This Monday night we are making some changes to the format of our ‘typical’ Sangha in acknowledgment of concerns surrounding group gatherings and the Coronavirus. Rather than just taking a brief hiatus we have decided to take our Sangha online and to convene via video conference using Zoom (Instructions as to how to join are available below but you can do this either via computer or phone). The format for the evening will be the same as usual and comprise a guided relaxation meditation, followed by mindful movements (rather than the usual walking meditation), followed by a second shorter sitting meditation. We will then have 45 minutes for dharma sharing.
There is no registration required, just click here for the details on how to join us online.
The topic for this week's sharing was scheduled to be one the Five Mindfulness Trainings, but we have decided to push this back later into the month. Rather we thought it timely to revisit the issue of uncertainty and calming the fearful mind. This particular topic is one which has been explored over the millennia by buddhist practitioners and has been widely written about by Thay. In fact Thay wrote a book specifically on this issue to address the post 9/11 realities and as a response to fear of terrorism. One of Thay’s best known quotes on the subject is:
“The only way to ease our fear and be truly happy is to acknowledge our fear and look deeply at its source. Instead of trying to escape from our fear, we can invite it up to our awareness and look at it clearly and deeply.”
Thích Nhất Hạnh, Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm
Interestingly the Buddha's very first teaching comprised his sharing of the Four Noble Truths the first of which focuses on suffering “dukkha”. Exploring this within the specific context of fear Thay explains that:
When the seed of fear comes up from the store consciousness to the level of mind consciousness, the practice is to allow the seed of mindfulness to come up as well. It is the energy of mindfulness that is recognizing and embracing the energy of fear. Mindfulness is not there to help us run away, but it is there to help us recognize it”.
I know when I encounter fear and anxiety and it’s a time that I would most benefit from my mindfulness practice, that I can find it hard to sit on the cushion. Therefore I thought it might be helpful if we can use our virtual Sangha tonight to explore our own fears at this time and how we might be able as a community to support each other and deepen our practice in this time of so much uncertainty.
We hope you can join us.
Andy