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December 2015 Newsletter
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Bristol Insight Meditation

December 2015 Newsletter

In this issue

We hope you are all well.
This month sees some endings, appreciations, thankings and beginnings for Bristol Insight.
 
A beginning is that the Tuesday night sitting group has a new home at the Central Quaker Meeting House in Champion Square - after many months, much thought and discussion the decision has been made! Of course this is also an ending - of our home at the Zen Dojo. 
 
Another ending is that Bill is stepping down at the end of the month as the main lead and organiser of the Self-Led Day Retreats group. Bill has done a fantastic job to keep this offering going for five years. The beginning related to this is that there is a new team in place to take on the running of the group. Please see the 'News' section below for appreciations and thanks for this group and the Tuesday night sitting group.

The Focusing Group is back! and all our regular events are running as usual, except there is no Teacher-Led Day Retreat this month. Please check the information below for the events you go to for monthly updates. The Teacher-Led Day Retreat programme for 2016 will soon be ready.

Julia Wallond has written an article about the 21st meeting of the United Nations Climate Change negotiations this month. She says "I've tried to summarise some key points based on what I've read and heard, and also point to a growing clear international Buddhist voice that is offering it's perspective and urging leaders to take urgent action." Thank you Julia. You can read it in the Contributions from our Sangha section.

A member of our sangha Richard Costeloe is interested to know if anyone would like to form a young persons sitting group. Again see the 'News' section for more on this.

As ever, please send us your ideas/contributions. 

Warm winter wishes to you all, 

Mannie and Jonathan
 

Contents
 

Our Regular Events

 

Tuesday Evening Sitting Group 19:30 – 21:30

Central Quaker Meeting House
Champion Square
Bristol
BS2 9DB

Directions
Click on the postcode above for full directions on the Meeting House website.

The Meeting House is within walking distance of the Marlborough Street Bus Station - Walk along Bond Street and turn left into Wellington Road. Buses 8, 9, 43a, 544, 545. Alight at Penn Street or Bond Street. Cross the main road by the footbridge. Parking is available for about 6 cars in the Meeting House forecourt on a first come first serve basis.

There is car parking in Cabot Circus which costs £2.00. There is also parking in the side streets nearby behind the meeting house.

Please contact Mannie on 07952 662 552 if you need help to find or reach the venue.

The evening is as follows:

45 minutes meditation
Tea break
Mindful sharing and topics (see note)

Please arrive at 19:15 for a 19:30 sit. Please arrive on time, as it is a new venue you may want to allow a bit more time to find it.

Please bring any mats or cushions that you need - we hope to be getting a supply of mats and cushions in the next few months. 

Cost
£3.00 waged
£2.00 part-time waged
£1.00 unwaged

Donations of packets of tea and biscuits are invited.

December Dates for Sitting Group
Tuesday    1st
Tuesday    8th
Tuesday   15th  
Tuesday   22nd
Tuesday   29th

Mindful Sharing and Topics:

After a short tea break there is an opportunity to share experiences of practice mindfully or to discuss a particular topic.

What is Mindful Sharing?

Sharing starts from a place of silence and returns to a place of silence. This is an opportunity for anyone to contribute and respond in the spirit of mindfulness, which may include observations, issues and reflections regarding practice, or perhaps excerpts from Dharma teachings, books or poems that may have been helpful or inspirational.

Raising Topics

Topics of interest are welcome either on the night or by signing up in advance. To raise a topic on a particular date, a notebook is available for this purpose at the meeting house or please to speak to Ray (07871 588 994) or Jill (0117 955 1360). If you set a topic it is useful to give a short introduction to the group about what it is and why you have raised it to start the discussion.

Topics for December:

This will be posted on the website.

Self-Led Day Retreats

We meet on the first Saturday of each month, and you are welcome to join us in this quiet spacious venue.

The day consists of alternating 45-minute periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, with a recorded talk before a pause for lunch. The warmth of the silence becomes supportive and enables us to be with ourselves, and others we’re with, without being distracted. The common experience expressed by many who take part is how a few hours of practice in this way, brings us to a place of spaciousness and stillness in our busy, daily lives.

As one participant recently shared, ‘practicing together is very supportive and helps to sustain me in my practice’.

We are very supportive of newcomers joining us, whether not-so-experienced or more experienced, you are equally welcome.  Please get in touch if you would like to know more.

