Pictures of field trip to Bodhi Center

I am a bird because I like to travel and see the world
I am a dolphin because I am smart
I am a panther because I am fierce
I am a bat because I like to sleep
I am a beaver because I work all the time
I am a cow because I work hard
I am a fish because I am free
I am a lion because I want to be a king

We started a fun-filled day by playing this game in the van on our way to the center. Each person had to pick an animal that resembles their personality.Maybe this was a window into our inner self? Was it the true self? the imagined self, or the wishful self?

We arrived a little earlier so we sat and meditated for about five minutes. After lunch, we gathered in a gazebo and had some interesting conversations with the Abbott of Jade Buddha Temple, Ven Hung- I. The afternoon breeze made us feel right at home. Afterwards, we toured the center on a hay ride. Ven Hui Yong, a native Texan, gave us the tour of the memorial hall, the walking trails, and the meditation hall. After two group games, we were tired and ready for some rest. We rested for a while, washed our hands, and learned how to make dumplings. Since we made the dumplings ourselves, don't you think they tasted especially delicious?

The Texas summer heat exhausted us quickly but we had a lot of fun. Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself. More pictures will be uploaded so check back again. If you had fun, share your experience by leaving us a comment at the blog. If you have any suggestions, please email us so we can improve our upcoming activities.

A temple visit and another field trip (to the lake/beach) are in the planning. Stay tuned. What would be more interesting to get to know new friends by knowing what animals they are? Join us next time.

Class 1 - Introduction to meditation

We had a great time today; thanks to those of you who came out today. Even though lots of commotions were going on at UC, we learned the first step in meditation - breath counting. Set up a home practice and try to maintain a regular schedule, even if it is only five minutes. Group sittings are very important too. The energy of a group can help sustain our home practice.

Practice makes perfect.

See you all next week.

Labor Day Fun: Field trip to Bodhi Center

Date: September 1, 2007, 10:00am – 8:30pm

Cost: Free (donation welcome; make check payable to TBA-Bodhi Center)

Meet: In front of Cougar Place (south side of the stadium, you can park at Lot 11A)

Transportation: Vanpool provided by Jade Buddha Temple

Who: ALL UH students, staff, faculty and their immediate family members. Remaining seats will be open to friends from other schools.

Location: American Bodhi Center (ABC) (about 1.5 hour drive northwest of Houston). ABC consists of 515 acres of land, eighty percent of which is forestland. Its rolling hills and lush landscape is filled with various trees, wildflowers, birds, and small forest animals. A variety of Buddha statutes have been placed along forest trails and phase I construction is near completion.

Registration: email to uhabs8@gmail.com with your full name, cell phone number, major of study, and number of guests (space is limited to 30 people) by 10:00pm Thursday, August 30.

Note: please wear something comfortable, plain and suitable for outdoor activities.

Schedule:

10:00 – 11:30 Vanpool to Bodhi Center

12:00 – 1:00 Delicious vegetarian lunch

1:00 – 2:30 Tea time with the Masters

2:30– 3:30 Outdoor group games

3:30 – 4:30 Guided tour of the center

4:30 – 5:30 Making dumplings

6:00 – 6:45 Dinner

7:00 - 8:30 Sweet home


Questions? Leave a message here at the blog, email uhabs8@gmail.com, or come to our Wednesday class. Space is limited. Hurry up!

ABS @ Cat's back

Thanks everyone who stopped by our table Wednesday. We are so glad that many people are interested in meditation and Buddhism. We are in the process of adding everyone's contact information to our listserv (google group). Our listserv will be one of our primary communication channels, in addition to this blog. Make sure you check your email for important announcements.

Here are some pictures from today. Did you find yourself? See you next Wednesday!

Party pictures

Thanks everyone for coming. Here are some pictures from the party.

Did you find yourself?
Did you find the new friends you met?
What do you remember the most about the party?
Do you have suggeestions?

We want to hear from you. Leave us a comment at the blog.

Again, our weekly meditation will start next week - August 29th from noon to 1pm at UC Lone Star (280).

Welcome! international students

Thanks for everyone who stopped by our table today! It was very interesting to meet all the friends from Sri Lanka, India, China, Malaysia.... Hope to see every one of you tomorrow at our party! Bring all of your friends too!

Here are some pictures from today.

Welcoming Party --- Come Hungry! Meet new friends!

Mark your calendar.
Date: Saturday August 18th
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: UH Farish Hall (1st floor) (located right next to the a pond)




RSVP: Please do RSVP via Facebook Event so we can prepare food for everyone. If you don’t have a Facebook account, simply email us (uhabs8@gmail.com). We will send you an invite where you can use your email to view and RSVP this event.

Parking: For friends coming from other campus, Farish Hall is close to the intersection of Cullen Blvd and Wheeler Street. Free parkings are available either at the parking lot right next to the Religion Center (13A - entrance 13), or across from Cullen Blvd (15F - next to the stadium).

We have games and prizes in preparation. If you have any questions about life in general, we will have a question box for you. Come and see how everyone approaches life differently and how meditation might help you discover your inner happiness.

Here are some pictures from last year. We hope to have a more diverse group this time. See you there!