spirits; odori dancing and other celebratory activities. In person participants may stay longer if they wish to have some time for relaxation and to enjoy the area.

Full board: 30€ per day
Online: 25€ for the event


15-20th August 2022
BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY SUMMER SCHOOL
At Eleusis, Central France  -  In person only

Of particular interest to those already on or hoping in the future to join the Buddhist Psychology Diploma Programme, but open to all who are interested, the Summer School will include seminars, workshops, experiential groups, demonstrations and discussions. There is no better way to deepen one's understanding and learn and refine skills. The event will be at David Brazier's house in France. Accommodation is limited so this will be a first come, first served, booking. This course is almost full.
 
Full board: 30€ per day
Book now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha/677962/
Info: Jisshas <jisshas@googlegroups.com>

Please note that Eleusis France has limited accommodation space: Eight people maximum including host. There is, however, plenty of outdoor space if you prefer to camp. Life here is simple and rustic.
Informal visits may also be possible at some other times than for the scheduled programmes.


23rd August to 2nd September
BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY SUPERVISION 

Following on from the Summer School, this is a period for those who wish to stay on, in which to deepen understanding by further practice and supervision. Ticketing is not needed. Simply inform of your intention to stay longer when you receive confirmation of booking for the Summer School. 



22-23rd October 2022
"ENCOUNTER & PATH"
BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY WEEKEND
Online

Theme: Therapy as a Spiritual Path for Client & for Therapist.  A presentation of the application of Buddhist psychology in a  number of dimensions; a forum in which to reflect upon the spiritual path from a psychological point of view and the psychological work from a spiritual perspective. 
Content: talks, seminars, master class demonstration, groupwork, "Dharma à Deux", case presentation and discussion.  Theoretical material will be presented and there will also be experiential workshops so participants should be willing to share material about personal life and agree to respect the confidentiality of others.  
Suitable for: The weekend is open to anybody interested both in understanding their own life and relationships better and in the therapeutic process and how this relates to the spiritual path in a Buddhist approach.
 
Tickets <https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha>


8-11th December 2022
"HEALING THE HEART"
SHAKYAMUNI ENLIGHTENMENT RETREAT
Online

On 8th December we celebrate the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. On the three days following we shall have periods of practice and presentations of applications of Dharma faith and practice. The theme of "Healing the Heart" invites us to consider both the transformation of the practitioner on the bodhisattva path and also the need for healing of our world and our planet.


21-22nd January 2023
BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY WEEKEND
Online

Details to be announced. A good preparation for new students planning to join the Buddhist Psychology Diploma programme on 1st February and a valuable experience for students already on the programme. Also open to all.

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BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY DIPLOMA
REGISTRATION FOR 2023

The next intake is for 1st February 2023. You can register now.
1st February 2023 to 30th April 2025 
“DIPLOMA IN BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY”
A FOUR SEMESTER PROGRAMME 

A unique and in many cases life changing opportunity to work with a highly talented team, to develop skills and knowledge and to contribute to the on-going development of applied Buddhist psychology.

Theme: Dharma as therapy and therapy as a spiritual path for client & for therapist.  This unusual programme, that has been run in Korean, Spanish and English,  based primarily upon the work of Dr. David Brazier, has been developing over three decades. The programme is continuously revised and updated in the light of changing circumstances (covid, etc.), student experience, and new research and studies. The programme presents Buddhist teachings as a psychological medium. This is not a course on using Buddhist methods in a framework of Western values, but rather an in-depth examination of Buddhist wisdom applied as psychology:  the spiritual path from a psychological point of view and  psychological work from a spiritual perspective. 
Format: The programme consists of
  • study material: each semester includes twelve lessons grouped into four study units, presented on dedicated web pages with associated experiential exercises for students to perform and report back on
  • co-operative learning - students see and comment on each other's work.
  • seminars by zoom every two or three weeks led by staff with time for student inter-action.
  • individual tutorial sessions.
  • peer learning and practice groups and pairings.
  • three on-line weekend workshops per year with lectures, case presentation, experiential groupwork and topic discussions.

The study materials introduce the major Buddhist teachings common to most schools of Buddhism presented as psychology, showing their applications in personal practice, interpersonal work, psychotherapy and society. The material is quite extensive and requires a minimum of three hours per week.

