July 2015 ebs newsletter

The Ecumenical Buddhist A Publication of the Ecumenical Buddhist Society of Little Rock

Teachings with Dr. Hun Lye August 28-30 Dorje Lopon Dr. Hun Lye is the spiritual teacher and founder of Urban Dharma NC, a Buddhist Center in western North Carolina.

The Dharrmata group, EBS, and Dr. William Gorvine of Hendrix College, have invited Dr. Lye to come and teach at EBS. He previously came to Arkansas in the Fall of 2014 to teach and support a sand mandala construction at Hendrix.

This teaching on compassion is for all practices at EBS. Everyone is welcome!

Friday, August 28, 7-8:30 p.m.

Public talk: A Session on Nothing: Contemplating the Heart Sutra A guided investigation into the nature of mind and its relevance to contemporary life.

Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall Suggested donation: $10-$20 Saturday & Sunday, August 29-30 Each day: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day (For schedule breakdown, see page 3.)

Retreat: Training the Mind, Recovering the Good Heart: Mind-Training Teachings for Everyday Living Dr. Lye shares with participants the essence of the Buddha's teachings on cultivating the awakening mind of compassion, wisdom, and altruism as expressed in a famous mind-training instruction by 11th century Tibetan Buddhist master, Geshe Langri Thangpa, known as "Eight Verses for Mind-Training." As one teacher explained: "The fundamental theme of mind training practice is the profound reorientation of our basic attitude, both toward our own self and toward our fellow human beings, as well as toward the events around us. The goal of mind-training practice is the radical transformation of our thoughts, attitudes, and habits. Presently, we tend to cherish the welfare of our own self at the expense of all others. However, the mind-training teaching challenges us to reverse this process. This involves a deep understanding of others as true friends, and the recognition that our true enemy lies inside of ourselves, not outside.‖ More on this teaching on page 4.

Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall Cost: $60/day, $110 for entire retreat Questions: Contact Charlotte Besch at 501-551-5135 or at cabesch@midsouth.ualr.edu.

See page 3 for more information and registration form.

July 2015, Volume 25, Number 2

The Four Noble Truths Workshop Starting Monday, Aug. 10 7 p.m.

The Four Noble Truths are considered a cornerstone of Buddhism and are often among the first things people learn about it. This course will explore the Buddha's teachings about each of these truths through the lens of Theravada Buddhism and the Pali Canon.  What's so noble about the Noble Truths?  What do they mean?  How do they fit into the rest of Buddhism's many teachings?  How can aspiring Buddhists use them in their practice?

This class will consist of four Monday night sessions:  Monday, August 10, 7 p.m.  Monday, August 17, 7 p.m.  Monday, August 24, 7 p.m.  Monday, August 31, 7 p.m.

Contact Doug Holmes at doug.holmes.42@gmail.com to register and for more information.

Vipassana Meditation Retreat September 18-20 Joe McCormack and Terri Furstenau of the Show Me Dharma sangha are returning to EBS this September for the annual Vipassana retreat.

This retreat is suitable for both beginning and advanced meditators.

Retreat activities will include sitting and walking meditation, teaching, and practice discussions.

Friday, September 18, 7:30 p.m.

Free Public Talk Saturday & Sunday, September 19-20 Retreat Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m. - noon Lunch: Please bring a vegetarian sack lunch on Saturday.

Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall See page 5 for costs and registration form.

For up-to-date information on EBS events, see your web page at www.ebslr.org.

Meditation Workshop

Introduction to Buddhism First Mondays of the Month at 7 p.m.

Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

This is an excellent starting place for people with little or no knowledge about Buddhism. One of our members will present some history of Buddhism and talk about the different traditions of practice. Basic meditation technique is also covered.

These sessions are informal and questions are always welcomed. If you plan to attend, kindly please let us know by sending an email to ebs@aristotle.net and be sure to include the number of attendees. Advanced registration is requested, but not required.

We look forward to having you! Everyone is welcome!

Dates for upcoming classes: - Monday, August 3 - Monday, November 2 - Monday, September 7 - Monday, December 7 - Monday, October 5

Lead by the EBS Meditation Instructors group, these workshops are designed to help people establish and maintain a personal meditation practice.

We teach the most fundamental meditation style that the Buddha taught to his first followers, called Shamatha or "Calm Abiding"—a practice of being present and awake by following your breath. And we also welcome people using other meditation styles who want to discuss their practice with fellow practitioners.

