The Dharma Reading Cafe
This is a quarterly drop in, on-line event.
In the past we have read.
Anne Thurston's The Noodle Maker of Kalimpong. This was about the life of the Dali Lama seen through the eye of his older brother.
Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness and Joy This book helps readers approach the poems from an experiential, non-analytical perspective and enter into the mindful reading of poetry as a kind of meditation.
Thubten Chondron's Compassionate Kitchen. Thubten Chodron, abbess of Sravasti Abbey in Washington state, shows us that eating and activities related to it--preparation of food, offering and consuming it, and cleaning up afterward--can contribute to awakening and to increased kindness and care toward others.
Herman Hesse's Siddhartha. Siddhartha is an allegorical novel by Hermann Hesse which deals with the spiritual journey of an Indian boy called Siddhartha during the time of the Buddha.
Programme
| Date & Time | Title |
|---|---|
| Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha | |
| Patricia Donegan's The Poetry of Chiyo-ni | |
| Sophia Arjana's Buying Buddha, Selling Rumi | |
| Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums | |
| Vishvapani's Reimagining Buddhism |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quarterly Dharma Reading Café?
An informal online meet-up for anyone who likes to read, open to all friends of the Colchester Buddhist Centre, wherever you might be. It is a café, rather than a club, because it is run on a drop-in basis, and each session sees a different grouping of people in attendance, according to individual interests.
What is our overarching purpose?
To explore how poetry, literature and non-fiction can play a part in bringing us closer to the 'three jewels' – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. An opportunity to cultivate community (Sangha), by being together with like-minded farers in the Dharma, and sharing our thoughts on the wider Buddhist traditions in which Triratna is situated.
What can I expect from the evening?
We begin with a ten-minute period of meditation, intended to foster kindness and receptivity toward each other, and the capacity for deep listening. This is followed by brief individual check-ins, commenting on how the book has stimulated us Dharmically. After a ten-minute comfort break, the floor is opened to further discussion.
What have we already read together?
Past events have brought us together in discussions of the poetry of Saigyo, Snyder and others; novels by Hesse, Ozeki and Vuong; biographies of the first ordained woman, a brother of the Dalai Lama, and a Buddhist death-row inmate; and books exploring Dharmic intersections with indigeneity, shamanism, ecology, and vegetarianism.
Do I need to be a Buddhist?
Not necessarily. Everyone who has read the book is welcome. But you’d probably want to have some interest in what is called Buddhism, enough curiosity about the ‘three jewels’ to sustain your enthusiasm for the books that we discuss, and a healthy dose of positive emotion to ensure that the evening is enjoyable for all.
Do I have to book a place?
No, you can just click on the link and show up, with a cup of tea in one hand and the book in the other. Having said that, it might be helpful to let the organiser know you are coming, just so that we have a sense of numbers. You can do this by texting 07722129133 or emailing contact@colchesterbuddhistcentre.com.
How much does the event cost?
There is no fee, as obtaining a copy of the book is already an expense, and showing up to support the reading café is an act of dana in itself. However, donations are always welcome.
The Team