Suitable for: This is a programme for therapists who want to deepen their understanding of the Buddhist perspective,  for Buddhist practitioners wishing to learn a therapeutic and inter-personal way of applying the Buddhist teachings, and for all wishing to deepen their insight into their own lives and relationships with others.
Staff: 
Dr David Brazier, psychotherapist and Buddhist teacher, author/editor of a 14 books including Zen Therapy and many other writings. Co-editor of the Oxford Manual of Meditation. English living in France.
Dr. Iris Dotan Katz, clinical psychologist with a private practice in Tel Aviv has many years of experience in Zen and Pureland Buddhism and in socially engaged action and peacemaking.
Dr. Yaya de Andrade, retired psychologist now with the Red Cross, with special interest working with indigenous, refugees, and other groups. She has worked extensively with populations recovering from major disasters around the world.
Kimiko Nita, clinical psychologist, specialises in work with children and young adults, has a private practice for adult clients in Tokyo, and a special interest in Naikan therapy. 
Dr. Priti Vaishnav, from India, who has extensive experience in working in areas of social distress around the world, will participate and also offer administrative support

Fees: In line with Buddhist principles of dana all the staff give their time and expertise freely and voluntarily. Funds raised are used to support Buddhist inspired projects. The suggested contribution is £200 per semester. Other donations are gratefully accepted.
  
To book: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha


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 Photo by David  Brazier

OUTLOOK NOT GOOD

'Our world is in deep trouble – and so too are the Sustainable Development Goals,' were the opening remarks of UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development last week. We are all aware that there is an ecological crisis and the freak weather in Europe makes this awareness tangible, but there is a lack of seriousness in the human response. In UK, for instance, there is currently an election going on for leadership of the ruling Conservative Party (and, therefore, in effect, for Prime Minister) but ecology hardly figures in the campaigning. What can one conclude except that the situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better, if it ever does. One feels like an Old Testament prophet crying in the wilderness - though in this case it is about the wilderness that is to come when our civilised systems break down under the strain of pollution, climate change and rising sea levels. Our spiritual practice will sustain us through the difficult times to come. It may even lead us to create sustainable communities in the midst of social breakdown, but it will not avert the general tragedy that seems to be brewing.


"MINDFULNESS" NO MIRACLE CURE

"Young people's mental health is getting worse, but mindfulness is not the answer - large UK study suggests." You can read the story here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/12/health/mindfulness-training-uk-schools-not-effective-wellness/index.html
& here:
https://ebmh.bmj.com/content/early/recent

It is of concern that mental health of young people in advanced economy countries is in decline. It suggests that there is something wrong with the culture. The fact that it turns out that this cannot be fixed by a protocol driven technique should not really be surprising. Something more profound is called for. Are we, in fact, in a period of decline of culture generally? Is the fact that many people think that such problems can be fixed in such a way actually a symptom of that decline? There is a certain smugness in secular modernism. The idea that everything is basically fine and problems can always be fixed by some technical solution is surely a manifestation of the same inertia that seems to be making it impossible for the most powerful countries to offer real leadership in the massive ecological challenge that humankind currently faces. How bad does it have to get?

How can young people believe in and commit to the societies that they belong to when these societies remain relatively supine in the face of such a threat? That there is such a threat is certainly a great challenge, but, perhaps, the spiritual malaise manifest in such complacent smugness may be an even greater one.

But where is cultural renewal to come from? It seems unlikely to come as a natural continuation of present trends. We are probably doomed to face much greater disasters before we are galvanised into some new perspective, a new morale, a new vision that will give young people something to believe in.


