Leeds Regional Day Retreat

On Saturday the 21st of June the Leeds meditation group hosted a Regional Day Retreat 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 and Rev. Alicia from Sitting Buddha Hermitage also travelled to Leeds for the day, as did Rev. Aiden.

We started with a meditation period, followed by a Dedication of Merit Ceremony, during which we recited the Adoration of the Buddha’s Relics, the Dedication of Merit invocation and the Invocation for the Removal of Disasters, and offered the merit of our practice to all beings. After this Rev. Mugo and Rev. Aiden both offered Dharma talks, followed by a lunch break.

The weather forecast for Leeds had suggested that the temperature might be 30C in the afternoon, and we had been concerned that it might be very hot in the building, as it is an old factory building which doesn’t have great insulation. In the afternoon the room that we use can also get the full sun through the windows that take up most of one of its long walls. Fortunately there was air conditioning on in the room, and it ended up being cloudy during the afternoon, so the direct heating by the sun wasn’t an issue. In fact, some people who went for a walk at lunchtime got a bit wet as there was a substantial shower of rain then.

In the afternoon we had another meditation period, followed by an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any of the issues that had been raised during the Dharma Talks.

We finished at about 4pm, and when we went outside the temperature was about 29C, which together with the lunchtime rain made it feel very humid.

The day was a great success, and thanks go to all those who contributed to the day and helped make it happen, particularly the members of the Leeds group, who did most of the organising.

Forthcoming Events:
The Festival of Great Master Dōgen

On Saturday the 5th 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 have been sent out by email to Lay Sangha members.

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Summer Flowers

The continued hot and dry weather has been great for the plants in the garden, and the front of the temple in particular has been looking very colourful.

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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