At Aro Ling we were delighted to be part of a series of events being organised by different faith communities in association with the Interfaith Council of Wales. We hosted an Interfaith Fire Ceremony to celebrate Buddha Day. It was a joyful occasion. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event, and everyone enjoyed taking part in the celebration.
First I gave a short talk on the significance of Buddha Day for Buddhists, and the format of the ceremony itself.
The fire was created over a mandala, and oil was poured onto it as an offering throughout the ceremony.
A thread-cross was burned at the end of the ceremony. The woven threads symbolise the elements earth, water, fire, air, and space, using the colours yellow, white, red, green, and blue. The elements represent physical and psychological qualities. The threads are woven to decrease distortion of the elements, and to increase the enlightened qualities.
After the ceremony, while the fire was still lively, those attending were invited to place messages in the fire. The symbolism of burning messages is to let go of something unhelpful, such as a grudge or an irritation, and to effectuate something helpful, such as a good wish for someone, or a personal aspiration.
We hope that you are enjoying the arrival of spring and all the sensory delights it offers.
The Tuesday evening meditation group continues as usual, 7 – 8:30. Please see details below. Please note that there will not be a meeting on 23rd April. Unfortunately, due to personal retreats, there is no one available to be at Aro Ling to host the meditation session on that day. We hope to welcome you on the following week, 30th April.
Aro Ling Cardiff is hosting an Interfaith event in May as part of the ‘Faiths in Focus’ series of the Interfaith Council for Wales (poster above). Please book your ticket.
The next Saturday Espresso Retreat will be on June 8th – please see the schedule for the day below. All are welcome.
Hope to see you soon.
All best wishes,
Nor’dzin and ’ö-Dzin
2019 schedule
Tuesdays – Meditation Group
7 – 8:30: cushions and chairs provided, disabled access, a donation is requested
7 – 8: yogic song and silent meditation; 8 – 8:30 refreshments and chat
Saturday 8th June – Espresso Retreat
Come for the whole day’s activities, or just for a little as preferred.
A donation is requested
9:30 – 10:30 yogic song and meditation
10:30 –11:00 refreshments
11:00 – 12:30 Vajrayana study – study and discussion of topics of Vajrayana Buddhism
Greetings and Happy Losar - Tibetan New Year. We will be celebrating this over three days: 5th, 6th, and 7th of February. So please note that there will not be a meditation group gathering on Tuesday 5th February.
The Espresso Retreat on January 12th was a marvellous and inspiring day. Thank you to everyone who attended. The next two Espresso Retreats will be this coming Saturday, 2nd February, and then on the 9th March. Please see below for the schedule for these day-long retreats. The topic for the study session in February is namkha. Please have a look at this page on aroencyclopaedia.org for more information on this topic: http://www.aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/n/namkha_cr_01_nrp_01_eng.php.
The Interfaith Council for Wales is taking part in the St. David’s Day Parade on March 1st. The Aro gTér Lineage is a member of this Council through its connection with the Buddhist Council of Wales, and Nor’dzin is currently chair of the Interfaith Council. You are all warmly invited to join us on the St David’s Day parade. Assembly time is 12 noon in King Edward VII Avenue, between Cardiff City Hall and the Law Courts, and the parade starts at 12.30p.m.
Hope to see you soon.
All best wishes,
Nor’dzin and ’ö-Dzin
2019 schedule
Tuesdays -- Meditation Group
7 -- 8:30: cushions and chairs provided, disabled access, a donation is requested
7 -- 8: yogic song and silent meditation; 8 -- 8:30 refreshments and chat
Saturday 2nd February and 9th March -- Espresso Retreat
Come for the whole day’s activities, or just for a little as preferred.
A donation is requested
9:30 -- 10:30 yogic song and meditation
10:30 --11:00 refreshments
11:00 -- 13:00 Vajrayana study -- study and discussion of topics of Vajrayana Buddhism