Please arrive promptly at 10am to allow time to be settled to begin at 10:15am. Bring a mat, cushion, stool and vegetarian contribution to a shared lunch. Chairs available if you prefer.

Cost

£15.00 (£7.50 concessions)

This month's retreat is on
Saturday 5th December
10am – 5pm
 
Horfield Quaker Meeting House
300 Gloucester Road
Bristol
BS7 8PD
 
If you wish to find out more or confirm your place, please contact David Ringsell, Max Beseke on 07581 127 734, or you’re very welcome to turn up on the day.

The first retreat day for 2016 will be on 16 January 2016 and will then return to the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year:

Dates for 2016:
16th January 
6th February
5th March
2nd April
7th May
4th June
2nd July
6th August
3rd September
1st October
5th November 
3rd December

Daytime Sangha Meetings  

Our next meeting will be on 
Tuesday 29th December at
Margaret’s place in Long Ashton: 15 Rayens Cross Road, Long Ashton, BS41 9AE.
Please let Margaret know in advance of the meeting if you are planning to attend. Tel. 01275 392187.

These once a month meetings are open to all, and give an additional daytime opportunity to get together in a small group in a spirit of sangha.

The meeting will include a period of sitting meditation, some sharing, and discussion on any topics of mutual interest arising.

Please phone Gordon on 0117 908 0494 or email him for any further information.

Focusing Group
Sunday 6th December – 10am–1pm

After nearly a year of hibernation, this group will be re-starting monthly meetings on Sundays from December.
Our new venue will be on Chardstock Avenue in Coombe Dingle, near Blaise Castle.
(Chardstock Avenue is about a 20 minute drive, or 40 minute cycle from the centre of town)

The first meeting will be on Sunday 6th December, from 10am–1pm. The group will be limited to a maximum of 12 people. 
If you'd like to attend please contact Gordon to book a place: gordonadam@blueyonder.co.uk or tel/text 07796 087351.

The group is an open group, where people new to Focusing as well as more experienced Focusers can meet and Focus together. The format consists of an initial introduction round, short group meditation, Focusing demo & question time (when appropriate), Focusing time in 2's or 3's, group sharing/questions. Beginners will be given an introduction and demo prior to Focusing.

The group is facilitated by Gordon Adam, a qualified and experienced BFA (British Focusing Association) recognised Focusing Practitioner.

Please phone Gordon on 0117 908 0494 or email for any further information.

For information about Focusing, including articles, courses and links to various focusing websites,see the British Focusing Teachers (BFTA) website.

 

Teacher-Led Day Retreats

There is no retreat in December. We shall let you know the programme for 2016 in January.
 

News 

Tuesday Evening Sitting Group

Ending, Appreciating, Thanking and Beginning


As we said in our email last week, the majority decision at the end of last week's Tuesday night’s sitting group was to make the move to the Central Quaker Meeting House as our regular ‘home’. 
 
Many of us expressed a sadness at leaving the Zen Dojo and an appreciation for the beautiful, supportive and friendly space it has offered for many years. We are very appreciative of Adrian (the manager of the Dojo) for making it available to us. Thank you Adrian. However we were in agreement that it is no longer suitable because of its inaccessibility due to the steep flight of stairs, and that we have been outgrowing it with increasing numbers of people coming. The Central Meeting House has a different atmosphere, but there is a sense that it offers us lots of possibilities for creativity in how we use the spaces, and happily it has good facilities and is accessible for all. The central position in Bristol also makes it easier for those from South and East Bristol to attend.

The manager of the Meeting House has made us very welcome and is also very open to our suggestions for having some storage space for mats and cushions and we are grateful for this. We shall be exploring what is possible over the next few weeks. 

Please could you pass this message on to anyone you know who comes to the sitting group, but who may not get the newsletter.
Thank you
Mannie
On behalf of the Tuesday evening sitting group.
 

Self-Led Day Retreat Group

Ending, Appreciating, Thanking and Beginning


The Self-led Day Retreat group started in 2005 and continued for about a year. It did not run again until Bill Ball offered to take it on in 2011. As a result of Bill's dedication and much hard work the group is now well-established, sustainable, offering a wonderful retreat day and looks to have a good future. 

Bill, on behalf of all of us at Bristol Insight, THANK YOU so much for all you have done. It is very much appreciated. This ending is also a celebration of what you and the group have achieved to enable many people to benefit from a day of retreat, exploration and calm each month. For some of us it has become integral to our lives.  

