Benediction by Bernadette Miller

Shared by Kathy S. at the December 10th Sangha meeting.

Benediction

by Bernadette Miller

May you taste the colors of sunset,

may you touch the chorus of dawn,

may your eyes turn toward the beauty

even when it’s gone.

May you weave a path of blessing

through ecstasy and grief.

May you tend the flame within you

may you feed it with belief.

May you find yourself in strangers

and meet them within you.

May you trust that we are windows

the world is peering through.

May you linger in each moment,

receiving with your heart

the gift of possibilities

that presence can impart.

May you become a portal

to the love behind your toil,

may you become a silence

within the world’s turmoil.

May the prayers that grow within you

bloom in many lands.

We are woven of connections

and peace is in our hands.

Engaged Mindfulness of Ithaca Meeting December 17th

There will be an Engaged Mindfulness of Ithaca Meeting December 17th

Click here for more details.

Engaged Mindfulness Ithaca Meeting November 19th

The next Engaged Mindfulness Ithaca meeting will be held November 19th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at the Southside Community Center in Ithaca, NY.

For more information, go to their Facebook page at

Engaged Mindfulness Ithaca

How I Learned to Stop Procrastinating, & Love Letting Go

‘People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.’ ~Thich Nhat Hanh

https://zenhabits.net/leggo/

Robert Wright on “Why Buddhism is True”

"Darwin and the Buddha agree on the problem, says evolutionary psychologist Robert Wright." (Watch: Robert Wright on “Why Buddhism is True”, Lion's Roar, November 1, 2017, www.lionsroar.com) 

 

Watch the interview at https://tinyurl.com/ydyn59mu.

Day of Mindfulness Saturday, October 21st, with Sr. Ocean

Sr. Hai An (Ocean) will be joining us for a Day of Mindfulness on Saturday October 21, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the home of Pamela Goddard.  The address is 888 Comfort Road in Danby, NY.  For those utilizing a GPS the town will be shown as Spencer, NY.

Sister Ocean is a Buddhist nun ordained in the Plum Village tradition. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she received novice ordination in 2012 and full ordination in 2016. For the past 2.5 years she has been living at Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York. She is a musician and a poet, and has been writing the Mindful Living series for Buddhist Door Global since 2013. She is also a member of ARISE: Awakening through Race, Intersectionality, and Social Equity. 

You may call Pamela at 607.273.8678 for more information.  Please bring something vegan to share for lunch.

Walk with Me Screening a Big Hit

The resounding success of the Walk with Me screening can be seen in photos.

Thanks to Joe Nolan of Home Green Home for providing books to learn more

Information Table Ready to Go

Sangha members greet attendees

Pamela Goddard welcomes the audience and offers a short guided meditation

A full house

The information and book sale tables were a big hit

A lot of interest

Many post-movie lively discussions

Great job everyone!!

5 Days Left Until the Screening of Walk with Me

Wednesday October 4, 2017
At the Cinemapolis, 120 E Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA 

Purchase your tickets at http://gathr.us/screening/20556.

Tickets not available at the box office.

6 Days Left Until the Screening of Walk with Me

Wednesday October 4, 2017
At the Cinemapolis, 120 E Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA 

Purchase your tickets at http://gathr.us/screening/20556.

Tickets not available at the box office.

7 Days Left Until the Screening of Walk with Me

Wednesday October 4, 2017
At the Cinemapolis, 120 E Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA 

Purchase your tickets at http://gathr.us/screening/20556.

Tickets not available at the box office.

Walk with Me Screening Fast Approaching!!!

Sangha Members Ordained at Blue Cliff Monastery

Two members of the Cedar Cabin Sangha were ordained on Saturday 26, 2017 becoming part of the Order of Interbeing Community .  Joana Chan and Terry Babb received the transmission of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings by Dhyana Master Triung Quang Nhat Hanh in the Meditation Hall of the Blue Cliff Monastery in Pine Bush, NY.

