We are having a six week mindfulness course from October 1st through November 5th. It  will be on Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm. It will be at our meditation hall, 600 N Weinbach Suite 220.  We will only have 12 participants in order to keep Covid protocols of distance (masks will be worn).  Please email Martha Reid, the leader, at Mj49reid@gmail.com to let her know you are interested, and if you have any questions. The cost is a donation of any size to the Sangha.

As a community, we are now reading a new book: It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness by Sylvia Boorstein. This book is one of our founder Mary MacGregor’s favorites.

On May 22nd at 6:00 pm we will be celebrating Vesak. Often referred to as Buddha Day or Buddha’s Birthday, Vesak occurs on the first full moon of May. This holiday celebrates the life (the birth, awakening and death) of the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni Buddha).

The opportunity for individuals to take refuge and precepts will be offered. 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.

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!

The intention of Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha is to support individual growth to achieve freedom of the mind. We follow a Theravada tradition, practice primarily Vipassana Insight meditation, and welcome people of all spiritual paths.

Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be taking a break from Thursday evening meditation starting December 30th. This change is in response to low attendance on Thursdays. Sunday evening mediation will continue as usual.

There will be no regular meditation on Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you all. May you have peace and ease. Happy Thanksgiving.

The Sangha Dhamma Leaders will begin teaching from a new book, “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation” by the renowned Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Sangha members are invited to begin reading this book. Our Dhamma Leaders will give talks after every meditation session based on the book. Much metta to you.

Please join us for a brown bag picnic and meditation at Wesselman Park on Sunday October 17 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. We will be in Shelter House #2 North….that’s the one that faces the tennis courts. All are welcome. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will not be having the usual potluck, but please feel free to bring a brown bag dinner and drinks. At 6:00 pm we will build a fire in the fireplace and have a 40 minute sitting meditation. Bring lawn chairs to use for the meditation. We very much look forward to seeing you there!

Because of the picnic there will not be the usual meditation at the meditation hall.

Mindful Heart Buddha Sangha will be having its annual picnic on Sunday October 17 at Wesselman Park. Save that date. Details will be coming soon.

We plan to start offering some short, morning Zoom sitting sessions, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10-10:20 a.m. or so to start. These will not include a dharma talk, but just silent sitting meditation and possibly some metta or other heart practices. Please contact Mollie Pharo, text 812-422-4075 or email mpharo51@hotmail.com, if you are interested. They are likely to start in September.