Thank you also to the new team: Max, David and Lesley for the work you are doing to take the group forward next year and for making these hugely valuable days of retreat available to people in Bristol and beyond.

Mannie

Inviting expressions of interest for a new young peoples' sitting group:


Are there any under 30s who might be interested in forming/meeting up with some other under 30s to sit? If so please email richardcosteloe@gmail.com  

Contributions from our sangha

A poem for December - thanks Gordon.


To Know the Dark

To go in the dark with a light is to know the light.
To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight,
and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings,
and is travelled by dark feet and dark wings.

Wendell Berry
 
 

Ecosattva opportunities! Paris COP 21 and beyond

 "Cultivating the insight of interbeing and compassion, we will be able to act out of love, not fear, to protect our planet."    (http://gbccc.org/)
 
What is happening in Paris?
 
As many will know, Paris is about to embark on hosting the 21st meeting of the United Nations Climate Change negotiations for the first 2 weeks of December. Several Bristol Insight members are making their way by bus, train and bicycle to Paris to be part of the grass roots movement gathering to witness the conference, network with others, and add their voice to the call for ambitious agreements.
 
Why are we going and what's it all about? I've tried to summarise some key points based on what I've read and heard, and also point to a growing clear international Buddhist voice that is offering it's perspective and urging leaders to take urgent action.
 
My understanding of COP21 has been gleaned from reports from Carbon brief, different environmental charities and One Earth Sangha - particularly the reports from Lou Leonard, a dharma practitioner and the WWF climate change specialist for the USA. 
 
The road has been long and arduous to get here - over 20 years of negotiations. There are signs of hope; recently the USA has come on board with a willingness to engage with a bilateral agreement with China. The COP21 meeting could agree the first meaningful legally binding treaty to reduce carbon emissions across the world! However there are huge challenges. The current offers do not yet meet the 2ºC limit suggested by scientists as the upper limit of 'safe' global warming. Many (including Buddhist leaders) believe that is too high and 1.5ºC would be a safer limit, especially for low lying Pacific islands who are already feeling the impact of rising sea levels. Also climate justice is a huge issue, with the developing world asking for firmer commitments for funding to mitigate the effects of climate change that they are already experiencing disproportionately to the bigger polluters. 20% of the conference is actually being sponsored by some large French fossil fuel dependent industries - how will that affect the conference? One major issue the campaigning group 350.org has highlighted is that the power of fossil fuel industries is a major block to a shift from carbon based energy to renewables. Yet there is evidence that 75% of known fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. 
 
This all feels huge and daunting to me. However there have been lots of positive and inspiring responses to the high stakes at play. One is the Global Buddhist Climate Change Collective. It published a declaration to world leaders in October, signed by the figureheads of most of the major Buddhist traditions, urging ambitious and compassionate agreements at Paris. It is well worth reading: http://gbccc.org/
 
NGOs, activists, indigenous groups and representatives from developing countries are questioning common narratives, which tend to be dominated by a small number of powerful countries and corporate lobbying power. Creative responses question where power lies, and grass roots are often at the forefront of protection, and appear to have had some major influence recently eg Shell pulling out of the Arctic and the Keystone XL pipeline project abandoned by the US. We can all hold our politicians to account, but also direct action appears to often be necessary to highlight the damage being done, and put pressure on businesses and politicians to act. In the light of the tragic terrorist attack in Paris there appears to be a renewed sense of commitment amongst NGOs to go to Paris to stand up for values of peace and cooperation and protection of the earth.
 
Those of us going to Paris are likely to have different individual reasons. Some of us may get more involved in direct action than others. What motivates me is a desire to stand up and influence as much as possible by showing I care about climate change, and by joining with others, I find strength and inspiration. I look forward to hearing perspectives from parts of the world I do not know, and to be part of a global family of care for the earth. I hope that my meditation practice will help ground and sustain me, and that there will be opportunities to explore mindful and meditative presence in the midst of the action of Paris, particularly if the atmosphere is charged, I hope that dharma practice can help soften tendencies to view people as 'them' or 'us'.
 
So what can we do?
 
