Cleveland Programs May – June, 2016
Tsoh and Precepts at Jewel Heart Cleveland for Sagadawa
On Sagadawa, the full moon day of the fourth Tibetan month, Tibetan Buddhists commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. The effects of any positive action done on this most auspicious day are greatly multiplied. This year Sagadawa falls on May 21.
On Friday evening, May 20, we will offer a Lama Chopa Tsoh, then on Saturday morning before sunrise, those who wish may take the 24 Hour Mahayana Precepts. For more information on these 1 day vows, please check Ven. Thubten Chodron’s website under 8 Mahayana Precepts. The text we will use is in the Jewel Heart Prayerbook.
If you have questions or want to camp at the center overnight, contact Anne aewarren at sbcglobal dot net.
Friday, May 20 Lama Chopa Tsoh 7-8:30 pm
Saturday, May 21, 24 Hour Mahayana Vows to finish vows by sunrise, we need to begin by 5:30 am
Jewel Heart Cleveland Annual Picnic
It wasn’t much of a winter but it’s gonna be a heckuva summer! And what better way to start it than by joining us for our annual Jewel Heart Cleveland Picnic on Saturday, June 18, when we will once again gather on Bill and Susie Kirchner’s deck to burn some hot dogs and veggie burgers and celebrate Sangha. Please bring a side dish to share and whatever you care to drink.
Saturday, June, 18 from 4:00-9:00 pm.
RSVP by June 8 to eklipse at zoominternet dot net or 330-722-7770.
Indicate if you need directions.
May-June Tsohs
We hold Tsoh offering ceremonies about twice a month, on or near the 10th and 25th by the lunar calendar. All are welcome to attend the Lama Chopa Tsohs, which will be chanted mostly in English with just a few tunes in Tibetan.
Monday, May 2, 7-8:30 pm Vajrayogini Tsoh. For Vajrayogini initiates only
Sunday, May 15, 2:30-3:30 pm, following Vajrayana Salon. Lama Chopa Tsoh.
Friday, May 20, 7-8:30 pm. Lama Chopa Tsoh
Tuesday, June 14, 7-8 pm Lama Chopa Tsoh
Wednesday, June 29, Vajrayogini Tsoh. For Vajrayogini initiates only.
Vajrayana Salons
These informal discussions are open to those with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation only.
Note: The May 8 Vajrayana salon postponed until Sunday May 15
Sunday, May 15, 1-2:30 pm. Open topics
June 12, 1-2:30 pm. Open topics
Jewel Heart Study Program
New class:
Vajrayogini class to begin June 21
Those who have received both a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation and the blessing initiation of Vajrayogini are eligible for this class which will use Rimpoche’s Vajrayogini transcript to guide us through learning the practice of the long sadhana.
Led by Anne Warren and James Jorah
Required reading: Gelek Rimpoche’s Vajrayogini Teachings transcript, available in print or ebook through the JH Store
Optional supplementary readings will be discussed in class.
Beginning June 21, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm
Concentrated meditation practice evenings
Thursday evening open meditation sessions are suspended for the next several months.
We look forward to starting up again after a summer break.
Report on All-Sangha Potluck and Meeting
On April 24 the JHCleve sangha gathered for a potluck and meeting of the Sangha Council Exec Com in which all were encouraged to participate. As usual the food was great – delicious and healthy (dark chocolate brownies are health food, amirite?). Our Prez Sarah led the meeting which included financial and program committee reports, an overview of the JH Chaplaincy program for those who haven’t heard of this before, and updates on coming events. We also reviewed actions taken on proposals made at the last All Sangha meeting, and set plans for another potluck meeting in about four months.
Of special importance, planning for a September series of Introduction to Jewel Heart evenings is beginning; volunteers will be needed to help make these evenings a success. The Intro events will be followed by a Gateway course in October.
Cleveland Programs March – April 2016
Death and Dying Workshop, March 5
Shakyamuni Buddha said that just as an elephant’s footprints make the deepest impressions of any animal, thinking about death makes the deepest impression on our minds. Confronting our own death or the death of others, we all feel the need for guidance and practical suggestions: how do we prepare ourselves for dying and what can we do to help ourselves or others when death is imminent?
The day long workshop, led by Hartmut Sagolla, will cover some of the many teachings Gelek Rimpoche has given on this topic, presenting the material in a very down-to-earth practical way. The workshop will include guided meditation as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion.
The workshop is open to all. A free-will offering will be gratefully accepted to benefit future Jewel Heart Programs.
Saturday, March 5, 11-1 pm and 2-4:30 pm We suggest bringing a brown bag lunch or food to share.
Vajrayana Salons
These informal discussion sessions are for those with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation. They offer a chance for us to relax and discuss whatever we choose – our practice with its difficulties and delights or other topics – in a group of supportive sangha friends.