A LITTLE BIT OF ECONOMICS

Inflation is hitting economies in many parts of the world. The US government's consumer price index soared 9.1% over the past year. Inflation in UK and USA is at its highest level for forty years. Many commentators are blaming this on the Ukraine War. Well, the war is certainly not making things any easier and the sanctions that accompany it are hurting both sides, but it was surely evident during the pandemic that the vast spending and borrowing by governments at that time as they struggled to maintain a semblance of normality would inevitably lead to rapid inflation as soon as those measures ceased. We are now paying for the largesse of that period. During the pandemic governments spent a fortune propping up a system that was and remains ecologically unsound. Some people suggested at the time that the cut back during lockdown could have been used as a step toward a more realistic world economy, but the complacency referred to in the previous article (above) dictated that all effort should be exerted to mimic and then return to that same dysfunctional system. So that is what we have got. The war provides a cover story, but it is not the fundamental problem. It could even be seen as just another symptom of the same basic underlying malaise. Geographically and ecologically, of course, it makes no sense for Europe to be importing fuel via ships (one of the most polluting forms of transport) from N America when it is available through pipelines from Russia, but on all sides people are more concerned with politics than with ecology, though the latter is surely the greater threat to us all. But wherever it comes from, it makes no sense for the consumption of fossil fuel to go on rising when it is one of the basic factors driving global warming. The economic outlook is poor and exacerbated by politics, but what is needed is something more radical than getting back to growth. When the money supply is increased in order to cover up a very real problem, inflation is an inevitable result.


ELEUSIS NEWS

Here in France we have a heatwave that breaks records. I am sure you have seen reports of the fires further south that have devastated thousands of hectares and sent campers and local residents fleeing. Climate change is bringing periods of temperatures close to and above 40 degrees Celsius. The heat is coming earlier and earlier in the year. We are getting August weather in June and July.

It is, of course, not unpleasant to be able to eat meals outdoors and bathe in sunshine, even if sometimes it reaches danger level and brings work to a halt. I sit under the trees and write poetry or read. I wonder what August will bring. The pattern in these parts is for heat to mount and mount until there is a big electrical storm and this broke last night. The thirsty plants are all grateful for the rain. Overall, however, this region is gradually becoming dryer. Yesterday, I had workmen in to install a 1000 litre tank to collect rain water run-off from the barn roof, so it is already doing service.

Discussions continue toward the formation of an "Oasis 2" settlement here. The Oasis idea is a community of independent but cooperative dwellings for Dharma practitioners of advanced years. Our Oasis is likely to shape up as also having some focus upon the arts and creativity. The relevance of such communities is likely to become more and more obvious as current ecological and economic trends work out their contradictions.










Mediterranean shore, Aeolian Islands
Photo by Angela Romani.




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BOOKS BY DAVID BRAZIER

Peter Coyote's talk about The Feeling Buddha can be seen at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaQ3qlXLT7I&t=68s

There is a page on the Sky Cloud Mountain site dedicated to listing David's books. Elsewhere on the same site you can find the amazing artwork of Ruby Lee.
Webpage: https://www.skycloudmountain.com/david-brazier


DIARY  
All times are Rome time zone

Every day 06:30-06:50
Nembutsu Chanting
- Geeta Chari
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84702079106?pwd=bGxZbGF4c2hTU2xUbTdNWjZoRFNMUT09

Thursday  14:30, 28th July & every two weeks
IBAP Group / BP Diploma Tutors Meeting *

Thursday  19:00-20:30, 21st July & every two weeks
ITZI Supervision Group **
- Iris Dotan Katz
For presentation, review and discussion of counselling/psychotherapy casework from a Buddhist psychology perspective.

Fridays  19:30 until 24th July, then summer break until 5th September
Amitabha Service For the West 
- Vajrapala & Angela Romani
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89480699209?pwd=enBHS3RYWVZxN1FyUGthZ1o0cVdFZz09
Meeting ID: 894 8069 9209   -:-   Passcode: 137836

Saturday 10:00 & 20:00, 3rd September, 1st October, 12th November, 3rd December
Buddhist Psychology Seminars *
For students on BP course

Saturdays, 23rd & 30th July, 6th August 14:00
Refuge Group *
A group for those who have taken refuge**.
Puja, Dharma Talk, Sharing, Discussion,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83365263186?pwd=cURmOW5FNGJvdTd2SG1qVWtPSDJrZz09
Meeting ID: 833 6526 3186  -:-  Passcode: 353386

Weekend 13-14th August, in France
Obon: Full Moon Sangha Day & Family & Ancestor festival

Saturday 10th September
Upavastha: Full Moon Practice Renewal
Programme of puja, readings, meditation, & chanting until evening
https://bit.ly/3OhYJ3r  -:-  Meeting ID: 833 6526 3186  -:-  Passcode: 353386

Sabado 16:30
Encuentro de la Sangha en español y servicio.

