One Dharma Nashville | The Lotus Blooms in The Mud

Especially In honor of the people who will take refuge and the five precepts this Thursday, December 20, at One Dharma Nashville, here is a lovely reflection on refuge by Ajahn Sumedho:

Awareness is Your Refuge

Awareness of the changingness of feelings,

of attitudes, of moods, of material change

and emotional change:

Stay with that, because it’s a refuge that is

indestructible.

It’s not something that changes.

It’s a refuge you can trust in.

This refuge is not something that you create.

It’s not a creation. It’s not an ideal.

It’s very practical and very simple, but

easily overlooked or not noticed.

When you’re mindful,

you’re beginning to notice,

it’s like this.

Cultivating Clarity though Living The Questions
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., sponsored by One Dharma Nashville

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

Please join us for a day of mindfulness retreat at the 12 South Dharma Center. During the winter months it is customary to look inward and clarify our deepest intentions, yet unanswered questions may stand in the way. During this day of mindfulness, we will have the opportunity to practice opening our hearts to our unresolved questions. These questions contain a rich source of insight; learning to live them brings about a radical shift that opens the door to clarity and equanimity.

This retreat is appropriate for newer and more experienced meditators who wish to deepen their practice. Led by meditation teacher Lisa Ernst, the retreat it will include sitting and walking meditation, practice instructions, and a dharma talk. Please bring a sack lunch. Cushions and chairs are available at the center.

Cost: $35, plus dana (donation) to the teacher. Reduced fees are available in the case of financial need. Reservation deadline is Friday, January 20. Please contact onedharmaretreat@gmail.com to reserve your space or for questions. Please mail a deposit of $35, made out to One Dharma Nashville, to: 12South Dharma Center c/o One Dharma Nashville, 2301 12th Ave. South, Suite 202, Nashville, TN 37204. Alternatively, you can bring your deposit to one of Monday sits. Please include your email address with your deposit. Additional information will be emailed prior to the retreat.