Event: Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship

Our sangha is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship. This is a space in which the overlap between Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism can be explored. Since many of our sangha members are UU members, and because we have long been meeting at a UU church, it seems right and appropriate that we should participate.

One such opportunity for participation is coming soon. Please read this message from Bob Ertman of the UUBF for more on this:

The UU Buddhist Fellowship will hold its fourth convocation April 8-10, 2011, at the Garrison Institute in Garrison, NY.

The Convocation theme will be "The Interdependent Web of Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism" and the teachers will be James Ford and David Rynick, Leaders of the Boundless Way Zen Community. They represent the first Zen community in North America to bring teachers of different Zen lineages together to create a distinctively Western and American vision of Zen. Boundless Way teachers have been influenced by their experiences as leaders and participants in Unitarian Universalism.

There will also be an Arts Practice Workshop on calligraphy with Mike Gold and a Prison Dharma Workshop with Rev. Patty Franz, Director of Prison Ministries, Church of the Larger Fellowship. And perhaps most valuable of all, opportunities to meet and talk to other UUs interested in Buddhism.

Take advantage of the early registration rate of $60, ending January 1. For the Convocation flyer & registration form, visit the UUBF home page (just Google uubf).

Gassho,
Bob Ertman, Editor, UU Sangha

May this Fellowship bring great benefit to all beings!

Contemplation: The Body of Truth

After considering the guidelines for practice, take this as your object of contemplation:

Subhuti, what do you think? May the Tathagata [the Buddha] be perceived by the thirty-two marks [of a great man]?

Subhuti answered: Yes, certainly the Tathagata may be perceived thereby.

Then the Buddha answered, Subhuti, if the Tathagata may be perceived by such marks, any great imperial ruler is the same as the Tathagata.

Subhuti then said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, as I understand the meaning of the Buddha's words the Tathagata may not be perceived by the thirty-two marks.

Whereupon the World-Honored One uttered this verse:

Who sees me by form,
Who seeks me in sound,
Perverted are his footsteps upon the way;
For he cannot perceive the Tathagata.

Diamond Sutra, chap. 26

Contemplation: To be Rid of Bewilderment

After considering the guidelines for practice, take this as your object of contemplation:

This great assembly should now rid itself of bewilderment.
Of those hearing this Dharma
There will be no one
Who will not become a Buddha.

(that means you)

From the Lotus Sutra, chapter 2, as recited at the Tendai Buddhist Institute

Contemplation: Like Dust, Like a Visitor

After considering the guidelines for practice, take this as your object of contemplation:

the Thus-Come-One [the Buddha] told everyone in the assembly, 'All beings need to understand that whatever moves is like dust and, like a visitor, does not remain'.

Surangama Sutra, p. 45

Contemplation: The Ornament of Virtue

After reviewing the guidelines for practice, take this as your object of contemplation:

Dare anyone a limit place
On benefits that virtue brings,
Without which virtue clansmen find
No footing in the dispensation?
No Ganges, and no Yamuna,
No Sarabhu, Sarassati,
Or flowing Aciravati,
Or noble River of Mahi,
Is able to wash out the stain
In things that breathe here in the world;
For only virtue's water can
Wash out the stain in living things.
No breezes that come bringing rain,
No balm of yellow sandalwood,
No necklaces beside, or gems,
Or soft effulgence of moonbeams,
Can here avail to calm and soothe
Men's fevers in this world; whereas
This noble, this supremely cool,
Well-guarded virtue quells the flame.
Where is there to be found the scent
That can with virtue's scent compare,
And that is borne against the wind
As easily as with it? Where
Can such another stair be found
That climbs, as virtue does, to heaven?
Or yet another door that gives
Onto the City of Nibbana?
Shine as they may, there are no kings
Adorned with jewelry and pearls
That shine as does a main restrained
Adorned with virtue's ornament.
Virtue entirely does away
With dread of self-blame and the like;
Their virtue to the virtuous
Gives gladness always by its fame.
From this brief sketch it may be known
How virtue brings reward, and how
This root of all good qualities
Robs of its power every fault.

Path of Purification (Visuddhi-Magga) of Bhadantacariya Buddhaghosa, trans. Bikkhu Nanamoli p. 10.

Contemplation: Follow the Mindful Path

Review the guidelines for practice, and then take this up as your object of contemplation:

Today's sun is passing, our life is getting older and today, what joyfulness remains, is like a fish living in a teaspoon of water. Now everyone endeavor diligently to rescue the burning intellect; be mindful that life is suffering, empty and transient. Don't be self-indulgent. Follow the mindful path.

"Kokon," as recited at the Tendai Buddhist Institute

Contemplation: The Great Cloud (concluded)

Review the guidelines for practice and take this up as your object of contemplation:

The teaching of the Buddhas
Is always of one flavor
And fulfills the entire world.
Anyone who practices little by little
Obtains the fruit of the path.
O Kashyapa,
The Dharma which the Buddha teaches
Is just like the great cloud which enriches human flowers
With the rain of one flavor,
So that each attains its fruits.
O Kashyapa!
You should know that I reveal the Buddha-path
Using various explanations and illustrations
And that this is my skillful means.
All of the Buddhas are just like this.
I will now teach the highest truth for your sake:
There are no shravakas who attain Nirvana.
What you practice is the bodhisattva-path;
And if you practice step by step,
You will all become Buddhas.

excerpted from The Lotus Sutra, chapter 5, as recited at the Tendai Buddhist Institute.