Alcvin Takegawa Ramos Shakuhachi Sound Meditation Music at UVIC!

Sponsored by the Victoria Zen Centre and UVic Interfaith Services

“Deeply evocative of Zen sound and spirit; transcendental, meditative music of the Soul. Simply beautiful.”

featuring:

Alcvin Takegawa Ramos on shakuhachi flutes

Shakuhachi Sound Meditation Performance:
Friday, October 19th at 7:30 pm
University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel
Next to Parking Lot #6 on the outer Ring Road

Donations are thankfully accepted : Call (250) 642-7936
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Alcvin Takegawa Ramos “Deeply evocative of Zen sound and spirit; transcendental meditative music of the Soul. Simply beautiful.”


Alcvin is a unique shakuhachi musician who is keeping the tradition of learning and playing the koten honkyoku (original zen pieces for shakuhachi) strong while exploring and expanding the boundaries of the instrument. Born and trained in Japan, Alcvin is the foremost teacher and performer of shakuhachi in Canada. He was the first non-Japanese to win a prize in the all-Japan Shakuhachi competition and received his shihan (masters) license from one of the greatest shakuhachi masters in history, Katsuya Yokoyama. In 2003 he and his wife opened the Bamboo-In Shakuhachi Retreat Centre on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

Alcvin has taught and performed all over North America, Europe, and Japan and pursues an active solo as well as collaborative career with the shakuhachi and has played with many distinguished artists such as John McLaughlin, Bill Laswell, Hun Huur Tuu Mongolian Throat Singers, Christopher Blasdel, Toshinori Kondo, Kazutoki Umezu, Kaoru Kakizakai, Teruo Furuya, Kazushi Matama,Takeo Yamashiro, Joseph Pepe Danza, Uzume Taiko, the Vancouver Symphony, and opened for sitar virtuouso, Anoushka Shankar.

Through his deep passion and vision, Alcvin has mesmerized audiences with his extraordinarily unique sound that draws from the musical roots of traditional of Japan while expressing an energetic, modern spirit.

If it was possible to hear the breathing of atoms, it would probably sound like the shakuhachi of Ramos: simple, complex, intense, deep; his music is a visceral adventure of the spirit, rich in heart and unexpected vibratory realizations. He is truly one of a kind shakuhachi player, that is a meeting of East and West as well as the ancient and very new.


www.myspace.com/alcvintakegawaramos

Support for Burmese freedom

Local vigil and support for Burmese freedom struggle

Many of us have heard recently reports concerning the brutal repression of Burmese Monks leading the struggle for democracy in Myanmar. Reports are conflicting due to the stemming of information from the region, but many now believe that the military government has massacred hundreds of peaceful protesters as well as jailed many more.

This Thursday at 7pm at the Victoria Shambhala Centre we are inviting anyone who feels a sense of concern for our Burmese brothers and sisters in the dharma to practice Tonglen and discuss possible local responses to this crisis including the international day of action for a free Burma happening this Saturday, Oct 6th.

If you cannot make it this Thursday but would like to be involved or you have any questions please contact Silas at silasmail@gmail.com



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=484903&in_page_id=1

www.guardian.co.uk/burma/archive/0,,970918,00.html

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1 - Protest - Look below for details of worldwide protests. Contact US Campaign for Burma to sign up to hold a march, vigil or any sort of event in your area- thelma@uscampaignforburma.org
2 - Spread the word - Invite your friends to this group, email all your family and friends, write to local newspapers
3 - Write to your elected official - they will respond if enough people contact them.
4 - Wear red clothes on Friday. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=18267307704
5 - Email the companies that still operate in Burma, their email addresses are listed here http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=24957770200&topic=3071
6 - Sign up for the petition!
•http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/action/action.html
•http://www.petitiononline.com/BUR_2007/petition.html
•http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/h.php/?cl=20589575

The Arts and Meditation

The Art of Meditation

Coming to Your Senses

Oct.12th 7-9pm, Oct. 13th 9-5pm

W/Charles Blackall and Hamish Tucker

Cost $45, lunch included

Please do not let finances prevent you from participating

To be genuine the creative process requires that we first perceive our world directly before we can represent it in an art form or use it as a launching pad for expression. Are we sensing things as they are, or just as we think or imagine they are?

Shambhala Art Part One explores, the nature of our perceptions and how our thoughts influence what we perceive. We will learn through meditative discipline, the source of creativity and the meaning of pure expression. We will learn that when our senses including our mind are synchronized, that our expression becomes vivid, possessing greater richness and accuracy.

Shambhala Art’s purpose is to explore the creative and viewing processes from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline. Shambhala Art does not teach a particular skill or technique. It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us. http://www.shambhalaart.org/

To Register or enquire please email victoria.shambhala@gmail.com

Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue • Victoria • BC • V8R 3Z7 • 383-9108

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Non Credit Buddhist Courses at UVIC

Pali for Beginners-Part-1

Since the time of the Buddha, generations of monks and nuns have transmitted the Buddha’s teachings orally in Pali. Still used in the Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia, Pali is a rich, rhythmical language.. Learning to chant the precepts in Pali , and learning by heart verses of the Dhammapada, is a powerful way to deepen one’s spiritual practise. In this 10-week course we will explore the history of Pali, look at the language and uncover the many layers of meaning in such words as Kamma, Dhamma and Nibbana.

