Winding Path Tendai Buddhist Sangha
Winding Path Tendai Buddhist Sangha is a meditation group that has been supporting each other in mindfulness and Buddhist practices in the heart of Springfield, MA since 2011. We always welcome new members or visitors. Whether you are an experienced meditator or someone who is just curious about Buddhism, please feel free to stop by and join us one evening.
News & Events
Starting August 6th, we will meet every Monday at 6:00 PM in the San Mateo room of Christ Church Cathedral.
This Week: Monday, August 13, 6:00-7:45pm, Springfield
Reclaiming Our Agency
This evening we will be discussing Peter Doobinin’s article "Reclaiming Our Agency" from the Summer 2018 issue of Tricycle magazine. The article explains the distinction between the term mindfulness as we are commonly using it in mainstream society today and the intent of mindfulness practice as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. This version of mindfulness requires us to actively engage in moment-to-moment decisions that will lead to a happier life.
Upcoming August Weekly Discussion Topics
Our weekly service starts with a 30 minute talk or discussion led by Reverend Shingaku. After the discussion we perform the Tendai daily service and then engage in 2 periods of meditation. If this is your first time for attending, please arrive 15 minutes early for an orientation.
Monday, August 13, 6:00-7:45pm, Springfield
Reclaiming Our Agency
This evening we will be discussing Peter Doobinin’s article "Reclaiming Our Agency" from the Summer 2018 issue of Tricycle magazine. The article explains the distinction between the term mindfulness as we are commonly using it in mainstream society today and the intent of mindfulness practice as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. This version of mindfulness requires us to actively engage in moment-to-moment decisions that will lead to a happier life.
Monday, August 20, 6:00-7:45pm, Springfield
The Buddhist Path and the Environment
This evening’s talk will explore how some of the key teachings of Buddhism suggest about our relationship with the natural world and the environment.
Monday, August 27, 6:00-7:45pm, Springfield
Meditation Apps- Help or Hindrance?
There are a variety of meditation apps available for our phones these days. After a brief overview of some of the aps available, tonight’s conversation will focus on the benefits and dangers of using an ap to support our meditation.
August Events
Thursday, August 2, 6:00-7:45pm, Enfield
Space Blessing and Meditation Service
Our sangha will meet at the new practice space in Enfield on this day to finish setting up our space and for the daily service and meditation. There will be no formal talk or discussion on this day.
Saturday, August 18
Extended Practice Period 8:00-11:00am, Enfield
August 18 is the yearly observation of the birthday of Saicho, the founder of Tendai Buddhism. We will use this opportunity to celebrate the Ekayana aspect of Tendai and engage in a variety of Tendai practices beyond sitting meditation. Please sign up for this practice period in advance. After the practice period, some participants may choose to travel together to the rescheduled People of Faith picnic at the Tendai Buddhist Institute.
Saturday, August 25, 9:00-11:00am, Enfield
Buddhist Book Club
This is the inaugural meeting of our Buddhist book club! We will meet for a short meditation service at 9:00 followed by a discussion of our monthly book. This month we will talk about Pema Chodron’s When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. There are several copies available from the Springfield/ CWMars Library.