Aryaloka Buddhist Center

test post for streaming

2011-08-01T16:53:54Z

Check in online to watch the Drepung Gomang Monks construct a mandala!

During their tour of Aryaloka, from August 1st to 6th, 2011, the Drepung Gomang monks will be dedicating a space at our center for mandala construction, and throughout the week you’ll be able to watch online – live, via webcam on the screen below – as their mandala slowly takes form with the careful addition of each colorful grain of sand. This is an amazing process to witness, so don’t miss it!

Viewing times to watch the monks in person at Aryaloka Buddhist Center are open to the public by donation, and directions to Aryaloka can be found by clicking here.

To learn more about the Drepung Gomang monks and their monastery, or to make a donation to support them in their work, please visit their website: http://www.gomang.org/2010_tour.html

Streaming video by Ustream

Mindfulness: The Complete Embrace

2010-08-25T20:01:52Z

Start Date: Friday, December 24, 2010
End Date: Friday, December 31, 2010

Whether it’s a refusal to accept ourselves, a state of hazy dullness or confusion, a rehashing of the past, a flash of anger, pursuing a ‘harmless distraction’ or a full-on escape fantasy, few of us can deny that more or less subtle forms of resistance are guiding much of our experience. Yet the Buddha assured us that cultivating mindfulness—simply being aware while walking, eating, sitting, or lying down—helps us to be with things, to see things, as they are. With diligent mindfulness, with kindness and insight, we can see through our views and habits of resistance. We can live more fully, and begin to completely embrace this life.

This retreat is a precious opportunity to cultivate continuous kindly awareness, on and off the cushion, especially of the body, bodily sensation, feeling tone, and the mind, with responsiveness, openness and clarity. To support mindfulness in general and sitting meditation in particular, this retreat will be held in full silence from the second to the sixth day.

About Suvarnaprabha:

Suvarnaprabha’s love of meditation began in 1990 when she was in Kathmandu and attended an FWBO weekend introduction to meditation class. Ordained in 2001, she is currently Creative Director of the San Francisco Buddhist Center/FWBO, where she teaches and organizes arts events. She also teaches stress reduction at businesses and nonprofits (www.stressreductionatwork.com). A writer and advice columnist known as Auntie Suvanna, she is working on a book about meditation that she may finish at some point in this lifetime.

	Led by:	Suvarnaprabha
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$300-450 sliding scale

	Level:	Experienced
	Directions:	Directions Page

Opening to Emptiness: Exploring the Heart Sutra

2010-08-25T20:04:29Z

Start Date: Friday, December 10, 2010
End Date: Monday, December 13, 2010

“The Heart or Essence of Perfect Wisdom Sutra” condenses the teachings of the whole of the Buddhist tradition — then smashes it to bits. It takes everything away, everything we know, or everything we think we know, so all that is left is shunyata — boundlessness, openness, emptiness — the absolutely ungraspable and wordless freedom of reality directly experienced that shows us who we are. And when we know who we are — which is to say, not really anyone — our hearts naturally open. We relax our grip on the narratives and opinions that lock us in patterns of suffering and alienation.

But what does shunyata really mean? Could the Heart Sutra be a way to approach our meditation practice…and our daily lives? These are the questions we will explore on this retreat, beginning with some of the concepts, such as the five skandhas, that the Heart sutra claims are empty. Practices on the retreat will include sitting meditation, writing, reciting, reflecting on, and chanting the sutra, talks, discussion, and periods of silence.

“When emptiness is possible, everything is possible.” – Nagarjuna

The retreat will optionally continue through Monday for those who can stay on an extra day.

About Suvarnaprabha:

Suvarnaprabha has been reflecting on and studying the heart sutra since her ordination retreat, when for a few moments she imagined Prajnaparamita, the female form of the sutra’s wisdom, and the world filled with golden light. Currently she is creative director and one of the teachers at the San Francisco Buddhist Center. She also teaches stress reduction at Bay Area businesses and the county jail. Her humorous advice column, “Ask Auntie Suvanna” has been featured on wildmind.org as well as the British Buddhist magazine, Dharma Life. She spends some of her spare time blogging (2golden.blogspot.com)…she is working toward spending more of it walking outside.

	Led by:	Suvarnaprabha
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration page
	Fee:	$165 for Fri-Sun $200 for Fri-Mon
	Other dates:	Other dates here
	Level:	Basic familiarity with meditation; Suitable for those new to or very familiar with the Heart Sutra.
	Directions:	Directions Page

Young Sangha and Parent Discussion Group – December

2010-08-25T20:12:51Z

Start Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010
End Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010

Young Sangha

As Buddhists, our community connects us to one another as well as to the place called Aryaloka. Young Sangha is an opportunity for our children, beginning at the age of 5, to gather at Aryaloka on a regular basis in order to create a sense of connectedness with the Buddhist community of their parents and to the place and rituals of Aryaloka. During Young Sangha, children will participate in a variety of age appropriate activities that will:

Bring them together in companionship and friendship.
Introduce them to the practice of meditation that can serve as a source of strength, growth and comfort as they begin their own journey of self discovery.
Give them opportunities to learn and practice Buddhist values such as kindness, generosity, and truthfulness.
Connect them with the beauties of nature that surround the Aryaloka grounds.