Date Wednesdays October 10^th to December 12; 19h00-21h00

Zen Meditation for Better Living

Health and well-being benefits can result from the practice of meditation. Zen Meditation goes beyond critical or chronic life circumstances to include healthy relationships and spiritual well-being. Zen strives for mindfulness, inclusive of the ordinary and the acute. Stillness reveals patterns, the habitual reflexes of the mind and body. Mediation is the recurrent opportunity to reset some of those defaults. Develop a deeper appreciation of how meditation can fit into and add value to your life.

Date: Tuesday October 2^nd - November 6^th: 19h00-21h00

What is Tibetan Buddhism

According to Buddha all unhappiness, sickness and disease can be viewed through understanding the causes of suffering.. Buddhism’s underlying concepts are methodical, and simplistic to practice with implications for greater health, happiness and inner peace. The focus of this course is to outline and impart this knowledge within the context (art, artifacts, photographs and videos) of the Tibetan culture Techniques will be offered that will adi in developing balance, compassion , well-being, happiness and peace.

Date: Saturday December 1^st 10h00-17h00 1 session only

Contact UVIC Continuing Education at 250-472-4747 for more information

School for Himalayan Children

………………………………………………………………..

Shirley Blair, Director of Thrangu Rinpoche’s School for Himalayan Children

will be speaking

at the Shambhala Centre on

Friday September 28^th at 7 pm.

2033 Belmont Ave.

Once a year Shirley travels around the world speaking about the school and showing slides of the children and their activities at the school.

This is an information session and fundraiser for the school and all are welcome to attend.

Shirley spoke at the centre last year and it was a great evening with lots of interesting anecdotes, slides and discussion.

Everyone welcome and this is open to the public so please invite your family and friends.

Please come and learn about what’s going on in Nepal and how the school is striving to keep Tibetan culture and language alive and well.

Himalayan people are Tibetan in heritage.

For more information please call 217-8658 Emma Lee

see the links below for info about the school and the works of Thrangu Rinpoche.

HYPERLINK "http://www.rinpoche.com/"

HYPERLINK "http://www.himalayanchildren.org/school/index.html"

World Peace Day - 2007

Annual Peace Day gathering, Chemainus Peace Pole, Friday, 21st September

All faiths and everyone interested in peace is invited to meet at the Chemainus Peace Pole and make offerings for peace. Our Mahayana Nichiren Buddha Group will gather to chant for peace for two hours from 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. Join us and others in making offerings for peace on earth. Info: 250. 715. 1976

Victoria Multifaith Society - General Meeting

Mark your calendars!
The Victoria Multifaith Society
General Meeting
Will be held 3 p.m. – 5 p.m,
Sunday, September 9th, 2007.
At the Hindu Temple
1934 Cultra Ave., Saanichton (map here)

Members and friends welcome!

Music, discussion and plans for the upcoming year will be on the agenda,
followed by refreshments
provided by the Hindu Community.

RSVP requested.



http://members.shaw.ca/victoriamultifaithsociety/events-in-region.htm




Learning Circles
To learn about one another’s faith traditions through interchange and discussion
Are you interested in attending some or all of these free sessions?

Please register at multifaithsecretary@gmail.com

Proposed Schedule
DATE FAITH
Sept. 11, 2007 Jewish
Oct. 9, 2007 Bahá’í
Nov. 13, 2007 Buddhist
Jan. 8, 2008 Hindu
Feb. 12, 2008 Muslim
Mar. 11, 2008 Sikh
Apr. 8, 2008 Christian
May 13, 2008 Unitarian
June 10, 2008 Native American

New Book Buddha Nature NOW

Buddha Nature Now is a new book on the Mahayana Nichiren Buddha-way. Available world wide,

ISBN# 978-1-4259-9914-8. One of the books goals towards a more peaceful world is to help people

who have lost their self esteem and self worth through abuse or addication.

The book donor program can be researched at http://www.penlan.com/. The object is to send the book to Women's Shelters, PrisonLibraries and Re-Hab Centres in a big way. You can help and we thank you from the bottom of our heart. Nichiren Buddha Hokkeko, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC Canada

Zen Retreat on Salt Spring Island - September 21-23

The Salt Spring Zen Meditation Circle invites everyone to join us for our biannual three-day sesshin.

Sesshin begins at 7 PM on September 21 and ends at 3 PM on September 23.

Cost: $70 for entire sesshin, plus dana (donation) for teachings by sesshin leader, Nanfu Peter Levitt.

Meals are provided as part of the overall fee.

Billetting is available on a first come first served basis, so please register early.

All participants will be able to have private interview/discussion with Peter.

For details or to register please contact Michelle Reed at mareed@rockisland.com
or call Rowan Percy at (250) 537-2831

Rare Buddhist Relics - Victoria - Aug 23th to 25th

Please share widely with others:


We would appreciate it if you could let others know of this rare opportunity to experience this sacred and historic event in our community.





