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We are pleased to invite you to the ceremony welcoming
a statue of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva/ Địa Tạng Bồ Tát on September 16th at 9am
(also know asじぞうぼさつ, Jizō Bosatsu, 地藏菩薩, 지장보살 Jijang Bosal, พระกษิติครรภโพธิสัตว์, Sa Yi Nyingpo, or ས་ཡི་སྙིང་པོ་ to our small temple.
There will be several dozen monks and nuns in attendance, chanting, feasting, metta, general merriment. Come join in the celebration, enjoy the Temple grounds, and soak up the fellowship!
If you plan on attending:
Please RSVP to Cam Tran (Dharma name: Ngoc Dieu) at 503.863.8465
Giving Dana
For those of new to ethnic Vietnamese traditions there is a practice you may wish to engage in.
Lay people use red envelopes with money inside to give to monks and nuns. The custom of Dana, or generosity, set forth by the Buddha, is a compassionate, ethical practice based in the realization of interconnectedness, and a way that you can support a teacher and community of practice in sustaining the realization of Truth.
We are expecting at least 20 Buddhist Clergy (maybe more), so 20 + envelopes with some cash inside. Give as you are able. Giving Dana is not a requirement to attend the ceremony.
The exquisite paradox in Buddhism is that the more we give – and the more we give without seeking something in return – the wealthier (in the broadest sense of the word) we will become. By giving we destroy those acquisitive impulses that ultimately lead to further suffering.
For many Buddhist clergy Dana is their only source of income.
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Kṣitigarbha is one of the four principal bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Often depicted as a monk with a crowned head, he carries a staff to force open the gates of hell and a wish fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness. He took a Great Vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied and all beings in hell are freed. He is therefore often regarded as the bodhisattva of hell-beings. |
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SERVICES - SUMMER 2023 SCHEDULE
All times are Pacific Time
TEMPLE SERVICES Via ZOOM
SATURDAY Morning Service & Meditation 8:30am - 10am
8:30-9:00 Check-in; Service starts at 9:00
MONDAY - FRIDAY Morning Meditation 6:30am - 7:30am
M,W,F Evening Meditation 5:30pm - 6:30p
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IN PERSON SERVICES & GROUPS
SATURDAY Morning Service & Meditation 8:30am - 10am
8:30-9:00 Check-in; Service starts at 9:00
MONDAY - FRIDAY Morning Meditation at 6:30am - 7:30am
M,W,F Evening Meditation 5:30pm - 6:30pm
all above at Temple Building 46 Stoller Rd. Trout Lake WA
TUESDAY Meditation 11:00 am - 12:00 noon
1412 13th Street, Suite 200. Hood River, OR 97031
2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY Thich Nhat Hanh Study Group 6:30pm
Last SUNDAY of month Meditation & Dharma Talk at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Buu – Hung Buddhist Monastery 17808 NE 18th St, Vancouver, WA
India Pilgrimage in October-November is in the planning.
We will be going to the Buddhist Holy sites in Northern India. We hope to meet with His Holiness, The Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. In addition we will make short stops in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. Please contact Thay Kozen if interested in making the journey.
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Dear Ones,
We have had a warm but not too hot summer so far. Our gardens are full of fresh vegetables and our fruit trees are loaded with apples, pears, and peaches. It is a most bountiful year.
I am reminded of how we live our life. In our childhood/Spring we grow and find nourishment. In our adult years/Summer we produce the fruit of our life. In our older years/Fall we harvest the product of our life. In our death/Winter our bodies return to the earth and we are prepared to be reborn anew in the Spring.
May our life be fruitful and produce joy and peace for ourselves and others.
May our Spring be filled with safety and love.
May our Summer be rich in the growth of kindness and compassion.
May our Fall bring great richness of peace and spiritual prosperity.
May our Winter be a gentle completion of our life and may we leave a loving legacy.
in metta....Thay Kozen
You can watch a teaching from Sadhguru "So what is Meditation" use the link below
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AUGUST 5 Volunteer Day - Grounds cleanup (see below for details)
AUGUST 12 Volunteer Day - Grounds cleanup (see below for details)
AUGUST 19 Volunteer Day - Grounds cleanup (see below for details)
AUGUST 26 Volunteer Day - Grounds cleanup (see below for details)
SEPTEMBER 2 - Volunteer Day - Grounds cleanup (see below for details)
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - Buddhist pilgrimage to India, China, Japan, Vietnam,and Thailand is in the planning stage
Dec 31 - 108 bell ring in the New Year 2024
I encourage everyone to do a minimum of a 1 week retreat and 2 additional 1-2 day retreats every year. Recommended retreat centers are Cloud Mountain in Castle Rock WA, Great Vow in Clatskanie OR, Deer Park in Escondido CA.
...Thay Kozen
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NEW TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION UPDATES |
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Above is an artist's rendition of the new temple plans.
It is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Western traditions.