There are of course so many ways we can respond and get involved. Increasingly I am convinced that every action, however small, makes a significant difference. As dharma practitioners, we will be aware of how our inner lives affect our outer actions but interestingly we may not have received so much teaching about how outer action can also be a powerful aid to inner cultivation - they go hand in hand. What's more, through action in the world we influence others and the culture.
 
The Global Buddhist Climate Change Collective together with the Community of Interbeing and One Earth Sangha has proposed 5 ways of practicing together as a global community over the 2 weeks of the conference talks - to help cultivate awareness of Interbeing and reduce carbon emissions: (http://gbccc.org/) You might like to try one or several! Not as a 'should' necessarily, but as an invitation to compassionate investigation. See their website for the full details.
 
1. Join a Global Climate March on 28th or 29th November (thanks if you came!)
 
2. Fast from (or reduce) meat and dairy products from 30th November to 11th December 
 "Eating in this way nourishes our energy of compassion, and we can send this energy to support the Paris negotiations" ( Reducing meat consumption is a major way to reduce climate emissions, as well as reflect on our relationship to animals as food)
 
3. For these two weeks, from November 30th to December 11th, we are invited to wear a green ribbon to raise awareness amongst those around us, of our collective practice of mindfulness and compassion in solidarity with the Earth during this time.
 
4. Get together and learn more - as a sangha, or in other groups. Read or watch films about climate change and how it will impact your community. 
 
5. Make a Commitment:  We are encouraged to reflect on our abilities, privileges, and care for life. Given that many are suffereing, and will suffer from climate change impacts, what is our responsibility to them? How can we take our fare share of climate risk and discomfort? From this contemplation, make a commitment to take concrete, meaningful steps to join with others in ending broad scale ecological harm and creating a peaceful, just world.

Whether you take up one of these practices, or try something different, may we all find ways to feel truly alive, compassionate and connected in these extraordinary times.
 
Julia
 
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/02/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-paris-climate-summit-and-un-talks
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/22/earth-day-scientists-warning-fossil-fuels-
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/29/paris-climate-summit-sponsors-include-fossil-fuel-firms-and-big-carbon-emitters
 
 

Adverts and events from other related organisations


HARMONIC TEMPLE IN BRISTOL

Day workshop with Nickomo and Rasullah Clarke.
 
Saturday 5th December
 
At Totterdown Methodist Church,
Bushy Park, Bristol, BS4 2EG.
 
Moving 4 part harmony chants created by Nickomo.
Treat yourself to a gentle uplifting healing experience to brighten up the darkening days. Re-energise yourself and send some positive energy where it is needed.
 
No experience is necessary, the parts are all taught orally.
 
Time: 10.30 am – 4.00 pm. Bring lunch to share.
Cost: £25. £20 concs.
To book: Tel Rasullah 01749 850474
rasullah@btinternet.com
www.nickomoandrasullah.com

 

Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE)

..... is a space for connecting to explore the breadth of possible Dharma responses to climate change and related issues. Bristol DANCE has been meeting locally for 2 years, we are a supportive, reflective group which aims to embrace a diversity of response including activism and quiet reflection. You can join us and find out about other DANCE initiatives here: http://www.thedancewebsite.org/

Bristol White Clouds Sangha

The Bristol White Clouds Sangha meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month for mindfulness meditation practice in the tradition of Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh. All welcome!

We gather together at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start in the Library at the Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6JE

For more information please contact Jonathan Edwards 

Bath Buddhist Group

We meet weekly for meditation practice, talks and discussion, with speakers from the main schools of Buddhism.

Thursdays at 7:45 pm  (for a 8:00 pm start)

Scout Headquarters, 7 Grove Street, Bath.

See the website for further details of our programme. All welcome.

Bath Insight Meditation

Fridays 6pm-8pm

John Williams Room at Bath Central United Reform Church, Grove Street, Bath BA2 6PJ

We start with 45mins sitting/walking meditation followed by tea, a discussion then a short meditation.

All are welcome to join us.  Chairs are provided. Please bring a cushion or stool if you prefer.

Please phone Sue on 07929 842776 if you would like any further information.

Worldwide Insight

Teachings Online, Practice at Home

Worldwide Insight is a Dharma practice group that you can join from anywhere in the world. Each Sunday, renowned Insight Meditation teachers, including several from Gaia House, offer meditation instruction, teachings, and live Q&A on video.

Worldwide Insight functions just like city based Insight Meditation groups around the world, but you can attend from anywhere. Worldwide Insight covers the whole globe, yet delivers the dharma right to you.