The Tour brings the message of the Project - "From loving kindness then you can achieve freedom". By consciously having a good heart, we experience peace in ourselves and in our world.


It is the intent of the organizers for this exhibit to be a multi-faith event where all visitors are welcome, regardless of the spiritual background.


Details are as follows:


Dates: Thursday, August 23rd to Saturday, August 25th

Location: Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior Street in James Bay.

Public Viewing Times: Thursday (3 pm to 7pm); Friday (10am to 7pm);

Saturday (10am to 5pm)

Cost: Free Admission. Donations to Maitreya Project Greatly Appreciated.

Additional information: http://www.maitreyaproject.org and http://cot.seedwiki.com



A Short Clip (3 min. 57 sec) on the Heart Shrine Relic Tour can be found on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U2f8JVFqJc



Volunteer are also required for the success of this event. If you can help out or if you know of others who would be willing to assist in the following areas over the three days: greeters, guides, retail sales, cleaners, parking directors, unloaders and loaders, security, please email Roy Leaman at royleaman@gmail.com


At the Opening Ceremony we invite the leaders of all the local Buddhist centers as well as the local Churches and other spiritual groups to come on Thursday, August 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP attendance to Linda Chan at 380-6383 or email her at LindaSChan@shaw.ca


On August 22nd, there will be a talk entitled: Benevolent Bones: Buddhist Relics in Context on the evening before the Heart Shrine Relics Tour Exhibition at the Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior Street from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dr. Anne MacDonald, Assistant Professor, Dept. of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies, from the University of Vienna will give a talk on Love and Compassion and on the Historical Significance of the Relics. Admission is by donation to Maitreya Project.

Winter Month long retreat on Vancouver Island

Winter Dathün

Meditation Retreat in the Pacific Northwest at Camp Pringle, Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Dec. 8, 2007–Jan.5, 2008, with John Osajima

Dathün is a one-month residential meditation retreat designed for both beginning meditators and those wishing to deepen their practice. The focus will be the mindfulness-awareness practices of the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. Included will be group sitting and walking meditation, private interviews with qualified meditation instructors, talks and contemplation. Reflecting the particular training of the director, this dathün will include various mind and body awareness exercises. There will be a short work session each day. Meals will be taken in Zen oryoki style. Periods of silence and functional talking will be observed.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the full dathün. However, if that is not possible, you're invited to come for one, two or three weeks.

John Osajima, a student in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition for 31 years, is a senior teacher and former head meditation instructor at the Berkeley Shambhala Center. He served as a meditation instructor for four dathüns and at several Meditation Instructor training programs. He regularly teaches Shambhala Training programs and the Maitri Space Awareness Program. He conducts Dharma Art workshops and classes in various settings. For several years John conducted weekly meditation classes at a County jail, a methadone clinic and at a half-way house for women.

Mahamudra Retreat

Camp Pringle, December 15–29, 2007, with Scott Wellenbach

The nature of mind teachings, known as Mahamudra in the Kagyu tradition, are considered the heart essence of all the teachings. Gampopa describes the path of mahamudra as the "single remedy that cures all." The Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche says that "if you recognize your mind's nature, that, in itself, is the recognition of everything else that is to be known." During this two-week Mahamudra retreat, guided by the seminal mahamudra text Pointing Out the Dharmakaya by Wangchuk Dorje, Karmapa IX, we will practice shamatha and vipashyana mahamudra to clarify and stablize our experience of the nature of mind.

Scott Wellenbach is a student of the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. As a member of the Nalanda Translation Committee he was a principal translator and editor of the mahamudra text, Pointing Out the Dharmakaya. He is also a co-director of Nitartha Institute, with particular responsibilty for translation projects. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Scott will be in residence from December 15 - 29.

Students and seniors (60 and older) receive a 10% discount.

To register, visit www.nelsonbuddha.com/dathun Phone: (604) 520-7611 e-mail: tyrunkle@telus.net

Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relics Tour Coming to Victoria

Please Share this Information with other. This is a rare opportunity for people to view the precious Buddhist relics in our community and it is the goal of the Maitreya Project that as many people as possible can share the blessing energy of the Relics.

From loving kindness then you can achieve freedom!
By consciously having a good heart, we experience peace in ourselves and in our world.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the Maitreya Project

RARE BUDDHIST RELICS VISIT VICTORIA

A precious collection of sacred relics of the Buddha and many other Buddhist masters is currently touring the world. These relics were found among the cremation ashes of Buddhist masters. They resemble beautiful, pearl-like crystals. Buddhists believe relics embody the master’s spiritual qualities of compassion and wisdom and are deliberately produced by the master at his death.

Dates: August 23, 24 & 25, 2007

Times: Thursday 2pm Opening Ceremony (By Special Invitation)

Public Viewings:
Thursday 3pm to 7pm
Friday 10am to 7pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm

Location: Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street, Victoria (http://cot.seedwiki.com)

Cost: There is no admission charge to see the Relics. Donations to the Maitreya Project are gratefully appreciated. For more details about the Project, please visit: www.maitreyaproject.org. Please note that the Maitreya Project International is a registered charity.

