南無阿弥陀仏
The following is an inscription in the main hall of Zojo-ji Temple.
The mind is restless and uneasy. We can hardly maintain peace of mind continuously and in some cases may feel completely helpless. So, let us find refuge in the Pure Land Dharma; devote ourselves to Amida Buddha; rely upon Nembutsu. Namu Amida Butsu.
私たちの心は落ち着きがなく、不安に満ちています。常に心の平和を保つことはなかなかできません。また私たちは、場合によっては完全な無力感を感じます。ゆえに、浄土の教えに避難いたしましょう。阿弥陀仏に帰依いたしましょう。お念仏を頼りといたしましょう。南無阿弥陀仏
David Brazier: Sometimes there are big troubles in the world that we, individually, can do nothing about. Sometimes there are big troubles in our individual lives and at times there is nothing one can do. Sometimes there are small troubles that, in the moment when they orrur, can be just as affecting as the big ones. Sometimes one's own heart and mind throw up disagreeable feelings and it seems impossible to shake them off. Sometimes we experience real grief, when near ones suffer, leave or pass away. We ourselves and all those we love shall all age, get sick and one day each of us will die. All this is dukkha. It is a truth we cannot deny. Sometimes one might chastise oneself that one cannot be in control, cannot be master of one's feelings. Sometimes one might delude oneself for a short time that one has done so, but, inevitably changeableness upsets one's conceit. There is no safe refuge in body, mind or circumstance. Therefore, take refuge ! Do not live for your own petty fame and gain, but be part of the great work of all the Buddhas. Take refuge in their vows and their infinite merit. Especially, take refuge in Amida, Amitabha, Buddha of All Acceptance, whose grace fills the cosmos. Say the nembutsu in all situations. Then the Buddha seed, the tathagatagarbha, will flourish and one will be as a mirror reflecting the Light into this world of troubles, even before having solved the tangles of one's little life. This is the practical nirodha. By this means the Buddha path (marga) unfolds even in this samsaric world. By this means one can be wholehearted, even in spite of one's weakness, limitations, foolishness and vulnerability. For the ordinary person in this latterday world, this is the surest way. Namo Amida Bu.
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THIS SATURDAY
Refuge Group Meeting at 14:00
SUNDAY MEETINGS EVERY WEEKEND
Both meetings are informal meetings for friendly discussion among Dharma practitioners on topical or personal matters.
Sunday 10:30 Interest Group
An informal meeting for all.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88974912642?pwd=N2VyQnc0MUM4WUU0YTFTdCt0QWVmQT09Meeting ID: 889 7491 2642 -:- Passcode: 537296
Sunday 20:00, GS Friendship Group
An informal meeting for all
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87394084532?pwd=eEY3eUhHcjN0b0xLanZXcTNqVmVzdz09Meeting ID: 873 9408 4532 -:- Passcode: 519784
WEEKEND 12-13 MARCH
Saturday: "Buddhist Psychology, Listening & Facilitating"
seminars for students on the Buddhist Psychology programme
at 10:00 & 20:00 (Rome)
Sunday: Golden Chain Meeting at 12:30
Codes separately notified
WEEKEND 19-20 MARCH
Saturday: Dharma Ocean (History) Lecture at 12:00, followed by Upavastha from 14:30
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LOSAR
On Thursday 3rd March 2022 we celebrated Losar, the tibetan New Year, at Oasis, the Buddhist community a short distance from Eleusis. Good to spend the time with Dharma friends.