A Young Sangha session might look like …

Sharing a snack made together and taking turns serving and cleaning up
A fun scavenger hunt – with older children teaming with younger ones — designed to locate key places and objects within the Aryaloka community
Producing and performing a short play based on the Jataka Tales
Enjoying a walking meditation around the beautiful Aryaloka grounds

To ensure we have enough materials and personnel for the classes, please preregister for the Young Sangha classes with Shrijnana at shrijnana@wildmind.org.

The Teachers:

Denise Connors has been a member of the Aryaloka Community for over 15 years. She and Margaret Crowley served for several years as teachers (3-7 year olds) in a Young Church program at South Church UU in Portsmouth, NH. They also cared for the youngest children in the Church nursery program. They will be teamed with their 13 year old daughter Rose who has plans to become a second grade teacher. She has experience as a classroom volunteer (mostly reading) with Mrs. O’Brien, a first grade teacher at Newmarket Elementary School.

Parent Discussion Group

Running concurrently with the Young Sangha, the parents discussion group offers parents an opportunity to meditate with others and discuss issues relevant to parenting and Buddhism.

The Teacher:

Shrijnana has been a member of the Triratna Buddhist Community for 8 years. She currently spends most of her time caring for her two young children, Maia and Malkias, but used to teach middle and high school science and lead Mitra Study at Aryaloka.

Policies

Space is limited. Please preregister by the Wednesday prior to each Young Sangha session by emailing shrijnana@wildmind.org and indicating how many children will be attending. Let us know if your child has any food related restrictions.
The Young Sangha is for children aged five and up. At the moment we are not able to provide childcare for children under three years of age, but we have plans to do so in the future.
Parents of children up to the age of 13 years old must remain on the premises during Young Sangha.
There is no fee for Young Sangha but we ask that you consider making a donation of $5-10 per family per class in order to offset our costs for materials and the use of the facilities.

All meetings will be held at Akasaloka unless indicated otherwise prior to the event.

	Led by:	Denise Connors, Margaret Crowley, and Shrijnana
	Venue:	Akashaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$5-10 donation per class requested to cover costs

	Level:	Children 5 years and up and their parents
	Directions:	Directions Page

Introduction to Meditation: A Day Workshop

2010-08-25T20:09:33Z

Start Date: Saturday, December 4, 2010
End Date: Saturday, December 4, 2010

Saturday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic ways to set up our meditation and a traditional Buddhist meditation form are taught on each day-long workshop. Monthly workshops alternate between focus on Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana (loving kindness) meditation practices.

For a grounding introduction to the practice of meditation and/or Buddhism a combination of meditation workshops and/or an evening class is recommended. Any series or day can also be taken on its own. No prior experience is necessary for introductory level events. All of these courses are also appropriate for practitioners with some experience who wish to refresh their practice.

Foundation Meditations

At Aryaloka we begin with traditional meditations. Each is a path to awakening and a basis for other forms of meditation, such as the Brahmaviharas and Anpanasati meditations, which we teach for experienced practitioners.

Foundation practices belong to the broad class of samatha meditations which develop calm, concentration and a still, pliable mind that is open to insights and deep reflection.

Mindfulness of Breathing is a practice that helps us to develop a calm, clear, and focused mind. With mindfulness we develop concentration and awareness. A concentrated mind, flexible and alert, is poised for insight into the nature of mind and life itself.
Metta Bhavana (cultivation of loving-kindness) is a method of working with our hearts and mind together, allowing us to enjoy greater positivity towards others and ourselves. With practice, Metta flowers into compassion and equanimity.
Just Sitting practice is an open or ‘formless’ meditation of direct awareness of our present moment experience.
Walking meditation is mindfulness and metta in motion, following the Buddha’s way of bringing awareness into all our activities.

This month’s topic: Mindfulness

	Led by:	TBD
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$65 requested (includes cost of vegetarian lunch)

	Level:	Introductory
	Directions:	Directions Page

Emotions and Intuition from a Buddhist Perspective, Part II

2010-08-25T20:05:02Z

Start Date: Friday, December 3, 2010
End Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010

This weekend retreat will continue to explore the Buddhist perspective on emotion through interactive means. There will be teachings, reflection, meditation and experiential sessions. We will look at three areas in particular:

How does Bodhicitta arise under the influence of our emotions?
How do previous experience and awareness affect intuition?
How does awareness of emotions aid compassionate decision making?

Participants need to have attended Emotions: Part I last February or have a general understanding of emotions and Buddhism. Participants must have an established personal meditation practice.

The retreat will be organized in cooperative fashion. Participants will have a kitchen job each day and will also help with a final clean-up of the Center on Sunday.

	Led by:	Arjava, Bodhana, Vihanasari, Karunasara and Vidhuma
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$165 requested

	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page

Intermediate Meditation: Evening Series

2010-08-25T20:05:38Z

Start Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
End Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Do you find yourself wandering in your meditation? Are you enjoying it ? Wondering if you are getting the most out of your practice? In these three sessions we will explore ways to engage more deeply and to heighten the benefits of our meditation practice.