Other Details: There will be Blessing Ceremonies throughout the event.

PUBLIC EVENTS relating to the Heart Shrine Relics Tour and its message of Loving Kindness and Peace held at the Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living:

Wednesday, August 22^nd (7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.), Dr. Anne MacDonald, Assistant Professor, Dept. of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies, from the University of Vienna will give a talk on Love and Compassion and on the Historical Significance of the Relics.

Sunday Service at 11 a.m.:

August 5^th Maitreya Project and the Heart Shrine Relics Tour

An Informative Talk by Greg Skala

The Maitreya Peace Meditation recited by June Swadron

August 12^th One Story from the Life of the Buddha

Storytelling by Margo McLoughlin

August 19^th Special Sunday Program - Loving Kindness and Peace

Loving Kindness Blessing or Prayer by Venerable Ngakpa Kalzang Dorje

August 26^th Community Sunday

You will have the opportunity to share your experiences of the Buddhist relics, offer a prayer or wish for world peace, etc.

For additional information, please visit http://cot.seedwiki.com

H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche on Salt Spring Island

Dear Dharma Friends,

H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche will be returning to Vancouver and Salt Spring Island doing teachings between July 27-31. The focus of his teachings will be developing authentic compassion.

We do need volunteers to help run the event. So if you feel like helping, please email me at mara@zambalagifts.com or give me a call at 604-247-3323.

Dates and Times:

Friday, July 27, 7:30-9:30pm
Public Talk
Recognizing our True Nature
Centre for Peace, 1825 W. 16th Ave, Vancouver
Suggested Donation $10
What would life be like if we lived our lives from our essential goodness, filled with warm-hearted compassion. A talk to explore our lives and how to live them with more joy.

Saturday, July 28, 10am-5pm
A Meditation Workshop on the Path of Compassion
Centre for Peace, 1825 W. 16th Ave, Vancouver
Suggested Donation $60
Authentic great compassion has the unique qualities of being suffused with ineffable joy, happiness, gratitude, respect for others, and wisdom. It is free from regret, sadness, ulterior motives, and all the negativities that keep us down. As many great spiritual masters like His Holiness the Dalai Lama have said, if we truly want happiness we need to learn to admire, cultivate, and perfect great compassion.

The workshop will teach specific practices suitable for people of any faith from the Tibetan Buddhist traditon (shamatha and tonglen) to help develop our warm-heartedness, equanimity with what life throws at us, and increasing our joyfulness with great compassion. This workshop will be appropriate for beginners and more experienced students alike

Sunday July 29- SALT SPRING Island teachings
Salt Spring Island - 9:30am - 3:30pm "Path of Freedom" and "Three Master's songs of
advice". Contact matthewphyllis@telus.net for Salt Spring Island teachings

Monday, July 30, 9:30am - 5:00pm, Tuesday, July 31, 9am-3pm
Teachings on Vajrayogini
Centre for Peace, 1825 W. 16th Ave, Vancouver
Suggested Donation $60

Rinpoche will give the Vajrayogini empowerment again this year, and continue his teachings on the ngondro of this special Dzogchen Blue Vajrayogini terma of Khandro Kunga Boom. Pre-registration is required. Rinpoche will continue teaching the Dzogchen path of this terma over the next several years, and attendance at this years teachings will be required for future attendance.
For more information, please contact Mara Shnay at mara@zambalagifts.com or 604-247-3353

Phakchok Rinpoche is a fifth reincarnate High Lama, the son of Dechen Paldron, and Chokling Rinpoche who is recognized by the Karmapa as the fourth reincarnation of the great 19th-century tertön Chokgyur Lingpa Rinpoche. He is the grandson of Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche, widely acknowledged as one of the great meditation masters of modern times, famed for his profound meditative realization and for the concise, lucid and humorous style with which he imparted the essence of the Dzogchen teachings.

Recognized by the Kagyü regents and ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche has studied with the Dalai Lama himself as well as a number of great lamas including Khyentse Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche, Penor Rinpoche, Trulshik Rinpoche and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche.

An enthusiastic and vibrant young lama, His Holiness Phackchok Rinpoche's teachings are direct, accessible, and always fresh, opening up our minds in a playful and inspiring way. Phakchok Rinpoche is the abbot of a monastery in Chapagaon in the southern Kathmandu Valley, as well as head of Riwoche Monastery in Tibet's Dokham region.

Mara Shnay
604-247-3323
mara@zambalagifts.com

Vipassana Community Weekend Retreat August 18-19

Invitation to Participate in a Vipassana Non-Residential Weekend Retreat.

Vipassana mindfulness meditation involves cultivating a non-judgemental awareness of our moment to moment experience. It aims to free the mind from negativity and confusion. By seeing life as a constantly changing process, one learns to accept both the pleasurable and painful aspects of life with balance. This understanding leads to wisdom and compassion.


Dear Meditators,

Hope all is well in your world as we are blessed with this sunny summer weather......and wishing you many blessings of peace and ease of heart and mind.

