Sangha meeting for Jan. 19

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Dear Sangha,

There’s a slight change this week – I’m switching with Jose who will do the 5 Mindfulness Trainings on January 26.

This coming Sunday I’m going to tell you about my Dharma Toolbox. This is perhaps one of the most important things I have and in fact we all have them. My toolbox has been invaluable over the years and in fact I’ve used it so much I may need a bigger one. So, come prepared to reactivate your toolbox if you don’t use it too much or to look at your practice in a new practical way. We are trying to work to transform our suffering and my toolbox is what allows me to do exactly that.

Come a little early for tea and it will be great to see you next Sunday.

Discussing the Dharma in the ultimate dimension,
we look at each other and smile.
You are me, don’t you see?
Speaking and listening, we are one.

With a smile,

David

Reciting the 14 Mindfulness Trainings on Dec. 29

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Dear Sangha

Please join us this coming Sunday when we will again have the opportunity to do the ceremony to recite the 14 Mindfulness Trainings. How wonderful it is to recite these beautiful guidelines to a moral and compassionate life.  The trainings are like a rock of mindfulness in the midst of a turbulent stream.  They are something to hold on to in difficult times. We will sit, walk and have Dharma Sharing. 

It will be wonderful to see you in our beautiful new space.

 Breathing in, I calm my body.
 Breathing out, I smile.
 Dwelling in the present moment,
 I know this is a wonderful moment.

Enjoy your stopping, breathing, smiling…

David

P. S. Please join us for tea at 4:30 p.m. before the 5:00 start of the meeting

Rainbow Sangha for Dec. 1

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Dear Sangha,

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” — Thay

Please join us this coming Sunday, Dec. 1, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Albuquerque Zen Center, 2300 Garfield Ave. SE. If you like come early for herbal tea and socializing starting at 4:30.

David has recently been on a trip to Laos, and we are fortunate that he will be speaking about Theravada Buddhism this Sunday. He’ll also lead us in our usual sitting meditation, dharma sharing, and possibly some indoor walking meditation.

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving and looking forward to seeing you on Sunday–

No Rainbow Sangha meeting on Nov. 24

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Dear Friends,

I hope you're all enjoying the nurturing rainfall and the leaves turning orange and yellow. 

We have found that attendance tends to be low right before major holidays, so normally do not schedule meetings then. This time I sent out an inquiry to see if there was enough interest to hold one, but did not receive enough positive replies to schedule a meeting. So the Rainbow Sangha will not be meeting this Sunday Nov. 24.
 
Our next meeting will be from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. the following Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Albuquerque Zen Center, 2300 Garfield Ave SE. Please come a little early for tea if you wish, starting at 4:30 before the meeting. 

"The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it." - Thay 

I hope you have a good week and look forward to seeing you on Dec. 1,

Jon
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What can we do as individuals to reduce global warming?

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(Please note: This document is somewhat rough and far from comprehensive. It’s designed simply to stimulate some ideas for action.)

Assembled by Myra Armstrong and Jon Nimitz

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The Earth Holder community in our tradition has been formed to apply Thay’s deep teachings about falling in love with Mother Earth, mindful living, and compassionate action to the climate crisis in order to heal and transform individual, collective, and planetary suffering. Articles are available at earthholder.training including the Earth Peace Treaty Commitment Sheet, which lists many actions individuals can take to help the environment. The Earth Holder Community holds an online Sangha meeting the second Sunday of each month from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Pacific time. 

As you may know, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was started in 1988, to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options. It provides detailed reports on the current state of climate science, measurements, predictions, and policy recommendations. These reports are available at ipcc.ch/reports.

The bestselling 2017 book Drawdown by Paul Hawken reviews the 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming. It is available both in print and audio form from the Albuquerque Public Library. 

“World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency” (Note: This may be one of the most important things you have ever read.) More than 11,000 scientists have signed this statement. They say: “We suggest six critical and interrelated steps (in no particular order) that governments, businesses, and the rest of humanity can take to lessen the worst effects of climate change.” These six steps include 

  • quickly implementing massive energy efficiency and conservation practices and replacing fossil fuels with renewables
  • reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants including methane, soot, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). 
  • protecting and restoring earth’s ecosystems
  • eating mostly plant-based foods
  • limiting excessive extraction of materials and overexploitation of ecosystems to maintain long-term sustainability of the biosphere
  • stabilizing the world population
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