Photo by David
SATI & DHIKR: THE REAL MINDFULNESS
The term "mindfulness" is the English translation of sati (Pali) or smriti (Sanskrit). Something called mindfulness has recently become widely popular. However, the modern mindfulness is not the same as the sati that we find in the teachings of Buddha. Sati meant to have the mind full of Dharma. Rather than being a matter of immersion in the present moment, it was actually a protection against what can so easily happen in the present moment. The ordinary mind is easily hijacked in the moment by encounter with attractive or repulsive circumstance. The practitioner learns to have a mind full of the most wholesome things, especially Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. A mind full of Buddha is less easily swayed, less easily trapped by Mara. In Japanese, mindfulness of Buddha is called nembutsu. Nen is mindfulness. Butsu is Buddha. (Nen become nem- for euphony). Nembutsu is the fundamental practice of Buddhism - to take refuge in Buddha in order to be safe from the fires of greed, hate and delusion that rage in the world and can so easily take one off-guard. We operationalise this practice by saying the name of Buddha on every possible occasion.
While I was in Cyprus I visited a Sufi centre. The fundamental practice of Sufism is called dhikr. The word has virually the same meaning as sati - "remembrance" - and the practice is similar - the repetition of the names of God in order to achieve the kind of union that will protect from all evil. There is much common ground between the great religions because they respond to the same basic spiritual needs. It is not the terminology nor the metaphysics that ultimately matter, it is the spirit of remembering that there is something much greater than oneself and that the only refuge from the hubris of the ego is to celebrate that remembrance through all the days of one's life.
It is a travesty of faith that the religions should conflict. If people had in mind the true spirit of the founders, followers of different religions would all live in harmony. Differences would be a richness rather than a source of friction.
COMING VERY SOON
11-12th March 2023
WEEKEND RETREAT IN BRITTANY FRANCE
"Authentic Life & Healing the Heart"
David Brazier: I shall lead a retreat in Brittany at ‘Labyrinthe’, the home of Mo & Peter who train in the Soto Zen Tradition. The retreat will include teachings from the book Authentic Life and explain the Dharma of Healing the Heart. We live in times when there is much strife in the world. This is reflected in the stress within ourselves. The Dharma brings peace and healing. By building an international sangha community we bring healing to ourselves and to the world. There is always trouble (dukkha) and there is always the possibility of awakening to authentic life. 10 places, fully residential.
Cost: Suggested 50€ per day for full board accommodation plus dana for the teacher & his work.
To book: Mo Henderson <labyrinthe3@icloud.com>
FUTURE EVENTS
14-16 April 2023
"EXPLORING THE EQUATION OF LIFE"
Buddhist Psychology Weekend in Bilbao, Spain
David Brazier & Iris Dotan KatzAn in person meeting.
In this weekend we shall introduce and work with core concepts of Buddhist psychology. Buddhist psychology is based upon the sutra teachings of Shakyamuni, the Buddha, and upon the Buddhist Abhidharma literature which constitutes some of the world's first psychological texts. Through the work of the International Zen Therapy Institute (ITZI) this material has become available for contemporary use. Each person's life is shaped by conditions, some inner, some outer, that create the unique equation of that life. The therapist seeks to understand this in each case and thereby to discern the trajectory and meaning of the life of the person. This workshop is suitable for all those interested in therapy, personal growth and Buddhist practice.
Saturday 3rd June 2023 - Oxford UK & online
MEDITATION AROUND THE WORLD
Miguel Farias, David Brazier & Swami Ambikananda
Details at:
https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/meditation-across-the-worlds-traditionsContact:
ppdayweek@conted.ox.ac.uk -:- Tel:
+44 (0)1865 270368Tuesday 1st August to Sunday 6th August 2023
SUMMER OBON AT ELEUSIS, CHER, FRANCE
David Brazier in person meeting
David: Obon is the Buddhist summer festival. It is concerned with family and ancestors. It is also a good time to be together, enjoy some gentle retreat time and meet with other members of the sangha. If you would like to spend some time with me in France this summer, this is a good week to choose. We shall spend time enjoying life and practice together and have some outings to local places of beauty and interest. On August 1st and the following weekend we shall have events to celebrate the Upavastha (full moon) and Obon.
Enquiries & bookings via Jisshas <
jisshas@googlegroups.com>
Monday 7th to Friday 11th August 2023 - Eleusis, France
BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY SUMMER SCHOOL
David Brazier & Iris Dotan Katz - An in person meeting
Following the success of last year's Summer School, we are offering a five day residential workshop to explore Buddhist Psychology in theory and practice - especially practice. This is an excellent option for students on the BP programme, but the workshop is open to all who are interested.
Enquiries & bookings via Jisshas <
jisshas@googlegroups.com>
The suggested donation for full board at Eleusis is 40€ per day, 250€ per week.