Mystic Way – “Joy and Suffering” with Father Casey

Dear Mystic Friends, (new and returning!)

We are happy to be able to gather together at the Trappist Abbey for a day of mindfulness practice on Saturday, April 25th. We’re excited to have a special guest, Father Casey, who is a Trappist Monk at the Abbey offer us a Talk on “Joy and Suffering.” This is a wonderful opportunity to explore Mystic teachings with a truly wise and happy elder. We’ll also take time to be refreshed in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Abbey. We’ll meet in the lower level of Bethany House at 9:00 AM, (please arrive before 9 AM). The morning will include sitting and indoor walking meditation, followed by a break and time for Dharma Dialogue. We’ll also have time for outdoor walking meditation on some of our favorite trails. Please bring your own lunch and drinks for the day which we will enjoy together as a silent meal, and bring appropriate clothing for outdoor walking meditation, as well as any blankets or special cushions for meditation. Please also bring materials for journaling and reflection. We are invited to attend the monks chant at 12:30. We will end the day with deep relaxation and another hour of sitting and indoor walking, Dharma Sharing and a closing circle. We plan to clean up and leave the Abbey by 4:00 PM.

We look forward to seeing you and we see this gathering as a way to develop our intention to look deeply at the interbeing nature of all and how we develop Mystic practice as a foundation for being engaged in the world.

“Today, the United States is a divided country, one of many countries experiencing bitter, deep, and seemingly insurmountable division. At the core of Nhat Hanh’s teachings about mindfulness is non-duality (interbeing): as peace flowers in your heart, so it flowers in the universe. As the Beloved Community is repaired, built, and manifested in your consciousness, so is it healed for all beings.” — Marcus Andrus, “Brothers in the Beloved Community: The Friendship of Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King”

Together we will look deeply at the path of Mystic which includes unconditional love for all beings. With this awareness, we will find the resources and resilience to emerge from what divides us. How do we create connection rather than division and cultivate love instead of fear?

Please Note: All are welcome to attend these Saturdays, (both new and returning Mystics), and there is no fee, (donation basis), but please RSVP by e-mailing John at: johnsonwadsworth@gmail.com.

We look forward to your participation and together we will find both refuge and beloved community.

With love and gratitude,

Dharmacharyas,

Jerry Braza, (he/him/his) True Great Response

John Wadsworth, (he/him/his) True Land of Fortunes