Joana Chan and Terry Babb

Thich Nhat Hanh's Walk with Me is Coming to Ithaca, NY on October 4, 2017

Thich Nhat Hanh's Walk with Me documentary will be shown at the Cinemapolis in Ithaca, NY on Wednesday October 4, 2017 at 7:30 PM.   We have met the number of tickets purchased to bring this movie to our town!  There is plenty of seating available, so don't miss out on this single screening opportunity to learn about one of the foremost Buddhist teachers of our time.   Tickets are available online only at http://gathr.us/screening/20556

This is a rare opportunity to learn about Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who was nominated for the Noble Peace Prize by Martin Luther King.   Sponsored by the Cedar Cabin Sangha in Ithaca, NY.

Engaged Mindfulness Meeting Sunday August 20th 4:00 PM

The next Engaged Mindfulness Meeting is Sunday August 20th 4:00 PM at the Southside Community Center ·

305 S Plain St

Ithaca, New York

Thich Nhat Hanh's Walk with Me screening coming to Ithaca, NY

This is a rare opportunity to learn about Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who was nominated for the Noble Peace Prize by Martin Luther King. Tickets are on sale now. 65 advance tickets must be sold to bring this opportunity to Ithaca, NY.  Don't miss this chance to learn about one of the foremost Buddhist teachers of our time.  Get you advance tickets now to see the Walk with Me screening.  Sponsored by the Cedar Cabin Sangha in Ithaca, NY.

Walk With Me

at the Cinemapolis in Ithaca, NY

Walk with Me Screening Webinar

We are working to bring Walk with Me to a theater in Ithaca, NY.  Here is the webinar from July 22nd to explain how to bring it to your town.  Walk with Me Screening Webinar

The next Engaged Mindfulness Ithaca meeting will be Sunday, July 16 at 4 PM - 5:30 PM at the Southside Community Center, 305 S Plain St, Ithaca, New York 14850. See their Facebook Page for more information.

July Book Club Meeting

The next book club meeting will be Sunday, July 16th at 10:30 AM to 12:00 or 12:30 PM.  We will discuss Mindfulness as Medicine Chapter 4 and 5, Trust and Faith, Reverence and Respect.

Nancy Koschmann has offered to host our next gathering.  Nancy's address is 705 Ringwood Rd, Ithaca NY.  If, for some reason, this does not work out, Pamela Goddard has offered her home as a backup.

I know that this will not work for everyone who is interested, and I'm sorry for this.

Rick and Diann have suggested that the next meeting after this be Saturday Aug. 5. This works for me. What do others think?

Returning Home

This is a guided meditation given by Judy Leaf at our June 28th Sangha gathering.  Thank you, Judy.

Returning Home

Breathing in, I am aware of my in-breath.
Breathing out, I am aware of my out-breath.

Breathing in, I take a deep breath and feel my diaphragm expand.
Breathing out, I relax my diaphragm, and feel the tension in my body release.

Breathing in, I feel the air come into my body and I smile.
Breathing out, I feel the air leave my body and I smile.

Breathing in, I come home to myself without worry or fear.
Breathing out, I feel comfortable in my safe home.

Breathing in, I collect my feelings and thoughts kindly.
Breathing out, I smile at my feelings and thoughts.

Breathing in, I know that I can always stop, breathe and go home to myself.
Breathing out, I feel grateful for this practice.

The Dalai Lama: Why the World Needs Him More Than Ever

From the July 2017 issue of Lion’s Roar magazine

 “The Dalai Lama: Why the World Needs Him More Than Ever''

He is a voice for compassion, nonviolence, and care for the earth.  At a time when so much hangs in the balance, 12 leading teachers, writers, and activists reflect on any we need the Dalai Lama and his message more than ever.

The Ordinary Become Extraordinary
Jon Kabat-Zinn

In my experience of spending time with him over the years, the Dalai Lama embodies on a regular basis what is deepest and best in all of us, by virtue of our being human.

In that sense, he is not special, as he himself never ceases pointing out. But for qualities such as equanimity and kindness to come out in us and flourish usually requires cultivation, which is what meditation is really about. Then, what is "not special'' becomes very special indeed, and what is ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Here, I am not talking just about His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Imagine what the world would be like if more of us were able to undertake that cultivation. If motivated by our own dissatisfaction and suffering, our intuition as to where real happiness might Iie, and our love for the beauty in the world and in life itself - including the unfamiliar other which sometimes scares us - we realize we are so much bigger than our fears and narratives about the world and who we are.