Series will continue for three Wednesday evenings on the following dates: Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15

	Led by:	To be determined
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$30 – $40
	Other dates:	Dec. 8, Dec. 15
	Level:	Experienced Suitable for anyone familiar with the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditations
	Directions:	Directions Page

Order/Mitra Day

2010-08-25T20:06:20Z

Start Date: Sunday, November 21, 2010
End Date: Sunday, November 21, 2010

In a rare opportunity for mitras and Order members to spend a day together, the topic for this day will be be Gratitude. What is real gratitude, and how does it relate to our Buddhist practice? Mitras will have a chance to benefit from the experience of Order members regarding the theme, and will explore the meaning of gratitude with each other.

	Led by:	Stephen Sloan and Akashavanda
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	Donations requested $25-$65

	Level:	Order members and Mitras
	Directions:	Directions Page

Introduction to Meditation: A Day Workshop

2010-08-25T20:10:43Z

Start Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010
End Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010

Foundation Meditations

Foundation practices belong to the broad class of samatha meditations which develop calm, concentration and a still, pliable mind that is open to insights and deep reflection.

Mindfulness of Breathing is a practice that helps us to develop a calm, clear, and focused mind. With mindfulness we develop concentration and awareness. A concentrated mind, flexible and alert, is poised for insight into the nature of mind and life itself.
Metta Bhavana (cultivation of loving-kindness) is a method of working with our hearts and mind together, allowing us to enjoy greater positivity towards others and ourselves. With practice, Metta flowers into compassion and equanimity.
Just Sitting practice is an open or ‘formless’ meditation of direct awareness of our present moment experience.
Walking meditation is mindfulness and metta in motion, following the Buddha’s way of bringing awareness into all our activities.

This month’s topic: Mindfulness

Upcoming Workshop Day topics are covered on the following schedule:

Nov. 20 -Metta Bhavana
Dec. 4 – Mindfulness

	Led by:	TBD
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$65 requested (includes cost of vegetarian lunch)

	Level:	Introductory
	Directions:	Directions Page

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga & Meditation Retreat

2010-08-25T20:07:07Z

Start Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010
End Date: Sunday, November 14, 2010

Embrace your authentic self in a supportive and transformational environment through the practice of Kripalu yoga, the Metta Bhavana (development of loving-kindness) meditation and periods of social silence. Join us to deeply connect with your body, mind, and spirit in a compassionate and loving way.

These retreats welcome all levels of experience.

Please register early as these retreats fill up fast.

Michelle McComb is a Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor and a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She has been practicing yoga and meditation for 10 years and teaching the Kripalu approach since 2001. She is also a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with special interest and training in body-centered approaches.

(Please note: Payment in full is required at time of registration, whether registration is done online or through the office)

	Led by:	Michelle McComb, Arjava
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$200

	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page
	More info:	Programs – Yoga

Young Sangha and Parent Discussion Group – November

2010-08-25T20:13:26Z

Start Date: Sunday, November 7, 2010
End Date: Sunday, November 7, 2010

Young Sangha

Bring them together in companionship and friendship.
Introduce them to the practice of meditation that can serve as a source of strength, growth and comfort as they begin their own journey of self discovery.
Give them opportunities to learn and practice Buddhist values such as kindness, generosity, and truthfulness.
Connect them with the beauties of nature that surround the Aryaloka grounds.

A Young Sangha session might look like …

Sharing a snack made together and taking turns serving and cleaning up
A fun scavenger hunt – with older children teaming with younger ones — designed to locate key places and objects within the Aryaloka community
Producing and performing a short play based on the Jataka Tales
Enjoying a walking meditation around the beautiful Aryaloka grounds

To ensure we have enough materials and personnel for the classes, please preregister for the Young Sangha classes with Shrijnana at shrijnana@wildmind.org.

The Teachers:

Parent Discussion Group

Running concurrently with the Young Sangha, the parents discussion group offers parents an opportunity to meditate with others and discuss issues relevant to parenting and Buddhism.

The Teacher:

Policies

Space is limited. Please preregister by the Wednesday prior to each Young Sangha session by emailing shrijnana@wildmind.org and indicating how many children will be attending. Let us know if your child has any food related restrictions.
The Young Sangha is for children aged five and up. At the moment we are not able to provide childcare for children under three years of age, but we have plans to do so in the future.
Parents of children up to the age of 13 years old must remain on the premises during Young Sangha.
There is no fee for Young Sangha but we ask that you consider making a donation of $5-10 per family per class in order to offset our costs for materials and the use of the facilities.

All meetings will be held at Akasaloka unless indicated otherwise prior to the event.

	Led by:	Denise Connors, Margaret Crowley, and Shrijnana
	Venue:	Akashaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$5-10 donation per class requested to cover costs
	Other dates:	Dec 5
	Level:	Children 5 years and up and their parents
	Directions:	Directions Page

Paramitas Retreat: Generosity & Ethics

2010-08-25T20:08:07Z

Start Date: Friday, November 5, 2010
End Date: Sunday, November 7, 2010

“If one teaching is grasped and known, all of my teachings will be in the palm of your hand. What is this one teaching? It is altruism.”

