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.

Wednesday, June 23 We start the beginning of a 10 – 12 week sessions by studying the book: “Life with Full Attention” by Maitreyabandhu, a London order member with many years experience teaching meditation and mindfulness. The book is available to purchase at Nagaloka for $16.95 plus tax. “Life with Full Attention” is about how to gain awareness, insight and wisdom. Maitreyabandhu guides us through an 8 week course (we’re taking a little longer) on day to day mindfulness. We will be taking approximately 10-12 weeks studying this book. Please join us when you can and whether you purchase the book or not. Everyone is welcomed.

The evening begins at 7 PM with meditation, tea break and discussion on current subject of study.

If you are interested in attending this session of study, please come by and take part, if you have questions please contact by emailing Dharmasuri.
The current session will conclude the end of the September. Our next study material come from the mitra foundation course found on Free Buddhist Audio. We will start part 5 “Ritual & Devotion” the first of October.

If you have any questions, please contact us!

Thursday lunchtime 12:15 PM – 1 PM Meditation Starts Sept 9th after a summer break!

Refresh your day at lunchtime. Come to Nagaloka to meditate. Maitrimani leads the meditation.

Friday 6:30 PM Meditation

recently changed from 6 PM to 6:30

This session will include reciting traditional Buddhist texts and 40 minutes of the Metta Bhavana meditation.

Sunday morning 9 AM – 10 AM Meditation

This session will include 40 minutes of the Mindfulness of Breathing practice along with chanting and reciting traditional Buddhist texts.

Mondays ~ “Open Sit” ~ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM ~

Please stop by our booth at the Old Port Festival located on Exchange Street by Tommy’s Park.

Our next class starts August 10, 2010
led by Dharmasuri

7 PM to 9 PM
3 Tuesdays

In this intro class to Buddhism and meditation we will explore what is Buddhism and what it means to be a Buddhist today. How can we address today’s pressing issues using an ancient and time proven system of practice and insight? Also two basic meditation techniques will be taught. One will help develop concentration and mindfulness and the other will help support and develop positive emotion. Combining a simple and practical belief system with two meditation practices has been transforming peoples’ lives for over 2, 500 years. Open to all.

Cost: $30 paid on first class or $12 per week.

CLASS IS FULL ~ SORRY! WATCH FOR NEXT CLASS DATES THIS WINTER

Register at contact us, or call 207-774-1545

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Wednesdays 7 – 9 PM ~ Meditation and Study

June 23rd, 2010 our new study session starts and our study book: “Life With Full Attention” by Maitreyabandhu, available at Nagaloka to purchase for $16.95 plus tax.

Newcomers are welcome to attend our Friends’ Night on Wednesdays 7 – 9 PM. The discussion is open you don’t necessarily need to read the book. The current study session will conclude the end of September. The next study material comes from our on-line foundation course part 5 “Ritual & Devotion” beginning the first of October.

If you have any questions, please contact us!