The Mystic Way “The Five Gates”

Dear Mystic Friends (new and returning!),

We are happy to be able to practice together at the Trappist Abbey on Saturday, February 25th, with our focus on “The Five Gates of the Mystic Way”. As usual, we’ll gather in the lower level of Bethany House at 8:30 A.M. We all need to be up-to- date in our vaccinations and free of viral symptoms (masks are optional). The morning will include an orientation and check in followed by sitting, indoor walking meditation, and Dharma Dialogue. We’ll also have time for outdoor walking meditation on some of our favorite trails. Please also 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. You may also like to bring other materials for journaling and reflection. We are invited to attend the monks chant at 12:30. We will end the day with 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 being engaged in the world with an open heart.

“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 preregistration is required by e-mailing Julia at: julia.anne.smith2010@gmail.com. After preregistering, 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 teacher:

Jerry Braza, (he, him)True Great Response

And:

Jane Bell, (she/her) True Mountain of Teachings

Julia Smith, (she/her) Compassionate River of the Heart

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

Have questions or need directions? e-mail Julia at: julia.anne.smith2010@gmail.com