Guiado por Ganendra.
Por zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81138990223?pwd=dmNZU3VmRTRhUjBobVdnMjhuV3NYUT09
Para asistir, escribir por whatsapp a +34 620265962.

Sundays 10:30,
Global Sangha Interest Group
- Liz Allmark
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88974912642?pwd=N2VyQnc0MUM4WUU0YTFTdCt0QWVmQT09
Meeting ID: 889 7491 2642  -:-  Passcode: 537296

Sundays 20:00
GS Friendship Group
An informal meeting for all
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87394084532?pwd=eEY3eUhHcjN0b0xLanZXcTNqVmVzdz09
Meeting ID: 873 9408 4532  -:-  Passcode: 519784

Weekend 22-23 October
"Encounter & Path" 
A weekend of Buddhist Psychology

David Brazier, Iris Dotan Katz, Kimiko Nita, Yaya de Andrade & Natividad Menendez 

* Codes separately notified
** Details from Jisshas <jisshas@googlegroups.com>

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GENERAL

Jisshas <jisshas@googlegroups.com> - for all general enquiries
Tickets <https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha> - to book courses


DONATE

If you would like to support my work of facilitating the sangha and especially of assisting people to come to Eleusis in France for teachings,  the simplest way is to make a donation via Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/feelingbuddha
You will also find a wealth of interesting articles there curated by Geeta Chari.


USEFUL LINKS

Global Sangha Web Site: https://www.globalsangha.net/
Recent Audio Podcasts: https://eleusis.ning.com/notes/LATEST_PODCAST_AUDIO 
Dharma Ocean Buddhist Studies Programme <jisshas@googlegroups.com>,
The Feeling Buddha on KoFi: https://ko-fi.com/feelingbuddha
Tickets for Events: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha
Spain: Ahora, Centro de Psicologia y Consciencia Plena: formacion@ahoramindfulness.es Teléfono: 945120948 y 620265962

IBAP & Buddhist Psychology Programme
(English) Dharmavidya <dharmavidya&fastmail.fm>,
(Español) Nati Menendez <natim.luna@gmail.com>,

GS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710544479619937
GS at Eleusis: https://eleusis.ning.com/group/global-sangha
Dharmavidya: dharmavidya@fastmail.fm
Dharmavidya on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbrazierauthor/
Dharmavidya website: http://eleusis.ning.com
Zen & Now - the musical https://www.zenow.net/
Books: https://shepherd.com/best-books/spirit-japanese-buddhism
Donations: https://ko-fi.com/feelingbuddha


GLOBAL SANGHA CONTACT PEOPLE BY REGION

Worldwide: Jisshas <jisshas@googlegroups.com>,  
United Kingdom: Geeta Chari <charige@googlemail.com>,
France: Dharmavidya <dharmavidya@fastmail.fm>,
Spain Pais Vasco: Ganendra <omzcoaching@gmail.com>,
Spain Pais Vasco: Sonia Gobbato <songobbato@gmail.com>
Spain: Nati Menendez <natim.luna@gmail.com>,
Italy: Angela Romani <ange.romani.2017@gmail.com>
Latin America: Maya Choi <gallerychakana@gmail.com>,
USA: Carol Corey <carolcore@gmail.com>
Africa: Juline Smit <julinesmit@googlemail.com>,
Israel: Iris Dotan Katz <irisdo@netvision.net.il>,
India: Priti Vaishnav <pritivaishnav@gmail.com>,
Hong Kong: Nando Maril <nandomaril@gmail.com>,
Japan: Nita Kimiko <knloveandpeace64@gmail.com>,


You can see other Global Sangha materials, past podcasts and articles via : https://eleusis.ning.com/notes/GLOBAL_SANGHA_INDEX

You received this mail as you were previously in receipt of Global Sangha Newsletters or David's podcasts  or you bought a ticket for a GS event  or you are subscribed to the Eleusis website.  If you do not wish to receive these newsletters in the future please unsubscribe from the Octopus list (below).  Thank you.

Thank you very much
Namo Amida Bu
Global Sangha at Eleusis
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10 rue de l'Orange
03360, Ainay le Château, Allier
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