Hastings
Sangha
Daily Practice
Practicing Together
The dandelion is one member of your community of friends.
It is there, quite faithful, keeping your smile for you.
Peace is every step.
The shining sun is my heart.
Each flower smiles with me.
How green, how fresh all that grows.
How cool the wind blows.
Peace is every step.
It turns the endless path to joy.
In Hastings, we come together online to practice guided meditation together. We share Dharma talks on video or read Buddhist teaching from one of Thay's many books. We also provide space to share our experience of life, our joys and sorrows knowing that our friends are listening without judgement or comment. This is a confidential space.
We have also begun to meet in person outdoors. These are social events which might include a period of walking meditation, mindful movement or just simply being together as a sangha.
Thich Nhat Hanh encourages us to learn to do all the things we do in daily life with mindfulness; to walk, sit, work, eat, and drive, with full awareness of what we are doing. It can bring about a shift towards one of the principles of engaged Buddhism, a shift towards practicing mindfulness in every moment of the day and not just while ‘formally’ meditating.
“Try to be intelligent and skillful in your practice, approaching every aspect of the practice with curiosity and a sense of search. It’s important to practice with understanding and not just for the form and appearance. Enjoy your practice with a relaxed and gentle attitude, with an open mind and receptive heart.”