Old Path Sangha Meditation Practice
Old Path Sangha-Introduction
Our handbook is designed to assist the practice of meditation for the members, friends and guests of Old Path Sangha (OPS). OPS is dedicated to promoting mindfulness in everyday life, from cutting carrots, to driving a car, or keying the computer. We seek to live in a way that is clear and peaceful, following the teachings of Buddhist Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Mindfulness teaches us to watch our breath — to breath and smile, to be alive and awake in the present moment.
Meditation is a way of stilling the mind that requires no more than a single breath to realize. As one American Zen teacher said, "If you meditate for five minutes and then take the dog for a walk, even the dog will benefit." Thus, we seek to bring the practice of meditation into daily life. OPS is committed to developing the sangha as an instrument of peace in the community, and to sharing the practice with beginners and experienced practitioners alike. We can do so by calming our minds and opening ourselves to healing, reconciliation and peace. We enter the door on the second millennium with a fresh perspective and a new respect for the miracle of this single breath.
Old Path Sangha Meditation Program Format
OPS meets semi-monthly (7 - 9 pm) on the first and third Wednesday at St. Philip's Chapel at River and Chapel Road in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Donations are gratefully accepted. Each Wednesday practice includes:
• BEGINNING PRAYER: THE THREE GREAT REFUGE VOWS
• SITTING MEDITATION
• WALKING MEDITATION
• MIDPOINT MEDITATION PRAYER: INCENSE OFFERING
• RECITATION OF CHANTS/POEMS/OFFERINGS
• DHARMA DISCUSSION
• CLOSING PRAYER: NAMU DI BOSA
Potluck vegetarian dinners are held four times a year for us to enjoy each other's company and discuss organization and business matters for interested sangha members. Dates and times will be announced via email. Please RSVP to our email address with any questions.
- Click here to download our Practice Handbook for your own use -
The Four Noble Truths
These teachings of the Buddha form the foundation of Buddhism.
The First Noble Truth is the existence of sorrow and suffering. Birth is painful, sickness is painful, old age is painful, and death is painful. Craving that cannot be satisfied is painful. It is sad to be joined to that which we do not like and sadder still to be parted from those we love. Happiness cannot come from material gratification, which merely satisfies desire. Happiness is found within.
The Second Noble Truth is the cause of suffering. This is wrongly directed desire, the selfish personal craving of humankind for material wealth, for the gratification of the senses, for immortality. The craving for selfish enjoyment entangles humanity in a mesh of sorrow and attachment.
The Third Noble Truth is that suffering can be ceased in Nirvana. The person who conquers herself, who overcomes her own desires, who liberates herself from the tyranny of her ego, occupying the center of her private thoughts, becomes free. She reaches the higher wisdom, Nirvana, serenity of soul.
The Fourth Noble Truth is that through the Eightfold Path we put and end to sorrow and suffering.
- Click here to download our Selected Reflections for your own use -
The Eightfold Path
This is the Buddha's teaching of the Middle Way. It is a process, not a rigid set of laws. The teachings are meant to help us listen to our own intuitive wisdom. It consists of the following:
1) Right Views The truth of life is that all things are interdependent. We do not exist apart from creation and have no right to exploit it for our own personal interest.
2) Right Intentions We must examine the motives behind our actions, as reflected by our thinking. The clearer we are about our values, the clearer our vision of life and purpose.
3) Right Speech We should refrain from false and malicious speech, gossip and unnecessary speech.
4) Right Conduct The Five Wonderful Precepts lay the foundation for right conduct.
5) Right Livelihood We are encourage to earn a living without harming self, others or the environment.
6) Right Effort We must cultivate in our thoughts and actions wholesomeness and avoid unwholesomeness (e.g.. greed, anger).
7) Right Thoughts or Mindfulness We must engage in mindfulness of the body in our thoughts, feelings and objects of thought.
8) The Right State of a Peaceful Mind We contemplate on the realities of truth and love of humankind.