Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha

SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE

BEGINNER CLASS
YOU CAN STILL JOIN! Begins March 29, 2009 for six Sundays. Meets at 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha located in Bradford Park Office Suites, 600 N. Weinbach Ave., Suite 960 in Evanville. This is a course intended for beginning meditators and those wishing to learn more about Buddhism. Although it is not required to attend every session, the information is presented cumulatively and builds on the previous week. Suggested donation is $30.00. Please call 434-6643 to register or email mindfulheart@gmail.com.

INTERMEDIATE CLASS
March 22nd – April 26th, 2009
We will again be offering an Intermediate Buddhism Class series following the beginner course. This 6-week course takes off where the Beginner class ends. It is intended for those wishing to further develop their understanding of Buddhism and deepen their meditation practice. The Intermediate Class will begin on Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 and will meet from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm in the Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha mediation hall located in Bradford Park Office Suites, 600 N. Weinbach Ave., Suite 960 in Evansville.

The class will include information on concentration practice, compassion practice as well as some of the more difficult Buddhist concepts. To attend you must have completed the Beginner Class or have attended a weekend or longer retreat. Suggested donation $30.00. Space is limited, please call 434-6643 to register or email at mindfulheart@gmail.com.

If you have questions about either class, please call 812-434-6643 or email mindfulheart@gmail.com

February 15th - Sangha Day

Greater Sangha Week  February 9 -15

 

     This is the first of four Greater Sangha Weeks which will happen in 2009.   During each of the four weeks there will be only one sitting event.   Sangha members will be encouraged to attend this main event by scheduling ahead.   These four events will be Buddhist holidays or Uposatha Observance Days.   Uposatha days are times of renewed dedication to Dhamma practice, observed by lay followers and monastics throughout the world of Therarada Buddhism.

 

     The only sitting for the week of February 9 will be Sunday February 15.   That is called Magha Puja Day or Sangha Day.  It commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants (enlightened persons) in the Buddha’s presence.

 

      The day will begin at 5:30 pm with snack foods and visiting.   The Board is bringing finger food and invites others to bring favorite appetizers too.

 

     On this day our sangha will have its Annual Meeting where the new officers will be presented to the sangha.   Mike Boren, the retiring president, will give a brief review of the past year.

 

      A precepts ceremony will follow.  There are five precepts (or guidelines) for those who follow the Buddha’s teachings.   Preceding the precepts ceremony is a commitment to taking refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

 

      All sangha members are encouraged to renew their vows each year.   Anyone who is taking the precepts for the first time should contact Mary MacGregor at 426-1318 or Mary@ltnow.com.

 

      This may not be as great as the Inaugaration but it will be GREAT.

 

-----

Mary MacGregor

Evansville IN

Retreat Reflections: Balancing the Mind and Heart

We arrived at the retreat center the same way I arrived at Buddhism, generally headed in the right direction, but definitely not a straight path. Located at the Oakwood Retreat Center just east of Muncie IN, we drove into the cornfields looking for the Rainbow Farm, an International Emissary Community. I kept the idea that "it is what it is" in the forefront of my mind, along with a map in my lap. Arriving around 5:30 we were in time for the evening meal but not the retreat orientation. Several of us had been to retreats before and while on the road we discussed the ideas behind a silent retreat as well as the benefits of it.

The retreat was led by Matthew Flickstein, founder of the Forest Way in Virginia and the author of The Meditator's Atlas: A Roadmap of the Inner World. For two days (Friday evening to Sunday at noon) we meditated, sitting and walking. We found another reason for focusing on our breath during meditation: there is no baggage attached to the breath. It is automatic, breath in and breath out. Only in extended meditation do you become aware of the subtleties involved, that equanimity allows wisdom to arise because we are not pushing or pulling but we are "being present in our own mind".

Matt said that mindfulness means no judgment, just awareness of what is. Maybe not acceptance, but at least a chance to see clearly and perhaps more comprehensively as the mind becomes quiet. While accepting that the world is the way it is, we should make it the best place it can be for us. This realization is much easier to maintain in a calm environment like the Rainbow Farm with trails through woods, gardens and meadows. It gave us the chance to go beyond our usual path outwardly as well as an inward journey to silence. What a luxury!

