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As more detail becomes available, this page will be updated. Archived activity calendars: 2005 , 2004 , 2003 |
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Directions to Dhamma Dena. | |
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January 16, Day of Gratitude(Ho-on-ko). As a Shin Buddhist, we awaken to the working of the Primal Vow of Amida and express gratitude to all of life. Since it was Shinran Shonin (1173-1263), who first clarified the working of the Primal Vow, we commemorate not only his birth but also his death on January 16. "Vow" is our fervent wish to live a full, rich life, here and now; and "Primal" is the universal aspiration coming from our unconscious depth. It is Amida's prayer that each of us realize the true meaning of living and of dying. We respond to Amida's calling, grateful to the teachings of Shinran, who clarified the profound significance of the nembutsu as the concrete manifestation of the Primal Vow. | |
| Sunday 01/08/06 (preparation to listen to the Dharma) Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." January 16th is Shinran's Memorial Day (Hoon-ko). This day is designated as a Day of Gratitude to honor Shinran. His words of understanding and appreciation of the Dharma were directed to people who were ordinary householders and workers in society who were unable to practice as monks and nuns in monasteries. Discussion will follow. As always, refreshment dana and flower dana will be appreciated. Please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 01/15/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. We will cover the announced theme (remembering Shinran) at the February Family Dharma gathering. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Shinran's Memorial Day, to remember the gift of Dharma in gratitude Shinran gave us (Hoon-ko). |
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The historical Buddha passed away on February 15 more than 2,500 years ago in India. We remember this event annually as Nirvana Day. 
The artistic depiction shows a very peaceful scene set in a forest grove with the Buddha lying on his side, surrounded by his disciples and followers and animals of the forest. The serenity of the atmosphere depicts a life fulfilled, emanating compassion for all beings. | |
| Sunday 02/12/06 (preparation to listen to the Dharma) Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Lay speakers: Susan Olsen, Lois Bowman and Corky Robinson plan to speak on the Tannisho, Chapter IX, in which Shinran indicates that he is not ready to go to the Pure Land. Discussion will follow. Please Note: There is a link to Ty's translation of the Tannisho, on our Links web page. As always, refreshment dana and flower dana will be appreciated. Please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 02/19/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Shinran's Memorial Day (rescheduled from January), to remember the gift of Dharma in gratitude Shinran gave us (Hoon-ko). Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) Theme = Who is Shinran? Why is he important? What do we know about his life? What is Shinran's connection to Shakyamuni Buddha? Shinran was born 1173 and died 1263, in Japan. Imagine what life might have been like in those times, and think about how time past connects to the present. |
Two important Buddhist holidays are the Equinoxes, usually around March 21 in the Spring and September 22 in the Fall. During this time, the weather is neither too cold nor too hot, thus, it is conducive to religious reflection and practice. This fact is also important for the Middle Path of Buddhism that avoids the extremes of pleasure and of self-denial, sometimes called the life of hedonism and that of asceticism, respectively. The goal is to live life in its most sane and sensible way, avoiding all extreme positions. | |
| Sunday 03/12/06 (preparation to listen to the Dharma) Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Ty will lead a brief memorial service to remember Camille Bouquet, daughter of Ed and Nancy Bouquet. Lay speakers: Susan Olsen, Lois Bowman and Corky Robinson plan to speak on the Tannisho, Chapter IX, in which Shinran indicates that he is not ready to go to the Pure Land. Discussion will follow. Please Note: There is a link to Ty's translation of the Tannisho, on our Links web page. Important Discussion: We need to discuss ways to develop a network of compassionate concern when a member becomes ill or loses a loved one, how to manifest Buddhist compassion within and beyond our Sangha. Expressions of loving concern are basic to human relationships and the appreciation of life found in Shin Dharma. As always, refreshment dana and flower dana will be appreciated. Please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 03/19/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Ohigan (Spring Equinox) The day and night are of equal length. Nature gives us this time of year to reflect and appreciate this balance within itself instead of "just another busy day." As Buddhists, we are reminded to observe the natural rhythm of light/darkness within all of life as well as within oneself. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
On April 8th we celebrate the birth of the Baby Buddha. In East Asia it is called Hana Matsuri or "Festival of Flowers." Why? Just as blossoms manifest the full potential of flowering plants, so, too, the goal of Buddhist life, whether called enlightenment or awakening, is realized in our becoming true and real as human beings. When we are self-centered and think only of ourselves, we cannot relate to others, especially our loved ones, on a deeper level. The flower of each human potential requires hard work, dedication, and concern for others. Then, life as interrelated and interdependent, whether in family or in society, becomes reality, the true flowering of life as it is. 
