News from Gail
News from Nagaloka
By Gail Yahwak
June 2010
Happy Summer to everyone from the Portland Maine Sangha of the Triratna Buddhist Community. Nagaloka welcomed our movement’s name change in May with a Wesak celebration led by Dharmasuri. We have finished our study on Wisdom from the Dharma Training Course. What a great study as we covered topics of Karma and Rebirth, Conditionality, the Spiral Path and more. This study inspired much discussion, reflection and cooperative learning as we all allow the dharma to sink in and shine out.
Dharmasuri and David arrived back from a trip to Bhutan. Dharmasuri reviewed the highlights from their trip during a much appreciated potluck dinner. Maitrimani led a Wednesday night on the Eight Wordly Winds, followed by a Wednesday night led by Dharmasuri on A Tasete of Freedom, Stream Entry and becoming a True Individual. Nagaloka had a very successful fundraising day face painting at the Old Port Festival. Thank you VERY much to all who came out to spread joy on the faces of the children.
Our Mitra Study group has just finished The Nature of Existence from Year Two of the Dharma Training Course. Thank you so much to Prassanavajri and Karunasara for coming to Nagaloka to facilitate this very inspiring study for our growing group of mitras! What a great opportunity this was to go deeper into the dharma while strengthening our spiritual friendships.
This summer begins with our Sangha starting a new 10 week study on Wednesdays of the book “Life with Full Attention” by Maitreyabandhu. We are looking forward to this practical book and all the exercises that will help integrate mindfulness into our day to day life. Dharmasuri will lead another Intro class on Tuesdays beginning in August.