Fall Announcements for Dragon Mountain

Things have been busy at Dragon Mountain, and there will be more announcements coming over the next few months. This blog will be used for announcements etc., while we are moving to a different platform for topic and discussion posts (to be announced soon).


Mental Health Care Advocates of Rhode Island/OASIS

Dragon Mountain runs the Responsive Wellness Program at Mental Health Care Advocates of RI/OASIS. MHCA/OASIS is a peer run community for those with mental illness. Dragon Mountain holds 7 sessions a week of qi gong and meditation, plus an additional once a month pain management guided group meditation. We have been present with this community for almost two years and are excited to see how it is growing.

Fox Point Senior Citizens Center

Dragon Mountain is now offering the Responsive Wellness Program every Weds at 9:30am (right before bingo) at the Fox Point Senior Center. This is a seated program with movement, meditation and information all focused on providing pain management and improving quality of life. Fox Point Senior Center is free of charge, serves lunch (donation requested but not required), has many different fitness programs including one that features the beautiful pool, as well as different activities throughout the week. They are located right in the Boys and Girls Club on Ives (next to the Fox Point Library). This is a wonderful community and we are honored to have been asked to be a part of it.
PS - they could also use a volunteer for a few hours a week to help in the office, contact me via the z-cc.com site.

Online Video, eBook and Paper Programs
We are almost done completing the Compassionate Facilitator Program, Understanding Loss series and the Chan Buddhist Program "The 10 Ox-herding Pictures: Developing & Deepening Buddhist Practice." Both will be available via online video instruction, by eBook, and as paper books. This spring should see the release of online video programs in several of the martial arts taught at Dragon Mountain as well. Check back for release announcements of the stages of these programs.

The "10 Ox-herding Pictures" is our dharma teaching program. It is a guided method to help you:

• Develop and deepen your understanding and practice of Chan Buddhism
• Live, act and understand the world through the practice of Chan Buddhism.
• Learn to use the sutras as part of your practice.
• Living towards dhyana.

The Compassionate Facilitator's Program is designed for facilitators  who manage groups. It is a secular program that will help you facilitate groups of all kinds. It includes modules such as:

• Non-verbal communication
• Methods of compassionate group facilitation
• Assessment of group practices
• Implementing change
• Preventing Facilitator Burnout
• Understanding and Managing Bias
• Group Dynamics
• Sustaining adaptive groups
• Crisis Intervention
• Boundaries and adaptive communication

We are also developing a series on grief, bereavement and social support called "Understanding Loss." Topics to be covered include:

• Abortion
• Miscarriage
• Infertility
• Chronic pain
• Aging
• Disability
• When a parent dies
• When a partner dies
• When someone you know dies
• When a pet dies
• When an important figure dies
• Tragedy in the news

Amituofo!

Shouting in a Silent Room - Rethinking Meditation and Serious Mental Illness

Shouting in a Silent Room:

Rethinking Meditation and Serious Mental Illness

Cassandra Tribe, Master

Dragon Mountain Ch'an Temple and Zen Community Centre

Patriarch's Vision Vol 1 No 3

International Ch'an Buddhism Institute

Dusty is indolence.

Dust comes in its wake.

With knowledge and vigilance,

Draw the arrow of suffering from yourself.

Buddha Vacana

The use of movement and meditation within group recovery practices for persons with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is a contentious practice in the United States. Part of the struggle comes from the problems inherent to this community and the other stems from the lack of practical and traditional training in meditation by the facilitators and program designers. A recent year-long initiative introduced a traditional program of Chan meditation and movement to a community centre for those with Serious Mental Illness to examine the viability of movement and meditation in a population identified by Any Mental Illness.  The hope was to gain a better understanding of the problems with meditation and Serious Mental Illness and to suggest what potential resolution could be.

What was discovered was that the majority of the problems associated with using meditation as a complementary or support practice with those with Serious Mental Illness stemmed from the inadequate training of the facilitators and program designers. It was not the result of anyone with a Serious Mental Illness being unable to manage their reaction to meditation. In examining why the training and programs were inadequate, the core problem stemmed from the Westernization of traditional Chan practice to increase its accessibility to Western culture has resulted in a dilution of its ability to be effective by making the current practices and mind-sets of facilitators too rigid to be able to respond to what is happening in the moment.

