Dear Friends,

As we begin to emerge from three years of the pandemic and all the difficulties surrounding fear, grief, loss, and anger, we are now learning about the current violence and terror in Ukraine. Whether it be a pandemic, war, or the challenges we each face in our daily lives, the Buddha’s instructions were clear. Taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha allows us to face the present moment reality with a wise and caring heart.

In the midst of horrifying circumstances such as these, acceptance of ‘what is’ is the first step. And for many of us, this is the hardest step of all. Coming face to face with such reality isn’t easy. Some of us choose to ignore reality and the suffering of others. Some prefer to hang out in anger and create more violence. Still others search for pleasant experiences in an attempt to comfort our dis-ease.

The Buddha’s teachings are always relevant and timeless no matter what is occurring internally or externally. Cultivating an accepting presence, one that gives us the courage to respond to life with our full intelligence and compassion, allowing us to respond rather than react.

Valarie Kaur, activist, filmmaker, faith leader, lawyer, educator, invites us to rise up in solidarity and send our prayers, our action and our aid. She speaks for many faith traditions of the universal love that heals.

“What if we made a shield of love?

What if this was the moment an unprecedented number of people around the world stood against war? What if we shifted collective consciousness so that never again would any government win support to start a war? What if our voices and songs and actions flooded Russia and Ukraine now, bringing aid and courage and change?

We can choose to see no stranger — to see the people of Ukraine as our family, and the soldiers of Russia as lost ones who can be called home. We can let that sight shape how we grieve — and what we do. Each of us has a role.

Just remember, my love, we are tired and wired and stressed from pandemic and injustice. Now, war. So, breathe and rest before you push, read and learn before you respond. Revolutionary love is not the sacrifice of an individual, but the practice of a community. Together, courage.” Valarie Kaur

Prayers of peace and well-being,
Tammy

May all beings be safe and protected
May all beings be healthy and strong

A four-week Introduction to Insight Meditation Class will be offered by the Insight Meditation Fort Wayne meditation community starting Monday, April 4 and running until April 25, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

The classes will be held at the Sangha House at 2332 Sandpoint Rd. Please go to our website for directions if you need them.

While there is no fee for the classes, a donation box will be available for those who wish to express their gratitude to the Insight Meditation Fort Wayne community for freely offering this class.

We teach Insight Meditation, a practice that trains the mind to be aware of what is happening, when it is happening. When we begin to see our experience more clearly, we become better able to make choices about how we might live our lives with less stress and anxiety. As the mind settles and can see more clearly into the difficult situations of our lives, the qualities of love, compassion and wisdom naturally arise.

Insight Meditation, or Vipassana, has been practiced for over 2,600 years, since the time of the Buddha. This lineage is practiced primarily in Thailand, Burma, India, Sri Lanka and now in, Europe, Australia, many parts of Africa and the United States.

Learning to meditate is not about becoming a Buddhist; it is not about adopting new concepts or dogmas. It is not a scholarly pursuit nor is it tied to a belief system. Insight Meditation practice is useful no matter what your religious or spiritual orientation and can support your existing spiritual path, no matter what it is.

To sign up for the class and learn more about the Insight Mediation Fort Wayne community, please visit our website at IMFW.org. If you have any questions contact Tammy at tamaradyer6@gmail.com.

We have a 20 month-old granddaughter and a lamp with revolving lenses that changes the light from blue to purple to red…. Last night, she scooped up the light then turned away seeing the color had vanished. Back and forth, back and forth, moving the lamp. She didn’t have the language or inclination to say, “Hey, guys. Explain this!” It was just one more mystery in a world full of it. What if we could maintain that wonder? Gravity is just right for us, for instance. Osmosis; without it, none of this would work. Love; we are capable of it. Ice floats; that enable life. Compassion; we are connected. This body, this mind, this planet is an unfathomable miracle. What wonder and joy are available to us if we are present to look deeply.