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Regular Practices
At
Akashaloka we
hold weekly Monday,Thursday and Saturday morning practices and frequent
retreats and special events.
At
Aniccaloka, we will hold twice monthly Sunday practice sessions.
(currently at the Marguerite Centre, Pembroke).
For a seasonal
summary of recent and upcoming events, see
our current Turning Leaf newsletter
Is
there practice this week?
For the latest
details on current programming , click here for
a 3-week schedule or visit
our Red Maple Keys Blog
.............
...................the
Red Maple Practice Hall
 Dharma
Practices
view
the 3-Week Schedule
Akashaloka,
Renfrew
Weekly
Saturdays
Starting at 8.00 a.m.
(length varies with the week)
Aniccaloka,
Pembroke
(The Meditation Room, Marguerite Centre)
Bi-monthly
on Sundays which follow the 2nd/4th Saturday
8.30 - 10.30 a.m.
All our Saturday
and Sunday sessions include 25 minute rounds of sitting, separated by
walking practice, and followed by a general discussion and occasional
presentations by Innen. At the conclusion, we will do the 24-form tai-chi
set whenever possible.
The Practice
Hall is arranged in traditional style of rows, facing out. Cushions, mats
and benches are available, but practitioners are welcome to bring their
own as well. Chairs can be used if necessary.
We prefer
newcomers contact the Kanin in advance. Those dropping-in may be asked
to sit as observers for their first session.
Akashaloka,
Renfrew
Weekly
Monday and Thursday
6.00- 6.45 a.m.
Twice weekly
we hold a formal Tendai service which includes walking, dedication-chanting
and a short period of shikan (meditation). There is no discussion
or talk. Those wishing to attend before the work day can stay over the
night before and are welcome to share breakfast at 7.00. Prior notice
is requested.
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peaceful
mind
Introductory
Secular Mindfulness
This
is an introductory-level mindfulness group. There is no Buddhist instruction
offered in these sesisons.
This is a
non-religious group intended to introduce participants to the basics of
vipassana-style meditation. In it we learn, practice and discuss
traditional and modern secular-style (a la-Jon Kabat-Zinn) mindfulness.
Practice is on chairs in an open circle
peaceful
mind is
offered irregularly around Renfrew County as facilitators are available.
Contact us for current information.
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Other
Practices
We also host
regular:
Practice
Retreats (w/ Sitting, Walking, Chanting,
Oryoki); these may be from a half-day to a weekend. There is usually one
per Season and they are usually on the 3rd weekend.
NOTE: Retreats
may be public (open to all) or Sangha-only (restricted to
members or by special arrangement with the Kanin).
Annual
Celebrations: In each Season we offer public celebrations of important
Buddhist dates. See: Annual
Celebrations
Annual
Pilgrimage Walk: In October we host a day of walking practice. This
follows the nearby K and P Trail and includes time for shared reflection
and conversation. Polite dogs are welcome.
For the
most current information, check the What's On
page.
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Questions
Forms of Practice
We provide
practice space and materials for anyone who wishes to learn about, begin
or maintain a practice in an authentic and continuing sangha,(Buddhist
community). While we emphasize the Tendai style, we encourage each participant
to decide what type of practice is appropriate to them.
Although
individual members may have student relationships with teachers or other
sanghas, the RMS is open to
whatever forms of Buddhist practice sustain a strong and vibrant practice
for each of us.
All RMS
Dharma Practice sesssions use forms based on traditional Buddhist forms,
modified to harmonize with our practice spaces,
the experience of practitoners and which provide consistency, dignity
and formality to practice periods.
Our forms
are taught during the Entering the Dharma Path workshop or in a
private introduction provided by the Innen doshu.
(Contact
him to arrange a convenient time, approx 1 hour is required)
Regular Saturday
and Sunday sessions are simplest, with sitting, chanting, walking and
tai chi only. Maha Sangha Saturday
and Retreats may include additional forms such as chanting, bowing, mantra
(syllable chanting) and oryoki (meal practice).
Those practicing
forms taught by a previous or distant teacher or drawn from a non-Buddhist
tradition are welcome to attend the RMS
practices, provided their practice
harmonizes with the practice of the RMS
forms.
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Practice
Leadership
The
RMS is a lay sangha. We have no teacher,
sensei or guru, although we benefit from the experience and knowledge
of sangha-founder, Innen doshu. Some members may have more experience
and some have made a greater commitment to practice. Some members may
be students of teachers at other centres.
Read
our position on Teachers
The
RMS Founder is Ray Innen Parchelo who provides
leadership in practice and provides introductory dharma instruction to
individuals and the sangha, as a whole. We encourage all to discuss
practice experience with each other and benefit from the greater experience
of others.
Several
members have been trained to act as doan (practice leader) and
will ensure sessions have a clear and supportive form.
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Do
I Need Experience?
RMS
practice sessions are appropriate for all levels of practice. Those wishing
to explore Dharma practice for the first time can attend most of our Saturday
or Sunday sessions. We prefer newcomers contact Innen doshu advance. Those
dropping-in may be asked to sit as observers for their first session.
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Will
Practicing with RMS Conflict with My Christian or Other Religious Beliefs?
It is fundamental
to the Buddha's teaching that we need never accept any teaching or concept
without knowing it to be true ourselves. So, participating in any regular
RMS
practice does not require you accept any beliefs that conflict with any
religious or spiritual tradition.
Further,
while our forms are based in Buddhist practices, you may refrain from
any of the chanting, bowing or other practices which you feel may be a
conflict for you. If in doubt, discuss this with Innen doshu.
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