Back from China, 4 new dharma seats
  Just spent 15 days in China attending the last of the series of the advanced training course that covered both meditation practice and dharma teachings, living life like the monastics. Both Dustin and I attended, and Wen translated word for word all the teachings and the participants conversations.
The next teaching will be held in 2012. Following the teachings, we also were accepted to the Dharma Seat training and certification. So we were extremely lucky to be able to attend. Also attending was Mr. & Mrs. Shi from Windsor, who also became Dharma Seats. Now we have 9 Dharma Seats (TWDD Teachers) in Canada, and 1 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Around 136 students attended of which 10 or so, were in their senior years (many which I had a tough time keeping up with!), 7 monks and nuns, and the remaining disciples from throughout China. The advanced training was open to those who qualified, and even though thousands applied, a total of 500 or so, actually went through this year's training. [Read More]
Aspirations for Master Haikong's return visit in 2010
 We are hoping you will join us in sending positive wishes and prayers to bring Master Haikong to Canada, so that he can personally meet each and everyone of you. As it is difficult for most people to go to China, we really would like to see Master Haikong visit here again to locally teach and provide those who wish to take refuge.
His teachings are invaluable, so please join together this New Year and bring this aspiration to fruition.
Meditation Practice FAQ
 Practitioners asked the following questions:
Q. Is it possible to lie down for this meditation?
A. One of the main benefits of standing meditation, is that it helps relieve the blockages that build up in our body. This is because when your body is relaxed, it opens up the meridiens for proper flow of energy. When you lie down, you actually close off some of the meridiens (energy paths). Therefore, we recommend that you perform the meditation in a standing relaxed position, or the proper sitting method. Blockages in your body is the biggest obstacle for most who try to do sitting meditation.
Q. As a beginner, how long do you recommend I do the meditation for?
A. Even though the initial class was 1.5 hours, we typically suggest that you start off with doing at least .5 hour per day consistently. We can clearly state, that if you were to follow this, within 3 weeks you will see remarkable results both body and mind. Afterwards, if you feel like doing more, you can increase your length of time. Only go up to a maximum of 2 hours per set. I personally do 2 hours in the morning standing meditation and 1.5 - 2 hours sitting meditation in the evening.
Shared Article ...
Jemma's experience from the Advanced Training Course:
From the moment I stepped through the Temple Gate entryway, I could feel the peacefulness, an overwhelming sense of belonging. After 24 hours of traveling we finally made it to the Temple in ZhongJiang - White Tower Temple. Familiar sites for me, as this was my third time coming here, but all new for Dustin. (My travel companion and fellow Dharma Brother). Wen, just came back in July, so she felt very much back at "home". We were greeted with smiles and stares, and a happy go-lucky good looking monk quickly took my big suitcase above his head and trotted up the stairs...[Read More]
We welcome all those interested who would like to share their stories or a series of stories, which we can post either here on the newsletter or in the forum.
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"May I see the Buddha in every sentient being. May I see myself in every sentient being. Through this may I know emptiness" ~ Dalai Lama |
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Even Santa takes some time to meditate during the holidays!
Happy Holidays!
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