The Joy of Expressing Ourselves
By Larry Arasin Thank you to all who attended the Sunday Social Art Share on June 21and the Art Party on June 26. Both of these events were intended to raise the creative energy at the Shambhala Center. The range of artistic expressions shared this month is truly inspiring. Within the walls of the center … Continue
Why Do We Do That? Questions and Answers about Shambhala Culture and Decorum
By Charlotte Brodie QUESTION: What is the purpose of chanting, and why are there so many different chants? ANSWER: We do chants for a variety of reasons, using a variety of chants that are applicable at different times of the day or year. One reason is to help us transition between our everyday activities and … Continue
Pat Responds to Our GoodNews Challenge–A Shower of Petals
(Thank you very much for writing, Pat! Everyone: See below how YOU can contribute to this column.) Is it possible that this spring is the most stunning of my entire life, or is my appreciation and capacity to receive beauty growing? I sat today, looking at a line of blossoming trees before me. The sidewalk and … Continue
Fun(d)raising Auction Coming Soon!
Join us Sunday, May 31, 12-2 p.m., for our Fun(d)raising Auction. Have fun, help stabilize center finances, and leave with some wonderful books, items and services. After a light lunch at noon, members Dan Brown and Scott Perry will auction off a host of items and services including statues, malas, thankas, wall hangings, a cabin … Continue
The Practice of Bowing
Why Do We Do That? Questions and Answers about Shambhala Culture and Decorum QUESTION: I notice that many people bow when they enter and leave the shrine room and at other times. What is the meaning of the bow? ANSWER: “The practice of bowing in Shambhala is a way to extend one’s dignity and to … Continue
Knitting and Sitting–Practices of Paying Attention
by Trina Magi (with Phil Lavigne) I recently talked with Phil Lavigne, a member of the Burlington Shambhala Center and a meditator for about four years, about knitting. How long have you been a knitter, and how did you learn? I’ve been knitting since I was about 11 years old. I had rheumatic fever and … Continue
The GoodNews Challenge
The Gift of Clean Water by Trina Magi (See below how YOU can contribute to this column) I was home sick recently, and knew something was wrong when a torrent of water came blasting out of a retaining wall on the side of my front yard and began flooding the street. A water main had … Continue
Kerstin Responds to the “GoodNews” Challenge: Doing Something about Climate Change
(Thank you very much for writing, Kerstin! Everyone: See below how YOU can contribute to this column.) For a shining example of someone who approaches a great challenge (climate change) with a positive attitude and creativity, look no further than Charlotte actor and writer Kathryn Blume. She designed an interactive community sustainability game that is not … Continue
Touching the Earth Series: Rocks, Tracks, and Trees
If you missed our recent winter field walk, these pictures and reflections will give you an idea of what it was like. Certainly these eleven people thought that looking at rocks, tracks, and trees at Burlington’s Lone Rock Point was the best way to spend a wintry Sunday afternoon! What Claudia said: “I particularly enjoyed … Continue
The “GoodNews” Challenge
Silent Comfort From A Stranger: Therese Responds to the “GoodNews” Challenge (Thank you very much for writing Therese! Everyone: See below how YOU can contribute to this column) I was driving in the Old North End in the midst of a very busy day, settled in a very hectic week, amidst lots of struggle … Continue