I want to let you know about the upcoming vipassana non-residential weekend Aug 18-19 at Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Rd., 9-4:30 (door open at 8:30am). It will be appropriate for both new and experienced meditators, and will be taught by Heather Martin from Salt Spring Island.

Registration:
For registration for this summer retreat we simply ask you to reply to this email by emailing your name to Linda Chan at lindaschan@shaw.ca with your intention of coming.....we won't have you fill out a complete registration form this time and will experiment with how that goes. We encourage people to set aside both days for this retreat, although there will be space for people only able to do one day. If you are a new meditator and can only do one day it is suggested that Saturday would be the day to come and not Sunday as basic instructions will be given on Saturday. Please let Linda know if you are only coming for one day.


Cost:
We have been using the practice of generosity or dana (dana is the word for generosity from the language in the Buddha's time) to cover the costs of putting on the retreat over the past few years and will continue to do so (costs for rental, teacher's travel etc.) For your information, we suggest $30 for the weekend to cover our costs. Any extra money left over goes into a scholarship fund for folks in our community to do longer retreats who may have the interest, but not the funds to afford that. If the $30 is beyond your means, though, for the weekend that is fine.......please feel free to come and simply donate what feels within your means. There will be a basket out at the retreat for these donations. The teachings, themselves, are offered by the teacher freely, in the Buddhist tradition of over 2500 years. If you feel the teachings have been of value to you, there will be an opportunity to practise generosity or dana for the teachings at the end of the retreat and this money will go directly to the teacher. There will be a basket out at the retreat for this.....and more information will be provided about this at the retreat.


Teacher:
Heather Martin is in her final year of teacher training with Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, California. She began meditating in 1973, and has practiced Vipassana meditation in the Theravada tradition since 1981. She teaches on Salt Spring Island and in many places in the United States and Canada. Heather worked for 20 years as a midwife, and continues to teach Childbirth Preparation workshops in Vancouver.


Looking forward to seeing some of you there, warmly, Beth


Beth Trotter
Community Leader,
Victoria Vipassana Community

Trangu Rinpoche in Vancouver

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Ikebana at the AGGV

July and August will be having Ikebana ( Japanese flower arranging) lecture and demonstrations sponsored by the Asian Arts Society of Victoria at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria at 1040 Moss Street. All events are free WITH ADMISSION to the gallery and start at 1:00pm.


Wed. July 11th- Dr.Judith Patt ( who did many brilliant lectures at the Zen Arts show last year and is also an outstanding Ikebana artist) will be giving “An introduction to Ikebana” . The slide lecture will give a brief history of Ikebana and present the main principles of design through images of contemporary arrangements, focusing especially on those from Ohara and Sogetsu schools of Ikebana.

Wed. July 18th – Marilyn McLaren- Ikebana demonstration. Marilyn McLaren is a Master of the Ohara School of Ikebana and head of the Ohara study groups in Victoria.

Wed. July 25th – Michiko Seguev- Ikebana Demonstration. Michiko was born in Tokyo and studied Ikebana there. She is a Master of the Sogestsu school and teaches Ikebana in Victoria.

Wed. Aug.1st- Jennifer Roberts- Ikebana Demonstration. Jennifer is a Master of the Ohara school of Ikebana and a florist of “ Jennifer Robert’s Florist” creating both traditional and contemporary designs.

Wed. Aug.8th- Philip Sanders- Ikebana Demonstration. Philip is a Master of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana who has a background in theatre design and commercial display

Mahasangha ~ Zen and the Shakuhachi

Alcvin Takegawa Ramos, Shakuhachi Master and founder of Bamboo-In Shakuhachi Retreat Centre will present a talk about the origins and history of the Shakuhachi Flute, it's relationship to Zen Buddhism and it's use as a method of awakening. The audience will also experience the music of the Shakuhachi in a recital by some of Alcvin's students.

WHAT: Shakuhachi Lecture and Recital

WHEN: Sunday May 27th, 2007 at 1:00pm

WHERE: University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel

COST: Admission is by donation.

About the Shakuhachi Flute:

The ancient 5-holed, vertical bamboo flute of Japan called the shakuhachi has a history much veiled in mystery. With roots that span back millennia to middle and near east, with much of it in China, the shakuhachi made its way into Japan in the 6th century. First used as a court instrument in the gagaku orchestra, it went underground for hundreds of years to re-emerge in the 16th century when Buddhist monks transformed it into a tool for meditation and self-discipline used also by samurai warriors as a replacement for their swords. For several centuries the shakuhachi was used as an adjunct of self- realization and enlightenment which gave rise to the core of shakuhachi solo sacred music called "honkyoku" (original pieces) which were inspired by meditative practice (zen) and communion with the natural environment. Honkyoku forms the basis of shakuhachi music and spirituality and expresses the true beauty of the instrument.