Each workshop begins with a short dharma talk, followed by step-by-step instruction, a brief period of meditation practice, and then discussion. This workshop is informal. No dress code required, just wear comfortable clothing.

Community Meditation Workshops are coordinated by Mick Wiggins (mick@mickwggins.com) and staffed by a team of teachers.

Keep up with the latest EBS events at www.ebslr.org

Dana: A Buddhist Tradition of Personal Generosity A Pledge Supporting the Ecumenical Buddhist Society of Little Rock in 2015 This pledge of financial support is your act of Dana—generosity toward others.

EBS is grateful for your commitment to helping maintain our Dharma community.

Your name is: Email address: Mailing address:

Telephone number/s: 2015 Pledge Amount: $

 Monthly

 Quarterly

 Semi-annually

 Annually

Payment Options (please check) There are several ways to set up pledge payments for your convenience:  Check is enclosed.  Set up a monthly bank draft to be mailed directly to EBS (information below)  Set up regular debit or credit card payments through PayPal on the EBS website: www.ebslr.org  Pay by check. If you would like pre-addressed mailing envelopes, please indicate here: No. of envelopes requested You may need the EBS information below to set up payment drafts.

Ecumenical Buddhist Society of Little Rock, P.O. Box 561, Little Rock, AR 72203-0561 - (501) 376-7056 If you have any questions, please contact our treasurer, Cheryl Woodard, by emailing Cheryl@publishingbiz.com.

Thank You! Page 2

The Ecumenical Buddhist

Dorje Lopon Dr. Hun Lye Dr. Hun Y. Lye, Founder and President of Urban Dharma NC, has had the title and position of Dorjé Lopön (Vajra Master) bestowed upon him

by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoché, the leader of the Drikung Kagyü lineage of Tibetan Buddhism at Drikung Kagyü Institute in Dehradun, India, on March 10, 2013.

This is the first instance the title of Dorjé Lopön has been given to a non-monastic teacher in the Drikung Kagyü in the West. While Dorjé Lopön is a title traditionally used by highlevel monks who preside over vajrayāna ceremonies, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgön has bestowed this title on Dr. Lye in recognition of his extensive studies and years of practice of Buddhism and in particular, Drikung Kagyü. Furthermore, this title formalizes his responsibility for passing on Drikung Kagyü teachings and transmissions that he has properly received and practiced.

Dr. Lye’s Buddhist education took place both in Asia and the West, academic as well as religious. Having grown up in Malaysia and studied under Buddhist teachers of various traditions in and from Asia, Dr. Hun Lye also has a doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia. As such, Dr. Lye’s teaching style incorporates the best of both worlds – often offering a combination of a fresh, engaging and critical look at the material with an honest, heartfelt and personal approach.

Dr. Lye leads Urban Dharma NC, an innovative, growing Buddhist community in Asheville, NC. Urban Dharma is the first public Buddhist temple in western North Carolina.

Please visit the Urban Dharma website a www.udharmanc.com, or the Urban Dharma Facebook page at urbandharmancpodcast.wordpress.com to learn more.

Training the Mind, Recovering the Good Heart Retreat Information This teaching on compassion is for all practices at EBS. Everyone is welcome!

Friday, August 28, 7-8:30 p.m.

Public talk: A Session on Nothing: Contemplating the Heart Sutra A guided investigation into the nature of mind and its relevance to contemporary life.

Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall Suggested donation: $10-$20 Saturday & Sunday, August 29-30 Each day: 9 a.m.—Registration 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Teachings 12:30-2 p.m.—Lunch 2-4:30 p.m.—Teachings

Retreat: Training the Mind, Recovering the Good Heart: MindTraining Teachings for Everyday Living More on this teaching on page 4.

Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall Cost: $60/day, $110 for entire retreat Questions: Contact Charlotte Besch at 501-551-5135 or at

Teaching with Dr. Hun Lye—August 28-30, 2015 Registration Form Name: Email address: Mailing address:

Telephone number/s: _____ $60.00 Saturday only

_____ $60.00 Sunday only

_____ $110.00 Saturday & Sunday

$_____________ Donation to the scholarship fund.

Please make your checks payable to the Ecumenical Buddhist Society and mail to: Ecumenical Buddhist Society Attn: Training the Mind Retreat PO Box 561, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-0561 Questions: Contact Charlotte Besch at 501-551-5135 or at cabesch@midsouth.ualr.edu.

