This talk will look at the symbiotic relationship between gardening and meditation, how developing active attention through meditation practice can increase your satisfaction of gardening and how working with nature can ignite a deeper sense of connectedness and purpose in your life. Jan is the master organic gardener at Karme Choling, in Barnet. and a senior teacher of Shambhala Buddhism.
Angella has been connecting groups of people (predominantly children) to the earth for over 20 years. In 2005, Angella founded a non-profit community and nature education organization called EarthWalk Vermont. For this talk, Angella will share some earth-based teachings and practices that cultures from around the world have depended on for survival for thousands of years.
Steve is a geologist, anthropologist, international aid & development worker, writer and dowser. Since 1999, he has been traveling every winter to Latin America to conduct water resources development projects. Steve will present a talk and slide show about his trip this winter to Ecuador to conduct water resources projects. Steve partnered with Heifer Project to offer training in dowsing and other aspects of water resources development in the coastal region.
We will talk about why it is important to compost. Grace will offer information about simple techniques that can work anywhere, and help you avoid some common composting mistakes. She has written several books, including The Soul of Soil, with Joe Smillie, and Start with the Soil. Grace has taught about gardening and agriculture issues at various schools and colleges around the country. She is currently consulting for the organic industry. Grace lives, gardens and composts in Barnet, VT.
We will look at several individuals and groups throughout time who have used the natural world as a means to a contemplative life, both within and outside the Buddhist community. Our discussion will focus not only on the differences and similarities of those approaches, but will also detail how we might incorporate various methods of mindful awareness of the natural world into our own daily practice. Boye has been a practicing Buddhist for several decades and is a professor of English at Lyndon State College where he teaches writing and literature. He has written several books, among them, Holding Stone Hands – On the Trail of the Cheyenne Exodus, and Just Walking The Hills of Vermont.
These talks are free, and donations are welcome. Call 748-4240 for information.
St. J Shambhala Center is located on Eastern Ave, above Sunshine Boutique.