Then, we are just as we are, only awake to it.  Nothing is different, except everything.

Blooming Lilac Sangha to Hold a Day of Mindfulness "Developing Stability in the Practice of Mindfulness"

Blooming Lilac Sangha to Hold a Day of Mindfulness "Developing Stability in the Practice of Mindfulness"

When: Sun, June 25, 12:30pm – 6:00pm
Where: 257 Fishell Rd, Rush, NY 14543, USA (map)

Description

We hold a monthly day of mindfulness at a member's home or public venue. This practice time is held in Noble Silence. The day includes sitting meditation, walking meditation, guided meditations, audio or video dharma talks, mindful movements, earth touchings, and Dharma sharing - Sunday days of mindfulness end with a potluck dinner and conversation.

Please RSVP by replying to this e-mail or contacting Annie at ukemiracle1@gmail.com by June 24. Looking forward to seeing you!

Developing Stability in the Practice of Mindfulness 6/25

12:30 - 12:50               ARRIVE
12:50 - 1:10                 Sitting Meditation with Guided “Cyclone Meditation”
1:10  -  1:20                 Walking Meditation outside
1:20  -  2:20                 Recorded Dharma talk by Thich Nhat Hanh                                                                            “Cultivating Peace, Joy, Happiness”
2:20  - 2:30                  Walking Meditation
2:30 – 3:00                  Writing a gatha to remember positive traits within
3:00 – 3:20                  Sitting Meditation
3:20 -  3:30                 Walking Meditation
3:30- 4:00                   Three earth touchings              
4:00 - 5:00                  Dharma sharing
5:00 - 5:15                  Break and prep for potluck
5:15 - 6:00                  Potluck dinner

Engaged Mindfulness Ithaca Meeting

The next Engaged Mindfulness Ithaca meeting will be Sunday, June 18 at 4 PM - 5:30 PM at the Southside Community Center, 305 S Plain St, Ithaca, New York 14850 see their Facebook Page for more information.

Sound/Music Meditation on June 20, 2017

Pamela Goddard will be leading another sound/music meditation at Sadie Hays' Sweet Fern Studio on Brindley Street, on Tuesday June 20 (in time for the Summer Solstice!) starting at 7:30 PM. This is open to all. A "free will donation" is accepted. There will be a mix of chant/song, poetry, bell inviting, and harp music. Bring a cushion if you have one. There are also chairs and couches there. Contact me for more info. Reservations are not necessary, but appreciated if possible.

The Best of Thich Nhat Hanh: Life, Teachings, Quotes, and Books

Lion's Roar has published an article about our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh which can be found at
https://www.lionsroar.com/thich-nhat-hanh/

2017 US Tour Events at Blue Cliff Monastery

Mindful Resistance Sessions: Inner & Outer Transformation

I’ve spoken to many mindfulness practitioners about your deep concern regarding the current US administration. Each day brings news of a disturbing new policy or a fresh allegation of misconduct.

Do you feel compelled to act, but are unsure where to best place your time and energy?

Join us for Session 1 of Mindful Resistance on Tuesday, June 13 at 11 a.m. PT.

MINDFUL RESISTANCE: An Online Series, consists of three live sessions of teachings and Dharma discussion. Each session is led by teachers from the Thich Nhat Hanh community and other spiritual traditions. You are invited to join: 

• June 13, Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. PT, with James Baraz and Kaira Jewel Lingo
• July 13, Thursday, 11:00 a.m. PT, with Heather Lyn Mann and Thanissara Weinberg
• August session: more details coming soon  

Together we’ll explore how to befriend our intense emotional responses to the current political climate and cultivate the resilience we need to support ourselves and the people we love in these challenging times.

I hope you will join us on Tuesday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. PT.