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| Saturday 04/08/06 (preparation to listen to the Dharma) Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Lay speakers: The cluster consists of Louise Hoff, Jim and Alice Nagahiro. The theme is: The Significance of Rituals and Symbolic Ceremonies in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition. The cluster will begin with the significance of Kanbutsu-e (Hana Matsuri) folowed by discussion. Since Hana Matsuri is the Flower Festival, flower dana is especially appreciated! Refreshment dana and flower dana are always welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 04/09/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. As we celebrate with the sweet tea-pouring ceremony of the birth of Baby Buddha, let us experience the deep, deep, deep inner joy of Amida within, an appreciation of the gift we call life itself that nurtures each of us and all of life. From this realization, our hearts/mind open to the uniqueness of all beings and profound respect for all that sustains each of our lives...things, sounds, sights, tastes, touch, thoughts. Parents, talk with your child(ren) about this universal truth and if the moment(s) move you, list/draw something to share with our Dharma Sangha friends. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
On May 21 we observe one of the most important events in the Shin Buddhist calendar: the birth of our founder, Shinran, in the year 1175 in Japan. Why is he revered as unique among religious teachers in world history? In brief, he affirmed Buddha-nature in all beings and rejected the common distinctions that we make in everyday life, whether gender, class, race, monastic/lay, etc., as well as differences in wealth, education, status, and so on. He made no claims of self-importance of any kind, and instead affirmed each person as sustained by the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha. What does the Primal Vow mean in your life? | |
| Saturday 05/13/06 (preparation to listen to the Dharma) Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Lay speakers: The cluster consists of Caroline Forsman, Chris Stetson, and David Makinster. Refreshment dana and flower dana are always welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 05/21/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. On this day we will celebrate the birth of Shinran Shonin in the year 1175 in Japan. What did he teach us about living and dying? When we chant "Gassho to Amida" in Family Dharma Service, one verse reads:
In life we experience both happy and sad moments, but new seeds of hope are constantly growing. This is the truth taught by the Buddha and transmitted to us by Shinran, and for this we express our deepest thanks. Thus, the birthday of Shinran is celebrated as the Day of Gratitude Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
Although we celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day separately, we honor them both together for their love and concern for our well being. When this love and concern is expanded and deepened, we speak of the compassion of Amida Buddha, who never punishes but always protects and supports us in life. Thus, the popular term for Amida Buddha is Oya-sama, "our true and real parent." When we feel the presence of such compassion in our life, we say Namu Amida Butsu as an expression of profound gratitude. Parents, please discuss with your children what aspects of life support us unconditionally and gently talk of the integral part it is of all life. For example, environmental elements that ask nothing of sentient beings, but without which, we cannot exist. | |
| Saturday 06/10/06 (preparation to listen to the Dharma) Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Lay speakers: TBA. Refreshment dana and flower dana are always welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 06/18/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Dharma talk continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
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On June 3, 2006, the National Board of the Buddhist Churches of America unanimously approved the recommendation of the Executive Committee to welcome our sangha into the BCA. | |
July has many important events, but a significant one will feature Mary Cowhey, author of the book, Black Ants and Buddhists, at the Dharma School gathering at Dharma Dena on July 9 at 11 AM. Ms Cowhey, a teacher at Jackson St. School, in Northampton will discuss how she used Buddhism to teach non-violence to her second-graders, when dealing with black ants that came into her classroom. She will talk to the children, but anyone interested is invited to attend. She will also brings copies of her book that also features Ty and Alice Unno, who talked to the second graders. Note: There will be no Saturday evening sangha gathering in July, because of the special events described below. | |
| Sunday 07/09/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Our very special guest is Mary Cowhey, who will talk to us about her book "Black Ants and Buddhists" and about teaching a Peace Class to first and second graders. As you may already know, the book deals with (among other things) an incident in her classroom at the Jackson Street School in Northampton. Some of the children were killing ants, when a couple of kids (including our own Jacob Hill) intervened and tried to explain the Buddhist principle of honoring life and avoiding unnecessary killing. Mary Cowhey used the situation as the springboard for exploring the practice of peaceful living and alternatives to violence. Ty and Alice were invited to speak to the class, and Mary eventually wrote the book to explore and share the lessons of the children's experience. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
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Ty will once again present a weekend workshop at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Ty will be joined by his son, Mark, who is also a Shin Buddhist priest and who teaches at the University of Oregon. This workshop explores the deeper dimensions of Shin Buddhism in larger philosophical and cultural contexts, taking up the core issues of relative perspectives, dissolving dualistic boundaries, and realizing the oneness of reality. The discussion is based on the words of Shinran (1173-1263) contained in the classic Tannisho (Lamenting the Deviations) and other Shin texts. The weekend consists of dharma talks, open discussion, and free inquiry, as well as quiet sitting and sutra chanting. For more information, or to register, go to www.dharma.org/bcbs.htm. 
