[UD News] Recently at UD
Announcement: No Smoke Cleansing this SundayDue to the Lion Face Dakini retreat, there will be no Smoke Cleansing program this Sunday morning. The Sunday Smoke Cleansing will resume on Sunday, April 7th. Recently at UDWe've had a busy few weeks here at the temple. Check out the photos below for a record of a few of the recent things that have been going on. Refuge CeremonyOn March 20th, many participated in the formal taking of refuge in the Three Jewels. Dr. Lye emphasized that in taking refuge, the main thing we need to do is to change our attitude. The attitude we take up is to recognize that “happiness and suffering are an inside job”—that we alone have the power to choose happiness for ourselves. And when we know how to create happiness and avoid suffering for ourselves, then we will know how to be good to others. Amitayus Practice DayOn the morning of March 23rd, at the request of students in the Casa Tibet Network, Dr. Lye gave teachings on the Machik Drupe Gyalmo practice of Amitayus. Aside from members of various Casa Tíbet Centers in México and Guatemala who gathered in-person at their centers, there were also individuals participating from various locations using Zoom. We also had a group in the temple here in West Asheville.In addition to ritual details required to engage in this practice, Dr. Lye shared with us some of the inner meanings of how Amitayus can help us cultivate our vitality—chiefly, we can foster this vitality by practicing the 10 virtuous actions and avoiding their opposites. Film Screening: The Last Ecstatic DaysIn the evening Saturday, there was a screening of the movie The Last Ecstatic Days at Urban Dharma. The movie featured members of the extended Urban Dharma community, and is related to the local organization known as “The Center for Conscious Living and Dying.” Gary, a member of both UD and CCLD, led the post-screening discussion along with Judy, another stalwart UD member. Scott Kirschenbaum, the film's creator, made a surprise appearance! Look out for “The Last Ecstatic Days” on streaming platforms soon for a look at one man’s transformative experience of his last days.
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Over four Thursdays in April, Dr. Lye will share this practice taught by the historical Buddha to his disciples. Through skillfully developing sixteen stages of contemplation with reference to the four references of body, sensation, thought, and phenomena, we can gain release and freedom from destructive emotions and suffering.
7:30-9:00 PM, New York Time
Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25
At UDNC & On Zoom
Urban Dharma
Spring has sprung here in Western North Carolina, ushering in a busy season of practice and projects for Urban Dharma. Check out the photos below to see what we've been up to recently, as well as for announcements about upcoming events! Drikung Forest Hermitage Work Day On Sunday, April 21st, a group of dedicated volunteers met at the Drikung Forest Hermitage outside of Burnsville, NC to continue their efforts towards developing the hermitage site. After setting up the hermitage's first...
Dr. Lye's Birthday & Coming of Spring Potluck Celebration A few years ago at UD's previous location at 77 Walnut St. It's Spring, the season of blooms, warmer days, and our Spiritual Director & Founder Dr. Hun Lye's Birthday! Join at the temple this Saturday the 27th from 2pm on as we gather to celebrate pot-luck style. Bring a vegetarian dish, your musical talent, or just your presence to share with all. This potluck celebration immediately follows the Longevity Empowerment that Dr. Lye will...
Longevity Empowerment this Saturday April has been “Cultivating Vitality” month at Urban Dharma! Over the last three weeks, we have practiced the sādhana of Amitayus on each Saturday at the temple, led by Dr. Lye. To end this series, Dr. Lye will confer the Longevity Empowerment of Amitayus in the tradition of Machik Drupé Gyalmo. Drupé Gyalmo’s Longevity Empowerment Saturday April 27 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM New York Time At the end of the month, Dr. Lye will confer the Longevity Empowerment of...