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Dear Still Water Friends:

This Thursday evening, following our regular meditation session, we will watch an excerpt from the recently completed 21-Day Retreat at Plum Village, the Breath of the Buddha. In the excerpt we will view, Thay reads from the Anapanasati Sutra, or the Discourse on the Full Awareness of Breathing. This is one of the Buddha’s most basic and instructive teachings.

As a practitioner, I know I often think of meditation as a practice of mind. But in this sutra, the Buddha explains that though distinguishable, the mind and body are interrelated, and that meditation involves both mind and body processes. In the excerpt from the talk that we will view together this week, Thay presents the foundations of mindfulness, including the notion that our breath belongs to our bodies. 

"Breathing," Thay instructs, "is the door by which you can enter the body."

Please join us this Thursday, if you can, at Crossings for meditation and this teaching from Thay. 

This week, the gathering will begin at 6:30pm with an Orientation to Still Water. It's an opportunity for those who are new to the practice to ask questions about basic mindfulness practices and the Still Water community, and for experienced practitioners to share their experiences. Please come if you can. It is helpful to let us know you will be coming by emailing info@stillwatermpc.org.

The first sitting meditation begins at 7:00 pm, and will be followed by walking meditation, a second sitting meditation period, a video excerpt of Thay’s talk and a dharma discussion. The best times to arrive are just before 7:00, or just before the second sit begins, at approximately 7:35.

Namasté,

Patti