The Five Gates of the Mystic Way

Dear Mystic Friends (new and returning!),

We are happy to meet at the Trappist Abbey for a day of practice on Saturday, May 27th. Our practice day together will focus on honoring and practicing with our ancestors and you’re invited to bring a photo and/or object(s) which connect you with your ancestors (blood, spiritual and land). As usual, we’ll gather in the lower level of Bethany House at 8:30 A.M. for check in and orientation. At 9 A.M. we’ll create an ancestral altar together and look deeply at our inheritance-strengthening the skillful and transforming the unskillful.

The morning will include sitting and indoor walking meditation, followed by a break and time for Dharma Dialogue. This will be followed by 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, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma Sharing and a closing circle. We plan to clean up and leave the Abbey by 4:00 PM.

We all need to be up to date in our vaccinations and free of viral symptoms (masks are optional).

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), but pre-registration is required by e-mailing John at: johnsonwadsworth@msn.com. After pre-registering, you will receive a response notifying you whether there is space for you to attend that particular Saturday or not.

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

Dharma teachers:

Jerry Braza, (he, him) True Great Response

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

Dana is the practice of generosity and your support is appreciated!

Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, 9200 NE Abbey Rd,
Carlton, Oregon 97111
Have questions or need directions? e-mail John at: johnsonwadsworth@msn.com