Other Events
Wabi Sabi Weekend
With Vajradarshini
Ordinary Beauty
The Dharma teaches that samsara has three marks or characteristics; things are impermanent, insubstantial and painful. Yet transforming our experience isn’t about moving away from life it’s about going more deeply into it. It is in the depths of conditioned existence that we find the vimoksa mukhas, the doorways to freedom.
Wabi sabi is an aesthetic that parallels this teaching, it shows us how to find beauty and truth in our simple, ordinary experience. It originated in Japan in the 16th century when the term ‘wabi’ referred to poverty, ‘sabi’ to loneliness. At that time, while hermits were living this poor and lonely life, a cultural shift happened and this simplicity of living took the place of luxury as the highest aesthetic.
This weekend is about finding beauty and truth where we least expect them, in the softness of worn stone steps, the dents in an old tin plate, the scar on my knee or the lonely sound of the rain. With teachings, meditation and reflection on the Laksanas and the Vimoksa Mukhas. All brought to life with poetry, film and an exploration of the world around us.
See Vajradarshini's website for more details.
Saturday & Sunday 4th & 5th September
Saturday evening film night open to all
Film: 'Kitchen Stories' by Bent Hamer
Starting at 7pm
Suggested Donation: £20 / £10 per day
The suggested donation will go to the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. In line with tradition, Vajradarshini is trying to support herself to communicate the Dharma by donations. On the day, she will invite you to support her in this by making a further contribution.
Please book in advance through the Buddhist Centre office by sending
in a £5 deposit per day.
Launching 'The Ratnabhumi Project' in India
With Indian meal, presentation & puja
Friday 3rd September
Programme:
6pm: Indian food
7.30pm: Presentation (with slides) of the Ratnabhumi Project (so named by Bhante), which is the development of work already begun to help Adivasi (tribal people) and poor agricultural workers in India to realise their full potential. We intend to build a small vihara and provide facilities for health, welfare, education, social work and Dhamma teaching amongst these severely disadvantaged people.
8.30pm: Puja dedicated to the success of the project.
Alokasri, Parveen and Ashvajit will be doing the presentation, and Shuddhakirti will be leading the Puja.
Donations are welcome to cover the cost of the food.
(If you were able to let the Buddhist centre office know if you plan
to come, that would be helpful in giving a rough idea of numbers for
the meal).
All Welcome.
Danceitation
With Meditation DJ Jayagita
Where 5 Rhythms and Ecstatic Dance meet in the heart of ancient Buddhist meditations - new portals to sacred pathways of the heart in free-form dance hot from Buddhafield Festival! Theme to be decided, see poster closer to the time.
All dancers/meditators are warmly invited - no previous meditation experience necessary. Being responsible for your own physical well-being when dancing is important and do wear clothes that are easy to dance in and bring a bottle of water. Also please bring along some veggie food to contribute to a shared lunch.
Sunday 31st October 2010 - 10am to 4.30pm
at Birmingham Buddhist Centre, 11 Park Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13
8AB
For info on Danceitation call Jayagita 01223 577 553
To book call 0121 449 5279 or email
Cost - £30 or £20 concession
(Closing date for bookings - 22nd October 2010.)