Sunday, March 13, 1-2:30 Suggested topic: Vajrayogini and whatever people would like to talk about
Sunday, April 10, 1-2:30 pm Topic to be announced
February Sangha Executive meeting
These bi-monthly (6 times a year) meetings are held to discuss and plan Jewel Heart Cleveland activities and consolidate information for the newsletter. Our officers (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, store manager, etc., as well as dharma coordinators and instructors) attend most meetings, but other sangha members (this means you!) are also invited to attend meetings and/or submit matters for the agenda to Sarah Ralston, our prez, sarah at kpphoto dot com.
The Feb. 23, 2016 meeting discussed finances, on-going and future programs, outreach and miscellaneous business. If you are interested in seeing a copy of the minutes, please contact Sarah at kpphoto dot com Our next meeting will be an all Sangha gathering on April 24 – see below.
Potluck and all Sangha Gathering Sunday April 24, 1 pm to 3ish
(or come at 11 am for Rimpoche’s broadcast)
Our December potluck/sangha gathering/meeting was successful in getting a number of views heard and proposals made, so we are scheduling another one on Sunday, April 24.
Come enjoy a delicious meal and spend some quality time with other sangha members. Bring a dish to share – the usual hot drinks, plates, napkins, and cutlery will be provided. Don’t cook? Don’t worry! Bread and cheese, fruit or purchased salads are always welcome. Everyone is welcome, new or old – even if you have never been to JH before, come check us out
We invite everyone to also bring ideas, requests, aspirations and dreams for what you would like to see happening in Jewel Heart Cleveland over the next few years. Sarah Ralston, our president, along with others will describe some of the ways we can go about bringing such ideas into actuality. Our schedule is informal, but the potluck will begin around 1 pm, with discussion of Sangha activities beginning around 2. If you have anything you would like to have on the agenda, please contact Sarah at kpphoto dot com.
Monthly Lama Chopa and Vajrayogini Tsohs
Our Cleveland sangha is now offering tsoh around the 10th and 25th days of each Tibetan month. On the 10th (or Heruka) days we will do a Lama Chopa tsoh, which is open to all, and on the 25th Vajrayogini long sadhana with tsoh, which is restricted to those with Mother Tantra initiation. You are invited to bring an offering of fruit, bread or pastries
Friday, March 4, 7- 8:30 pm Vajrayogini Tson
Friday, March 18, 7-8 pm Lama Chopa Tsoh
Saturday, April 16, Lama Chopa Tsoh
Jewel Heart Study Program
Continuing class:
Guru Devotion: The Uncommon Teachings
This class is restricted to those with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation.
Required transcript: Gelek Rimpoche’s transcript Guru Devotion: How to Integrate the Primordial Enlightened Mind, The Uncommon Teachings
Instructors: Anne Warren, Susan Kirchner and other JH Cleveland instructors.
Resuming Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm. The schedule of dates and readings will be emailed to class attendees
Concentrated meditation practice evenings, Thursdays 7:30-8:30 pm
This free weekly practice session offers Q&A or brief meditation instruction at 7:30 pm and two silent sittings. Beginners are welcome.
Led by Mike Sherman and others
Thursdays 7:30-8:30 pm
Vajrayogini Self-Initiation Practice
All who have completed a Vajrayogini mantra retreat and fire puja are invited to join group practice of the self-initiation and tsoh on the first Sunday each month from 1-5 pm. These sessions will be in addition to our twice monthly tsohs.
NO PRACTICE March 6
Sunday, Apr. 3, 1-4 pm
Reading Group Scheduling to be discussed at all Sangha potluck/gathering on April 24
Other Jewel Heart Events:
LOVINGKINDNESS with Sharon Salzberg at Jewel Heart NY and Webinar
Wed, March 9, 7pm – 9pm
Metta is the Pali word for friendship or lovingkindness. It is taught as a meditation that cultivates our natural capacity for an open and loving heart. With its roots in practices said to be taught by the Buddha himself, metta is traditionally offered along with meditations that enrich compassion, joy in the happiness of others and equanimity. These practices lead to the development of concentration, fearlessness, happiness and a greater ability to love.
On Wednesday, March 9, Sharon Salzberg, co-founder of Insight Meditation and New York Times best-selling author, will introduce these teachings and support us in our own experience and cultivation of these qualities through direct instruction and guided meditation using classical techniques in a modern idiom.
Event fee: $25
$15 for Seniors and Students
For more information or to register , go to: http://www.jewelheart.org/events/lovingkindness-with-sharon-salzberg/
INDO-TIBETAN BUDDHIST ETHICS with Dr. Tom Yarnall
Dr. Tom Yarnall, Associate Research Scholar and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Columbia University in New York who specializes in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies, will lead a four session course in Buddhist ethics to be held alternately at Tibet House and Jewel Heart NY on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 5 – 14. The course will also be available through Livestream. The cost for the course is $95 with a 10% discount for Tibet House US members.
For information about the course or to register, go to: http://www.jewelheart.org/events/indo-tibetan-buddhist-ethics/
