Dear Friends,
As we navigate the quirky waters of August – that curious month when half the world seems to vanish on vacation – I find myself pondering the refreshing depths of meaning and connection.
A Tale of Return and Rediscovery
Recently, a heartwarming story unfolded in our midst. A dear friend, absent from our gatherings for years, suddenly reappeared. Life had tossed her a curveball of anxiety, and someone suggested she seek out a spiritual group. In that moment, she remembered us – her spiritual family – and the benefits our sangha had once brought her.
The beautiful part? It was as if she’d never left – it all came flooding back. In her own words, this return helped her “experience more meaning in her life” again.
Now, “experiencing more meaning” – an interesting phrase! I remember trying to answer the question “what is the meaning of life?”. It can’t really be answered with logic. I think it is more about getting in touch with some sort of bigger spiritual vision.
When life feels meaningless, even getting out of bed can feel like scaling Everest. But when we’re immersed in meaning? Oh, how life flows! Suddenly, our practices – meditation, classes, retreats, connections with spiritual friends – they all align like stars in a constellation, guiding us towards something profound.
What’s Next on Our Journey?
Speaking of meaning, we’ve just wrapped up our metta-filled “Unlimited Heart” course. I don’t know about you, but it’s certainly transformed my approach to metta bhavana, making it both more receptive and deeper. It’s left me pondering: how do we carry this unlimited heart into our daily lives?
For the next five weeks, we’ll be exploring various topics each week to keep our spiritual flames burning bright. Each session promises to be a unique opportunity for growth and connection – we’d be delighted to see you there as we navigate these enriching themes together.
Coming up we have:
06 Aug 2024 Padmajata
13 Aug 2024 Mangala
20 Aug 2024 Srigarbha
27 Aug 2024 To be confirmed
03 Sep 2024 Khemananda
10 Sep 2024 Course week 1
Starting September 10th, we’re embarking on a new adventure with Sagaraghosa’s course based on her excellent book “Starting on the Buddhist Path: An Invitation”. The Buddha said that you can’t develop wise perspective and freedom through ideas alone – you need to test the truth in your own experience. This book is aimed at people who are looking for a way to improve their lives and relationships. Without jargon, and illustrated with cartoons, diagrams, and photographs, it leads readers through potentially life-changing meditations, perspectives, reflections, and practices for everyday life.
The book will be available to buy at our class at a discount price from Srigarbha leading up to and during the course. Or you can also get it at https://www.windhorsepublications.com/product/starting-on-the-buddhist-path/ or any good bookshop.
In Conclusion
As we navigate these final weeks of summer, let’s remember that meaning isn’t something we find – it’s something we create, together, in moments of connection, reflection, and yes, even in the sweat of a hot August day.
So, whether you’re lounging by a pool, stuck in a stuffy office, or somewhere in between, know that your sangha family is here, ready to dive into the deep end of life with you. Why not share with a friend how our sangha has brought meaning to your life? The more, the merrier on this journey of discovery!
Until we meet again, may your days be meaningful, your nights be cool, and your heart be as unlimited as the summer sky.
With warmth (but not too much – it’s August, after all),
Keith