About Alcvin Takegawa Ramos:

Alcvin is a unique shakuhachi musician who is keeping the tradition of learning and playing the koten honkyoku (original zen pieces for shakuhachi) strong while exploring and expanding the boundaries of the instrument. Born and trained in Japan, Alcvin is the foremost teacher and performer of shakuhachi in Canada. He was the first non- Japanese to win a prize in the all-Japan Shakuhachi competition and received his shihan (masters) license from one of the greatest shakuhachi masters in history, Katsuya Yokoyama. In 2003 he and his wife opened the Bamboo-In Shakuhachi Retreat Centre on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Alcvin is involved in many activities dedicated to the learning of shakuhachi. Being an avid practitioner of Zen and student of Buddhism, Alcvin doesn't make the separation between zen, shakuhachi, and musical practice. Alcvin believes the shakuhachi to be the gate to the inaudible, mystery of the Universal Body, the All experience.

This Event is Sponsored by The Victoria Zen Centre, and Interfaith Services of UVic.

For more information contact Ven. Eshu eshu@zenwest.ca

For a map to the chapel click link below.

Nitartha Institute

Nitartha Institute is accepting applications until the end of this month for its Summer Institute in Tacoma, Washington, 45 minutes from Seattle. We hope you can join us:

Session 1: July 7 - 21

Session 2: July 21 - Aug 4

• Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, currently resident in Seattle, has been invited to visit and we are hoping our close proximity will entice him to come.
• We have invited The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche to come and teach as long as his schedule will allow. He may begin teaching the 7th Karmapa's Ocean of Reasoning, one of the "Eight Great Texts" of the Kagyu lineage. It is the basis of the Lorik and a number of other important texts. We believe that when it is taught it will be an historic first time in the West.
• Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen will teach on a new edition of a Mind Only text written for the Institute by Ponlop Rinpoche and expanded by Lama Tenpa. The course will be an in-depth study of the Mind Only tradition, the understanding of which will bring a new depth of insight into one's practice. Studying this view is also an important basis for further study of the profound views of Madhyamaka and Great Madhamaka.
• Mind & Its World I - IV - Courses on the realities and views of mind, perception, conception and karma. These courses are essential training for those who want to deepen their dharma practice.
• Tibetan language - Beginner and Intermediate levels for the serious student aspiring to learn how to translate Tibetan. Classes in both spoken and written Tibetan are taught in an intensive one-month format.
• Compassion in Healing - A course for Health Practitioners based on the teachings of Mind & Its World, capturing some of the important points of clarity and compassion in clinical work.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.nitarthainstitute.org. You can also send an email or call:

Steve Seely

Managing Director

206-407-3427

steve@nitartha-institute.org

Weekthun at Sea-To-Sky

Weekthun at Sea-to-Sky Retreat Center

Bellingham Shambhala Center will be hosting our annual Weekthun at Sea-to-Sky Retreat Center near Whistler, B.C., Canada, September 1 - 8, 2007. This year it will be led by Martin Evans from Vancouver, B.C.Retreat Life StyleSSRC is located well above sea level in the coastal mountains of B.C. You can expect a variety of weather conditions. The center is beautifully situated overlooking an alpine lake and includes a main house, an isolated pavilion for practicing, and one or two cabins. There are indoor showers and bathrooms and electric lighting.There are three accommodation options available for this Weekthun:

Option 1: Sleeping in the Main House in dormitory style bedrooms (3 to a room) or on an open indoor balcony floor on mattresses. $425 CA (about $395 US).

Option 2: SSRC has several large, sturdy tents attached to platforms. $350 CA (about $325 US) at two persons per tent.

Option 3: Driving your own camper to SSRC and staying in it. $325 CA (about $305 US).

There is a 5% discount if payment in full is received by SSRC by June 30.For more information or to register, please contact registrar Robin Rieck at robinrieck@msn.com or (360) 676-0315.

Celebration at Thubten Choling

Join us May 6th at 5:00 PM to celebrate the three year anniversary of Ngakpa Kalzang's arrival to teach at Thubten Choling in Duncan, BC. For more information please contact us at 250-748-6028, or visit our website at: www.thubtencholing.com

Hope you can join us!

The Thubten Choling Community

Dharmic Creative Writing Workshop

Shambhala Arts Festival presents:
"First Thought"
A Creative Writing Workshop
w/ Bill Gaston
Sat May 12th 2 - 5
Cost $35
registration victoria.shambhala@gmail.com

The workshop will involve Bill talking semi-formally, general discussion, writing exercises, and also guided meditation/contemplation. The focus of the session will be on the creative process, in particular how words are typically used, and how they could be used in a fresher way, giving rise to writing that can wake up both the writer and the reader

Bill is known internationally and is a respected writer and teacher.

He is a creative writing profesor at UVic, and has published 5 novels. In 2003, Bill was awarded the Timothy Findlay award for Canadian male writer in mid career. For more information about Bill please see. http://finearts.uvic.ca/writing/faculty/gaston.html

The workshop is part of the Shambhala Arts Festival, a festival of contemplative and meditative arts, and is being held at the Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue *Victoria * V8R 3Z7 * 383-9108victoria.shambhala@gmail.com

Vancouver Island Zen Sangha Weekend Retreat June 8-10

MEDITATION RETREAT June 8,9,10 2007 with Zen Buddhist Master Rev. Master Meiten McGuire at Sleeping Dog Farm, Victoria.