- The Buddha

Many have heard of the six paramitas (perfections). Perhaps you can list them without much trouble: generosity, ethics, patience, effort, mindfulness and wisdom. The question is how do you live them in your every day life? Do they inspire and guide you spiritually? The paramitas are characteristics of how a Bodhisattva lives…imagine taking on these qualities wholeheartedly!

This retreat is the first of three stand alone weekends offered throughout the fall and winter that will afford you an opportunity to delve deeply into what each paramita involves, and how you can integrate each into your life to benefit yourself and all beings. The Bodhisattva Ideal is not beyond your reach, but is attainable through speciic practices.

We will be exploring two paramitas on each weekend, with time for meditation, practical exercises, reflection and discussion. There will also be times of silence during each retreat. We are sangha on this path, inspiring, encouraging and challenging one another. These weekends are times to explore together. They are offered to advanced beginners (are we ever anything else?) who are familiar with the Bodhisattva Ideal.

Future retreats to be offered in this series are:

Patience and Effort: winter 2011
Meditation and Wisdom: late winter 2011

About the leaders

Akashavanda has been a Buddhist for ten years and uses the Six Perfections as an inspiring blueprint for deepening her practice. She often leads mitra study at Aryaloka and is known for her enthusiasm and practical application of the Dharma.

Samayadevi found the dharma in 2000 and has been a goner ever since. She was ordained in Spain on a three month retreat in the summer of 2007. The Six Paramitas are a guiding light for her practice, and for her teaching at Aryaloka and in Goffstown NH at the NH State Prison for women.

	Led by:	Akashavanda and Samayadevi
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$165

	Level:	All practitioners familiar with the Ideal of the Bodhisattva. Participants also need to have familiarity with the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditations.
	Directions:	Directions Page

Noble Silence Retreat

2010-08-25T20:15:56Z

Start Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010
End Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The focus of this retreat is to create an atmosphere conducive to extended meditation and allow for the participants to focus completely on their practice with the fewest external distractions. All participants should have a solid experienced meditation practice within the Triratna Buddhist Community (or have permission of the retreat leaders) and be clear and willing to bring their training and practice fully to this intensive silent retreat.

So as to provide the best conditions for deepening meditations and mindfulness, it is strongly advised to reduce most forms of distraction including all personal electronics and recreational reading materials.

Retreat participants will have no rota jobs or responsibilities except to sit. Meals will be light and snacks will be provided.

After a brief introduction and question period the first evening, we will be in a noble silence until the morning of the last day. The meditations will not be led, only bells, and there will not be any formal teachings.

For the Benefit of all Beings, the larger Aryaloka Sangha can support the retreat with metta, donations to Aryaloka and silence within a respectful range of Akashaloka during the retreat.

Please join us in supporting this important retreat with your practice and expect to sit at least 6 to 8 hours each day.

	Led by:	Narottama and Bodhana
	Venue:	Akashaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$200-$400 sliding scale

	Level:	Experienced
	Directions:	Directions Page

Full Moon Meditation & Puja

2010-08-25T20:23:01Z

Dates: Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 22, Nov 19, Dec 24
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Once a month on the nearest Friday to the Full Moon, Aryaloka is open for an evening of practice, which includes meditation, Dharma readings, followed by a Seven-fold Puja (text available for download here). The evenings are led, but there is no instruction or guidance per se. If you know how to meditate and feel comfortable with Buddhist practice, please come join fellow practitioners and enjoy the collective benefits. Contributions toward heat and electricity will be appreciated!

Please note: Those coming for the first time to Aryaloka may find Sangha Night on Tuesday more suitable.

	Led by:	Rotating leaders – TBD
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	No registration necessary
	Fee:	Free will donation for use of the shrine room is appreciated

	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page

Introduction to Meditation: A Day Workshop

2010-08-25T20:16:34Z

Start Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010
End Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010

Foundation Meditations

Foundation practices belong to the broad class of samatha meditations which develop calm, concentration and a still, pliable mind that is open to insights and deep reflection.

Mindfulness of Breathing is a practice that helps us to develop a calm, clear, and focused mind. With mindfulness we develop concentration and awareness. A concentrated mind, flexible and alert, is poised for insight into the nature of mind and life itself.
Metta Bhavana (cultivation of loving-kindness) is a method of working with our hearts and mind together, allowing us to enjoy greater positivity towards others and ourselves. With practice, Metta flowers into compassion and equanimity.
Just Sitting practice is an open or ‘formless’ meditation of direct awareness of our present moment experience.
Walking meditation is mindfulness and metta in motion, following the Buddha’s way of bringing awareness into all our activities.

This month’s topic: Mindfulness

Upcoming Workshop Day topics are covered on the following schedule:

Nov. 20 -Metta Bhavana
Dec. 4 – Mindfulness

	Led by:	TBD
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$65 requested (includes cost of vegetarian lunch)

	Level:	Introductory
	Directions:	Directions Page

"A Humble Heart" Yoga Retreat

2010-08-25T20:17:14Z

Start Date: Friday, October 22, 2010
End Date: Sunday, October 24, 2010

There are no boundaries to the humbleness of your heart, only the possibility of complete freedom that is not dependent on any belief system or ideology. With practice, the heart opens and the pathway to discovering your inner resources becomes free of judgment and resistance.