We are committed to a broad and diverse dharma offering:

Sunday sessions with Dharma teachers with diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives

A range of both world-renowned teachers and lesser known voices

Teachings you don’t hear on retreats: Bringing dharma wisdom to daily life themes such as work, relationships, sex, communication, culture, ecology and consumerism, as well as ethics, meditation and the liberation of the heart.

Teachings are offered on the basis of dana, inviting you to support the teachers you value and the practice you love.

Worldwide Insight meets every Sunday at 7pm UK time for 90 minutes.

Signup here.

Dartmoor Summer Walking and Meditation Retreat with Yanai Postelnik

Camping at Gidleigh Village Hall, Chagford, Devon

Fri 29th July – Tues 2nd August 2016 ​

This silent retreat is a special opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and practice the Dharma, while exploring the beauty and wilderness of Dartmoor. Following in the tradition of the Buddha, we will support our hearts to deepen in wisdom and compassion while walking together, sitting in meditation, and spending time around the campfire and in nature. We will be walking in a range of landscapes, including remote areas and ancient stone circles. Gidleigh Village Hall provides an ideal base, with secluded camping space, a spacious heated hall for meditation, toilets, a shower and a catering kitchen. Nutritious vegetarian meals will be provided. Much of our time together will be spent in silence, and there will also be meditation instructions, dharma teachings and opportunities to discuss meditation with the teacher. There will be space for sharing together and time for solitude.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday will include extended walks of several hours, and there will be regular periods of sitting meditation through the retreat.

Yanai Postelnik has been teaching the Buddha Dharma and Insight Meditation retreats internationally for 20 years. He has spent substantial periods walking in wilderness environments and has led walking retreats over many years in the French Pyrenees and in the Negev desert in Israel. He is inspired by the forest tradition of Thailand and the practice of ‘tudong’ - walking and meditating in the wilderness, undertaken in that tradition.  Faith Burch, our retreat organiser and cook, is a dharma practitioner of many years, and has organised and catered for many local events.

Previous experience of insight meditation and silent retreats will be beneficial, but is not required, as full instruction for the sitting meditation and walking practice will be given. The walking may be moderately challenging for some, and some degree of physical fitness will enhance your experience. There is parking at the hall, and a camping shop in nearby Chagford if equipment is needed.

You will need:  Meditation cushion or bench, mat and blanket or shawl (chairs are provided),camping equipment (including ample warm bedding as weather cold at night), and walking equipment suitable for varied terrain. The weather is variable and appropriate equipment for cold or wet conditions is required.

Cost: £130 which covers the cost of organising the retreat, hiring the hall and providing the meals, but does not include any payment for the teaching. In the Insight Meditation tradition, dharma teachings are offered without charge and participants are invited to support the teacher in the spirit of generosity. At the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to practice Dana (Generosity) to support the livelihood of the teacher.

To book your place, send a cheque for £50 (non-refundable deposit) payable to H F Burch, and post it to Kingfisher Flat, Middle Washbourne Farm, Washbourne, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7UB. If you would like to pay by BACS then call Faith on 07952 157 585 for bank info. The deadline for full payment is 20th June 2016  (non-refundable from this date).

The retreat will begin on Fri 29th July, with time for arrivals and setting up tents etc. from 3pm, registration at 5pm with tea at 6.30pm. We will conclude on Tuesday after lunch at around 2.30pm.  Please note that it is not possible to sleep in the village hall – this is a camping retreat (you may sleep in a camper van).

Gidleigh Village Hall Website. 

For any further information and booking contact Faith.

Bristol Insight Meditation is a registered charity and non-profit group in the insight meditation tradition. The aspirations of Bristol Insight Meditation are to encourage and support insight meditation practice, to create an environment that fosters skillful awareness and to develop a sense of community. This newsletter supports these aspirations and provides information about Bristol Insight Meditation’s regular events: the Tuesday evening Sitting Group, Self-Led and Teacher-led day retreats, the Focusing Group and the Daytime Sangha group. There is a section for related notices and up and coming events. It is also a place where we can all share inspirational poems, quotes and excerpts to help bind our practice. The views and opinions expressed in personal articles are those of the editors and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bristol Insight Meditation.

Bristol Insight Meditation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England,
Charity number 1162182.
 
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