The plans for the Dharma Hall have been submitted to the engineers for structural issues. We hope to begin building the foundation to the temple in August 2023.
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A beautiful statue of our historical teacher, Siddhartha Gautama - the Buddha, has been set in the Buddha Garden. |
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A new walkway from Avalokiteśvara (觀世音, Quán Thế Âm, Kanzeon) to the memorial garden has been built. This is the first step in making the entire temple complex accessible to wheel chairs |
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Stone lions guard the walkway to the new patio entrance of the temple. The lions have been raised up on pedestals. The entrance walkway has been enlarged. |
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Bố Đại is a nickname given to the ancient Chinese monk, Qici, (契此) who is often identified with and venerated as The Maitreya Buddha
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An artist's rendition of the north end of the new temple. It faces Mt. Adams and is all glass. We hope to start building in August.
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We have constructed a new parking lot. It is made from compacted stones and will some day be concrete |
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Our temple has a new Venmo account in addition to PayPal giving fund. Every donation goes 100% towards building the new temple.
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Thich Minh Thien, (Thay Z) Abbot of Budding Dharma
Self-Talk from a Buddhist Perspective: Nurturing the Inner Dialogue
Self-talk, an internal dialogue we have with ourselves, plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions. From a Buddhist perspective, understanding our thoughts is seen as useful because the mind always plays a part in our suffering or liberation. Rather than getting caught up and overwhelmed by negative thoughts or clinging to positive ones, we learn to observe our thoughts without getting attached to them. .
The practice of self-talk can extend beyond just observing our thoughts. It involves actively nurturing positive thoughts and affirmations. Buddhist teachings known as Brahmaviharas, translated in English as “divine abidings” include loving-kindness, equanimity, compassion, and sympathetic joy. This practice emphasizes the development of positive mental states. Incorporating these qualities into our self-talk can significantly impact our mindset, emotions, and behavior.
To begin cultivating positive self-talk, we can start by bringing mindfulness to our inner dialogue. By observing our thoughts, we become aware of patterns of negativity, self-doubt, or judgment. Acknowledging these patterns without judgment is the first step towards transforming them. We can replace self-criticism with self-compassion, judgement with acceptance, and doubt with trust.
A practical technique borrowed from Buddhist meditation is the use of mantras or affirmations to redirect our self-talk. By repeating positive phrases or affirmations like "I am capable and deserving" or "May I be happy and free from suffering," we can gradually rewire our neural pathways and internalize these messages. Through consistent practice, these affirmations become deeply ingrained in our subconscious mind, shaping our self-perception and influencing our actions. We find this clearly demonstrated in our Metta Practice of, …may you be well; may you be happy; may you know love; may you know peace.
It is essential to develop an attitude of self-kindness and self-care in our self-talk. Treating ourselves with the same tenderness and care we would offer to a dear friend becomes the foundation for our interactions with others. This practice nurtures self-love and compassion, enhancing our ability to extend kindness and compassion to everyone we encounter.
In our self-talk we practice cultivating a healthy sense of detachment. This does not mean dissociating or disconnecting from our experiences and emotions but rather observing them with equanimity. Detaching from our thoughts and emotions, we develop a sense of spaciousness and clarity that allows us to respond skillfully to any situation that arises.
Self-talk is a powerful tool in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and it serves as a pathway to mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. By cultivating mindful self-talk, we can transform negative patterns, nurture positive qualities, and become more attentive and compassionate in our lives. Through the practice of self-talk, we develop a profound understanding of ourselves and an interconnectedness with all beings, contributing to our own well-being and that of the world around us.
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE TEMPLE
Mindful Gardening and Cleaning - This Saturday!
Looking for a way to serve the Mt. Adams Buddhist Temple and Trout Lake Abbey? Want to spend a mindful day in the shadow of Mount Adams? Work side by side with fellow practitioners and make new friends?
Work is one way to practice dharma mindfulness and sangha.
"Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine.” – Shunryu Suzuki
Join us on any Saturday in August and the first Saturday in September to help keep the lovely grounds of the Abbey beautiful and under control. We'll be sprucing up the outside and cleaning the temple. Work gloves recommended!
Mark your calendar:
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26
September 2
No experience or RSVP necessary. The workday starts at 10:30am and ends at 3:30pm.
46 Stoller Rd Trout Lake WA
Share Meditation and Mindfulness
Do you feel the desire to share your peace and loving kindness with those in distress?
Local meditators are needed to help adults and juveniles practice meditation at NORCOR in The Dalles. If you are within driving distance, available Tues or Thurs afternoons (possible weekend time in the works), and looking for a way to perform right action, this is an opportunity for you. No experience necessary and you will be trained.
Current volunteers consistently state they gain more than they give!
Contact Thay Kozen for more info.