Our time together will include yoga practices (for all levels, no experience required), meditation, group discussions, outdoor (weather permitting) explorations, rest and restoration with silent time, and delicious, nutritious vegetarian meals.

Please inform us at least five days prior to the retreat of any dietary restrictions you might have.

About the leaders

Lily Sibley, owner of Ocean Spirit Yoga, has been teaching yoga in Portsmouth, NH, as well as Kittery, ME, Exeter, Rye and Newburyport, since 2002. Lily has advanced certification as a Classical Yoga teacher, is a certified Reiki Master and a licensed teacher of Healthy-Steps, a movement therapy program for breast cancer survivors and chronic illness. Currently, Lily is a senior teacher in the YogaLife Institute of NH yoga teacher training program, a program born of the Yoga Institute of Mumbai, India.

Michael Whiter is a certified Classical Yoga teacher, currently teaching at Yoga by Donation in Portsmouth, NH.

Please note: Payment must be made in full at time of registration for yoga events, whether done online or through the office.

	Led by:	Lily Sibley, assisted by Michael Whiter
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$165

	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page

Deepening & Empathy and Introduction to Restorative Justice: Advanced NVC

2010-08-25T20:17:49Z

Start Date: Friday, October 15, 2010
End Date: Sunday, October 17, 2010

Do you want to deepen your empathy skills and learn how to apply them in Restorative community circles? These Deepening Trainings are designed for practising skills learned in your Basic Non-Violent Communication Training, PLUS developing further understanding and skills in the area of empathy. (The other ‘Deepenings’ we offer are in the areas of Anger and Conflict).

On the first two days (Deepening + Empathy) you will:

Review and practise the basic ingredients of NVC.
Share the ups and downs of applying NVC in your life.
Extend skills and understanding with the NVC Dance Floors.
Discover the healing power of presence.
Connect empathically with ourselves and others.
Hear the needs behind challenging messages.

On the third and final day of the training:

We will apply our deepened empathy skills to Restorative Justice (RJ) practices. Restorative Justice (RJ) is rooted in indigenous cultures where each person is an integral member of the community, and ostracization or alienation are ill-afforded if the community is to thrive. Consequently, it is critical that any relationship harm or conflict be identified and repaired in a way that restores health to the individuals involved, relationships, and the community as a whole. RJ offers a framework for people in conflict to be brought together with the support of representatives of the community. In circles, we identify what happened and who was harmed (observations), how they were harmed (feelings and needs), and how the harm could be repaired (requests).

By the end of the RJ day you will:

watch and participate in a restorative circle,
learn the necessary steps to creating a “successful” restorative circle,
and have the opportunity to discuss RJ principles.

Preparation:

We request that you have attended a 2-day Basic Training or equivalent with a certified trainer.

Trainers: Shantigarbha, CNVC.org certified and Jessica Dancingheart, Independent Trainer and Restorative Justice facilitator.

A note about fees

We want to make this retreat accessible to as many people as possible with different financial resources, while supporting ourselves to continue sharing this work. In order to do this, we propose that you choose your own retreat program fee from the range of $150–$600.

Suggested guideline for choosing a fee:

Choose the lower end if you are struggling to pay the rent.
Choose the upper end if you are regularly eating out well and/or paid for by your employer.

When you book, please say the amount you are offering to pay. If you are unsure how to decide, feel free to get in touch with us.

The Trainers

Shantigarbha (Chris Warren) is an international NVC trainer certified with the Centre for Nonviolent Communication (www.cnvc.org). He leads workshops and retreats in the UK, continental Europe, the USA, India, and Sri Lanka, where he’s running a reconciliation project after the civil war there. He writes on NVC for two UK magazines and has appeared on Sri Lankan television. He’s currently writing a book on empathy. Visit Shantigarbha’s website at www.seedofpeace.org.

Jessica Dancingheart serves as a mother, a communication coach, a columnist for Boulder County Kids, and a volunteer Restorative Justice facilitator for criminal and restorative alternative to expulsion cases. She has practiced Nonviolent Communication, body awareness techniques, and the Work of Byron Katie for over 8 years. She feels most fulfillment and joy when she has loving connects with her son, her community and nature. She also is creating a web-based show that is rooted in Celebrating Real People Making a Big Difference.

	Led by:	Shantigarbha, CNVC.org certified; and Jessica Dancingheart, Independent Trainer and Restorative Justice facilitator
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	Sliding Fee – $150-$600

	Level:	Experienced (Suitable for people who have completed NVC Basic training)
	Directions:	Directions Page

Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism

2010-08-25T20:18:28Z

Start Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2010
End Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010

On these six Wednesday evenings we will learn traditional Buddhist meditations and also explore basic Buddhist teachings. Meditations taught will include the Mindfulness of Breathing, development of loving-kindness (Metta Bhavana) and walking meditation. These forms have been found to be supportive and helpful to most everyone by helping us to focus, to become more at ease, to know our own minds more fully. Buddhist teachings shared will include the five ethical precepts, the principle of conditionality or interconnectedness, and the Four Noble Truths. The course emphasizes how the Buddhist tradition applies to our lives and the world as we know it now.

