January Newsletter - New Year Resolutions - Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre - Citizenship Award

Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre

35 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1DB  07875 716644

January Newsletter 2016

All of us at Aro Ling Cardiff hope that you have enjoyed a splendid Yuletide and wish you all the best for 2016. Have you made any resolutions? How about resolving to establish a daily meditation practice in 2016. Ten minutes of silent sitting every day can enable us to be calmer and more content, creating a peaceful atmosphere around us.

2016 at Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre begins with our regular monthly introductory session Discovering the Spaciousness of Mind on Saturday, 2nd January. The spring schedule then begins with our usual opening days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5th January. Look out for the two new sessions: Dances of the Jane Austen Era, Wednesdays at 16:30, and a new meditation group, also on Wednesdays, at 18:00. Please see details below.

  

There are only about 4 places remaining for the January retreat with the Aro gTér Lineage Holders teaching on Dzogchen at Aro Ling. This is a rare opportunity to hear these teachings from realised Dzogchen practitioners. If you would like to attend, booking soon is recommended.

Other news – Aro Ling Buddhist Centre has been nominated for a Citizenship Award. 

 

Please vote for us here before the end of the year.
Voting closes on December 31st 2015.

Thank you.

New for 2016

Dances of the Jane Austen Era - Wednesdays 16:30

Have you enjoyed the dancing in classic drama productions such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’? Come to Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre and learn how to practise them.
To dance these Georgian dances well requires passion and precision; respect and consideration; good humour and sensitivity – all valuable qualities Buddhists develop. While dancing we must be aware of our partner and our neighbour, and the overall pattern of the dance – and still have fun.
The class is suitable for adults, and children aged 10 and above with a supervising adult.
Adults £3, accompanied children £1.
Meditation Group - Wednesdays 18:00
A new, one hour, early-evening meditation session - the perfect way to end your work day and feel refreshed to enjoy the rest of your evening.
Short periods of silent meditation are interspersed with chant and song. Beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Requested donation £4.
Saturday retreats for the new year (details below)
January 23: Dzogchen, Wonderment & Vividness
February 13: Wearing the body of Visions
March 12: The Mahasiddhas
April 09: The 5 Principles of Awareness

Weekly schedule January 2016
Tuesdays:
sKu-mNyé 10:30; Meditation & Song 12:00; Meditation Group 19:00 – 20:30
Wednesdays:

sKu-mNyé 14:00; Meditation & Song 15:15; Dancing of Jane Austen Era 16:30; Meditation Group 18:00
sKu-mNyé is a physical yoga practice. It offers a range of movements, from simple and gentle to demanding and vigorous – so there is something for everyone. All are welcome whatever age or level of fitness. A wonderful form of exercise that is refreshing and invigorating. Each class is 1 hour and a donation of £4 is requested.
Meditation groups and daytime meditation – beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Short periods of meditation are interspersed with yogic song and chant. Discover emptiness and self-awareness.  Daytime £4, evening £5 donation requested. Introductory session every first Saturday of the month – £8 donation requested.

Monthly schedule:
First Saturday of month: Discovering Spaciousness of Mind  10:00 – 12:00; an introduction to the Aro gTér Lineage and its practices, and to the Nyingma school of Buddhism; £8 donation requested.
Retreat days – one Saturday a month as advertised, 10:00 to 19:00; £30 in advance, or £35 on the day. Concessions available on application and if paid in advance.
January 23: Dzogchen, Wonderment & Vividness
February 13: Wearing the body of Visions
March 12: The Mahasiddhas
April 09: The 5 Principles of Awareness

January 23: Dzogchen, Wonderment & Vividness
In their first teaching at Aro Ling Cardiff, the Lineage Lamas will give direct introduction to Dzogchen sem-dé – the totality teaching of the ‘nature of Mind’. Dzogchen is unique in dealing with the experience of being human at the most essential level of perception. Dzogchen lays bare the problems which arise through our dualistic vision – and creates a sense of wonderment at the immense possibility for each individual.
10:00 – 19:00; £35 if paid in advance, £40 on the day
**Booking recommended as this event will be likely to be oversubscribed. This retreat is charged at slightly more than usual so that Aro Ling Cardiff can make an offering to Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen, and pay their travel expenses. **

February 13: Wearing the Body of Visions
Explore the rich and dramatic symbolism of inner Tantra, through practices of vision, yogic song, chant, mudra, and Tantric music. We are symbols of our true enlightened selves, and through ‘wearing’ the visionary body of the awareness-beings we can reveal our true nature. The peaceful, joyous, and wrathful awareness-beings are the key to both personal dignity and to perceiving the dignity of others. The day will conclude with an empowerment into the
practice of Yeshé Tsogyel, the female tantric Buddha of Tibet.
10:00 – 19:00, £30 if paid in advance, £35 on the day

