Vesak, often referred to as Buddha Day, occurs on the first full moon of May. This holiday celebrates the life (the birth, awakening and death) of the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni Buddha). Please join us on Thursday May 24, 6 PM to celebrate this important event.

The evening will begin at 6 PM with a potluck dinner. Bring a vegetarian dish or treat to share. Water and tea will be provided. Please join us even if you cannot bring food as there is always enough to share. Following the meal there will be a short sitting period followed by a discussion of the Buddha’s awakening.

The evening also offers the opportunity for individuals to take refuge and precepts. Taking refuge and precepts is a public ceremony that allows one to express their willingness and intent to work with the teachings and practices of the Buddha. Taking refuge means seeking comfort and inspiration in the “Three Jewels” of the Buddha (the physical embodiment and example of the teachings), the Dharma (the teachings on awakening and liberation), and the Sangha (the community of practitioners). The Five Precepts are areas of one’s life, behavior, and habits that have the potential to generate suffering or awakening with which one commits to work. These include working on refraining from killing and supporting life, respecting the property of others and refraining from stealing, being truthful and refraining from lying, regarding all beings with respect and dignity and refraining from objectifying others (especially through sensual misconduct), and working to maintain a clear mind and refrain from harming ourselves and others with intoxicants. Those who take precepts will receive a commemorative certificate. If you have questions about taking refuge and precepts, please contact Rev. Ryongwan Karuna (nirvanasamurai@aol.com) or talk with him at an upcoming weekly sitting. Those who have taken the precepts before but who would like to do so again please let him know so that he can prepare certificates.

A common Vesak practice is to offer flowers, which are placed near the statue of the Buddha. Please feel free to bring flowers if you choose.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

On Sunday March 4th Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha held a potluck dinner and a fundraiser for the nonprofit Buddhist Global Relief which provides education, training, and food aid aimed at helping people to rise out of poverty. The fundraiser featured a silent auction with many different items: handmade wool socks from the Indian Himalayas, handmade millet bag foot warmers from Marcia Ballard, candles and a basket made by Jen Gillum, a cake made by Mary MacGregor, beautiful artwork by Jan Grafton, meditation benches, books, a meditation bell, and many other items. One of the most fun items that was auctioned was the opportunity to push a pie topped with lots of whipped cream into Dhamma Leader John Paulson’s face. Mary MacGregor outbid all others for this hilarious treat. By then end of the evening Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha raised $533 which has now been donated to Buddhist Global Relief.

Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be having a Potluck and Fundraiser for Buddhist Global Relief on Sunday March 4th at 5 pm. Buddhist Global Relief is an international aid organization founded by the renowned translator of Buddhist texts, Bhikkhu Bhodhi. It provides training and food aid aimed at helping people to rise out of poverty. The Potluck and Fundraiser will begin at 5 pm. Bring a vegetarian dish or treat to share. The fundraiser will feature a silent auction with a number of handmade crafts and other items, including: Hand knit socks from the Indian Himalayas, a travel meditation bench, a signed copy of the book by Jishou Dharma, artwork, and other items. All proceeds will go to Buddhist Global Relief. Donations to BGR will also be accepted. Please join us for this night of fun for a good cause. The regular sitting meditation will not occur on this night but there will be moments of mindfulness during this event.

More information for the Buddhist Global Relief can be found here:
https://www.buddhistglobalrelief.org

Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be having a Potluck and Fundraiser for Buddhist Global Relief on Sunday March 4th at 5 pm. Buddhist Global Relief is an international aid organization founded by the renowned translator of Buddhist texts, Bhikkhu Bhodhi. It provides training and food aid aimed at helping people to rise out of poverty. The Potluck and Fundraiser will begin at 5 pm. Bring a vegetarian dish or treat to share. The fundraiser will feature a silent auction with a number of handmade crafts and other items, including: Hand knit socks from the Indian Himalayas, a travel meditation bench, a signed copy of the book by Jishou Dharma, artwork, and other items. All proceeds will go to Buddhist Global Relief. Donations to BGR will also be accepted. Please join us for this night of fun for a good cause. The regular sitting meditation will not occur on this night but there will be moments of mindfulness during this event.

More information for the Buddhist Global Relief can be found here:
https://www.buddhistglobalrelief.org

Just a reminder that this Sunday, February 25th, we will be concluding our Foundations class with a half day retreat at the Sangha. The half day retreat is open to all Sangha participants regardless of whether you attend the class. All half day retreat participants are asked to bring a personal sack lunch. The retreat will begin at 9am and conclude around 1:30pm.

For more information, call 812-434-6643 or E-mail mindfulheart@gmail.com

Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be holding its Annual Meeting and Potluck for all sangha members on Sunday, February 4, at 6 pm in the Meditation Hall. We will enjoy our meal and socializing first and around 7:00 there will be a short sitting followed by the State of the Sangha talk and the introduction of the new Board of Directors. Please bring a vegetarian dish, snack, or dessert to share. Bottled water and hot tea will be provided. Come and join us!

Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be holding its Annual Meeting and Potluck for all sangha members on Sunday, February 4, at 6 pm in the Meditation Hall. We will enjoy our meal and socializing first and around 7:00 there will be a short sitting followed by the State of the Sangha talk and the introduction of the new Board of Directors. Please bring a vegetarian dish, snack, or dessert to share. Bottled water and hot tea will be provided. Come and join us!

Please join us for our upcoming annual foundations class. The class will take place over the course of three Sundays and addresses foundation teachings of the Buddha and introductory meditation practices. The class concludes with a half day retreat. The dates of the class are:
Sunday February 11 3:30 to 5:30
Sunday February 18 3:30-5:30
Sunday February 25 9 AM-2 PM

The half day retreat is open to all Sangha participants regardless of whether you attend the class. All half day retreat participants are asked to bring a personal sack lunch

There is no fee for the course, but we welcome donations

To register please send an email to Email address: mindfulheart@gmail.com