Dance of the Elements retreat (taiji, writing and meditation) with Jayaraja, Linda France, and our organiser – Sue Ruben; we’ve been leading this annual retreat for over ten years. And before Jayaraja joined the team, Vajragupta was on the team for a few retreats. On one of the first retreats in 2009, Linda gave a brilliant talk about poetry and spiritual practice. I liked the talk so much that I suggested to Linda that she write it up and I would publish it as a pamphlet. After two years of draft manuscripts flying back and forth through cyberspace, I printed 300 copies of HEARTWORK – I only have 6 copies left. I think Linda has a few copies too. There are several poems in the pamphlet including Linda’s version of the Heart Sutta which ends with the mantra: “Everything is open, opening, wide open. Open to Awakening – Joy”. Linda begins the pamphlet with a quote from Rilke: Work of sight is done. / Now do the heartwork / On the pictures within you”. And there are many other poignant and insightful quotes in the pamphlet including: “The purpose of poetry is to remind us how difficult it is to remain just one person, for our house is open, there are no keys to the doors, and invisible guests come in and out at will.” Czeslaw Milosz. Near the beginning of this year’s retreat, Linda displayed a “9 Permissions” by Jeannine Ouellete, a poster including: 1. You may break the rules of any exercise that is set here. 2. You may, when the need arises, use “bad” English, begin in the middle, leave your work unfinished etc. 3. You may write in collaboration with your neighbour. . . . 9. You may enjoy yourself. If you like a copy of the 9-Permissions, send me an email: dh.suhkema@gmail.com
Dance of the Elements retreat (taiji, writing and meditation) with Jayaraja, Linda France, and our organiser – Sue Ruben; we’ve been leading this annual retreat for over ten years. And before Jayaraja joined the team, Vajragupta was on the team for a few retreats. On one of the first retreats in 2009, Linda gave a brilliant talk about poetry and spiritual practice. I liked the talk so much that I suggested to Linda that she write it up and I would publish it as a pamphlet. After two years of draft manuscripts flying back and forth through cyberspace, I printed 300 copies of HEARTWORK – I only have 6 copies left. I think Linda has a few copies too. There are several poems in the pamphlet including Linda’s version of the Heart Sutta which ends with the mantra: “Everything is open, opening, wide open. Open to Awakening – Joy”. Linda begins the pamphlet with a quote from Rilke: Work of sight is done. / Now do the heartwork / On the pictures within you”. And there are many other poignant and insightful quotes in the pamphlet including: “The purpose of poetry is to remind us how difficult it is to remain just one person, for our house is open, there are no keys to the doors, and invisible guests come in and out at will.” Czeslaw Milosz. Near the beginning of this year’s retreat, Linda displayed a “9 Permissions” by Jeannine Ouellete, a poster including:
Dance of the Elements 4th to 11th October 2024
1. You may break the rules of any exercise that is set here. 2. You may, when the need arises, use “bad” English, begin in the middle, leave your work unfinished etc. 3. You may write in collaboration with your neighbour. 9. You may enjoy yourself. Email me – dh.sukhema@gmail.com – if you’d like a copy of the 9 Permissions, Email me – dh.sukhema@gmail.com – if you’d like a copy of the 9 Permissions.
This years retreat was fully booked with a waiting list. The title for next year’s retreat is “Painting the Rainbow” (taiji, writing & meditation)- 19th to 26 September 2025.
The Poet’s Way “Live in-person” Sundays 3rd Nov and 1st Dec 24
Doors open at 5:15pm for a prompt start at 5:30 – ending around 9pm and with one short comfort break and a longer 30 to 40 minute break for refreshment and writing time. Venue: Glasgow Buddhist Centre: 72 Berkeley St (G3 7DS), sharing space with the Glasgow Unitarian Church. Bring a poem to share, your own or a favourite published poem. Please bring 4 copies of the one poem you want appreciated.
The Poet’s Way awakens to the power of poems to compliment & enhance our spiritual practice. Inspired by Manjusvara’s book The Poet’s Way (Jane Hirshfield says “this book offers warm-hearted, step-by-step awakening into the possibilities and powers of poems”).
Winter Equinox Poet’s Way 20th December 7pm UK-time
Bring an Winter poem to screen share, your own or a favourite published poem. The evening will include a guided meditation and small appreciation groups for close reading of poems, and a Poetry Shower.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: 20th December, 2024
07:00 PM (UK) Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrd–rrj8uEtF0zfKrxyoySboRIugADLkg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
New Moon Writing Hour Today – Thursday 31st October 4pm
Linda France’s New Moon Writing Hour on zoom. The next Writing into Being Writing Hour Thursday 31st October 4 – 5pm BST. Here’s the zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89571264876?pwd=mchP92u5WJYgn2DWGRWx7RkZR5aFzh.
PlaySpace Publications 