Wednesday

Practicing Generosity


It takes time to practice generosity, but being generous is the best use of our time. — Thich Nhat Hanh

Dear Friends,
        It is a difficult time we are facing: sickness, isolation, financial hardship, racism, confusion and discouragement. Our teachers, in a stream from Buddha to Thay Nhat Hanh, have taught us that one of the antidotes for despair is the practice of generosity. When we notice all of the conditions we still have for happiness, and share from the heart, we grow our connection to all things.
        In this spirit, we as a sangha encourage the practice of Dana - joyful, voluntary giving. We give from our gratitude and love. There is no expectation or requirement to give. The teachings are offered freely, as a jewel without price.
        Whether the giving is material, emotional, or spiritual, both the "giver" and "receiver" benefit. Our sangha collectively donates financial support to the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation for the material support of the monastics at Blue Cliff Monastery. We have also donated financial support to Hospicare, in gratitude for the long relationship we have had, when we were able to meet in person at their building meeting room.
        Contact Pamela Goddard (pamela@tedcrane.com) for more information about how to support this ongoing Dana.

If you are moved to do so, you can also give to the THN Foundation at:
     https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/blog/temporary-monastery-closures
 You can give to Hospicare at:
     https://www.hospicare.org/donate/

Tuesday

Sangha Can Be the Next Buddha

 



Kenley Neufeld offers three ways we can rethink community and fulfill Thich Nhat Hanh’s aspiration for the Buddhist community in this November 25th article by Lion's Roar.


50 Thich Nhat Hanh Quotes That'll Make You Feel at Peace

In September of 2019, The Oprah Magazine published an article of the 50 quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh that they say will make you feel at peace.   See the quotes they picked at https://www.oprahmag.com/life/g29092056/thich-nhat-hanh-quotes/ and let us know in the comments if you agree with their choices.

Sunday

Thich Nhat Hanh recommends 5 meditation techniques that rewire your brain to live in the present moment

 by Lachlan Brown on hackspirit.com April 17, 2017

To become successful and joyful, you must succeed in generating inner peace. But when our lives are full of chaos, it can be difficult to work out exactly how to go about it.......

https://hackspirit.com/thich-nhat-hanh-meditation-techniques-rewire-brain-live-present-moment/


Tuesday

The Great Zen Buddhist Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh on How to Do “Hugging Meditation”

On May 4, 2015, Maria Popova wrote a piece entitled The Great Zen Buddhist Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh on How to Do “Hugging Meditation” for the brainpickings.org blog highlighting the importance of embracing one another and how to perform this highest act of generosity using Thich Nhat Hanh's book How to Love.  You can read the article here.