The Ocean
a quarterly for florida buddhists

Summer 2008Welcome to the website for the newsletter

The Summer 2008 newsletter is online, and previous issues are on the Newsletter Page.

On this page you will find a Regional Calendar which lists a sampling of Dharma events throughout the state. Just like the newsletter, the calendar will include events from all Buddhist traditions. The Buddhist Centers Page is just that, a listing of Buddhist Centers in the State of Florida.

The door is always WIDE open for comments and editorial contributions or whatever you got!





LOCAL CALENDAR

NORTHERN FLORIDA...


OCTOBER, 2008 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, Jacksonville 

Weekly Practice Schedule

Wednesdays 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm
Silent sitting & walking Meditation (doors open at 6:45 pm) with Lama Tsultrim Khandro.
All are welcome to attend.

Saturdays 10:30 am until Noon
The practice of the Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas with Lama Tsultrim Khandro.
Doors open at 10:00 am for silent sitting meditation practice.
All are welcome to attend.

First Sunday Only
The practice of the Green Tara sadhana with Lama Tsultrim Khandro.
Doors open at 9:00 am for silent sitting meditation practice.
The practice begins at 9:30 am.
This practice helps to clear obstacles to the development of compassionate mind, and to bring peace to our troubled world.
These practice's are free of charge and open to the public.

http://www.ktcjax.org/welcome/events.html



OCTOBER 1-2, 2008 KARMA KAGYU STUDY GROUP, St. Augustine 

Khenpo Urgyen Tenzin comes to Florida.
Rinpoche will be performing refuge and leading Chenrezik practice for the group.
For more information contact Tom Vogler at
St. Augustine Karma Kagyu Study Group
904-829-6034; 904-829-1952
trvogler@bellsouth.net
To read about Khenpo Urgyen Tenzin please go to
http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/teachers/tea25.php for much more information.
Also note that there are teachings for Khenpo Urgyen Tenzin in Tampa October 3-5.

http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/centers/usa/usa-gai.php



OCTOBER 25-26, 2008 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, Jacksonville 

OUR ANNUAL MEDITATION-A-THON

Karma Thegsum Chöling Jacksonville and Lama Tsultrim Khandro would like to invite you to our annual Meditation-A-Thon. This event is an effort to create a more peaceful world through meditation and awareness to the benefits of meditation. This years Meditation-A-Thon will be held at Riverside Park on October 25 & 26 from 9am-5pm. Meditators of all ages and experience are welcome! Cushions will be provided. Meditation will begin 9am with an opening ceremony and continue to 5pm. Meditation instruction will be given throughout the day by Lama Tsultrim Khandro and Director Michael Turnquist.

http://www.ktcjax.org/welcome/events.html



OCTOBER, 2008 TALLAHASSEE SHAMBHALA MEDITATION GROUP, Tallahassee 

Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meditation instruction, Book discussion, Sitting and walking meditation
Tuesdays: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Meditation and Chanting
Contact Person: Jo Schaden
Email: joschaden@att.net

Nynthuns 3 hour sitting/walking meditation practice. 15-20 minute sits with 10 minute walking meditation in between. Join in for part or all of the practice time, entering and exiting during walking meditation. Meditation guidance available if not able to attend a Monday night session. A great time to deepen your personal practice and at the same time, deepen your connection with others who find meditation an important part of life.
Sunday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
Sunday, November 23, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
Sunday, December 28, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon

Children's Day Celebraton December 2009: Date TBA: check back for more info.

For More Information on our Developing Schedule Contact: Mary Beth McBride, mcbridemb@hotmail.com

http://webdharma.com/shambhala/


IN THE MIDDLE...