Rev. Master Meiten is a monk in the Soto Zen tradition. She was born in California in 1926 and received her Ph.D. in psychology in 1952, after majoring in English and philosophy. In her profession, she practiced clinical psychology until 1972 when, following a personal tragedy, she went to an ashram for spiritual guidance. This was the beginning of her commitment to find a spiritual solution to the suffering she’d experienced.

In 1978, she continued her spiritual journey at Shasta Abbey in California, and received ordination as a Buddhist monk from Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett, the Abbess and Founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. The spiritual tradition followed at Shasta Abbey and world-wide at other Temples of her Order is known as Serene Reflection Meditation.

In 2000 Rev. Master Meiten was named a Master of the Order. All of her spiritual training has helped her to the growing realization of her spiritual quest: how to bring an end to the suffering she’d lived with for much of her life. Through Dharma talks, meditation instruction, study groups, and spiritual counseling, she offers others the teaching and practice which have changed her life.

RETREAT INFORMATION
Friday June 8, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday June 9, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday June 10, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Hosted by the Vancouver Island Zen Sangha at : Sleeping Dog Farm and Retreat Center, 1506 West Burnside Rd. Victoria

For the retreat, participants are requested to be present for all three days. The retreat is in silence except during dharma talks. There will be instruction in meditation - both sitting and walking - meditation practice, and dharma talks. Participants are requested to bring a cushion or chair and a bag lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Overnight accommodation is not provided for as a part of this retreat, but limited space is available at the retreat centre by booking yourself. (see sleepingdogfarm.ca).

There is no fee for this weekend retreat. Donations are gratefully accepted. Early registration is recommended as space is limited.

INFO/REGISTRATION: Pamela @ 544-4338 or pambru@shaw.ca

Medicine Buddha

Know Thyself ♥ Love Thyself ♥ Heal Thyself

An Invitation to Buddhist Healing Tradition

For those seeking to heal themselves, or to assist in the healing of others.

For beginners or long-time practitioners of meditation.

In pursuit of healing, we will learn and practice both Meditation and the Medicine Buddha Sadhana, a profound teaching on medicine and healing from the Tibetan Vajrayana Tradition.

Please join us for 4 Monday nights (7:30 pm-9:00 pm)

starting April 16, 2007

Cost: $40 – practice materials included

The Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre

2033 Belmont Avenue

Please call 383-9108 for more information or registration

email: victoria.shambhala2.gmail.com

Dharma Tales in the Garden at Royal Roads University, with Margo McLoughlin

Sunday afternoons, April 22nd, April 29th, and May 6th, from 1 - 4 pm

Join storyteller Margo McLoughlin on a journey to the world of Ancient India. Meet the Buddha-to-be in the form of a swan, an outcaste acrobat, and a forest-dwelling elephant. Listen in as the Buddha gives a teaching on mindfulness of death to the daughter of a weaver...
This is storytelling for adults at its most satisfying.

Margo is a student of the Pali language and a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School. She has performed her own translations of these wonderful stories in many parts of the world, from Vancouver Island to New England, and from Hawaii to Burma. Each afternoon will feature stories on specific themes (spiritual friendship, wise leadership, and living in the light of death). There will be opportunities for reflection and discussion following the storytelling.
If you are interested in attending, please register before April 15th.

Cost: $45.00 + GST
Course Number: PEMS1189

To register, call 391-2600, ext. 4801 or visit
http://www.royalroads.ca/continuing-studies/PEMS1189-Y06.htm

A Walk In The Park Chemainus

Twice annually, Spring and Fall a few Buddhists and the general public meet in Chemainus for a nature walk, a sharing session and open discussion on the Buddha's teachings, while bringing peaceful energy to the community. The Walk happens this Sunday, April 8th, please meet at Askew Creek Park sign on Oak Street at 2 pm, rain or shine. For more info go to www.penlan.com and click on little Buddha House. After the walk and talk we will proceed to the Peace Pavilion to offer some sound meditation for Peace in our Communities. Respectfully, Henry, Buddha Ajari- Guide Teacher

Victoria Zen Centre~April 22nd One-Day Intensive *

A reminder that Sunday April 22nd, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in full membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday April 20th if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

UVic Lecture - A Buddhist Rennaisance?

A Buddhist Renaissance?

Shifting Paradigms and Subverting Traditions within Japan's "Funeral" Buddhist Temples

John Nelson

Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Francisco

Buddhism in Japan has been described recently by some of its own priests and scholars as "corrupt," "degraded" and, somewhat surprisingly, "anti-Buddhist." To challenge these perceptions and reaffirm some of the tradition's most basic foundations, the Osaka-based "Buddhist Renaissance" movement is a concentrated and cross-sectarian effort to de-emphasize money-making mortuary rituals and instead practice and promote a more socially-engaged Buddhism. Based on recent fieldwork, we will explore this renaissance as a late-modern, highly-reflexive, and essentially political movement that challenges and subverts established narratives, beliefs and institutions.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007, 4:00 pm
David Strong Building, Room C116

Mahasangha ~ Vancouver Street Retreat

Facilitated by Sensei Grover Genro Gauntt of the Zen Peacemakers Order.