Be well,

Steven D. Low
Parallax Press

Notes from the 2017 Vesak (Buddha's Birthday) Celebration

Blue Cliff Monastery offered a Vesak Retreat May 5-7, 2017.  This was also the tenth anniversary of Blue Cliff Monastery (since May 7 of 2007). Vesak is a celebration of the baby Buddha, with a ceremonial washing or bathing of the baby Buddha.  At the end of the 3 day retreat, many more people arrived to join the celebration.  A large group of ethnic Vietnamese from Canada arrived Sunday morning and enjoyed a dharma talk in Vietnamese by brother Phap Lac, with Sister True Vow simultaneously translating into English through headsets offered by the Monastery.  The event was attended by four Cedar Cabin Sangha members.

Photo courtesy of R & D

May 2017 Events Update

We are looking forward to holding a Day of Mindfulness in just a few weeks - on Saturday May 20 starting mid-morning (10:30 or 11am) and going through the mid-afternoon (roughly 3pm or a bit later). The Day of Mindfulness will take place at Pamela Goddard's home - 888 Comfort Road (aka "Slow Lane") in Danby. This is just about 7 miles outside of downtown Ithaca, and quite easy to find. There is plenty of parking.

What will take place during our Day of Mindfulness? Much depends on those who will be attending. What practices would you like included? Is there a particular subject or theme you would like to explore? You can send ideas and suggestions to Pamela, Judy, Nancy Stewart and/or Nancy Koschmann. We will gather ideas, make a plan, and send more information out next week. So, send your ideas in soon!

Some suggestions include a version of "Touching the Earth" to reconcile and help us understand difficult people. There will probably be some inclusion of poetry. There will certainly be some sitting and walking meditation (outside, if the weather is good). And, we will enjoy a mindful pot-luck lunch meal together. If you come, please bring a vegetarian/vegan dish to share.

In other news, our weekly meditation has been solid and so supportive. As a reminder, we still meet every Wednesday evening from 7:30-9:00 at Hospicare of Ithaca, 172 East King Road in Ithaca. All are welcome. Please try to arrive a few minutes early, so that we can get started on time. We encourage each other to "arrive" even before we come through the doors, so that we bring our energy of mindfulness with us. Be considerate of other groups and residents using the facility, and remember that we practice respect and confidentiality with each other and anyone we interact with at Hospicare.

You may also be interested in some of the upcoming events at Blue Cliff Monastery. There is a Mindfulness Retreat for People of Color taking place May 17-21 and then a Mindful Cooking Retreat the weekend of June 2-4. Looking ahead to August, a large retreat with monastics from several Plum Village monasteries will be taking place August 23-27. And, there's a summer family retreat, a Wake Up Retreat for young adults, and more. More information about all of these events can be found at bluecliffmonastery.org.   -  Pamela Goddard

Vesak Celebration - Sunday, May 7, 2017

Public Day of Mindfulness: Join us as we celebrate the Buddha's Continuation Day as well as the 10th of the founding of Blue Cliff Monastery! Follow this link  https://www.bluecliffmonastery.org/schedule-of-events/2017/1/17/vesak-celebration-buddhas-birthday-and-10th-anniversary-of-blue-cliff-monastery

Vesak Celebration

Buddha's birthday (Vesak) celebration will be held on May 7, 2017 at the Blue Cliff Monastery in Pine Bush, NY. Click on the link below for more information. 

Vesak Celebration

Zen Teachings Give You Space to Stop

This is an article that was published on the Ithaca.com website in April of 2014 featuring one of our Order of Interbeing members, Pamela Goddard.

Zen Teachings Give You Space to Stop

Events for April and May

Every Wednesday night, we have meditation at Hospicare, 172 East King Road, from 7:30-9:00 PM. Sometimes we are in the large conference room and sometimes in the smaller bereavement room meeting room. Follow the signs from the door at the upstairs sitting room and you will find us. Each second Wednesday of the month we recite the Five Mindfulness Trainings as part of our meditation. Nancy Stewart will lead on April 12 and Judy Leaf on April 19.

