Dear Friends,
As the gentle warmth of early summer embraces us, I find myself reflecting on the richness of our recent gatherings and the beautiful tapestry of experiences we’ve woven together these past weeks at Hertford Buddhist Group.
The Alchemy of Joy
What a journey May has been! Each evening seemed to unfold like a flower, revealing new petals of understanding about one of life’s most precious qualities – joy. We began with an illuminating film night, where Suryagupta’s wisdom reminded us of something profound: joy isn’t something that simply happens to us, in fact we can consciously and effectively cultivate the conditions that lead to it.
In Buddhism, we’re not passive recipients of whatever mental states drift our way. Instead, we become gardeners of the mind, deliberately planting the seeds of positive experience. How liberating to realise that we need not remain at the mercy of circumstances, suffering in silence when life feels heavy!
Mangala’s visit brought us face-to-face with the beautiful truth that ethical practice isn’t just a moral obligation – it’s actually a pathway to joy itself. There’s something deeply satisfying about living in alignment with our values, isn’t there? It’s as if our whole being sighs with relief when we act from kindness rather than reactivity.
Then came Shubhadasa’s exploration of gratitude, complete with meditation and some wonderful small group discussions that seem to weave us closer together as a sangha. It’s fascinating how ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern neuroscience are arriving at the same destination from different directions. I recently heard a neuroscientist explain how gratitude practice literally rewires our brains for greater bliss and less stress – the Buddha would surely smile at this confirmation of what contemplatives have known for millennia!
Our second film night proved equally enriching, as we witnessed the deep dialogue between Jnanavaca and Iain McGilchrist on “The Sense of the Sacred.” Watching a senior Buddhist teacher and a renowned psychiatrist, philosopher and neuroscientist find common ground about life’s deeper meanings felt very profound.
Entering the Greater Mandala
Last week, we embarked on what may be our most transformative journey yet – a five-week course we’re calling “The Joy of Uselessness” (originally titled “The Greater Mandala”). This is the first time we’re offering this profound exploration in Hertford, and already I can sense its potential to shift how we approach our daily lives.
In our achievement-obsessed culture, there’s something deliciously subversive about exploring uselessness, isn’t there? Not the uselessness of apathy or laziness, but the spacious uselessness of being rather than doing – of moving through life with purpose and love within a wider, more sacred circle of meaning.
In Buddhist understanding, a mandala represents far more than beautiful geometric patterns. It’s a sacred space, a cosmic map of the enlightened mind. Through the remaining four weeks, we’ll explore what it means to live within such a mandala – where beauty, awareness, and loving-kindness transform even the most ordinary moments into something precious.
What we’re cultivating together:
- Loving-kindness and genuine connection
- Clarity and inner spaciousness
- Contentment and deep ease
We’ll discover how our choices, especially those seemingly small ones we make moment by moment, either trap us in reactive patterns or open doorways to freedom. Through meditation, reflection, and our cherished discussions, we’re learning to live more spaciously, more beautifully.
A Feast for a Sacred Cause
On Sunday, June 15th, we have the privilege of supporting something truly special – a fundraising meal for Tiratanaloka. This remarkable retreat centre has long been a sanctuary for women deepening their Buddhist practice and preparing for ordination into the Triratna Order. Now they’re moving to a much larger property in Ware, making them our spiritual neighbours!
How wonderful to think that we’ll soon have such a dedicated space for practice so close to home. Our talented sangha cooks will be preparing a home-made, two-course vegan Gujarati feast – it’s not just a meal but an offering towards something beautiful taking root in our community.
The Details:
- When: Sunday, June 15th – arrive 12:30pm for 12:45pm start, finishing at 2pm
- Cost: £12.50 (or £15 with additional donations welcome)
- Booking: Essential by Wednesday, June 11th at https://hertfordbuddhistgroup.co.uk/meal
Karunadhi, Chair of Tiratanaloka, is planning to join us, which promises to make the afternoon even more meaningful. Please bring family and friends – there’s something magical about sharing both food and purpose with those we care about, and early booking helps our wonderful cooks plan this feast of generosity.
In Closing
As we move deeper into summer’s embrace, I’m struck by how our sangha continues to grow not just in numbers, but in depth and connection. Whether you’re drawn to join us for the remaining weeks of “The Joy of Uselessness,” planning to share a meal for a sacred cause, or simply carrying our discussions into your daily life, know that you’re part of something beautiful – a community where ancient wisdom meets modern hearts, where joy is cultivated consciously, and where the sacred is discovered in the utterly ordinary.
Until we meet again, may your days be touched with wonder, your practices bear fruit, and your heart find that spacious joy that needs no external cause to flourish.
With warmth and summer blessings,
Keith