These courses are open to anyone. Classes are held each Wednesday evening for six weeks on the following dates: 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17.

	Led by:	TBD
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$75
	Other dates:	10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17
	Level:	Introductory
	Directions:	Directions Page

North American Order Convention

2010-08-25T19:58:59Z

Start Date: Saturday, September 4, 2010
End Date: Monday, August 9, 2010

The North American Order Convention brings together order members from across the North American continent. This year’s theme is “The Heart of the Order: Deepening Practice and Communication Within the Triratna Buddhist Order in North America.” Speakers include: Vidhuma, on the Meaning of Going for Refuge, Dhammarati on the unique characteristics of the Triratna Order and the significance of the Order in the context of the broader Buddhist tradition, and Viveka on ways to develop our practice individually and collectively after we have completed the ‘ordination training’ phase. The workshop will be on “Communication within the Triratna Buddhist Order” with Dhammarati.

** Contact the Aryaloka Office for fee **

	Led by:	Vidhuma, Dhammarati, Viveka
	Venue:	Aryaloka

	Level:	Order Member Event
	Directions:	Directions Page

Breaking Free from Fear

2010-08-25T20:19:05Z

Start Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010
End Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010

Fear arises from clinging; letting go gives rise to fearlessness. Bodhipaksa will lead this day retreat exploring the ‘Discourse on the Elements’. This early and important Buddhist teaching offers crucial insights on how we can embrace life fearlessly and joyfully, letting go of our fear-driven clinging to the delusion of a static and separate self. Bodhipaksa’s new book, Living as a River (www.livingasariver.com), will be published on October 1, 2010 by Sounds True.

Lunch is included.

	Led by:	Bodhipaksa
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	Contributions requested $45 – $65

	Level:	Open to those familiar with meditation
	Directions:	Directions Page

Young Sangha and Parent Discussion Group – October

2010-08-25T20:19:38Z

Start Date: Sunday, October 3, 2010
End Date: Sunday, October 3, 2010

Young Sangha

Bring them together in companionship and friendship.
Introduce them to the practice of meditation that can serve as a source of strength, growth and comfort as they begin their own journey of self discovery.
Give them opportunities to learn and practice Buddhist values such as kindness, generosity, and truthfulness.
Connect them with the beauties of nature that surround the Aryaloka grounds.

A Young Sangha session might look like …

Sharing a snack made together and taking turns serving and cleaning up
A fun scavenger hunt – with older children teaming with younger ones — designed to locate key places and objects within the Aryaloka community
Producing and performing a short play based on the Jataka Tales
Enjoying a walking meditation around the beautiful Aryaloka grounds

To ensure we have enough materials and personnel for the classes, please preregister for the Young Sangha classes with Shrijnana at shrijnana@wildmind.org.

The Teachers:

Parent Discussion Group

Running concurrently with the Young Sangha, the parents discussion group offers parents an opportunity to meditate with others and discuss issues relevant to parenting and Buddhism.

The Teacher:

Policies

Space is limited. Please preregister by the Wednesday prior to each Young Sangha session by emailing shrijnana@wildmind.org and indicating how many children will be attending. Let us know if your child has any food related restrictions.
The Young Sangha is for children aged five and up. At the moment we are not able to provide childcare for children under three years of age, but we have plans to do so in the future.
Parents of children up to the age of 13 years old must remain on the premises during Young Sangha.
There is no fee for Young Sangha but we ask that you consider making a donation of $5-10 per family per class in order to offset our costs for materials and the use of the facilities.

All meetings will be held at Akasaloka unless indicated otherwise prior to the event.

	Led by:	Denise Connors, Margaret Crowley, and Shrijnana
	Venue:	Akashaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$5-10 donation per class requested to cover costs
	Other dates:	Nov 7, Dec 5
	Level:	Children 5 years and up and their parents
	Directions:	Directions Page

Nonviolent Communication Two-Day Basic Training Retreat

2010-08-25T20:20:35Z

Start Date: Friday, September 24, 2010
End Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010

Do you want to learn compassionate communication skills – the key to lasting relationships? Shantigarbha and Roberta Wall lead this introduction to the NVC method.

This two-day residential workshop:

Is suitable for parents, teachers and anyone wanting to develop lasting relationships.
Introduces you to the steps of the NVC process for use in expressing yourself to others, listening to others and listening compassionately to yourself.
Will give you sufficient information and practice to start using NVC in your daily life.
Is run in an experiential style working with examples from participants’ lives.
Uses the NVC Dance Floors for active, integrated learning.
Is challenging, moving, supportive and fun!

To prepare for this workshop, please read Marshall B. Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life (ISBN 1892005034) or watch the DVD, “The Basics of NVC”.

