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.

Victoria Zen Centre~Fundamentals of Zen Practice*

(Alternating Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm March 8th, 22nd and April 5th, 19th)

If you are interested in deepening your commitment to Buddhist practice, but are unsure of what to do next, the “Fundamentals of Zen Practice” programme will provide you with the opportunity to explore the ceremony of Jukai, which is commonly considered formally “becoming Buddhist”. The Jukai Ceremony consists of four distinct aspects, each of which is introduced and discussed in an intimate environment of friendship and community. The four aspects are;

1. Sange (repentance/purification).


2. Taking the Threefold Refuge.


3. Receiving the Five Sila (precepts).


4. The Four Bodhisattva Vows.

At the Victoria Zen Centre, the Jukai Ceremony takes place upon the successful completion of the “Eldership Programme”. Taking part in the “Fundamentals of Zen Practice” is a wonderful way to discern whether pursuing the path to Eldership is of interest to you.

*Completion of the Introduction to Zen Meditation Course or an Orientation Consultation is required to enrol in the Fundamentals Programme.

Victoria Zen Centre~February 25th, 2007 One-Day Intensive

A reminder that Sunday February 25th, 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 advanced membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday February 23rd if you would like to attend.

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

Salt Spring Island Meditation Circle

The Salt Spring Zen Meditation Circle is offering a non-residential sesshin led by Nanfu Peter Levitt.

March 16-18, 2007
The Gatehouse
Stowel Lake Farm on Reynolds Road
Salt Spring Island, B.C.

We will begin Friday evening and end Sunday afternoon, in time for people to catch the ferry. Fees are $70 Canadian ($60 US) and include breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Practice will include zazen, dharma talks, interviews with Peter, and work practice if weather permits. The fees cover the cost of the retreat but do not include donations for Peter.

If you'd like to attend and need billeting, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to arrange it.

We look forward to practicing with you.

For further information, contact Rowan at 250-537-2831.

To register, please email Michelle Reed at mareed@rockisland.com

Victoria Zen Centre~January 7th One-Day Intensive

A reminder that Sunday January 7th, 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 advanced membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday January 5th if you would like to attend.

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