We are hoping to hold a ‘Sangha Social’ on Sunday 21st June at the Botanics. The idea is to create the opportunity to meet with other Sangha members in an informal setting that is accessible to all, including those with families. Perhaps Thursday night regulars will meet Tuesday lunchtimers for the first time etc!  Also, as the Botanics brought so much joy to Ani it will be a wonderful chance to come together and think of her there. We will meet from 12 on the big grassy area by the Chinese Pavillion and pond.  Here is a link that will help with navigation http://stories.rbge.org.uk/archives/6364

Please bring some veggie food to share (or ‘munch’ as Ani would say!).  There is lots of space for the wee kids to run around and hopefully there will be lots of sun for us to enjoy as we chat!

Need more info? Contact Sally by email or on 07815 464 495.

N.B. Cakefest is occurring at the same time at the botanics so you will be able to wander up the hill see the cakes and, after 5pm, help eat them!

The retreat organised by the Border Collie Sangha at Wiston Lodge has just come to an end. Wonderful time had by all.

The Wild Geese Sangha offer an additional night of Dharma practice on Tuesday evenings between 7.00pm and 9.00pm at Marchmont St Giles on the corner of Marchmont Rd, Strathearn Rd, and Kilgraston Rd. Commencing the 2nd of June and every Tuesday thereafter. Buses 5, 24, and 41 serve this route.

It is planned the evenings will consist of an hour of Dharma discussion, and a separate 30 minute meditation. Plus 30 mins of general space to share tea, poetry, dharma readings and friendship. The Theme’s of the Dharma discussion will be set by the group itself.

We welcome your ideas and topics for exploration and discussion, using the vast array of the Buddha’s teachings and Thich Nhat Hanh’s practise of Interbeing. We are also able to draw on other writings, poetry is an example which can express the heart of the Dharma.

We hope you will join us on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as often as possible.

Ne’er cast a clout till May is out!

We had our first Mindfulness Day for some curious Wild Goslings today at Monimail Tower in North East Fife. Just a small gathering of goslings, 4 families in total. We had a really lovely time together, spirits not dampened at all by the weather. Highlights included a joyful yoga session, a mindful shared lunch and chocolate meditation, a nature walk amongst abundant wild garlic (see photo), colorful craft in the form of a “Mind in a Jar” and glorious bell ringing. A very successful day and we all left feeling that seeds of mindfulness had definitely been planted. We hope to repeat again when the opportunity arises in a different location next time to allow others to join us.

Orla & Sally

Meeting outside the commonwealth pool at 10.00am for a walk that is leisurely and wonderful. Wild Geese and friends are invited to come together to walk down from the pathway below Salisbury Crags leading to Holyrood Palace. Then a short distance onto Dunsapie Loch were you can feed the ducks, swans, and feathered Wild Geese. We loop Around passing the ruin of St Anthony’s Chapel taking the pathway that cuts between Arthurs seat and Salisbury Crags this is a lovely pathway which takes you away from the views of the city. Following the path takes us back gently where we started. At that point we can have our picnic at some grassy spot. The walk itself would be a very gentle hour and a half (approx.), the picnic as long as you wish. Of course we will be weather dependent but we could retire to the Himalaya Café for tea if the weather is to difficult. See you there.

I can hardly believe it’s been ten whole years since we first opened our doors at lunchtime on Tuesday 5th April 2005 at 12.15pm. Opening our doors to those of us seeking a short period of respite from a busy world and a busy mind. Sitting quietly on that first Tuesday at 12.15pm I had no idea if anyone would come in and sit with me – and so to all of you who have come on Tuesday’s a big thank you for making our practice of mindfulness together possible.

If you can, please come and join us on Tuesday 7th April to enjoy mindfully sharing our lunchtime together.  A lunchtime – breathing, sitting, walking and maybe eating birthday cake in celebration!

Warm greetings

Jon

We are lucky to have Brother Phap Lai visiting and he will be facilitating the Sangha night on Thursday 2nd April which will be a treat.

[UPDATE: Cancelled – Brother Phap Lai has unfortunately been called back to Plum Village and so won’t be able to make it. On the bright side I’ll be facilitating!]