OCTOBER, 2008 TIBETAN BUDDHIST STUDY AND MEDITATION GROUP, University Park 

Friday Night Video Teachings
7-9:00 PM
University Park, FL

Ongoing, all levels welcome

Under the auspices of Nalandabodhi (www.nalandabodhi.org)
and The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche (www.dpr.info)

"The Buddha taught that there is no enlightenment and no wisdom outside our own minds." The 7th Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

sarasota@nalandabodhi.org



SEPTEMBER, 2008 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, Gainesville 

Sundays Ongoing

11:00 a.m-12:30 p.m. Meditation, dharma teachings, Chenrezig sadhana with Lama David Bole. Visitors are welcome and meditation instruction is available. We meet at The Sanctuary Yoga Center, 1204 NW 10 Ave., Gainesville FL.

http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/centers/usa/usa-gai.php



OCTOBER, 2008 BOOK GROUP, Tampa 

There will be a book discussion group starting, Thursday March 6th @ 6:00 P.M. at 490 Bosphorus Ave. on Davis Island. We will be reading Ven. Khenpo Karthar's "Dharma Paths". There will be copies of the book that you can purchase. We will be reading a chapter a week and then have a discussion. Please call me or email me to pre-register. I do need a head count to ensure that I have the necessary number of copies of the book, Thank You.

Dede Van Haght
tampaktc@gmail.com


OCTOBER 17-26, 2008 RATNASHRI SANGHA of TAMPA BAY 

YOGI LAMA GURSAM

Yogi Lama Gursam will be in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for two weekends in October.

Each Friday evening, he will give a Public Talk on "Loving-Kindness."
Saturdays & Sundays of each weekend, Yogi Lama Gursam will lead us in Mahamudra Meditation Retreats.
Weeknight Practices: Achi Chokyi Drolma

Monday October 20th from 4:30 PM til dusk, Yogi Lama Gursam will give a Blessing of our Pets at JB Starkey Park in New Port Richey. Yogi Lama Gursam will be teaching in English directly, without a translator.
Locations: Hudson, New Port Richey and St. Petersburg, Florida
For more information, contact Richard 727-834-9308

http://www.ratnashri-tampabay.org/

OCTOBER 3-5, 2008 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, Tampa 

Weekly Practice Schedule SUNDAYS
9:00 a.m. Meditation practice
10:00 a.m. Teaching video or audio tape
11:00 a.m. Vajrayana practice: Green Tara, White Tara, Chenrezik, or Medicine Buddha

The Tampa Bay KTC Retreat Center is also a private residence. Please contact the center in advance to confirm whether there will be a practice on any given Sunday.

Meditation instruction and practice available by appointment. Please email the center. Tampa Bay KTC bookstore has a large collection of notable titles related to the study of Buddhism in the Kagyu tradition, as well as many other hard-to-find practice materials, including study tapes, transcripts of teachings, pictures of lamas, large prints, malas (rosaries), Buddhist children's books and tapes, kathas (silk blessing scarfs), highest quality Tibetan incense, cards, and sadhana texts and tapes/CDs.

http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/centers/usa/usa-gai.php



OCTOBER 12, 2008 FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF MINDFULNESS, Tampa 

A Day of Mindfulness will be held at the Lotus Pond Yoga Studio (see their website for directions) in Tampa from 9 am until 4:30 pm.


The Day will involve sitting and walking mindfulness meditation, guided meditations, a Dharma teaching by Fred, an opportunity for questions and answers, silent meals, some lazy time in nature, and yoga with Val.
Participants are requested to please respect and appreciate noble silence during the duration of the formal activities of the day. An opportunity for sharing and mindful conversation will be provided towards the end of the day.


While this event is free and open to all practitioners, it is necessary to register in advance by contacting Susan Ghosh at sue.ghosh@yahoo.com. Your generosity in providing a donation or Dana for the use of the facility and the teachers is gratefully accepted and encouraged.
For a complete description of the day and what participants need to bring, please go to our website.