March 12: The Mahasiddhas
The 84 Mahasiddhas were early Tantric practitioners who discovered complete liberation through outrageously conventional or unconventional means. The lives of the Mahasiddhas emphasise that spiritual realisation is found within ordinary life, not in a special realm outside it. Stories of some of the 84 Mahasiddhas will presented from the unique perspective of Dzogchen. This method of integrating practice into the experience of everyday life is a profound practice of finding the presence of awareness in all of one’s experience.
10:00 – 19:00, £30 if paid in advance, £35 on the day

April 09: The 5 Principles of Awareness
The method of the Owl Precepts undermines the confusion that creates unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Living within the Owl Precepts is an invaluable method of realising the spiritual path through everyday life. This Dzogchen view of the Five Buddhist Precepts originates in the Heart Essence Sutra of the Owl-headed Dakini, from the gTérmas of Khyungchen Aro Lingma (1886-1923).
10:00 – 19:00, £30 if paid in advance, £35 on the day

For fuller details of events at Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre, please visit

aro-ling.org/cardiff or meetup.com/arolingcardiff

Regional Awards Nomination - please vote for us!

Aro Ling Buddhist Centre has been nominated in the not-for-profit category of the Regional Awards in Cardiff.

Please vote for us here before the end of the year.
Voting closes on December 31st 2015.

Thank you.

You've been nominated!
The Regional Awards has now launched in Cardiff.  Bringing a transparent and completely independent judging format that recognises the achievements, expertise and hard work of the most remarkable businesses and individuals in the region.  We are pleased to inform you that your entry or nomination has been accepted.

 

Cardiff Media Partners & Venue Announced

December 1, 2015

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The Regional Awards

The Regional awards are pleased to announce both RedHanded Magazine and Buzz Magazine as media partners for The Regional Awards event in Cardiff.

With an estimated 250 entries the first event in Cardiff looks set to be one amazing event, lasting in total a staggering 6 months for the entry, voting, judging process and of course the awards evening.  

Paul Mulligan of RedHanded Magazine said "RedHanded is proud to be associated with The Regional Awards because they genuinely reflect and recognise what’s great about the inspirational people and businesses of Cardiff. Key to this is the independence and transparency of the judging process – it’s reassuring to know that the winners will be judged solely on merit. May the best business win!"

Matt Lissack from Capital FM's South Wales Breakfast Show is set to be hosting the evening which will be held at the prestigious Mercure Holland House Hotel on Thursday 7th April 2016.

 

September 2013 - From Office to Opening Day

Inspired by Aro Ling Bristol, we looked for a place in Cardiff to create a small Buddhist Centre. Aro Ling Bristol had shown how much of a difference it made  to have a public space in the city.

We were looking for a place that was within walking distance of our home in Whitchurch, and of course, not too expensive to rent. After viewing several places we eventually found a room to rent over Chambers Estate Agents in Whitchurch village.

At the time we looked at the place it had only just ceased being an office and still had all the desks, chairs and cupboards that you would expect.  The walls were a plain magnolia.  We measured the room, and talked to Chambers about renting.  We then went across to Coffee#1 to make the big decision.

We signed for the place at the end of August 2013, with the intention of opening one month later.  So began the process of transforming a plain room in Whitchurch into a traditional Tibetan shrine room.  This involved Ngakma Nor'dzin in working long days and late nights to ensure that everything was ready on time.

The slideshow shows the gradual transformation of the room and includes photographs from the blessing by Ngak'chang Rinpoche and the Opening Day on 28th September 2013.

..

December Newsletter - Aro gTér Lineage Holders teaching at Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre

Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre

35 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1DB  07875 716644

December Newsletter 2015

As the festive season approaches, the courses for the new year have been decided and scheduled - please see below and at Meetup.com/arolingcardiff, and aro-ling.org.cardiff. 2015 has been most successful at Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre and we look forward to another inspiring year for 2016.

Before the new year we have two more Saturday events. The introductory session Discovering the Spaciousness of Mind is this coming Saturday, 5th December. The following Saturday, 12th December, is Dignity and Heroism - exploring the meaning of Natural Heroism and how to live our lives in this way.
 

