PRESENT MOMENT SANGHA

The Present Moment Sangha studies and practices the teachings of the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. We share the belief that Thich Nhat Hanh offers teachings and a practice that can improve our personal lives, the community and the nation. Our name is drawn from one of the fourteen mindfulness trainings as given below.

Dwelling happily in the present moment.
Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that it is possible to live happily in the here and now; I am committed to training myself to live deeply each moment of daily life. I will try not to lose myself in dispersion or be carried away by regrets about the past, worries about the future, or craving, anger or jealousy in the present. I will practise mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the present moment. I am determined to learn the art of mindful living by touching the wondrous, refreshing and healing elements that are inside and around me, and by nourishing seeds of joy, peace, love and understanding in myself, thus facilitating the work of transformation and healing in my consciousness.

We are currently located in Alphington and meet every Sunday. Our practice begins with a 25 minute meditation, usually silent but sometimes incorporates some guided meditation. This is followed by a short walking meditation then another 25 minute silent sitting meditation. At present we then read and reflect on Thich Nhat Hanh's Five Mindfulness Trainings and then, with a lovely cup of refreshing tea, have a general discussion about his work and its application to our lives.

Once a month we have a day of mindfulness at the same venue. The general format for these days is listed below.

In line with Buddhist tradition there is no charge for these gatherings but we appreciate a donation for the Alphington Community Centre to cover costs.

WEEKLY MEETING

Where

Alphington Community Centre in 2 Kelvin Road, Alphington.

When

Sunday 4.30 - 6.30 (If at all possible please arrive in time to be settled and start meditation by 4.30pm. Centre will be open at 4.15pm

Access

Train: Alphington Station . It is on the Hurstbridge Line Bus: 508 (Dyson's) Moonee Ponds to Alphington Station, Stop No. 45 Melway Ref: 31 C10

DAY OF MINDFULNESS

9.45am Arrive and settle in

10am Sitting meditation, walking meditation, sitting meditation

11.00am Mindful morning tea

11.15am Dharma discussion

12.30pm Lunch

1.30pm Guided relaxation meditation

2.30pm Reflection on the day, and any other discussion about the Sangha

3.30pm Finish

For this day we all bring something to share for lunch.

If you'd like to join us for weekly meditation and/or the day of mindfulness, or have any questions then please email me at juliabyford@bigpond.com or you can ring me on 0414759670.

November Retreat

Cultivating Mindfulness In Everyday Life;

Watering The Seeds Of Stillness

A weekend of mindfulness inspired by the Teachings of Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh

Friday evening November 14 – Sunday afternoon November 16

Maitripa Contemplative Centre, 528 Myers Creek Road, Healesville, Victoria

Led by Dharma teacher Tony Mills from Five Mountains Sangha, The Channon, NSW

The aim of the retreat is to deepen our ability to be happy and peaceful in daily life. We will share the practice of ‘stopping’ and looking deeply, the experience of being still and looking into things and having a sense of spaciousness even in busy times.

Program

The program will commence at 8pm after a BYO picnic tea and will end at 4pm Sunday. The retreat will begin with an orientation session followed by a meditation session. The retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with more advanced Buddhist practice. The retreat is based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and will include seated, walking and working meditation, dharma talks and discussion and relaxation sessions. Significant periods of the retreat will be conducted in silence. There will be an opportunity for people to take the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Details of the program available after registration.

Where

Located in the beautiful Upper Yarra Valley, six and a half kilometres from Healesville, the Maitripa Contemplative Centre is an hour and a quarter easy drive from Melbourne CBD. Set in 50 acres of forest and gardens established early in the twentieth century, Maitripa has beautiful gardens and walks, breathtaking vistas and ample parking.

Details of how to get there as well as what to bring and other information will be sent to you once you register.

Accommodation

There are single, double and twin share bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a separate teacher's suite, a large meditation room, a dining room and fully equipped commercial kitchen. Bedrooms will be allocated by date of registration.

STRICTLY LIMITED places available so please book early to ensure your place. Payment is required at time of booking. Full refund available if cancellation made by November 7. If late cancellation part refund possible.

Enquires Julia Byford juliabyford@bigpond.com or 0414 759670

Ian Roberts idroberts@bigpond.com or 0419 581784

Cultivating mindfulness in everyday life; watering the seeds of stillness

Organised by Present Moment Sangha in collaboration with Green Bamboo Sangha