You are invited to join the Heartland Community of Mindful Living for evenings of mindfulness every Monday from 7:15 - 9:00 pm at Unity Temple on the Plaza's Temple Buddhist Center, 707 W 47th Street, Kansas City, MO in Myrtle Fillmore Chapel. Our gatherings are open to the public. A love offering is appreciated, but not required. Newcomers welcome!
All gatherings start with silent meditation. Please enter quietly if you arrive during the meditation period.
Weekly Rotation - after sitting and walking meditation, our schedule rotates as follows:
First Monday -
The Five Mindfulness Trainings Recitation Ceremony followed by a dharma discussion. All are welcome to enjoy this ritual affirming our practice of mindfulness.
Second Monday -
Thây on Tape: a video or audio presentation by Zen Master Thích Nhât Hanh followed by dharma discussion.
Third Monday -
An evening of sitting, walking and guided meditation.
Fourth Monday -
A reading from one of Zen Master Thích Nhât Hanh's many publications followed by dharma discussion.
Fifth Monday -
Watch our announcements for details.
We do not meet on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Independence, Memorial or Labor Day, or Christmas.
In preparation for our upcoming day of mindfulness, Rowan answered a few questions to help us know him better.
Details and registration information for Overwhelmed? Worried? Stressed? Learn to Let it All Go!, a day of mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh with Dharma Teacher Rowan Conrad, Saturday, June 21, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm at Unity Temple on the Plaza, Classroom C.
Open Way Sangha has groups that meet all over Montana. What have your learned about nurturing healthy communities over the years?
Acceptance. Equality. Local Autonomy. Diversity. Acceptance:None of us is perfect. The great blessing of sangha is learning to accept ourselves and others respecting different ideas and ways of being; getting away from the three complexes (inferiority, superiority and equality complexes).
We have no special roles for Order Members or Dharma Teachers. Governance by elected councils of members. We are all students together. We are all still in process. Thay says he loves to wake up every morning because he always has a new insight. The most enlightened person we know is still getting insights. He also says, "My students are my students and my students are my teachers." He encourages sangha centered practice. Each of us has insights and skills, but no one of us is all-insightful or all-skillful. So by accepting and respecting and listening to each other, we learn. In Montana we are one organization technically, but all groups are autonomous as per program, money, etc. All have their own elected local governing councils and bylaws. The overall organization doesn't control money or property.
The interview with Rowan Conrad will continue next week.
Other Events of Note
Next Morning of Mindfulness May 17th. Mornings of Mindfulness offer time for additional practice with HCML's Order of Interbeing members and aspirants. We are learning about the practice of beginning anew, taught by Thich Nhat Hanh to promote good circulation of communication and to prevent knots from developing in our relationships.
Join us on Saturday, May 17 for our next Morning of Mindfulness from 9:45 - 1:30 ish at Ericks. Learn more and RSVP.
Temple Buddhist Center Bike Ride & Picnic scheduled on Saturday, June 7 at I-Lan Park, 126th & Nall, Leawood, Kansas. Bike Ride: 9:00am. Contact Bob Gately at jbobg06@gmail.com or 816-612-5560. Picnic: 11:30am-1:30pm. Contact Teresa Coppage at coppaget@gmail.com
21-day retreat offered in California, following the talks offered at the 21-day retreat in Plum Village via the internet. Begins June 13. Details and registration information.
True Mind Prison Pen Pal Program needs you, especially men. Contact Peter Kuhn or 619.890.1832 for information.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Non-Residential Retreat with Fern Dorresteyn September 28 - 29 at Unity Temple on the Plaza. Click “Fall Retreat” on menu bar.
Near Monthly Morning of Mindfulness and Potlucks - The third Saturday of every month from 9:45 am - 1:30 pm-ish UNLESS we have a retreat or day of mindfulness that month. After a period of sitting meditation, we recite the 14 mindfulness trainings and engage in a discussion or activity. A vegan potluck will wrap up the morning. Join the fun and friendship! RSVP on our Facebook or click Contact Us above.
Deep gratitude to our host Temple Buddhist Center. Please see their website for a wide variety of mindfulness, meditation and Buddhist activities.