“From time to time, we can set aside some time for a retreat or a day of mindfulness so we can sit, walk slowly, smile, eat lunch with friends and enjoy being together as though we are the happiest people on Earth. This is not just a retreat, it is a treat.”<

--Thich Nhat Hanh

http://floridamindfulness.org/

OCTOBER 24 - 26, 2008 WAT FLORIDA DHAMMARAM, Kissimmee 

Heart Shrine Relic Tour.
Friday 7pm Opening Ceremony Saturday 10am to 7pm Sunday 10am to 7pm
Wat Florida Dhammmaram 2421 Old Vineland Road Kissimmee FL 34746
Contact: Chih Ho Email: chihho2004@yahoo.com
Telephone: +1 407 538 6491



OCTOBER 24 - 27, 2008 FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF MINDFULNESS, Tampa 

Three Day Silent Residential Retreat,
"Cultivating the Seeds of Awakening: The Path of Awareness, Understanding and Compassion."
The retreat is being held at The Franciscan Center. To register for this retreat, please email Diane Powell at dslpowell@gmail.com and then send your check made out to the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) to P. O. Box 3774, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. Directions to the Franciscan Center and other retreat information will be sent to all registrants prior to the retreat. For more information about the retreat, registration costs, etc., please visit our website at http://floridamindfulness.org/

OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 2,2008 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS, Clearwater 

The Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relic Tour at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater
2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater, Florida 33764
Call (727) 512-4805 for details.
Free Admission. Free Parking. Everyone is welcome.

Friday evening 7 PM Interfaith Opening Ceremony. 10 AM- 7 PM Saturday & Sunday A film about The Maitreya Project, a long term plan to develop the ancient siite of Kusinagara in north India where Buddha attained parinirvana, will be shown throughout the day.

The True Dharma International UU Buddhist Fellowship meets every Tuesday at 7 PM at UU Clearwater led by Dharma Teacher Frank Tedesco, Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies. For new and advanced students. "Ehi passiko"- "Come and see!" (727) 512-4805



NOVEMBER 9, 2008 FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF MINDFULNESS, New Smyrna Beach 

Day of Mindfulness.
For more information, contact Cheri Erdman at abundia22@yahoo.com http://floridamindfulness.org/

SOUTH...



OCTOBER, 2008 TUBTEN KUNGA CENTER, Deerfield Beach 

Mondays Ongoing
Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
This class is taught by Geshe Konchog Kyab. It is an ongoing class and is open to all levels!

For as long as space endures. For as long as living beings remain. Until then, may I too abide. To dispel the misery of the world. Dedication from Shantideva's Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva).

This ancient text is the indispensible handbook for all people seeking a peaceful world and a happy life. The teachings on the bodhisattva deeds are based on Shantideva's inspirational text on Buddhist practice. Composed over 1,000 years ago, Shantideva's text is still widely regarded as the most authentic and complete guide for the Mahayana Buddhist practitioner. A classic, ranging in scope from simple practical techniques for dealing with destructive emotions to the most refined discussion of ultimate truth. Beautifully written, profoundly deep, and amazingly modern; please join us for this enjoyable course!

Please visit the centers website for a list of all their classes

http://www.tubtenkunga.org/index.html


NOVEMBER 7 - 9, 2008 TUBTEN KUNGA CENTER, Deerfield Beach 

HEART SHRINE RELIC TOUR
Tubten Kunga Center is hosting the Heart Shrine Relic Tour
at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 2601 Saint Andrews Blvd.,Boca Raton, FL 33434.

This is a great opportunity for us to give back to our community in this difficult time of economic uncertainty through the blessings of inspiration, loving kindness and unity that the relics emanate.

We need volunteers to help greet and guide visitors, maintain orderly lines during blessings, floaters, etc. If, it is your intention to be a volunteer at this auspicious event, I will be grateful for your response ASAP. E-mail me at branbros@bellsouth.net with the time slot you commit to.
FRIDAY, Nov. 7: (Opening Ceremony)
7pm-10pm
SATURDAY, Nov. 8 :
10am - 1pm
1pm - 4pm
4pm - 7pm
SUNDAY, Nov. 9 :
10am - 1pm
1pm - 4pm
4pm - 7pm
7pm - 9pm (Breakdown)
Sincerely, Elizabeth Acevedo Volunteer Coordinator branbros@bellsouth.net

http://www.tubtenkunga.org/index.html


OCTOBER 2008, KAGYU SHEDRUP CHOLING, El Portal 

Sundays 8:30 a.m. Butterlamp offerings, meditation, chanting the sadhana of Green Tara/ Medicine Buddha. Butterlamps are a traditional Tibetan offering. This “Offering of One Hundred” includes 108 butter lamps, 108 bowls of saffron water, rice, flowers and incense. Participants chant the sadhanas keeping in mind special prayer requests made that particular day.

