Dear Thay, dear Sangha,
Please join us this Sunday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., either in person or by Zoom. We’ll be meeting at the Albuquerque Zen Center, 2300 Garfield Ave. SE.
Bee will be giving us an overview of the talks given by our Dharma teacher Terry Cortes-Vega at the retreat this past weekend. The theme was Deep Listening: A Path to Compassion and she talked about how to listen to ourselves, to difficult people, and to others in general, and the fact that deep healing that can come from such listening. We can bear in mind Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, who listens to the suffering of the world.
For security, Zoom links are not posted on the website, but are available on request.
To maintain an atmosphere of reverence and tranquility in the Zendo we’ll be observing 10 minutes of Noble Silence before each meeting.
Dana (generosity) is one of the virtues cultivated in Buddhism. It is customary to offer Dana in appreciation for the benefits received and to support the Sangha. Dana can be financial and it can also be in other forms such as helping with setup or breakdown of meetings and days of mindfulness.
Author: jnimitz
Some upcoming spiritually-oriented classes offered in Albuquerque
Offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and taught by Jon Nimitz, Ph.D. All will be in-person at UNM Continuing Education, 1634 University Blvd. NE, South Building. Registration by phone (505-277-0077), fax (505-277-1990), mail, online, or in person. Osher membership is $20 a year, sometimes rebated toward class registration. Info and registration available at http://ce.unm.edu/olli/. An Osher catalog listing many interesting and inexpensive classes on a variety of subjects is available for free on request or by visiting the office.
BUDDHISM
Buddhism appeals to many Westerners because it’s nonjudgmental, requires no faith, and teaches ways to reduce suffering. It encourages personal responsibility, mindfulness, and compassion for ourselves and others. In this class we’ll discuss the life and times of the prince who became the Buddha, his search for enlightenment, his teachings, the historical development of Buddhism, plus current branches and their practices. We’ll also discuss the work of some modern-day teachers including the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and several prominent American authors. We’ll enjoy slide shows, videos, and readings, as well as discussions. This class assumes no prior knowledge, but also goes into reasonable depth to interest those with some experience. It’s designed not as a dry academic exercise, but to provide and expand tools for a happier life. Four two-hour meetings, Friday mornings 10 a.m to noon, June 9-30, 2023. Registration $55 (course 19813).
THE ZEN OF THICH NHAT HANH
Thich Nhat Hanh was a Buddhist monk and Zen master from Vietnam. He was a poet, writer, teacher, and peace activist, and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His students knew him affectionately as “Thay” (Vietnamese for teacher). In three class meetings we’ll cover (1) the basics of Buddhism, (2) the history and teachings of Zen, and (3) Thay’s main teachings and practices. We’ll enjoy slide shows, videos, readings, and discussions. No prior knowledge is assumed, we’ll start with the basics, but will also go into reasonable depth to interest those with some experience. Three two-hour meetings, Friday mornings 10 a.m. to noon, July 14-28, 2023. Registration approx. $45 (course 19831).
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
What is spiritual awakening, and how can we attain it, or at least move in that direction? Is enlightenment gradual or sudden? Hint: this class will bring you one step closer! Throughout the centuries several traditions have taught ways to become more enlightened. We will focus on spiritual teachings from Hinduism, Buddhism, 12-step programs, and Eckhart Tolle. With slide shows, videos, class discussions, and at home we will explore practices including meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, chanting, and experiencing nature, music, and poetry. Five two-hour meetings, Fridays 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 1-29, 2023. Registration approx. $65 (course 19826).
No Quiet Mind Sangha Meeting April 2
Dear Thay, dear Sangha,
Because of the retreat this weekend, there won’t be a regular meeting of the Quiet Mind Sangha this Sunday.
More information on the retreat is available on this website.
Please join us the following Sunday, April 9, when Bee will be leading the recitation of the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
With metta,
🙏🏼
May you be peaceful
May you be happy
May you be safe
May you live with ease
Update for retreatants March 31-April 2
(Quiet Mind Sangha members please note – there will not be a regular Sangha meeting on Sunday April 2 because of the retreat).
Dear Retreatants,
We are looking forward to seeing you this Friday evening for the start of the upcoming retreat.
If you have a favorite cushion to sit on, please bring it (we have chairs but don’t have cushions to provide). If you’d like to participate in the optional Calligraphy Meditation please bring painting clothes (the ink doesn’t wash out!). Friday evening check-in starts at 5:00, and a light dinner (wraps) will be provided. The introductory meeting with our respected teachers Terry Cortes-Vega and Nhu Mai Nguyen will start at 7:00. Here’s a slightly updated schedule, subject to change, and list of recommended things to bring.