A note about fees

Suggested guideline for choosing a fee:

Choose the lower end if you are struggling to pay the rent.
Choose the upper end if you are regularly eating out well and/or paid for by your employer.

When you register, please say the amount you are offering to pay. If you are unsure how to decide, feel free to get in touch with us.

About the trainers

Shantigarbha (Chris Warren) is an international NVC trainer certified with the Centre for Nonviolent Communication (www.cnvc.org). He leads workshops and retreats in the UK, continental Europe, the USA, India, and Sri Lanka, where he’s running a reconciliation project after the civil war there. He writes on NVC for two UK magazines and has appeared on Sri Lankan television. He is author of a forthcoming book on Buddhism and empathy. Visit Shantigarbha’s website at www.seedofpeace.org.

Roberta Wall lives in the beautiful Hudson River Valley of Upstate New York and travels the world coaching couples, individuals and organizations and facilitating workshops and retreats inspired by Empathic and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Roberta uses her 20 years of experience as a lawyer, meditator, mediator, coach, teacher, parent and activist in service of peaceful resolution of conflict, individual and organizational growth, and community and spiritual development. Among her students and clients are individuals, civic organizations, businesses, communities and families in the Hudson Valley, businesses in India, centers in New York City, Mexico, France, Israel, Palestine, California and India, peace activists, court advocates, spiritual communities, teachers, students and healing professionals. She is currently a trainer-certification candidate with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. Visit Roberta’s website at www.steps2peace.com.

	Led by:	Shantigarbha, Roberta Wall
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	Sliding Fee: $100 – $400

	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga & Meditation Retreat

2010-08-25T20:21:22Z

Start Date: Thursday, September 23, 2010
End Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010

These retreats welcome all levels of experience.

Please register early as these retreats fill up fast.

(Please note: Payment in full is required at time of registration, whether registration is done online or through the office)

	Led by:	Michelle McComb, Arjava
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	Registration Page
	Fee:	$200

	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page
	More info:	Programs – Yoga

Sangha Hike – Mt. Monadnock

2010-08-25T20:22:04Z

Date: Sunday, September 19 (Rain Date: Sunday, September 26)
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Come an enjoy a beautiful autumn hike to the summit of Mt. Monadnock. This is a moderately strenuous hike, but anyone who is in reasonably good shape and prepared for a day of hiking, with a few rock scrambles, should enjoy it. We will pace ourselves according to the hiking ability of the group. We will meet at the Monadnock State Park on Poole Road in Jaffery, NH at 10 AM, for a prompt 10:15 AM departure. Our ascent will be by one of the more gradual routes, the Parker/Cliff Walk/Smith Connecting Link/White Cross Trail, which is 3 1/2 miles, and our descent will be on the more direct White Cross Trail, which is about 2 miles. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and a lunch to have at the summit.

Everyone is welcome, including friends and family, although it may not be a suitable first hike for a child due to its length. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the mountain.

Please contact Shrijnana at shrijnana@wildmind.org if you are planning to attend, or for more information.


	Venue:	Mt. Monadnock
	Registration:	No registration necessary

	Other dates:	Rain Date: Sept. 26
	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	TBD

Vajra Bell – July 2010

2010-08-23T17:23:46Z

In this issue:

Looking at Ways We Can Make Ethical Decisions – Perfection of Action by Dh. Karunasara
Musings on Travel from Free Buddhist Audio by Dh. Viriyalila
Movie Review “The Buddha” by Dan Bush
DO and DON’T: Right Action and the Noble Eightfold Path by Dh. Amala
Setting the Stage for Aryaloka’s 25th Anniversary by Shir Haberman
Sangha Celebrates Name Change at Wesak by Dan Bush
Young Sangha Introduces Kids to the Dharma by Denise Connors

Read it online || Download as a PDF

Aryaloka 25th Anniversary Events

2010-08-25T19:56:32Z

Dates: Aug 28-Sept 4, 2010
Times: See detailed schedule below

In 1985 the vision of a retreat center in a quiet setting, not too far from Boston, took its first steps to being realized. Dedicated Order members, mitras, and friends moved into the domes in Newmarket, NH. Since then, a sangha of practitioners has grown steadily, calling Aryaloka their spiritual ‘home’. Countless meditations, discussions, confidences, vegetarian meals, and chores have been shared over the last 25 years. Thousands of beings have been touched by the Dharma and the vision of Enlightenment that is kept alive here.

Please join us to celebrate the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha at Aryaloka in our 25th year.

	Led by:	Various
	Venue:	Aryaloka
	Registration:	No registration necessary


	Level:	Open to All
	Directions:	Directions Page

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, August 28 ~ Opening Ceremonies

11 a.m. ~ Arriving and Gathering.
Please plan to arrive early, and carpool as much as possible.

Noon-3 p.m. ~ Ceremonies begin
Opening Ceremonies led by Surakshita featuring original musical compositions by Sravaniya; procession and ritual placement of 15 foot hand-made banners as we tell a brief history of Aryaloka; mantra chanting and ritual in the Aryaloka shrine room; festive 25th Anniversary Picnic, catered by Danakamala and team. Please bring along fruit and desserts to share!