Tuesdays 7:30p.m. New Beginners Class
Learn meditation and basic Buddhist philosophy. There will be time for sitting meditation, chanting meditation, preliminary practices or others after the teachings. First session of each month will be on introduction to Buddhism.

For the complete schedule, please visit the centers website.

http://www.kagyu-sfla.org/index1.htm


OCTOBER 2008, PADMASAMBHAVA CENTER, Palm Beach 

Ongoing for Sundays and Wednesdays is Shinay practice and on Tuesday is Heart Sutra practice. Most Saturdays there is an Open House. A full schedule for the center is on the website.

http://www.pbdc.net/center.html


OCTOBER 25 - 26 2008, PADMASAMBHAVA CENTER, Palm Beach 

Empowerment and teachings on Vajrakilaya according to the Lineage of Tsasum Lingpa

Our beloved Rinpoches will offer a two-day retreat on Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26.

Vajrakilaya embodies the enlightened activity of all the buddhas and helps sentient beings remove their dualistic conceptions.
The practice is famous for being the most powerful for removing obstacles, transforming the forces hostile to compassion, and purifying the spiritual pollution so prevalent in this age.
Varjrakilaya is a fierce compassionate form of Vajrasattva and was a primary practice of Padmasambhava.

The retreat will be held at our Center in Lake Worth. More details about the exact schedule, suggested donation, etc will be forthcoming soon.

http://www.pbdc.net/center.html


OCTOBER 2008, TIBETAN INSTITUTE AND LIBRARY, Coral Gables 

The Tibetan Institute and Library meets Thursdays throughout the year.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2ND 7:15PM BOOKS & BOOKS CORAL GABLES
We will continue with our series on the Heart Sutra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Due to the Vice Presidential debate which starts at 9PM on October 2nd we will start our program earlier than usual at 7:15pm and end our program at 8:15pm.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH 7:30PM, MIAMI FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE
Meditation on the Three Principle Aspects of the Path
In Praise of Dependent Origination by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 7:30PM, MIAMI FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE
Meditation on the Three Principle Aspects of the Path
In Praise of Dependent Origination by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

FUTURE EVENTS
Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relic Tour
We are pleased to announce that the Heart Shrine Relic Tour will return to South Florida from November 7-9th. The relics will be on display at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2601 St. Andrew Blvd., Boca Raton, Fl. 33434. For more information please see www.maitreyaproject.org


For more information you can email them at the email below.

Wfmt@aol.com


OCTOBER, 2008 SOUTHERN PALM ZEN GROUP, Boca Raton

  Weekly Schedule
We sit together every Tue, Thu, and Sat. mornings as well as every Wednesday night. Study of classic texts along with community council help nourish our way of being.
Interviews with the teachers are available by appointment on Tue and Thu and by signing the list on Saturdays.
Whether you are just sitting (shikantaza), in koan study, or not sure of where you are, dokusan (interviews) can be helpful.
The breakfast groups after Tue, Thu, Sat, morning sits are also of immense value to those attending.

Weekday Morning Zazen:
Tuesday & Thursday
Zazen: 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m..

Wednesday Evening:
Study Group: 6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Zazen: 7:00 - 8:10 p.m.
Introductory Class: 6:00-6:50 p.m.

First Wednesday of the month:
Community Council: 6 - 6:50 p.m.
Zazen: 7 - 8:10 p.m.