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Forest Bathing with Emily Martin |
Emily is a Sangha member and Lay Ministerial Student at the Temple, and a certified Mindfulness teacher. Come join her for a magical Forest Bathing immersion experience! |
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Rest and Digest
Join Emily Martin and Scott Rower for a Rest and Digest Mindfulness Course. This is a four-week introduction to mindfulness class to learn how to calm stress and flare less. This course is for anyone with a chronic GI condition.. Class runs September 12-October 3, 2023.
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His Holiness The Dalai Lama's
morning prayer set to music.E
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A Sufi group recently had a retreat at the Temple, and they started each morning with a song of gratitude from the Dalai Lama's morning prayer.
The Rev. Scott See has posted it on his website with commentary. Click below to read & listen. How much we all have in common in our search for the truth!
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Recovery Dharma--Transforming Addictions
and Other Harmful Habits
From the book Recovery Dharma:
Recovery Dharma is a peer led movement and a community that is unified by the potential in each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. This book uses the Buddhist practices of meditation, self inquiry, wisdom, compassion, and community as tools for recovery and healing. We welcome anyone who is looking to find freedom from suffering, whether it’s caused by substance use or process addictions like codependency, sex, gambling, eating disorders, shopping, work, technology, or any obsessive or habitual pattern. We approach recovery from a place of individual and collective empowerment and we support each other as we walk this path of recovery together.
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PRACTICAL VEGAN RESOURCES
Vegan diets have been linked to the reduction of risk for multiple chronic health conditions associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and obesity. Following a vegan diet is linked to reduced occurrence of chronic disease.
Sangha member Rick SantAngelo and his wife Linda became vegetarian, then eventually vegan in 1990. "I'm sure I would not be alive today if it weren't for my diet and lifestyle," says Rick. "None of my male ancestors have ever lived to be my age-- all have died from heart disease. My only possessions are my actions: veganism for many years is evidence of our commitment to the precept of not killing. Linda and I founded NWVeg over 15 years ago, we have several hundred members and host VegFest and other activities." Rick is also the volunteer manager of the busiest dog park in Clark County (Vancouver).
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NW VEG is active in the Portland/Vancouver region. They host potlucks, a festival, education, speakers, a kid play group, and much more! |
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Linda shared this recipe for a breakfast/lunch/dinner dish. Editor's note: verified delicious!
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Mary Ellen is a sangha member and frequent NORCOR jail meditation volunteer. She is selling her home in Klickitat. Is it right for you?
For sale: Beautiful home on 20 scenic acres overlooking the Klickitat River Valley. If Interested please click the link for more info on Zillow and contact information
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The Peacock and The Crow
Once there lived a crow who did not like his feathers. She always admired the colorful feathers of the peacock and wanted to be one among them.
“You all look so dull and plain. Look how beautiful the peacocks are. I so wish I were a peacock” she would say to her fellow crows.
One day, the crow saw many peacock feathers on the ground. Seeing those peacock feathers an idea struck. She gathered them and stuck them into her wings and tail and a few up from her head to look exactly like the peacock.
"Now I am as gorgeous as a peacock," she said to herself. And so, she went to join the flock of peacocks but was mocked and thrown out. The peacocks clearly understood that she was not one among them.
"Putting on peacock feathers will not make you a peacock," they said to her.
Sad and humiliated, she returned back to her fellow crows. But, none of her fellow crows wanted her company after all her insults. To add insult to the injury, they noticed peacock feathers hanging out from her wings and tail and mocked her.
Then an old wise crow came and told him “we should accept us the way we are. Don’t try to copy others blindly. I hope you have learned your lesson”
The crow realized her mistake and regretted what she did. She tore off the entire peacock feathers stuck to her feathers and accepted herself again as a crow. Then, she went and apologized to her fellow crows for insulting them. They became friends again. The crow was finally completely happy.
The Buddha tells us to let go of right or wrong and good or bad. He encourages us to look at all of life as it is without judgements. He cautions us that we all get caught in the 3 poisons (Sanskrit: akuśala-mūla), ignorance, desire, and anger. Moha (delusion, confusion), Raga (greed, sensual attachment), and Dvesha (aversion, hate). These three poisons are considered to be three afflictions or character flaws innate in a being, the root of Taṇhā (craving), and thus in part the cause of Dukkha (suffering, pain, unsatisfactoriness) and rebirths.
May we all find the wisdom in learning that we can accept the way that we are and work on improving our selves and lives in our hearts and minds. in metta...Thay Kozen
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Dates of Note in August
1st - Lughnasadh: Celtic Harvest Festival
15th - Chant at the Moon Day!
25th-31st - Be Kind To Humankind Week
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May the Infinite Light of Wisdom and Compassion so shine within us
that the errors and vanities of self may be dispelled;
so shall we understand the changing nature of existence and awaken into spiritual peace.
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Mt Adams Zen Buddhist Temple 46 Stoller Rd., Trout Lake WA 98650 509.395.2030 www.Mtadamszen.org
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