Sunday, August 29 ~ Open House

Noon-3 p.m. ~ Doors open to all members of the community.
This will be a time to enjoy a tour and hear what goes on at Aryaloka. Experience a short guided meditation and walk on the grounds. Members of the Aryaloka sangha will be present to answer questions and describe our activities. Refreshments will be offered.

Monday-Friday, August 30-September 3

7:30 a.m. ~ DAILY MORNING MEDITATION
Hosted by Surakshita

7:00 p.m. ~ EVENING PROGRAMS (see below for more info)

Saturday, September 4

REDEDICATION CEREMONIES
Rededicating Aryaloka to Another 25 Years of Dharma Practice & Beyond!

11:30 a.m. ~ Gathering in silence outside.
Noon-4 p.m. ~ Rededication Ceremonies.
Begin at noon with procession and chanting of the Bodhicitta Mantra as we enter the building; Meditation led by Dayalocana; Bodhicaryavatara Puja led by Surakshita; Rededication Verses led by Dayalocana.
Followed by tea and celebratory cake

Evening Events: (Monday-Friday Evenings)

Monday 8/30:

“The Simile of Heartwood Circle”
Talk by Dayalocana, Chair of the Aryaloka Council

Dayalocana has often thought that Aryaloka’s location at Heartwood Circle might have an interesting connection with the Buddha’s teaching of the Simile of the Heartwood. She’ll take a look at the teaching from the Pali Canon, and also what we might find at Aryaloka Buddhist Center as we search for the heartwood, Aryaloka’s inner core and strength that has endured for 25 years.

Tuesday 8/31:

“Reflections on Aryaloka”
Talk by Nagabodhi, Aryaloka’s President

Nagabodhi has been visiting Aryaloka every year for 23 years. He’s seen it go through all kinds of adventures, threats, triumphs, ups and downs, visions and developments… What a ride! He will share some memories, and maybe even try to put together some thoughts on what it’s all been about.

Wednesday 9/1:

Video Presentation: “Sangharakshita in India”

This BBC production is a glimpse of the wider movement and its founder, set in India – the country of Dr. Ambedkar.

Thursday 9/2:

Ritual Evening
Dedicated to our Triratna Community with Indian-style chanting led by Amala.

Friday 9/3:

“Beginnings: The conception, gestation, birth and infancy of a Buddhist Retreat Center”
Talk by Manjuvajra, founding Order Member of Aryaloka in 1985

Aryaloka’s history can be traced back to a time eight years before it was purchased. The FWBO had to be established on American soil and then, after four years, the decision to establish a community and retreat centre was taken. Manjuvajra will talk about what led up to that leap of faith; how Aryaloka came about, helped by the generosity of some people, and hindered by extreme challenges. He will trace the development of the community and centre during the first ten years of its life and talk about the colorful characters involved in that adventure.

Throughout these planned events, there will be opportunities to view a special multimedia show from Aryaloka’s history and a recorded message from Sangharakshita. In addition there will be outdoor banners to herald the way to our place of practice, a large banner of Avalokitesvara – symbol of the Triratna Buddhist Order – as well as other new artworks on display.

Aryaloka Buddhist Center

test post for streaming

Check in online to watch the Drepung Gomang Monks construct a mandala!

Mindfulness: The Complete Embrace

About Suvarnaprabha:

Opening to Emptiness: Exploring the Heart Sutra

About Suvarnaprabha:

Young Sangha and Parent Discussion Group – December

Young Sangha

Parent Discussion Group

Policies

Introduction to Meditation: A Day Workshop

Foundation Meditations

This month’s topic: Mindfulness

Emotions and Intuition from a Buddhist Perspective, Part II

Intermediate Meditation: Evening Series

Order/Mitra Day

Introduction to Meditation: A Day Workshop

Foundation Meditations

This month’s topic: Mindfulness

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Young Sangha and Parent Discussion Group – November

Young Sangha

Parent Discussion Group

Policies

Paramitas Retreat: Generosity & Ethics

About the leaders

Noble Silence Retreat

Full Moon Meditation & Puja

Introduction to Meditation: A Day Workshop

Foundation Meditations

This month’s topic: Mindfulness

"A Humble Heart" Yoga Retreat

About the leaders

Deepening & Empathy and Introduction to Restorative Justice: Advanced NVC

Preparation:

A note about fees

The Trainers

Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism

North American Order Convention

Breaking Free from Fear

Young Sangha and Parent Discussion Group – October

Young Sangha

Parent Discussion Group

Policies

Nonviolent Communication Two-Day Basic Training Retreat

A note about fees

About the trainers

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Sangha Hike – Mt. Monadnock

Vajra Bell – July 2010

In this issue:

Aryaloka 25th Anniversary Events

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, August 28 ~ Opening Ceremonies

Sunday, August 29 ~ Open House

Monday-Friday, August 30-September 3

Saturday, September 4

Evening Events: (Monday-Friday Evenings)

Monday 8/30:

Tuesday 8/31:

Wednesday 9/1:

Thursday 9/2:

Friday 9/3:

Thank you to everyone who has come in the past and who comes today to make Aryaloka a place of true practice and friendship.