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Next Engaged Mindfulness meeting is April 16, at Southside starting at 4pm. Because we haven't gotten a regular contingent of families, we need 1 week advance notice to arrange child care. If you plan to bring children 2 and up (which we encourage!) please respond by email or on the event page. If you invite friends with children, please include this information.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1796089557375204/

Looking forward to sitting with you! peace anise

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Pamela Goddard will be offering a Sound/Music meditation on Tuesday April 18, 7-8:30 PM at the Sweet Fern Studio (Sadie Hays' acupuncture and massage studio) 120 Brindley Street (near the Ithaca Grain Store, in the "Aeroplane Building"). This is open to everyone, so please feel free to invite others. Dana/donation is gratefully accepted, in what ever amount. Contact Pamela at 607.273.8678 for more info.

There is so much in the world which may add stress and build anxiety and unease at this time. Meditation leader, singer/harpist Pamela Goddard invites you to let go and allow sound vibration to ease that stress and distract that anxiety.

Settle in at the Sweet Fern healing studio for some relaxing sound/music meditation, including chant/toning, guided meditation with a bell (in the Plum Village style), poetry, and gentle harp music. This meditation will be directed towards watering seeds of understanding and self care. Taking time to stop and let go helps us to release tension and anxiety and make room for Joy.

=================

Lastly, we will be holding a partial Day of Mindfulness on May 20 from 11am to 4pm with a vegetarian pot-luck lunch. Details still need to be worked out, but we do know that the Day of Mindfulness will be held at Pamela Goddard's home "Slow Lane" at 888 Comfort Road in Danby. More details will be sent out about this in the next several weeks... but mark the date and please join us.

Where We Began

This is where the Cedar Cabin Sangha began on East King Rd in Ithaca.  This cabin was the inspiration for the name of our Sangha.  Our three Order of Interbeing members are in this photo. Can you pick them out?

Spontaneous Silliness and Joy

Silliness can spring up at any moment without notice.  It can also spread like wildfire. At the conclusion our meditation Wednesday evening, Nancy Koschmann invited the bell asking us to prepare our legs for standing. Out of nowhere, the giggles began.  Moments later, this happened.  It's always good to end meditation with laughter.

Photo by Judy Leaf

 

Sound/Music Meditation Saturday, March 25th

Pamela Goddard is offering an afternoon session of sound/music meditation this coming Saturday, March 25 starting at 2:00 PM at the "Lantern School" 391 Turkey Hill Road (next to the Foundation of Light) in Ithaca. Both the space and the afternoon time are planned to encourage families to enjoy this special sensory meditation. There is so much in the world which may add stress and build anxiety and unease at this time. Meditation leader, singer/harpist Pamela Goddard invites you to let go and allow sound vibration to ease that stress and distract that anxiety. This Spring sound/music meditation will take place at the Lantern School, one room schoolhouse at the Foundation of Light. Bring the family for some relaxing sound/music meditation, including chant/toning, guided meditation with a bell (in the Plum Village style), and gentle harp music. This meditation will be directed towards lightening our spirits and connecting us to the wonder of life, helping us to release tension and anxiety. And, we'll celebrate the (eventual) arrival of Spring. Bring cushions or mats for your own comfort. Donations are welcome.

Partial Day of Mindfulness Scheduled for May

On Saturday May 20th, a partial Day of Mindfulness will take place at Pamela Goddard's home from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Pamela's address is 888 Comfort Road (aka Slow Lane) in Danby. If using a GPS, the address will show as the town as Spencer.  If you need further directions, use the Contact Us option to the right of this page.  Please include the preferred way to contact you.

Sangha Facilitators and Book Club Meeting

There will be a Sangha Facilitators and Book Club Meeting on April 9th, 2017 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Nancy Stewart's home located at 509 Coddington Road, uphill from from Ithaca College near the bottom of Troy Road. We will be discussing chapter 3 of Sister Dang Nghiem's book, Mindfulness as Medicine.  If attending only the Book Club meeting please arrive by 2:00 PM. Attendance of previous book club meetings is not required as each chapter stands on it's own.   -- Nancy Stewart

Meditation CANCELED for March 15

While the Tompkins County Sheriff has opened the roads again today, there is still a lot of falling and blowing snow. The winter storm warning remains in effect through 8pm tonight, and we are strongly encouraged to "drive carefully." Given the weather, we think it wisest and safest to cancel meditation tonight. Please stay home and take good care of yourself and your practice.

