Hello everyone! This is Jen. MuSsang is letting me do the update for today. I'm used to just staying behind the scenes working on
the new website (Check it out! You know you want to!!), so I'll try not to let it get out of hand. ;)
Last week was very busy because Seunim was back in the States. In Baltimore, we had the Tuesday night sit and talk (more sitting, less talking, but still socialized afterward), a Friday night sit, and then the Precepts ceremony on Saturday morning. There were also events going on in Virginia! Everyone was very grateful for Seunim's company.
The precepts ceremony was interesting. I had no idea what to expect from it, but it was nice to just go along with things and see what happened. We had 9 members from the Potomac and Baltimore sanghas taking precepts (myself included). All of us sat up front with our family and friends behind us, chanting and listening to Seunim explain the importance of each of the precepts. I'm pretty sure the best part of the explanation was when Star Wars was involved. :) Following the ceremony, we all gathered around the tables outside for some tasty food (does anyone know what those sesame things are called?) and chatting. It was my first time meeting people from the Potomac sangha, and I really appreciated having the opportunity to connect with them!
My parents grilled me about precepts, asking what they mean and how it changes what I do. Precepts are a simple, straightforward moral code. Does it change what I do? Admittedly, I have greater hesitation about letting spiders drown in my sink now, but overall, not that much. Seunim explained during the ceremony that taking precepts doesn't mean that you should stop doing what you are already doing. We should continue to go to church and continue the beliefs and practices of our family. It's just an extra form of guidance. In a world where so many people of different faiths demand your undivided loyalty, his words were very refreshing and comfortable.
That's enough rambling, I think. We have some cool events coming up this month:
Sunday, May 16, 7-9pm
Lantern Night Meditation Meeting
The sangha of the Baltimore Zen Center begins its week-long celebration of Buddha's birthday. The largest yearly celebration in Seon Buddhism, Buddha's Birthday begins with Lantern Night.
Lantern Night at the Baltimore Zen Center is a chance to reflect on our practice and how we can be a light amidst darkness. This evening of meditation begins in the light of evening, and continues into the dark of night. As the darkness moves in, the light of the temple's candles grows brighter.
Come strengthen your meditation practice with the family of the Baltimore Zen Center, and celebrate the birth of the Buddha, not a man who lived and died 2500 years ago, but the light of awakening within you!
(Jen's note: I'm working hard to figure out a simple way to make Lotus Lanterns, which we can do before this! If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments.)
Friday, May 21, 8-10pm
Buddha's Birthday Dharma Meeting
Join the Baltimore Zen Center to wrap up Lantern Week's activities as we celebrate Buddha's Birthday! The evening will begin with candlelight meditation in Dharma Hall of the Temple of the Enlightened King. We will sit for two sets of about half an hour, separated by a brief period of walking meditation.
Afterwards, join us in the hermitage for a celebration dinner of traditional vegetarian cuisine, gift exchange, storytelling, and fellowship. Weather permitting, we'll celebrate around the bonfire behind the temple! This is a family event, and gift envelopes will be available for children!
Thursday, May 27, 7-9pm
May New Moon Dharma Meeting
Lunar Dharma Meetings are a chance for members of the Baltimore Zen Center sangha to come together to practice sitting meditation and walking meditation in the Dharma Hall at the Temple of the Enlightened King. During the meditation period, practitioners will be introduced to a traditional dialogue, known as a gongan or koan. Following this hour of meditation, we move over to the Hermitage for discussion and questions while enjoying the meditative practice of the tea ceremony.
This is an excellent chance for those with no experience in meditation practice to come see what the Baltimore Zen Center is about. Questions are more than welcome, they are encouraged! Suggested donation: $10
(Jen's note: Isn't this picture so cute?! It looks just like JB!)
Monday, May 31, 7-9pm
May Healing Meditation Meeting
Come to the Baltimore Zen Center for an evening of peace and healing through the practice of introspective meditation.
This two hour practice period is made up of two sets of approximately fifty minute sitting meditation, separated by walking meditation, as well as chanting the Heart Sutra. In addition, practitioners will also be given the chance to meditate on a traditional dialogue, known as a gongan or koan, a conversation passed down through the centuries that contains the opportunity for a student of meditation to encounter their own self-nature.
The suggested donation for this practice session is $10, and
all proceeds go towards supporting research for two of the Baltimore Zen Center's causes, Muscular Dystrophy and Lupus. Come experience meditation, heal yourself, and help the Baltimore Zen Center heal suffering in our community!
Tonight we celebrate Lotus Lantern Night, the beginning of our week-long celebration of Buddha's birthday.
