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Firefly Sangha: Birmingham, Alabama

Meditation & Mindfulness Practice in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh

September 2007

( Monthly archive )

The Engaged Part of Engaged Buddhism

"Individuals must learn how to bring the level of hatred and anger down in themselves and in their families so they can support our political leaders, who must do the same thing. Then, when we have enough compassion, we can help the other group of people we might have called enemies to do the same."

- Thich Nhat Hanh, in an interview published in U.S. Catholic entitled "What Would Buddha Do?" (Full article available at http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-1208719/What-would-Buddha-do-An.html)


"Aware that words can create suffering or happiness, I am committed to learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that inspire hope and confidence. I am determined not to say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people, nor to utter words that might cause division or hatred. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain nor criticise or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will do my best to speak out about situations of injustice. . ."

- The Ninth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing

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Sitting Together at the Gardens, Celebrating Together at St. Francis

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Tea Meditation, from "How to Enjoy Your Stay in Plum Village"

Tea meditation is a time to be with the Sangha in a joyful and serene atmosphere. Just to enjoy our tea together is enough. It is like a “good news” occasion, when we share our joy and happiness in being together.

At times, when we are drinking tea with a friend, we are not aware of the tea or even of our friend sitting there. Practicing tea meditation is to be truly present with our tea and our friends. We recognize that we can dwell happily in the present moment despite all of our sorrows and worries. We sit there relaxed without having to say anything. If we like, we may also share a song, a story or a dance.

You may like to bring a musical instrument or prepare something ahead of time. It is an opportunity for us to water the seeds of happiness and joy, of understanding and love in each one of us.

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Deep Listening

"In this century and in any century,
Our deepest hope, our most tender prayer,
Is that we learn to listen.
May we listen to one another in openness and mercy
May we listen to plants and animals in wonder and respect
May we listen to our own hearts in love and forgiveness
May we listen to God in quietness and awe.
And in this listening,
Which is boundless in its beauty,
May we find the wisdom to cooperate
With a healing spirit, a divine spirit,
Who beckons us into peace and community and creativity.
We do not ask for a perfect world.
We do not ask for a better world.
We ask for deep listening."

Jay McDaniel
Professor of Religion, Hendrix College, Arkansas

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Sweet, Simple Silence

"Sharing silence with others is a profound act of trust, love, and courtesy.
It is a mutual gift, a necessity, a helping hand, a path, and a discipline."

- Gunilla Norris, Sharing Silence

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