August 2-5, 2007 in the Streets of Vancouver.

A street retreat is a plunge into the unknown. An opportunity to go beyond our imagined limits. A chance to see beyond our small selves, to begin to eliminate the barriers. It's the barest poke at renunciation.

It's not about them. It's about us.

"When we go... to bear witness to life on the streets, we're offering ourselves. Not blankets, not food, not clothes, just ourselves." - Bernie Glassman

For information please visit http://awakeinaction.org/sr/index.htm or contact Lisa Hill by email or call (604) 837-5779 for registration information.Early registration fee deadline is Tuesday, July 17.

Tenzing Tsewang Performs “Sounds of Tibet”

See Tibetan Master Chanter, musician and story teller live at the intimate La Run Theatre.

Victoria, BC—March 19th, 2007. Accomplished singer, musician, story teller and former Buddhist monk Tenzing Tsewang will visit Victoria for two nights in March to create a Tibetan landscape of sound and music. Tenzing’s profound music reflects the depth and beauty of his native culture. His instruments include flute, dramyen (Tibetan lute), monastic cymbals and trumpet. Tenzing sings ancient sacred chants and traditional folk songs while expressing a warmth, charm, and sense of humour rarely seen. Tenzing’s intimate performance style draws audiences into a direct encounter with the vibrancy of Tibetan music, culture and spiritual traditions.

Tenzing escaped with his family from Tibet as a child, taking refuge in Dharamsala, India. There he trained as a Master Chanter at Namgyal Monastery, the private monastery of H.H. Dalai Lama. Now a citizen of Australia, Tenzing has spent the last 15 years performing in Australia, South East Asia, Europe and the United States. We are very fortunate to have this acclaimed World musician play for us at the intimate La Run Theatre. A reception will follow the Saturday night show at La Run.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call Tenzing Tsewang at 250-537-8765, or email tenzingltsewang@yahoo.com

Two Performances will be held: March 23rd at 7:30 pm, March 24th at 7:30 pm, reception to follow (March 24th only). Tickets $20.00, advance purchase at Ivy’s Bookstore at 2188 Oak Bay Avenue. To reserve tickets call Ivy’s at (250) 598-2713. Some tickets may be available at the door. Seating is limited.



Event: Sounds of Tibet //Concert and performance
Performer: Tenzing Tsewang
Dates: March 23rd and 24th, 2007
Times: Doors at 7pm, performance at 7:30 until 9pm
Cost: $20.00 per person
Location: La Run Theatre & Arts Club Foundation, 1983 Fairfield Road, Victoria
Contact: Ivy’s Bookstore at 250-598-2713 in Victoria and/or Tenzing Tsewang at 250- 537-8765 (on Salt Spring Island)

Victoria Zen Centre~March 18th One-day Intensive*

A reminder that Sunday March 18th, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in full membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday March 16th if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

Victoria Zen Centre~Introduction to Zen Meditation

March 17th-May 12th, 2007(Saturdays from 9:00-11:30am)

April 23rd-June 18th, 2007 (Monday eves. 7:00-9:30pm)

If you are interested in learning how to meditate, this is the course for you. For people that are seeking to reduce stress, clarify a busy mind, improve focus and awareness, boost immune function, improve sleeping patterns, or gain insight into the mental, physical, and emotional habits that are preventing you from living life fully, this course offers a gradual combination of study and practice, individual and group interaction, and personal guidance that will provide a strong foundation to experience the profound change that Zen meditation practice offers. The fee for this eight week course is $395* and includes:

• Eight weekly Sessions for a total of twenty hours of class time.
• A free meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Weekly course materials and Practice Manual.
• Small class size (max.8).
• Teachings and group discussions on eight core aspects of Zen Practice.
• One-to-one meetings with Eshu.
• One free practice consultation with Eshu upon completion.

For program information:

Victoria Zen Centre~2007 Spring Meditation Challenge

Announcing…

The Victoria Zen Centre’s
2007 Spring Meditation Challenge
(Monday March 5th- Sunday March 25th, 2007)

We all know that consistency in our meditation practice is important.
To this end, we invite you all to accept the Challenge!!

The rules are simple:

1. One point is scored for each day that you sit.
2. In order to qualify, each sit needs to be at least fifteen minutes long.
3. The Challenge lasts for twenty-one days.

Each of you is asked to choose your own level of commitment;

Level 1: Minimum 15 minutes each day.
Level 2: Minimum 30 minutes each day (1x30min or 2x15 min)
Level 3: Minimum 1 hour each day (1x60min, 2x30min, 4x15min or any combo=60min)

It doesn’t matter where you sit, or what time of day you sit. It also doesn’t matter how much time you sit on any given day above your Level. The important thing (in this challenge) is to consistently sit every day.

If you sit for two hours in one day, but don’t sit for the next two days, then you only get one point. However, at Level 1, if you sit for fifteen minutes each day for three days (for a total of forty-five minutes), then you would get three points because you are sitting consistently each day.

To register for the 2007 Spring Meditation Challenge, please respond to sangha@zenwest.ca with your name, telephone number, email address, and which Level you would like to be in.