IMCW People of Color Sangha

". . forgiving oneself, moving away from shame and internalized oppression, is the beginning of spiritual practice, the beginning of personal integration, the beginning of the opening of the heart . . . and such forgiveness is possible only through uncompromising honesty and self-examination, humility, and a willingness to let go of belief systems and constructed point-of-view . . . so that we finally open to the marvelous journey in celebration and gratitude . . ."

-Caitriona Reed
www.manzanitavillage.org

Aspirations of the People of Color Sangha

• To explore our identity as People of Color in the light of the dharma, across
multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to:
race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

• To provide a safe and intimate space where People of Color can deepen the
practice of meditation and mindful dialogue.

• To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful
discussions.

• To cultivate a sense of belonging and community both within the People of
Color sangha and the larger IMCW sangha>

The IMCW POC Sangha meets monthly.

Click here for the POC flier.

The next meeting of the IMCW People of Color sangha is as follows:

DATE:                       Saturday, June 13, 2009

TIME:                        4:00 - 6:30 pm

LOCATION:                Private home (location given upon RSVP)

RSVP:                        La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or
202.997.1399

Format:                     20 minute sitting meditation
                                 10 minute walking meditation (optional)
                                 Welcome, Introductions/Check-ins
                                 Introduction to "Right Livelihood"
                                 Mindful discussion

Please arrive by 3:45 pm to settle in so that we may begin promptly at 4:00 pm. Thanks!

Right Livelihood

Right livelihood means that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. The Buddha mentions four specific activities that harm other beings and that one should avoid for this reason: 1. dealing in weapons, 2. dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), 3. working in meat production and butchery, and 4. selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs. Furthermore any other occupation that would violate the principles of right speech and right action should be avoided.

From :  http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html

Our meetings are offered free of charge to create access to all who seek the Dharma. Donations may be made at the end of the meeting to the IMCW Diversity Fund to support facilitation of the POC meetings, to bring diverse teachers and events to IMCW, and to offer a donation to Unity Woods for their generosity in letting us use their space for practice.

We hope you can join us!

Metta,

La & Renee.
---

SAVE THE DATE!

IMCW All-Sangha Meeting
Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm with Playtime in The Park afterwards
Church of the Pilgrims
2101 P Street, NW
Washington, DC
Dupont Circle Metro on Red Line

Hope you can join us!

With metta & in sangha,

La

Click here to read "The State of the IMCW POC & LGBTQ Sanghas", a summary of this past year and what's ahead in 2009.

2009 meeting dates:

June 13th

July 18th

August 8th

Upcoming Events:

ON THE CUSHION:

"An opportunity to support daily practice by meeting o­n a regular basis for short, silent meditations where you work and live . . ."

WASHINGTON, DC (ADAMS MORGAN):

Time:  Mondays-Fridays from 8:00 - 8:30 am
Location:  Studio Serenity, 2469 18th Street, NW, WDC 20009
Contact:  La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792
Donations accepted in gratitude to Studio Serenity.
Silent sit Monday-Thursday. No guided meditation instructions provided. Fridays short guided meditation sits for newcomers.
Click here for flier

2009 

DAYLONG FOR POC AND LGBTQ SANGHAS ~ Cheri Maples
August 1, 9:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: Crossings Center for the Healing Traditions, 8505 Fenton Street, Suite 202, Silver Spring, MD
Cost: $35 (covers event expenses only); Teacher dana separate
NOTE:  Registration opens June 1, 2009
Contact:  La Sarmiento - 202.997.1399 - la_sarmiento@yahoo.com

INTENSE LUMINOSITY  - Embracing the Nature of Rage: A Daylong for Women ~ Ruth King
November 14, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: The Festival Center, 1604 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 
Cost:  $60 (covers event expenses only); Teacher dana separate.
NOTE:  Registration opens August 14, 2009.
Contact:  La Sarmiento - 202.997.1399 - la_sarmiento@yahoo.com

2010

With metta and in sangha,

La Sarmiento & Renee Ater
Co-facilitators, IMCW POC Sangha

For more information about the IMCW POC group, please contact:

La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792

Renee Ater at aterhill@hotmail.com or 202.368.0308

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