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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Sherab, Dharmavidya, Patrick  -:-  Dharma Companions at Losar at Oasis, France

Photo by Annette Tamuly Jung

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It is daffodil time in France  -:-  Photo by David Brazier

According to the Avatamsaka Sutra there are innumerable river spirits who do the work of the Buddhas by producing swift currents, purifying rivers and springs, washing away dust to give clear vision, energising with roaring noise, rescuing sentient beings, flashing light, everywhere causing joy to arise, being a symbol of widespread virtue, shining and replenishing the ocean. They are diligent in benefitting living beings.

A small group are studying the history of the tradition. Last autumn we  studied the transmission in India in the early centuries following the life of the Buddha. In the semester that is just starting there are study units covering the transmission of the  teaching  in China from the beginning of the common era up to the medieval period (13th century). This is a good course for gaining a deeper understanding of the way that the Dharma has spread and adapted to changing historical and social conditions. You can

 still join this course: Tickets <https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha>

One of the wonderful things about GS is that it is a small collection of people who are truly global. Recently there have been many discussion about the correct Dharma attitude and response to current affairs and world events. Divisive things have happened in the world including the debate about vaccination and now the war in Ukraine. It has been hugely valuable to have respesentation from so many countries. On Sunday, for instance, there was disussion about why India had not supported the condemnation of Russia by NATO countries at the United Nations. It was so useful for have Indian sangha members present to give that perspective. One's understanding of the world is so much richer when one can see from several viewpoints rather than being absorbed by the momentum of the media of one's own country alone. In GS there is respect for differences of perspective. This is what makes it a real sangha. Meetings where we get a view from Japan, form the Middle East, from South America, not merely from the dominant lands.

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