Deep Listening: A Path to Understanding
Buddhist Retreat
FRIDAY EVENING MARCH 31- NOON SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2023
In the tradition of Plum Village (as established by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh)
at the Norbertine Retreat Center, 5825 Coors Blvd. SW, ABQ, NM
Directions: From I-40 go south on Coors Blvd. (NM 45) about 9 miles (past Pajarito Rd.), then turn right where there’s a sign to the Norbertine Center. Follow road to parking lot.
The retreat will run from an introductory meeting Friday evening through about noon Sunday. Sunday morning the formal ceremony to receive the Five Mindfulness Trainings will be offered. Registration for attendance is full at our maximum of 40 people (determined by the meeting room size), and all on-site bedrooms available have been reserved.
Led by Terry Cortes-Vega, resident Dharma teacher from Plum Blossom Sangha in Austin (plumblossomsangha.wordpress.com) with assistance from the talented musician Nhu Mai Nguyen. The theme is deep listening to heal ourselves, all beings, and our planet. Simple meals are included with registration fee (vegetarian with vegan option), including dinner on Friday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Sunday lunch after the retreat ends will be on your own.
Here’s a slightly updated schedule, subject to modification. Please note that events are optional – breaks and personal time can be taken when desired.
Friday March 31: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Arrive, check in, get room if reserved, have light dinner provided. 7:00-8:00 Welcome, orientation, singing. 8:00-9:00 Dharma talk and meditation.
Saturday April 1: 6:30-6:45 a.m. Mindful movements. 6:45-7:45 Morning Chant, Sutra reading, sit/walk/sit. 7:45-8:45 Breakfast. 8:45-10:00 Singing and Dharma talk: Listening to Yourself. 10:00-11:00 Outdoor walking. 11:00-12:00 Calligraphy/consultations. 12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch. 1:00-2:00 Guided deep relaxation/consultations, 2:00-3:00 Beginning Anew. 3:00-5:00 Family Dharma discussion (including Five Mindfulness Trainings). 5:00-6:00 Dinner. 6:00-7:00 Sing, dance, play. 7:00-8:00 Dharma talk: Listening to Others, meditation. 8:00-9:00 Evening walk, orientation for those formally receiving the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
Sunday April 2: 6:45-8:00 a.m. Five Mindfulness Trainings Transmission Ceremony. 8:00-9:00 Breakfast. 9:00-10:00 Singing, Dharma talk: Listening to the Earth, meditation. 10:00-11:30 Family Dharma Discussion. 11:30 Closing Circle.
Please bring your own cup, water bottle, cloth napkin, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, jacket in case of cool weather, yoga mat, favorite cushion(s) if desired, and painting clothes if you’d like to do the calligraphy meditation.
Service animals only, and children can visit only during the day under direct supervision (no day care is provided and the insurance does not allow overnight stays by children). Masks are optional. We look forward to seeing all registered retreatants this Friday evening!
With metta,
🙏🏼
Sangha meeting March 26
Dear Thay, dear Sangha,
Please join us this Sunday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., either in person or by Zoom. We’ll be meeting at the Albuquerque Zen Center, 2300 Garfield Ave. SE.
Thay’s book “Happiness—Essential Mindful Practices” is a real treasure. It’s like a little handbook you can keep by your side so you can explore the 50 practices that Thay outlines for us. It gives us 50 practices to help us maintain and return to mindfulness throughout the day. Take a look at the introduction and the first few chapters—essential teachings for moving through this world mindfully. Explore some of the other chapters— amazing practices we can use wherever we are, no matter what we are doing. There are so many distractions trying to keep us from our mindfulness but this amazing book holds the key to help liberate us from anxiety, fear and anger and return to the present moment.
For security, Zoom links are not posted on the website, but are available on request.
The weekly email announcements are now being sent out in smaller batches, in hopes that recipients will have less difficulty receiving them.
For now the weekly announcements are also being posted on this website.
To maintain an atmosphere of reverence and tranquility in the Zendo we’ll be observing 10 minutes of Noble Silence before each meeting.
Dana (generosity) is one of the virtues cultivated in Buddhism. It is customary to offer Dana in appreciation for the benefits received and to support the Sangha. Dana can be financial and it can also be in other forms such as helping with setup or breakdown of meetings and days of mindfulness.
If you’d like to be removed from this email list just let me know.
With metta,
🙏🏼
Quiet Mind Sangha Albuquerque 