A reminder that we will have a two-fold gathering on Saturday (March 18) for sangha facilitation and book discussion. There will also be another Community Engaged Mindfulness practice meeting on March 19. See the post below for more information.

Upcoming Events for March 2017

In addition to our weekly practice (still Wednesday nights, 7:30-9:00 at Hospicare on East King Road), there will be a gathering on Saturday March 18 for two purposes.  Pamela Goddard has offered to host this gathering. Included are directions to to 888 Comfort Road below.  You can also use the "Contact Us" option in the upper right corner of this blog.  Please include your phone number so we will call you to answer your questions.

Starting at 11am there will be a meeting/discussion for those who are interested in sangha facilitation. Our discussion will continue from previous discussion at the beginning of February.

We will share lunch (please bring a vegetarian dish to pass) and then continue with our second discussion of the book "Mindfulness as Medicine" by Sr Dang Nghiem.  We are discussing the second chapter for this next session.  If you are coming just for the book group, please arrive at 12:30.  The discussion will start no later than 1pm and will run until about 3pm.

To 888 Comfort Road (aka "Slow Lane") from downtown Ithaca -
take route 96b past Ithaca College to Comfort Road (right at the Danby town line). Turn on Comfort and travel roughly three miles (35mph!) to where Comfort changes from paved to dirt at the intersection of Lieb Road. Our driveway, "Slow Lane" will be on the right. It's a long driveway, and there's plenty of parking at the end.  If you use GPS, we have a Spencer/14883 zip code, even though we're in Danby.

There will also be another Community Engaged Mindfulness practice meeting on March 19. These are held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 4pm - 5:30, at Southside Community Center, childcare is available for ages 2 and up. Contact Anise Hotchkiss for more information. le.bananier@gmail.com. 

Zen and the Art of Activism

You may find this article "Zen and the Art of Activism" interesting. It includes teachings from Thich Nhat Hanh, Sr Peace (who we mentioned at our last sangha meeting) and Brother Thay Phap Dung.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/zen-and-the-art-of-activism_us_58a118b6e4b094a129ec59af?8b2nax4ruplow29

Community Engaged Mindfulness Group to Meet

Anise Hotchkiss, a member of the Cedar Cabin Sangha, would like you to know that the Community Engaged Mindfulness Group is meeting this Sunday February 19th, at 4pm, at the Southside Community Center, 305 S Plain St, Ithaca, NY 14850.  Childcare will be provided for children ages 2 and up.

Walk with Me - Trailer

Follow the film's official website: http://walkwithmefilm.com/
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/walkwithmefi...

Thich Nhat Hanh Arrives in Thailand

  Thich Nhat Hanh arrives in Thailand December 10, 2016

Welcome to the Cedar Cabin Sangha Blog

Welcome to Cedar Cabin Sangha, a group of people who practice mindfulness and meditation in Ithaca, NY. We have been drawn together by the compassionate and peaceful teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

We meet every Wednesday from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Hospicare of Ithaca, 172 East King Road. We practice in the Plum Village tradition which includes guided meditation, walking meditation, a short Dharma teaching, and about twenty minutes or so of silent meditation. We also have a mindful tea ceremony followed by dharma sharing. Our weekly leaders might also share a favorite reading, poem, song or a part of a recorded Dharma talk.

Cedar Cabin Sangha includes people from all walks of life and background experience. Everyone is welcome. While some of our practitioners have very little experience, others have many years of sitting practice. We sit together with the intention of cultivating peacefulness and insight in ourselves, our families, and our society. Please join us.

Chairs are available for sitting and there is room for cushions. The floor is carpeted.

To find us at Hospicare: Being quietly mindful of the residents, enter the main door and proceed straight ahead and through the door at the far end of the sitting area. Go down the stairs and turn left. The meeting room is on the left. Please plan to arrive a little before 7:30 to find your seat. (Note: On the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, we are asked to stay upstairs in the sitting area until another meeting has concluded, and we are notified.)