Photo by Priti Vaishnav
============================================================
SUMMER SCHOOL IN FRANCE
8-12th August 2022
POETIC WEEK
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.============================================================
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE BP COURSE
The present cohort of eighteen students doing the Buddhist Psychology Diploma Programme are now almost three quarters of the way through the first semester. They have done many creative exercises - some together and some individually. Study material is provided in twelve sections per semester and most of the students are currently on the eighth or ninth. The main language of the programme is English, but as the current students come from eleven different countries we are also all learning more about communicating across cultures and languages. A sub-group of Spanish speakers has been particularly active. The present semester ends in July and we shall then have a break in August and the Summer School in France. The next semester will run September to January. The next intake will be in February. The course teaches participants facilative communication skills within a context of Buddhist models of the mind and mental conditioning, and equips them with practical approaches to interaction with others within the bodhisattva ideal, either as therapist or in life generally.
============================================================
ELEUSIS NEWS: Flowers & Fruit
David Brazier: I had a few days visiting friends in the south of France and got to pay my respects to the Mediterranean. It was blue sky and hot sun the whole time. When I got back it had evidently rained at Eleusis as the grass was noticeably taller. In the garden the succession of flowers continues. The daffodils and tulips are over. The may blossom in the hedges has gone. However, the sage is now a mass of blue flowers and on Friday, suddenly a hundred rose blooms appeared all at once ! To cap it all I picked the first strawberries.
============================================================
BOOKS
THE FEELING BUDDHA
Kahty Chen Milstead: Enshrined in grieving that feels rooted and flowerless, I was delightfully surprised at how deeply nourishing "The Feeling Buddha" has been to read and connect with. I am touched by the friendliness in David's generous interpretation of the noble truths and the practicality in his charting of the eightfold path. Connecting with this writing has reanimated my connection to the Dharma at a time when I've felt blinded to the kindnesses of living.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MIRROR
The Dark Side of the Mirror is a translation and commentary on a major Zen text that describes the nature of satori. The book not only gives new insight into the text, it also presents many of David's distinctive teachings, the result of reflections over many years. You can see an online 36minute video about David Brazier's book
The Dark Side of the Mirror: Forgetting the self in Dogen's Genjo Koan at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJQ9l17YgaU