Ty Unno and Mark Unno will once again host a half-day workshop at Smith College (Northampton, MA). Whether or not you attend the BCBS workshop, you are invited to come to this event. Sangha members and all friends are encouraged to attend. Fee: $15.00. You do not need to pay in advance, but please DO pre-register! Contact us at [email protected]. Awakening; The Oneness of Reality, Taitetsu Unno and Mark Unno will explore the deeper dimensions of Shin Buddhism in larger philosophical and cultural contexts, taking up core issues of relative perspectives, dissolving dualistic boundaries, and realizing the oneness of reality. The workshop discussion is based on the words of Shinran (1173-1262). This is a sequel to the Unno's popular workshop last year. Please register early with Josephine Seki - suggested donation: $15 for ABSC and NYBC Members and $20 for all others. You can get further details at the ABSC website, americanbuddhist.org. | |
Traditional Obon Dancers One of the major religious holidays in Shin Buddhism is called Obon, sometimes translated as the Gathering of Joy, observed normally in the month of August. It celebrates the life of Moggalana, a disciple of the Buddha, who through his practice of the Buddha Dharma was able to help his mother suffering in hell to be liberated and experience religious peace. For Moggalana it was a moment of great joy, so he gathered his friends and marked the happy occasion with folk dancing that is re-enacted in many Shin Buddhist temples in the U.S. The New York Buddhist Church holds its Obon Festival annually at Bryant Park on 6th Avenue. Religiously speaking, it is an occasion for us to remember those who have passed away but also contributed to our life, making possible our own encounter with the Buddha Dharma. | |
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Look Park (Northampton), Tables 10-A and 10-B EVERYONE IS INVITED! Our annual picnic is a relaxed time for all sangha members, and their friends and families, to gather in appreciation of one another. Whether you attend our monthly sangha gatherings, Family Dharma, or our special workshops, please come to the picnic. Whether you come often are hardly ever, we will be happy to see you! Look Park has many activities available, including playground, zoo, minature golf, pedal boats, bumper boats, and more. For information, directions or a map, see www.look.park.com. NOTE: there is a park entry fee of $4.00 per vehicle, or $10.00 for any any vehicle carrying seven people or more. The location is in the same area as last year but the reserved tables are different (10-A and 10-B). COMBINED FAMILY DHARMA/SANGHA SERVICE will take place at the picnic, starting promptly at 11:00 a.m. | |
In Buddhist countries, such as Japan, the fall weather is considered to be conducive to cultivating the religious life because of its mildness. It is the time when people confirm their faith in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha that make up the Three Treasures,as follows: | |
| Saturday 09/09/06 Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Dharma talk by Ty Unno, continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Lay speakers: Geoff Brown, Bernadette Giblin, Pete Gross will give the dharma talk, using as their starting point the article "Born Again Buddhist" by Clark Strand, in the current issue of TRICYCLE. If you have a chance to read the article, your own impressions will be welcomed! You can read a brief excerpt from the article at the TRICYCLE web site. Refreshment dana and flower dana are always needed and welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
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Friday 09/15 7:00 PM Location: The Unno Residence |
Ty, Alice and Mark The board of directors and the Unnos invite all interested sangha members to meet at the Unno home in Northampton to discuss long-term planning for the sangha. The more participation, the better, so please come! Mark Unno will be on hand, as well as Ty and Alice. It will be a rare treat to meet at the Unno home, which was the site of all our sangha gatherings for so many years! If you need directions, please email us at [email protected]. |
| Saturday 09/16 and Sunday 09/17/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Barre Center for Buddhist Studies |
For details or to register, phone 978-355-2347 or visit www.dharma.org. |
| Sunday 09/17/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, chanting, quiet sitting (short and kid-friendly), storytelling, crafts, continuing the themes of this month's "Reflections." Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
Ty Unno was hospitalized early Friday morning (09/22), in Cooley Dickenson Hospital (Northampton, MA), diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Ty went into surgery that same evening, and he will be in intensive care there for several days at least. As he needs rest and quiet, Alice asks that we NOT telephone or contact him at this time. She will update us regarding his progress once he is home. Alice says Ty is doing fine now. Please remember Ty and Alice in your Nembutsu practice, with palms together. Namu Amida Butsu. Please note: The sangha organizational meeting scheduled for October 29 has been canceled. The board will set a new date at their next meeting. | |
 Location: Smith College (Northampton), Campus Center Building |
