Leeds Regional Sangha Day

On Saturday the 29th of June the Leeds meditation group hosted a Regional Sangha Day at the Jamyang Buddhist Centre in Leeds. It was very nice to practise with monks and lay trainees from many different areas, and altogether there were just under 30 of us there.

Rev. Sanshin and Rev. Kōjō, travelled down from Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey for the day. Rev. Sanshin is the group monk for the Leeds group, and Rev. Kōjō is the group monk for the Huddersfield group. Rev. Mugō from Telford also travelled to Leeds for the day, as did Rev. Aiden.

Following a welcome at 10am, the day started with a meditation period. After this there was a Dedication of Merit Ceremony, during which we recited the Adoration of the Buddha’s Reclics, the Dedication of Merit invocation and the Invocation for the Removal of Disasters.

After a tea break, Rev. Mugō and Rev. Aiden jointly gave a Dharma Talk on various aspects of how we practise in the context of the many conflicts and other disasters that are happening in the world. This was then followed by an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the subject.

After the morning’s activities we stopped for lunch, which was made by the staff of the Jamyang Centre’s ‘Yak Cafe’. Following this there was an opportunity to socialise with other Sangha members.

We all came together again at 2.15pm for Midday Service and meditation, and the day ended with a Question and Answer session, with tea. This picked up on several themes from the Dharma Talk and discussion in the morning.

Thank you to all those who made the day such a success, either by organising things in advance, offering lifts, or helping out with things on the day.

Forthcoming Events:
The Festival of Great Master Dōgen

On Saturday the 6th of July we will be celebrating the Festival of Great Master Dōgen. Great Master Dōgen was a thirteenth century Japanese monk. He has a very important place in our tradition, as he brought the Sōtō Zen school of Buddhism from China to Japan. This festival is an opportunity to celebrate his life and teaching.

The festival day will start with two periods of meditation at 10am. These will be followed by the Festival Ceremony and a Dharma Talk and discussion, ending at 12.30pm.

In addition to welcoming visitors to the temple for the festival (please book in advance), we will also be holding the festival over zoom so that Lay Sangha members can join in from where they are. Full details of the festival will be sent out by email to Lay Sangha members prior to the festival.

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Alms Bowl Requests

Donations of Food
Offering food is a traditional way to support a monk, and all donations of vegetarian food are most welcome. In particular:

• porridge oats
• peanuts or other nuts
• peanut butter
• fresh fruit and vegetables (except garlic or peppers)
• dried herbs
• cheese, eggs and yoghurt

Any other suitable items would also be appreciated.

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Donations

The temple is dependent on donations for its continued existence, and any financial support you are able to offer is greatly appreciated. Details of how to offer support can be found on the Donations page of the website.

All donations are received with gratitude