Mindfulness Study and Practice in the Tradition of Thich Nhat HanhThe Honey Locust Sangha, in Omaha, Nebraska, is a community which practices mindful living in the tradition of the Buddhist monk, teacher, and author Thich Nhat Hanh.
What is Mindfulness Practice? The practice of mindfulness helps us develop our capacity to dwell happily in the present moment and to find peace within ourselves. This practice is meant to help us weave mindfulness into all of life's daily activities. This enables us to be present throughout the day--while eating, walking, working, or enjoying a cup of tea. As a community we support each other in the practice of mindfulness, learning new ways to relate to our rapidly changing world, to realize harmony and reconciliation within our own families, and to cultivate peace within. Who We Are We are a community of people of diverse religious faiths. While some of us identify as Buddhist, several of our members hold Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and other traditions as their primary spiritual practice. Others do not identify with any particular religious tradition. What we all have in common is the desire to study and practice mindfulness in order to touch the deep reality of life and to cultivate a heart and mind of love. About Thich Nhat Hanh Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, poet, and peacemaker. Before being exiled from Vietnam in 1966, he was co-founder of Van Hanh Buddhist University, the School of Youth for Social Service, and the Order of Interbeing. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967 by Martin Luther King Jr. for his efforts for peace on behalf of the Vietnamese people. Thomas Merton, the Catholic theologian, said of Thich Nhat Hahn, “He is my brother. We see things exactly the same way.” Since that time, in Europe and North America, he has worked tirelessly for peace, founding Plum Village (a Buddhist training monastery in France), and lecturing and leading retreats worldwide on the art of mindful living. Thich Nhat Hanh is the author of more than 100 books including Living Buddha, Living Christ and Being Peace. Our True Heritage
by Thich Nhat Hanh The cosmos is filled with precious gems. I want to offer a handful of them to you this morning. Each moment you are alive is a gem, shining through and containing earth and sky, water and clouds. It needs you to breathe gently for the miracles to be displayed. Suddenly you hear the birds singing, the pines chanting, see the flowers blooming, the blue sky, the white clouds, the smile and the marvelous look of your beloved. You, the richest person on Earth, who have been going around begging for a living, stop being the destitute child. Come back and claim your heritage. We should enjoy our happiness and offer it to everyone. Cherish this very moment. Let go of the stream of distress and embrace life fully in your arms. |
Honey Locust Sangha Weekly Events:
on For more information on any of the events below, or to get on our listserv and receive regular emails about our events email us at [email protected]. Evening Meditations Monday Nights: 6:30pm-8:00 pm Traditional Community Meditation We practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation, 10 minutes walking meditation and another sitting meditation, followed by exploring some aspect of mindfulness practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. We often share discussion or even a practice song. Hybrid - In person at the Yoga Path or Via Zoom Zoom links are emailed to those on our listserv. See contact information at the top of this page to request being added. Friday Nights: 6:00pm-7:00pm Noble Silence Meditation We meet at the Yoga Path and practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation, followed by 10 minutes of walking meditation, and another 20 minutes of sitting meditation. We observe noble silence upon entering, while practicing, and while leaving the meditation space. No other practice or discussion following meditation. Monthly or Other GatheringsThich Nhat Hanh Book Study - Meets the every Saturday from 3:30pm - 5pm (via Zoom). For more information, contact Mike at the number listed at the top of the page.
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