A Festival of Buddhism in the Pioneer Valley. Our sangha will participate, along with many of the other 30+ Buddhist groups in the Pioneer Valley. Activites commence Friday evening with a "Dharma Slam," featuring music, dance and other performances based on Dharma practice. Saturday will feature workshops, demonstrations, more performances, information tables, and discussions. As soon as it is available, a detailed schedule will be posted to our web site. |
Shinran (1173-1262) left many religious poems, written in his eighties, that demonstrate his deep insight into human nature. Among them one of my favorites is the following: Do not see the brilliant light that embraces me, The Great Compassion never tires, Always casting light upon me. Blind passions include our greed, hatred, envy, insecurity, etc. that hinder our seeing things as they are; and as long as we are steeped in such ignorant passions, we fail to see the life-sustaining forces that support us. Nevertheless, Great Compassion of life itself sustains us, and its working, described as brilliant light, will always embrace and affirm us just as we are. Namu-amida-butsu. | |
| Saturday 10/07/06 Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Lay speaker cluster -- Mina Harrison, Caroline Forsman, Rebecca Brown -- will discuss their thoughts on Huston Smith's "The Flowering of Faith: Buddhism's Pure Land Tradition." Refreshment dana and flower dana are always welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 10/15/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Dharma talk continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
The main religious observance in November in Shin Buddhist temples is called the Perpetual Memorial Service. It is the occasion to remember and cherish the good karmic influences of our grandparents, parents, religious teachers, and others who are no longer with us but who have brought the benefits of the Buddha Dharma into our life. It is called "Perpetual" because the entire Sangha expresses an on-going gratitude to them. It is distinct from the standard Family Memorial Service that is a private memorial service normally limited to family members. Memorial Services are important for Buddhist life, because they underscore the Buddhist emphasis on interconnectedness and interdependence of life. | |
| Saturday 11/11/06 Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Lay speaker cluster: Corky Robinson, Susan Olsen, Lois Bowman Topic: We will be discussing a short section from the Shoshinge. Harry Bridge , an early member of our sangha, went on to study at IBS and was recently ordained a minister. He has been assigned to the same temple in Lodi , CA , that Alice grew up in. There is a newspaper article from the local newspaper containing an interview with Harry. He cites this passage from the Shoshinge as particularly meaningful to him. The darkness of our ignorance is already broken through; Still the clouds and mists of greed and desire, anger and hatred, Cover as always the sky of true and real shinjin. But though the light of the sun is veiled by clouds and mists, Beneath the clouds and mists there in brightness, not dark. Refreshment dana and flower dana are always welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 11/19/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Dharma talk continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
We observe the Day of Enlightenment, known as Bodhi Day, on December 8, celebrating the day that the historical Buddha realized full enlightenment. In ancient India, where the caste system prevailed, the Buddha affirmed the value of each person, regardless of caste, to be of highest value and worth. Today this affirmation of each human being as sacred and inviolable is at the heart of Buddhist life. The Sangha, consequently, is a gathering of people who consider each other with highest regard and are willing to work together to practice the Buddha Dharma. When members assert their ego-self and refuse cooperation, there no Sangha. This appreciation of what constitutes a true Sangha and how it works will be the topic to be presented by the cluster on December 9 and invite everyone's input and participation. | |
Our sangha's friend Richard St. Clair will present his choral cantata, "Flower of the Dharma", performed by the Somerville Community Chorus on Saturday, December 9th, 2006 4:00 p.m. The performance takes place at the College Avenue Methodist Church a few short blocks from Davis Square, Somerville, MA. This is the same choir that premiered Richard's cantata nine years ago under a Massachusetts Council of the Arts grant. The work is an extended musical composition in several sections of a contrasting celebratory and contemplative character, the last movement of which is a polyphonic rendering of the Nembutsu. Admission is open to the general public. We wish Richard every success in this creative celebration of the dharma. | |
| Saturday 12/09/06 Everyone is invited to participate. Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Regular Sangha Gathering. Service including Sutra Chanting. Lay speaker cluster: Jim and Alice Nagahiro, Louise Hoff. Topic: The Third Treasure (the Sangha). Refreshment dana and flower dana are always welcomed, so please bring whatever you'd like to share. |
| Sunday 12/17/06 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Dhamma Dena. |
Family Dharma for children, parents and everyone. All are welcome! Dharma lesson, storytelling, crafts. Dharma talk continuing the theme of this month's "Reflections." Please bring a brown bag lunch. Parents and children are reminded to bring their ojuzu/nenju beads if you have them (if you don't have them, no problem!) |
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January 2007 (Any changes will be announced ASAP.) February 2007 | |