View our calendar at bottom of this page for updates on schedule for meditation meetings.
We meet every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 6:45p.m. in San Juan at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Bldg., 1401 S. Nebraska Avenue. We also meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:45p.m. in Mission at 1507 West Charles Street. On months with five weeks, we alternate.
“Taking Refuge in Dharma” - Meditation and Dharma Talk
“Taking Refuge in Dharma”
Presenters:
Rev. Yazan Dave JohnsonZen Priest from Houston Zen Center
Peaceful Forest Tim SchorreHead of Practice, Houston Zen Center
Bio:
Rev. Yazan Dave Johnson, who will be the leader on Saturday, is a Soto Zen Priest who was ordained by HZC’s Resident Teacher and Head Priest Setsuan Gaelyn Godwin. Dave is married and has a family; he is a scientist and a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Tim, known as Peaceful Forest Tim Schorre, is currently serving as the Tanto, or Head of Practice, at HZC. Married with a family; Works as an architect in partnership with his wife, also an architect.
SCHEDULE:
Friday - July 30th
6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.
--Welcome
--Get to meet the local sangha communities & members
--Review the schedule for Saturday
--Zazen and Kinhin
Saturday - July 31st
8:00-8:15 am Arrive
-8:20 am Zazen/Sitting
-8:50 am Kinhin/Walking
-9:00 am Zazen
-9:30 am Kinhin
-9:40 am Prepare for Dharma Talk
-9:45 am Dharma Talk
-10:30 am Break
-10:40 am Questions and Discussion
-11:10 am Social time: Tea and refreshments
Both sessions will take place in San Juan at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Bldg., 1401 S. Nebraska Avenue.
Please RSVP if you will be to attend both days or only Saturday so that we may be able to plan for refreshments & sitting space.
There will be NO fees to take part in the sessions. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. At the same time, we hope that individuals that can afford it will be able to give d?na (donation) to cover the travel expense. Food and lodging has been covered by a sangha member.
RSVP to rgvbuddhism@sbcglobal.net
The Three Jewels
I go to the Buddha for refuge. I go to the Dhamma for refuge. I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Buddhism - 101
For a concise overview on the Four Noble Truths, The Eight Noble Path, The Five Precepts, and other Buddhist concepts, clickhereorhere.
Our Meditation Practice
Our practice at our meditation meeting is respectful of our different meditational traditions in Buddhism. It is a practice open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike and to use this space to reap the benefits from it. It is also a space to talk about our interests and experiences.
Right now our meetings follow this method:
1. Welcome and Introductions.
2. Sitting meditation done in two halves. Fifteen minutes each.
3. Walking meditation lasting approximately 10 minutes.
4. Social/Discussion
If you are new to meditation practice or relatively so, you do not have to strictly follow the program. You can come in and sit for as long as you are comfortable, then rise quietly and stretch. Based on their personal experiences, members of the group will try to answer questions you have about meditation. However, no one in the group is a designated instructor.
This is a good introductory video to meditation techniques in Buddhism.
Please take in mind that different Buddhist traditions may approach meditation in different manners or techniques. Also, the seating positions presented in the video are suggestions on some postures that may be used during meditation. Google for "zazen" and you will find more detailed information. The seating postures are for meditation and not about physical endurance. Nevertheless, this video is a good starter. MVD6AT8FHQAW
Our group often get asked by new members about how to meditate. I have posted some videos previously here that give you some idea. Nevertheless, new meditators want something more concrete. A book that explains it all. Unfortunately, there is not one book. There is no "bible" of mediation. Buddhist meditation has different traditions with their own approaches. Also, meditation is a practice. You can read about it. Learn from a book. But, in the end, you have to practice. Yet. There is hope. There are some good books that give the beginner a good idea about the ABC's of meditation.
One book I highly recomment is "Zen Meditation in Plain English" by John Daishin Buksbazen. Short. To the point. Free of jargon. It's from a Zen Buddhist perspective.
Another good source is "Mindfulness In Plain English" by Ven. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana from the Theravada tradition. You can get a .pdf dowload version here:
If your browser doesn't allow you to open it, try this link.
It's a big longer than the first book mentioned, but a very good source of what is Vipassana meditation practice.
No matter what book you choose. No matter what Buddhist tradition feels best for you. In the end, quoting Dongen Zenji, "Be mindful of the passing of time, and engage yourself in zazen as though you are saving your head from fire."
This is probably one of the top questions we get asked often...."Why medidate?." Well. Here are some videos that explore that question (and more) at Ask A Buddhist (Clear Vision).
We are Buddhists living in Hidalgo County {Rio Grande Valley region), Texas. This blog serves as an additional support and network in the community. Hidalgo County emcompasses the principal cities of Mission, McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, Donna, Mercedes,Edcouch-Elsa, and Weslaco. Our meditation group is open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
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