On Sunday morning we reviewed the seven qualities of the mind:
  1. Virtue (clears up issues from the past & the present)
  2. Self reliance (ala Emerson-confidence to speak from that truth)
  3. Concentration (brings stability to the mind)
  4. Well being (living now is living outside of time: no past no future)
  5. Wisdom (live with I don't know)
  6. Spiritual insight (eradication of identifying with the mind)
  7. Freedom, surrender (that meditation isn't, getting used to is)

The awareness of these qualities and using them with heart brings the dhamma to our everyday life. With this thought in mind, we found a straighter journey homeward albeit with much laughter and talk about our individual experiences at the retreat, and a promise to continue our voyage further into Buddhism.

Metta, Jan Carter

SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE SET

BEGINNER CLASS
February 1st – March 8th, 2009
The Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will conduct an Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation Class starting on Sunday, February 1st, 2008. This will be a 6-week course intended for beginning meditators and those wishing to learn more about Buddhism. The class will meet from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm in the Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha meditation hall located in Bradford Park Office Suites, 600 N. Weinbach Ave., Suite 960 in Evansville.

The curriculum contains basic information about Buddhism including the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path as well as instruction on meditation technique. Although it is not required to attend every session, the information is presented cumulatively and builds on the previous week. Suggested donation $30.00. Space is limited, please call 434-6643 to register or email at mindfulheart@gmail.com.

INTERMEDIATE CLASS
March 22nd – April 26th, 2009
We will again be offering an Intermediate Buddhism Class series following the beginner course. This 6-week course takes off where the Beginner class ends. It is intended for those wishing to further develop their understanding of Buddhism and deepen their meditation practice. The Intermediate Class will begin on Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 and will meet from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm in the Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha mediation hall located in Bradford Park Office Suites, 600 N. Weinbach Ave., Suite 960 in Evansville.

The class will include information on concentration practice, compassion practice as well as some of the more difficult Buddhist concepts. To attend you must have completed the Beginner Class or have attended a weekend or longer retreat. Suggested donation $30.00. Space is limited, please call 434-6643 to register or email at mindfulheart@gmail.com.

Mary McGregor, our senior teacher, has been working with Tom Ballard, Jan Carter, Mike Boren, Russell Davis, Caron Leader and Chris Lenn to develop the curriculum for both classes. The teachers meet periodically to further develop their teaching skills and refine the course content.

If you have questions about either class, please call 812-434-6643 or email mindfulheart@gmail.com

Buddhism Without Beliefs

     This October I have begun a series of six dharma talks based on the book, Buddhism without Beliefs, by Stephen Batchelor. Some people have asked to look again at just the fundamentals of Buddhism. Batchelor states that he tried to write a book on Buddhism in "ordinary English." With this in mind I selected his book as the basis for these talks. Also I remember being drawn to his book as a beginner, for his clear and thought-provoking content; yet I reread the book regularly as a seasoned practitioner. So I hope that all will benefit from Stephen Batchelor's approach to the dharma.

     Batchelor begins the book with the Kalama sutta from the Anguttara. He wants to point out the difference between belief and personal authority. In this first chapter Buddhism is defined as a culture and not a religion based on beliefs. The teachings of the Buddha have authority because of personal experience.

     Come join us to hear more and to discuss this book. Sittings are at 6:00pm on Thursdays and Sundays followed by the dharma talk and discussion.

     Mary MacGregor, Senior Teacher

8 Mindful Steps to Happiness Retreat with Bhante G

Bhante G meditating in the gazebo outside Kordes Retreat Center, Ferdinand, Indiana


19 people attended the retreat led by renowned Buddhist teacher and author Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. It was a rare opportunity and a great privilege to hear the Dhamma as taught by such a senior monk.


Bhante G and Mike Boren, president of Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha


Mary MacGregor, senior teacher for our Sangha, Bhante G, and Caron Leader

Click here to see all of the photos from the retreat.

Click here to see the schedule of activities for this retreat.

Monthly Movie Night begins August 8th

The Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be hosting movie night beginning Friday August 8, 2008 at 7p.m. Movie night will take place the second Friday of every month at 7pm at the Sangha. We will choose movies that are related to Buddhism in some way or another. The movie showing August 8th will be What the Bleep Do We Know!? 
  Each month the upcoming moving will be posted on the bulletin board at the Sangha. Parents are welcome to bring their children. All you need to bring is yourself and whatever snacks and drinks you would like. We hope to see you there!

"EIGHT MINDFUL STEPS TO HAPPINESS" RETREAT WITH BHANTE HENEPOLA GUNARATANA

The Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha, located in Evansville, Indiana, is pleased to present this opportunity for a meditative retreat with the renowned Theravada Buddhist monk Bhante Henepola Gunaratana (“Bhante G”).