July 2015

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Eight Verses of Training the Mind A Short Introduction The Eight Verses of Training the Mind, a text by the Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa, explains the practice of method and wisdom based on the Six Paramitas, or Perfections. The paramitas are taught in all schools of Buddhism. They consist of generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom. The Eight Verses are based in these teaching with the first seven verses dealing with method—loving kindness—and the eighth dealing with wisdom. The verses and short explanations below are from teachings by the Dalai Lama.

Verse 1: With a determination to achieve the highest aim For the benefit of all sentient beings Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem, May I hold them dear at all times.

These four lines are about cultivating a sense of holding dear all other sentient beings. The main point of this verse emphasizes is to develop an attitude that enables you to regard other sentient beings as precious, much in the manner of precious jewels.

Verse 2: Whenever I interact with someone, May I view myself as the lowest amongst all, And, from the very depths of my heart, Respectfully hold others as superior.

This first verse pointed to the need to cultivate the thought of regarding all other sentient beings as precious. In the second verse, the point being made is that the recognition of the preciousness of other sentient beings, and the sense of caring that you develop on that basis, should not be grounded on a feeling of pity toward other sentient beings, that is, on the thought that they are inferior. Rather, what is being emphasized is a sense of caring for other sentient beings and a recognition of their preciousness based on reverence and respect, as superior beings.

Verse 3: In all my deeds may I probe into my mind, And as soon as mental and emotional afflictions arise— As they endanger myself and others— May I strongly confront them and avert them.

This verse really gets to the heart of what could be called the essence of the buddhadharma (the teaching of the Buddha).

When we talk about Dharma in the context of Buddhist teachings, we are talking about nirvana, or freedom from suffering. Freedom from suffering, nirvana, or cessation is the true Dharma. The essence of the Dharma in the Buddhist tradition is that state of freedom from suffering and defilements that lie at the root of suffering. This verse addresses how to combat these defilements or afflictive emotions and thoughts.

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Verse 4: When I see beings of unpleasant character Oppressed by strong negativity and suffering, May I hold them dear—for they are a rare find— As if I have discovered a jewel treasure!

This verse refers to the special case of relating to people, who are socially marginalized, perhaps, because of their behavior, their appearance, their destitution, or on account of some illness. Whoever practices lovingkindness must take special care of these people, as if on meeting them, you have found a real treasure. Instead of feeling repulsed, a true practitioner of these altruistic principles should engage and take on the challenge of relating. In fact, the way we interact with people of this kind could give a great impetus to our spiritual practice.

Verse 5& 6: When others, out of jealousy Treat me wrongly with abuse, slander, and scorn, May I take upon myself the defeat And offer to others the victory.

The point that is made here is that when others provoke you, perhaps for no reason or unjustly, instead of reacting in a negative way a true practitioner of altruism you should be able to be tolerant towards them. You should remain unperturbed by such treatment.

When someone whom I have helped, Or in whom I have placed great hopes, Mistreats me in extremely hurtful ways, May I regard him still as my precious teacher.

Verse 7: In brief, may I offer benefit and joy To all my mothers, both directly and indirectly, May I quietly take upon myself All hurts and pains of my mothers.

The seventh verse summarizes all the practices. This verse presents a specific Buddhist practice known as ―the practice of giving and taking,‖ and it is by means of giving and taking that we practice equalizing and exchanging ourselves with others. (Note: In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that we have been reincarnated so many times that all sentient beings have been our mothers at one time.)

Verse 8: May all this remain undefiled By the stains of the eight mundane concerns; And may I, recognizing all things as illusions, Devoid of clinging, be released from bondage.

The first two lines of this verse are critical for a genuine practitioner. The eight mundane concerns are attitudes that tend to dominate our lives generally. They are: becoming elated when someone praises you, becoming depressed when someone insults you, feeling happy when you experience success, being depressed when you experience failure, being joyful when you acquire wealth, feeling dispirited when you become poor, being pleased when you have fame, and feeling depressed when you lack recognition. A true practitioner should ensure that his or her cultivation of altruism is not defiled by these thoughts.

The Ecumenical Buddhist

Half-Day Sits Saturdays, August 1 & September 5 Noon to 3 p.m.

Need to deepen your meditation practice?

