WAVES AND WATER SANGHA

The Waves and Water Sangha in Vancouver British Columbia practices in the engaged Buddhist tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. We meet on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 as well as for regular Days of Mindfulness with other Vancouver Sangha members, for non-residential and residential retreats.

WHAT WE DO – GETTING ON OUR CONTACT LIST

Each Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 we will practice sitting meditation (20-25 minutes) and walking meditation (5-10 minutes) during the first hour. In the second hour we will explore meditation and mindfulness practices including chanting, Touching the Earth, deep relaxation and Dharma study. On the first Thursday of each month there will be a recitation ceremony for the Five Mindfulness Trainings.

There will also be Days of Mindfulness offered with other Thich Nhat Hanh Sanghas in the Vancouver region. These usually occur on a Saturday or Sunday from 10:00 - 4:00. From time to time there may be non-residential retreats, residential retreats or Sangha travel to Mountain Lamp Community in Washington state. If you would like to receive e-mails concerning Sangha activities please e-mail wwsangha@gmail.com

From August 25-September 15 we will engage in Sangha practices of meditation and mindfulness, loving speech and deep listening,chanting and Dharma discussion.

From September 22-November 10 we will focus on practices related to Beginning Anew.

From November 24-December 15 we will focus on practices to support ourselves, our families and our communities during the holiday season – including the Discourse on the Full Awareness of Breathing.

PRACTICE LEADERSHIP AND CARETAKING

Bethan Alice Lloyd (True Spacious Mind) a Tiep Hien Order of Interbeing member since 2000 will offer practice leadership. All Sangha members will have the opportunity to learn particular practices (sounding the bell, lighting incense, chanting, leading Dharma discussion, offering tea, etc.) although this is not a requirement for Sangha participation! Over the next year, a Caretaking Committee will form organically as we practice together.

LOCATION

We are located UPSTAIRS at 6183 Fraser Street, above the Subway shop. You come around the corner of 46th Street behind the building and go up the wooden stairs. We are meeting at Mountain Rain Zen Community, the third doorway at the end of the porch.

WHEN YOU ENTER – WHAT TO BRING

The bell will sound at 7:00 p.m. and we will arrive fully in that moment. Please try to arrive at the meditation hall by 6:50 so you can find your seat comfortably before then! If you are not able to arrive on time, please leave your belongings in the hall and mindfully enter the meditation hall to find a seat. Beginning in October late arrivals will practice mindful meditation in the kitchen until the next period of walking. The outside door will be locked at 7:30 unless there is prior arrangement.

We are very fortunate to have the use of zabuton (mats) and zafus (cushions) as well as chairs and benches for our practice. You just need to arrive!

In this space there is a kitchen where you enter and a hallway to leave your outside coats, your bags, shoes, etc. Please do not bring water bottles, etc., into the meditation hall. There is a washroom just before the meditation hall entrance. We can leave the meditation hall to use the washroom or have a drink of water during walking meditation if necessary.

OFFERING DANA – SERVICE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We appreciate the generosity (Dana) offered by those who join us. Service Dana allows us to share the tasks of making tea, arranging the meditation hall, tidying at the end of the evening, distributing information about the Sangha or maintaining a website. Please let Bethan know if you would like to offer Service.

Financial Dana allows us meet our expenses of rent and materials. The suggested contribution is from $5 to $10 per gathering and no practitioner will be turned away because they cannot offer financial support at that moment. There will be a basket marked DANA – WITH GRATITUDE in the kitchen.

PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT

There is free street parking near the Centre. It is also very easy to arrive by public transportation from many parts of the city.

#8 along Main Street and Fraser Street to 46 Avenue

#22 along Clark and Knight to 46 Avenue and then walk west to Fraser Street

Canada Line to Oakridge and then the #41 to Fraser and walk south to 46th Ave.

Canada Line to Langara and then the #49 to Fraser and walk north to 46th Ave.

Skytrain to Joyce Station and the #41 to Fraser Street

#41 or #43 from UBC to Fraser Street