August 2018 Newsletter
Visit from Rev. Master Haryo,
the Head of the OBC
Rev. Master Haryo, who is the head of our order, will be visiting the temple over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday the 24th to Monday the 27th of August. Rev. Master Haryo is usually resident at Shasta Abbey in California, but is currently visiting the UK, and will be spending several weeks visiting a number of temples both in the UK and in the Netherlands.
This will be an excellent opportunity to meet and get to know the head of our order, and we hope that many of you will be able to come along over the weekend.
On Saturday the 25th we will have an event with Rev. Master Haryo which will be loosely based on our day retreat schedule:
- 10am Welcome
- Meditation (30 mins)
- Serving tea and biscuits followed by:
- c. 10.50am Dharma Talk from Rev. Master Haryo, and time for questions and discussions
- 12.30pm Lunch Preparation
- 1pm Informal bring-and-share vegetarian lunch - hopefully we will be able to sit in the garden
- 2.30pm Meditation (30 mins)
- 3pm Time to talk further with Rev. Master Haryo, with tea and cake, ending about 4pm
On Sunday the 26th we will have our regular meditation day, and Rev. Master Haryo will be joining us for the teas, which will extend into the next meditation period, and perhaps up to the end of the morning or afternoon session, as needed. We will also have a bring-and-share vegetarian lunch on the Sunday.
Rev. Master Haryo is also happy to talk with people individually. Please let Rev. Aiden know if you would like to do that and we can arrange a time.
Also, if any lay Sangha members would like to invite Rev. Master Haryo to an evening meal on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday evenings that would be appreciated, and would be another opportunity for you to get to know him. Rev. Kanshin from Throssel will be visiting as well, as he will be driving Rev. Master Haryo between temples, and a meal could either be offered just for Rev. Master Haryo, or for the two visitors, or for the two visitors plus Rev. Aiden. Please let Rev. Aiden know if you would like to offer a meal.
Other Events in August:
Festival of Great Master Dōgen
This coming Saturday, the 4th of August, we will be celebrating the Festival of Great Master Dōgen. Dōgen was a thirteenth century Japanese monk, and 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 day will start at 10am with a meditation period, followed by the ceremony. After the ceremony there will be a Dharma talk, and at about 1pm there will be a bring-and-share vegetarian lunch. In the afternoon there will be two periods of meditation from 2pm, followed by a Dharma discussion and tea. You are welcome to come for any part of the day.
Trustees' Meeting
The following Saturday, the 11th of August, we will be having a meeting of the Turning Wheel Buddhist Temple charity's trustees at the temple. As a result the temple will be closed on Saturday the 11th, and there will not be any other events at the temple that day.
For other events in August, please see the events calendar.
Alms Bowl Requests
Thank you to all those who have donated items to the temple. We are very grateful for donations of any household or other items that the temple might be able to use. Please contact Rev. Aiden if you have an item to offer but are not sure whether it would be useful.
Donations of Food
Offering food is a traditional way to support a monk, and all donations of vegetarian food are most welcome. In particular:
- peanuts or other nuts
- porridge oats
- peanut butter
- fresh fruit and vegetables (except garlic or peppers)
- dried herbs
- yoghurt and eggs
- brown rice and pasta
Any other suitable items would also be appreciated.
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.