Please save the date of Saturday, May 16, from 12:30-4:30 for our ICS Annual Membership Retreat at Interfaith Community Sanctuary!

Lunch will be provided at the beginning of the retreat.

We hope to use this time to explore in more depth our Annual Spiritual Discernment for this year:  Engaged Buddhism:  Collective Awakening in Beloved Community."

Based on the book,  "Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet" by Thich Nhat Hanh, we plan to explore how each of us is connecting with this theme so far, what questions are arising, and what insights we have gained. We plan to focus on the three internal energies we all carry within (see below) and how they support us on our individual and collective spiritual journey. It doesn't matter if you have been reading the book or not.  We hope to create an experiential platform for sharing, exploring, and going deeper into this discernment.  We hope all can join us!

Meditator,  Artist,  and Warrior Energies

We all have three energies within ourselves that we can understand, cultivate and  keep in balance to help us approach the process of cutting through illusion and being of service to Mother Earth in Engaged Buddhism. We need access to all three energies, and our task is to keep them in balance in order to be effective in our work. All three work together and interact in our lives in different ways.  Below are some descriptions and examples:

1.  Energy of the Meditator:    The meditator stops and looks deeply, with contemplation and reflection; develops clarity, calmness, non-reactive insight to help us cut through illusion and break through suffering.  This energy takes care of our feelings and body through meditation, which moves us to wise and constructive action.
2. Energy of the Artist:   The artist admires what is good and beautiful. This energy in us challenges convention and status quo through creativity in different media and areas of life.  Brings new life, meaning and purpose to the way we see the world and solve problems. It is the energy of exploration, child-like curiosity, presence, wonder and joy.
3. Energy of the Warrior:  The warrior has the courage to confront challenges and stay on the path despite obstacles.  They cultivate fearlessness, determination, persistence. Always acting mindfully and heartfully with the energy of love and compassion, not fear or domination.