In January we are delighted and honoured to have the Aro gTér Lineage Holders teaching on Dzogchen at Aro Ling. This is a rare opportunity to hear these teachings from realised Dzogchen practitioners. Aro Ling Cardiff is small, and we have to limit numbers to 15, so we strongly recommend advance booking for this event.
New for 2016

Dances of the Jane Austen Era - Wednesdays 16:30

Have you enjoyed the dancing in classic drama productions such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’? Come to Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre and learn how to practise them.
To dance these Georgian dances well requires passion and precision; respect and consideration; good humour and sensitivity – all valuable qualities Buddhists develop. While dancing we must be aware of our partner and our neighbour, and the overall pattern of the dance – and still have fun.
The class is suitable for adults, and children aged 10 and above with a supervising adult.
Adults £3, accompanied children £1.
Meditation Group - Wednesdays 18:00
A new, one hour, early-evening meditation session - the perfect way to end your work day and feel refreshed to enjoy the rest of your evening.
Short periods of silent meditation are interspersed with chant and song. Beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Requested donation £4.
Saturday retreats for the new year (details below)
January 23: Dzogchen, Wonderment & Vividness
February 13: Wearing the body of Visions
March 12: The Mahasiddhas
April 09: The 5 Principles of Awareness

Weekly schedule January 2016
Tuesdays:
sKu-mNyé 10:30; Meditation & Song 12:00; Meditation Group 19:00 – 20:30
Wednesdays:

sKu-mNyé 14:00; Meditation & Song 15:15; Dancing of Jane Austen Era 16:30; Meditation Group 18:00
sKu-mNyé is a physical yoga practice. It offers a range of movements, from simple and gentle to demanding and vigorous – so there is something for everyone. All are welcome whatever age or level of fitness. A wonderful form of exercise that is refreshing and invigorating. Each class is 1 hour and a donation of £4 is requested.
Meditation groups and daytime meditation – beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Short periods of meditation are interspersed with yogic song and chant. Discover emptiness and self-awareness.  Daytime £4, evening £5 donation requested. Introductory session every first Saturday of the month – £8 donation requested.

Monthly schedule:
First Saturday of month: Discovering Spaciousness of Mind  10:00 – 12:00; an introduction to the Aro gTér Lineage and its practices, and to the Nyingma school of Buddhism; £8 donation requested.
Retreat days – one Saturday a month as advertised, 10:00 to 19:00; £30 in advance, or £35 on the day. Concessions available on application and if paid in advance.
January 23: Dzogchen, Wonderment & Vividness
February 13: Wearing the body of Visions
March 12: The Mahasiddhas
April 09: The 5 Principles of Awareness

January 23: Dzogchen, Wonderment & Vividness
In their first teaching at Aro Ling Cardiff, the Lineage Lamas will give direct introduction to Dzogchen sem-dé – the totality teaching of the ‘nature of Mind’. Dzogchen is unique in dealing with the experience of being human at the most essential level of perception. Dzogchen lays bare the problems which arise through our dualistic vision – and creates a sense of wonderment at the immense possibility for each individual.
10:00 – 19:00; £35 if paid in advance, £40 on the day
**Booking recommended as this event will be likely to be oversubscribed. This retreat is charged at slightly more than usual so that Aro Ling Cardiff can make an offering to Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen, and pay their travel expenses. **

February 13: Wearing the Body of Visions
Explore the rich and dramatic symbolism of inner Tantra, through practices of vision, yogic song, chant, mudra, and Tantric music. We are symbols of our true enlightened selves, and through ‘wearing’ the visionary body of the awareness-beings we can reveal our true nature. The peaceful, joyous, and wrathful awareness-beings are the key to both personal dignity and to perceiving the dignity of others. The day will conclude with an empowerment into the
practice of Yeshé Tsogyel, the female tantric Buddha of Tibet.
10:00 – 19:00, £30 if paid in advance, £35 on the day

March 12: The Mahasiddhas
The 84 Mahasiddhas were early Tantric practitioners who discovered complete liberation through outrageously conventional or unconventional means. The lives of the Mahasiddhas emphasise that spiritual realisation is found within ordinary life, not in a special realm outside it. Stories of some of the 84 Mahasiddhas will presented from the unique perspective of Dzogchen. This method of integrating practice into the experience of everyday life is a profound practice of finding the presence of awareness in all of one’s experience.
10:00 – 19:00, £30 if paid in advance, £35 on the day

April 09: The 5 Principles of Awareness
The method of the Owl Precepts undermines the confusion that creates unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Living within the Owl Precepts is an invaluable method of realising the spiritual path through everyday life. This Dzogchen view of the Five Buddhist Precepts originates in the Heart Essence Sutra of the Owl-headed Dakini, from the gTérmas of Khyungchen Aro Lingma (1886-1923).
10:00 – 19:00, £30 if paid in advance, £35 on the day

For fuller details of events at Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre, please visit

aro-ling.org/cardiff

Meetup.com/aro-ling-cardiff