Saturday :
7:15–7:30 am SERVICE OR DIAMOND SUTRA (1st Sat)
7:30–8:00 ZAZEN
8:00–8:10 KINHIN-INTERVIEWS BEGIN
8:10–8:35 ZAZEN
8:35–8:45 KINHIN
8:45–9:10 ZAZEN-FOUR VOWS
9:10–10:00 BREAKFAST/STUDY GROUP

Note: In September, we will begin a new book Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck.
Copies are for sale at the zendo.

http://www.floridazen.com/
(We are in great need of pen pals and books for The Southern Palm Zen Group's Prison Outreach Project, and also tapes & DVD’s or CD’s on religious topics for our prison sanghas. New or gently used items are welcome. Please contact Doshin or Jishin if you can assist. If you have tapes, CD’s, or DVD’s that you borrowed from the zendo, please return them. Our new students as well as our prison sangha members need them!)


SEPTEMBER, 2008 FORT LAUDERDALE ZEN GROUP, Pompano Beach 

Meets every Tuesday evening for study, discussion and meditation.
Study/discussion: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
2 periods of meditation: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Herb Skolnick Community Center, 800 SW 36th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL
For more information contact:
Carole Kyodo Walsh, 954-987-3642, carolewalsh@mindspring.com
or John Sorrell, 954-675-1548, jsorrell605@aol.com

http://www.browardzen.com/


OCTOBER, 2008 PALM BEACH SHAMBHALA MEDITATION GROUP, Palm Beach 

Please join us at the Unity of the Gardens for our semi-monthly group meditation practice.
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. There is a potluck lunch after each practice!
The practice begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes sitting and walking meditation, and follows with a potluck lunch at 12:30.
The program is open to all and suitable for people of any religion or belief system.
Arrival & Registration: 9:00 - 9:30am (Please arrive by 9:15 if you would like meditation instruction)

Group Meditation: 9:30-11:30
Book Discussion: 11:30-12:30
When Things Fall Apart
by Pema Chodren

Lunch (potluck): 12:30
Individual private meditation instruction is available upon request, either at the beginning of our meditation practice sessions or otherwise scheduled.
If you have any questions regarding the group, the schedule, or wish to speak with a meditation instructor: palmbeach.shambhala.org
Suggested Donation: $10.00 (donations are tax deductible)

http://palmbeach.shambhala.org/


NOVEMBER 15, 2008 SOUTHERN PALM ZEN GROUP, Boca Raton

  ROBERT KENNEDY, S.J., ROSHI
will lead an all day zazenkai with us. The time is 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Roshi Kennedy is a Jesuit priest and Zen teacher in the White Plum lineage. He studied with Yamada Roshi in Kamakura, Japan, with Maezumi Roshi in Los Angeles, and with Glassman Roshi in New York. Glassman Roshi installed Kennedy as sensei in 1991 and conferred Inka (his final seal of approval) in 1997, making him a Roshi (master).
The registration fee is $45.00 (dana extra). Please email me if you wish to reserve a seat (limited space available). I would need the fee ahead of time.
Deadline to register: November 12.

http://www.floridazen.com/


JANUARY 17 - 24 2008, PADMASAMBHAVA CENTER, Palm Beach 

WINTER RETREAT 2009

EMPOWERMENT OF YELLOW DZAMBHALA

TEACHING ON DZOGCHEN PATRUL RINPOCHE
For our 2009 Winter Retreat, the Rinpoches will give the Empowerment of Yellow Dzambhala, a manifestation of Ratnasambhava. He embodies the Wealth aspect and perfect generosity of all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas and grants longevity and prosperity in everyday life.
They will teach on "Excellent, Virtuous Speech That is Good in the Beginning, Middle, and End" by Patrul Rinpoche, the renowned 19th-century Dzogchen master who was supreme among scholars and siddhas.
For all fortunate practitioners, applying these Dzogchen methods will actualize the original, absolute Buddha and Dharma within this lifetime.

http://www.pbdc.net/center.html



Contact Us: theocean@flbuddhistnews.com