2007: December 1-8: BODHI RETREAT
The premier event in the religious calendar of Amida-shu
Always the most important and exuberant event in the Amida annual calendar, the Bodhi Retreat has grown in significance as the Amida-shu and the Amida Order have developed. It is traditional to hold a retreat at this time of year in memory of the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha celebrated on the 8th December. For several years now each year's retreat has proved even more significant than the one before. At the 2005 retreat, the 24 hour nembutsu chanting was introduced. At the 2006 retreat Ven Susthama took her higher oprdination, Rev. Mudita ordained as a chaplain, the second convocation of the Amida Order came into being and a number of people chose this occasion to join Amida-shu. Also in 2006, mondo and hossen ceremonies were introduced. We expect 2007 to be no less important. The retreat includes teachings, seminars, formal and informal gatherings, nembutsu practice, beautiful and affecting ceremonies, and opportunities for personal sharing and making friends.
This is also the retreat at which ordinations, commitment ceremonies and renewals of refuge, membership and precepts take place. There will be school, order and ministry meetings. If you are a present or intending member of Amida-shu, do make every effort to attend. If you are contemplating an advance in your commitment, please arrange to discuss this ahead of the retreat with one of the teachers at The Buddhist House. If you are unfamiliar with Amida-shu but interested to know more, this is a wonderful way to sample immersing yourself in the Amida culture.
PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE
Saturday 1 December
8.00 am Bell
8.30 am Welcome and Gathering
10.00 am Brunch
12.00 pm Start of 24 hour continuous Nembutsu
Sunday 2 December
12.00 pm End of 24 hour continuous Nembutsu
Silent/Rest period
5.00 pm Sunday Service
6.00 pm Evening Meal
7.00 pm Informal
Monday 3 December
10.00 am Brunch
11.00 am Gathering
1.30 pm School Meetings
4.00 pm Seminar / Order Meeting
6.00 pm Supper
7.00 pm Sutra Study
Tuesday 4 December
6.00 am Bell
6.30 am LPLS Chanting
7.15 am Nien Fo
8.30 am Refuge Ceremony
for those newly taking refuge and
for those renewing Refuges and Precepts and
for those reaffirming membership of Amida-shu
10.00 am Brunch
11.15 am Question & Answer
1.00 pm Midday Service
2.00 pm Seminar
4.00 pm Tea/Coffee
5.00 pm Tai Shi Chi Practice
6.00 pm Supper
7.45 pm Nien Fo
Wednesday 5 December
6.00 am Bell
6.30 am LPLS Sutra chanting
7.15 am Nien Fo
8.30 am Admissions Ceremony to the Amida-Shu
10.00 am Brunch
11.00 am Meetings:
(1. Vow 22 + AMT; 2. Amitaryas & other Retreatants)
12.30 pm Midday Nien Fo
2.00 pm Seminar
4.00pm Mondo
6.00 pm Supper
7.45 pm Nien Fo
Thursday 6 December
6.00 am Bell
6.30 am LPLS Sutra chanting
7.15 am Nien Fo
8.30 am Admissions Ceremony to the Order of Amida Buddha
10.00 am Brunch
11.00am Informal
12.00 pm Midday Nien Fo
1.00pm Tea/Coffee
1.30 pm Convocation & School Meetings
4.00 pm Hossen
6.00 pm Supper
7.45 pm Nien Fo
Friday 7 December
6.00 am Bell
6.30 am LPLS Sutra chanting
7.15 am Nien Fo
8.30 am Ordination Ceremonies
10.00 am Brunch - Celebratory Meal
11.00 am Work Period
12.00 pm Midday Nien Fo
2.00 pm Tea/Coffee Break
4.00 pm Seminar
6.00 pm Supper
8.00 pm Nien Fo
Saturday 8 December: Enlightenment Day
6.30 am Bell
7.00 am Nien Fo - Enlightenment Day Practice
10.00 am Brunch
11.00 am Dharma Talk
12.30 pm Midday Nien Fo
2.00 pm Gathering
4.00 pm Closing Ceremony
4.30pm End of Retreat
6.00pm Meal
Sunday 9 December: Post Retreat Relaxation
10.00 am Brunch
11.00 am Informal Time with the Community including outing weather permitting
5.00 pm Service
6.00 pm Meal
I would like to register for the December 1-8 Bodhi retreat,so send me the necessary information.
Posted by: Geoffrey ngwabi | 22 August 2007 at 02:22 PM