We invite you to join us from June 9, 2008 - June 13, 2008 at the Kordes Center in Ferdinand, Indiana for Bhante G’s teachings about Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness. Prior to the retreat, we encourage you to read Bhante G’s book entitled Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness, which may be ordered through Wisdom Publications or through major book retailers.

RETREAT INFORMATION:
Room and board fees for the retreat are $475 for a single room and $400 for a double room. Space in the retreat is limited. Deposit of $200 for a single room or $135 for double room due by May 15, 2008; balance due on June 9, 2008. $10 discount off of Room and Board Fees for payments in full received by May 15, 2008. Check-in for the Retreat will be held at the Kordes Center on June 9, 2008 from 9:30 - 10:30am. The Retreat will begin promptly thereafter. The Retreat will conclude at Noon on June 13, 2008, with an optional lunch to follow. Retreatants are required to have attended a prior retreat of at least one weekend in length. Noble silence will be observed. Vegetarian food will be served. Email financial needs scholarship requests and questions to: mindfulheart@gmail.com. The Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha retains discretion to accept or deny any Application for Retreat Attendance. Retreatants who do not comply with the retreat’s requirements may be asked to leave the retreat.

You may download the retreat brochure and application. Please return the enclosed application for retreat attendance and the deposit for room and board fees to:

    Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha
    600 N. Weinbach Ave., Ste. 960
    Evansville, Indiana 47711

Metta and we look forward to seeing you at the retreat.

Thoughts on Retreats

I have just returned from a twenty-four hour retreat. I went to Willow Pond Retreat House in Oakland City, Indiana. It is a small "kuti" ; however, small is not really needed to describe kuti. Kuti is the Pali word for meditation hut. This house is much more that a hut. Bathroom with a shower, kitchen facilities and bed/couch. The kuti is located on the pond with the sound of a waterfall outside the door. Breakfast food is included for the daily rent of $45. I love this place. (1-812-782-3775)

This is not an advertisement for Willow Pond. It is encouragement to do retreat. It can be 24 hours or five days or fourteen days or six hours. The purpose is to have an environment that supports your meditation practice. Monastics have such an environment which is one reason they choose to become a monastic. Our minds respond to stimuli of the senses. A quiet place removes that first layer of mental noise.

Nature, like the arts, points to the spiritual. So if you are doing a retreat day at home (with the phone off) take time to walk outside. Similarly if you come Sunday for the monthly extended sitting choose to do walking meditation out-of-doors.

I have been discussing personal retreats but group retreats are important too. They provide a teacher and the strength and power of a group. We learn from each other which is why the sangha is one of the Three Jewels. At a group retreat the agenda for each day is planned. On a personal retreat you can be lead by your own mental and physical needs. Our sangha is sponsoring a group retreat this June.

----- Mary MacGregor   Evansville IN

WINTER/SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE SET

BEGINNER CLASS February 10 – March 16, 2008

The Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will conduct an Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation Class starting on Sunday, February 10th, 2008. This will be a 6-week course intended for beginning meditators and those wishing to learn more about Buddhism. The class will meet from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm in the Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha meditation hall located in the old Riverhouse Hotel at 20 Walnut Street, Suite 120.

The curriculum contains basic information about Buddhism including the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path as well as instruction on meditation technique. Although it is not required to attend every session, the information is presented cumulatively and builds on the previous week. Suggested donation $30.00. Space is limited, please call 434-6643 to register or email at mindfulheart@gmail.com.

INTERMEDIATE CLASS March 30 – May 4, 2008

We will again be offering an Intermediate Buddhism Class series following the beginner course. This 6-week course takes off where the Beginner class ends. It is intended for those wishing to further develop their understanding of Buddhism and deepen their meditation practice. The Intermediate Class will begin on Sunday, March 30th, 2008 and will meet from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm in the Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha mediation hall located in the old Riverhouse Hotel at 20 Walnut Street, Suite 120.

The class will include information on concentration practice, compassion practice as well as some of the more difficult Buddhist concepts. To attend you must have completed the Beginner Class or have attended a weekend or longer retreat. Suggested donation $30.00. Space is limited, please call 434-6643 to register or email at mindfulheart@gmail.com.

Mary McGregor, our senior teacher, has been working with Mike Boren, Russell Davis, Caron Leader and Chris Lenn to develop the curriculum for both classes. The teachers meet every month to further develop their teaching skills and refine the course content.

If you have questions about either class, please call 812-434-6643 or email mindfulheart@gmail.com