There will be a half-day session (3 hours) of sitting and walking meditation practice held at EBS on Saturdays, August 1 and September 5, from noon till 3 p.m. There is no cost. Ten -minute breaks will done before each hour (at 12:50 p.m. and 1:50 p.m.) to allow people to join later or leave earlier, if they have other commitments.

Each hour will consist of 40 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation. At 3 p.m. after the formal sit is over, we will have tea and an informal Dharma chat on topics of interest to the group. For more information, contact Doug Holmes at doug.holmes.42@gmail.com.

EBS Bookstore The EBS Bookstore has a wonderful variety of Kwan Yin and Buddhist statutes at great prices.

The stores also has:  Books on meditation for beginners  Books and CD’s by popular teachers as Pema Chodron, Jack Korrnfield, the Dalai Lama, and more  Children’s books  Dharma supplies as incense, incense bowls and sand, Tibetan prayer flags, prayer beads, singing bowls, etc.  Books by guiding teachers of EBS. For more information or questions, contact Ellis Widner at pemadorje@mac.com.

Vipassana Meditation Retreat September 18-20 This retreat is suitable for both beginning and advanced meditators. It will include sitting and walking meditation, teaching, and practice discussions.

The instructors will be Joe McCormack and Terry Furstenau of the Show Me Dharma sangha. Joe has practiced insight meditation since 1995. He has been a member of the Show Me Dharma teachers council since 2002, and has taught meditation to prison inmates. Terry has been a member of the teachers council since 2004. He has lead Insight Dialogue, Dharma Contemplation, and Introduction to Meditation groups.

Friday, September 18, 7:30 p.m.

Free Public Talk Saturday & Sunday, September 19-20 Retreat Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m. - noon Lunch: Please bring a vegetarian sack lunch on Saturday.

Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall Cost: Sliding scale based on ability to pay.

Minimum amount is $70, suggested amount $120.

Any amount over $70 is a tax deductible contribution to EBS. To request a scholarship, please contact EBSRetreat@gmail.com Registration: Email your name and address to register for this event to EBSRetreat@gmail.com.

For more information: Email EBSRetreat@gmail.com

2015 Vipassana Meditation Retreat, September 18-20 Registration Form Name: Email address: Mailing address:

Telephone number/s: Cost:

Sliding scale based on ability to pay. Minimum amount is $70, suggested amount $120.

Any amount over $70 is a tax deductible contribution to EBS.

$_____________ Amount Enclosed.

$_____________ Donation to the scholarship fund

Please make your checks payable to the Ecumenical Buddhist Society and mail to: Ecumenical Buddhist Society Attn: Vipassana Retreat PO Box 561, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-0561 For more information: Email EBSRetreat@gmail.com July 2015

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EBS Schedule of Events Meditation sessions are open to everyone and are held at the Ecumenical Buddhist Society of Little Rock at 1516 West 3rd Street, Little Rock, AR Weekly Events: Monday 11:30 a.m.-noon 6-6:30 p.m.

Silent Meditation Silent Meditation

Tuesday

11:30 a.m.-noon 6-7 p.m.

6:30-7 p.m.

Silent Meditation Kwan Um Zen Practice (Korean Zen tradition) Silent Meditation

Wednesday

11:30 a.m.-noon 6-7 p.m.

Silent Meditation Vajrayana Practice (Tibetan Buddhism): Yeshe Tsogyal Dakini Heart Essence Practice on the first 3 fWednesdays of the month and Sakya Practices on the last Wednesday of the month.

Community Medication Workshop for people wanting to develop a sitting practice.

7-8 p.m.

Thursday

11:30 a.m.-noon 6-7 p.m.

Silent Meditation Soto Zen Practice (Japanese Zen tradition)

Saturday

10:30 a.m.-noon

Vajrayana Practice (Tibetan Buddhism): Nyingma lineage of the Dharmata Foundation

Sunday

9-9:30 a.m.

10-11:15 a.m.

5:30-6:30 p.m.

7-8 p.m.

Silent Meditation Vajrayana Practice (Tibetan Buddhism): Nyingma lineage ngondro practice Mindfulness Practice (Vietnamese Zen tradition) Vipassana Practice (Theravada tradition)

Ongoing Events:  Introduction to Buddhism, 1st Monday of each month at 7 p.m.  Open Board Meeting, 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

FIND OUT ABOUT MORE EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE: www.ebslr.org

P.O Box 561 Little Rock, AR 72203-0561

LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT NO. 1240

PAID Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE