CTBC BULLETIN Program Updates
Our Dear Sangha, During these volatile times when we are flooded by negative news and uncertainty, it is easy to respond with anxiety, stress and isolation. Yet, it is the dharmic community that can help us access our inner strength and resilience. Although we are limiting in-person activities, we are expanding our digital offerings to give you more ways and more times to be connected to a caring community. It is vital that we be reminded of the power of compassion over fear, and kindness over hate. Please see the three weekly events below and our special virtual gathering on Wednesday April 1st, at 7PM EST. In addition, if you are feeling isolated or in need of support, contact us at chenrezigtbc@gmail.com and someone from TBC will reach out to you. If you think this is a good time to get involved with Kalyana Mitta please email Bill Stauffer at stauffew@yahoo.com. At the same time, this forced isolation can be a special gift of time - a retreat in its best sense. I would like to share something I received and found very helpful: "As dharma practitioners, now is the time when the power of the Three Jewels can brighten our minds, give us courage, and sweeten our presence for everyone. The fragrance of dharma can imbue all our activities. For example, when you wash your hands, instead of singing “Happy Birthday,” try reciting the 100-syllable Vajrasattva mantra or the Compassion Buddha mantra (OM MANI PADME HUM) 20 times. Or, when you wash your hands, you can think, “I am washing away all the stains of delusions of all sentient beings.” Remember that the power of positive emotion is not just that it makes us feel better, but it actually strengthens us physiologically and boosts our immune system - the best defense against the Covid-19. As Losang said very recently, “ we are now on a happy journey together and we should rely on each other more than ever. Be kind and laugh a little, if you can.” So join us on this ‘ happy journey together' and let us not only beat the Coronavirus, but let us infect everyone with the Karunavirus (karuna is Sanskrit for compassion). May all beings be safe and protected. May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
SUNDAY CYBER SANGHA 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. EST via TBC Webcast
We will continue to have our Sunday morning meditation and dharma starting March 22 with the following updates:
- Sunday Sangha is accessible via Webcast only from the comfort and safety of your home or other location with internet access - you can access this either on a computer or on your smartphone
- Time is now 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- The link will be on the homepage: www.tibetanbuddhist.org
- Download a digital prayer book below for ease of following along!
TUESDAY CYBER SANGHA CIRCLE 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. ESTThe TBC Sangha Circle, led by Tony Boris, is a caring and supportive space to share our experience with each other and our lives as lived. In consideration of the reality of COVID-19, we'll be meeting as a virtual group:
Join Zoom Meeting link -
https://zoom.us/j/128821164 Meeting ID: 128 821 164 To Join via phone audio: One tap mobile +13126266799,,128821164# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,128821164# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 128 821 164 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adBVXYnOUE DO I NEED A ZOOM ACCOUNT TO PARTICIPATE? You do not need a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting! However, if you've never joined a Zoom meeting before, you will be prompted to download software when you click on the "Join Zoom Meeting" link so that our computers can talk to each other. You can also call in on your phone. You can also create a free Zoom account, but this is optional. If you have any questions about how it works, you can get more information here or email Tony directly at Tonyboris@gmail.com. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697-Getting-Started
THURSDAY CYBER MEDITATION 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. EST via ZOOM CONFERENCING
We will be holding our meditation practices online starting March 26. Each week Lama Losang or a practice leader will guide us through:
Opening prayers
Silent meditation
Medicine Buddha mantra recitation
Dedication
Click here to join the Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/281405420 Meeting ID: 281 405 420 If you do not have Zoom installed on your phone or computer, no worries, the application will download automatically.
SANGHA GATHERING Wednesday April 1, 2020 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. EST via ZOOM CONFERENCING
Join us as we gather to check in and support each other, ask questions, watch Losang smile and reconnect with the best in each of us. Zoom link to follow as the date gets closer.
May 2020 Retreat Update
Unfortunately, due to the unpredictability of venue closures due to the on-going precautions of COVID-19, we have decided to cancel the May 2020 residential retreat.
May all beings be safe and protected. May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.