In our Saturday August 18 Day of Mindfulness we will explore the Parable of The Destitute Son, from the Lotus Sutra, and expressed below in Thich Nhat Hanh's poem "Our True Heritage"

Our True Heritage

The cosmos is filled with precious gems..

I want to offer a handful of them to you this morning.

Each moment you are alive is a gem,

shining through and containing earth and sky,

water and clouds.

It needs you to breathe gently

for the miracles to be displayed.

Suddenly you hear the birds singing,

the pines chanting,

see the flowers blooming,

the blue sky,

the white clouds,

the smile and the marvelous look

of your beloved.

You, the richest person on Earth,

who have been going around begging for a living,

stop being the destitute child.

Come back and claim your heritage.

We should enjoy our happiness

and offer it to everyone.

Cherish this very moment.

Let go of the stream of distress

and embrace life fully in your arms.

[From Call Me By My True Names]

With our mindful breathing and resting in this moment, we enjoy Being Wonderfully Together in sitting and walking meditation, Dharma Sharing, singing, outdoor walking, total relaxation, and more.  Come for all or part of the Day.  No experience necessary.

Saturday August 18, 10:00am --4:30pm.

At Riverside Church, Wellness Center, 91 Claremont Avenue, Manhattan

Chairs and Cushions Available.  

Please do not wear fragrances.

Lunch: 1:00-2;00pm.  Bring your own vegetarian lunch.  We eat in mindfulness and silence.

Facilitated by Ishmael Wallace.