By further following the hypothesis that the principle of the mass line theory could be applied within this setting to correct the approach of the facilitator and the design of the program, an effective and supportive meditative practice could be developed and used by persons with Serious Mental Illness, as well as Any Mental Illness as it would be rooted in the traditional teachings and practices informed by the community involvement. It was also believed that by using the mass line results as a guiding tool a new program for training facilitators could be implanted to restore flexibility, presence, mindfulness, discipline and compassion to their education.

Where perception of danger lies, rigidity and exclusion thrive.

Two forces are at work in the social welfare system that has prohibited meditation from being effectively introduced as a supporting or complementary therapy for those with Serious Mental Illness and Any Mental Illness. The first is the standard declaration by the U.S. Department of Health that has discouraged the use of meditative practices with mentally ill consumers because of a perceived risk of dissociation, disturbance and inducement of psychosis or delusions. The second comes from the adaptation of the traditional Chan practices to popular alternative culture within the American society that has reduced the focus of the practice to one of self-focus and individualized experience. The lack of contextual study of the sutras, diligence in practice and the promotion of patient practice over a form of rapid achievement have allowed a diluted form of Buddhist practice to be embraced by the alternative culture. The unfortunate effect of going too far in adapting the traditional practice to a culture is that the meaning and effectiveness of the practice, with or without fidelity to the beliefs - has lost its ability to provide for a check for the mental stability, intent and methodology of the practitioners promoting it as a treatment for the reduction of stress and anxiety in those with mental disorders of any degree.

Rather than promote a more independent and freer interpretation of Buddhist practice and belief that leads to greater accessibility and application; the removal of discipline and structure has led to a preponderance of schools and practitioners that are more engaged with individualistic interpretations that cling to a kind of materialism and reject change, adaptability, flexibility and responsiveness as a value in community practice. The duality of sudden enlightenment and revelatory enlightenment of the Chan tradition has made it particularly susceptible to adoption by those who under less kind circumstances would be considered narcissistic seekers of a cult of personality.

Core to the identity of these practitioners is the presentation of meditation as having a specific goal, as well as all experiences and beliefs systems being but only differently voiced versions of the same universal experience. This individualistic and self-centred interpretation of traditional practice has gained a strong foothold in the Western world as it retains the individual as the centre of the essence of all cycles, removes the need for training and supervision, and establishes a role in which authority is not to be questioned or constructively criticized. When this is combined with the recent scientific studies of certain types of meditation that have quantitatively defined a physical effect for the practice - the result is the creation of a false behavioural operand that can only lead to failure, as well as harm when introduced to a marginalized and vulnerable community along with a complete invalidation of the social capital of marginalized communities by refusing them the value of their unique identifiers.

This phenomenon is not unique to the religion of Buddhism.  Unlike its companion trends in Christianity and Islam; the practices of the latter faiths are not being used by.... (read more  download the full journal article and issue here, or visit the ICBI for the latest issue)

Pawtucket, RI - Outdoor Traditional Shao Lin Qi Gong and Kung Fu

Believe it or not, it's finally warm enough to being the outdoor community classes!

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 to 7pm and Tuesdays from 7 to 8pm the Zen Community & Cultural Center will be offering outdoor Traditional Shao Lin Qi Gong and Kung Fu sessions. The first 20 minutes is all Qi Gong and serves as the warm up and stretching for the Kung Fu portion. You are welcome to come to the Qi Gong only, both or just the Kung Fu. The suggested donation for each class is $5.

What is Shao Lin Qi Gong?

There are thousands of different types of Qi Gong.

Shao Lin Qi Gong is relatively recent, as it originates in the 6th century AD, with the historical and legendary figure of Bodhidharma, said to be the first Chan/Zen patriarch,  the very founder of the Chan/Zen tradition.

Bodhidharma was born as a prince in the south Indian Pallava kingdom. In the same way as the historical Buddha centuries before, he renounced the kingdom and became a monk. Upon Realization, or Enlightenment, he traveled to China and arrived at the Shao Lin Monastery. There, he saw the monks immersed in their most demanding meditation practices and he gave them  a series of exercises or “forms” called the 18 Lohan Hands, destined  to bring them optimum physical health, vitality, serenity, emotional balance and mental clarity. A “form” is a combination of 3 elements: specific movement in space, particular breathing pattern and focused and relaxed attention.

What is Shao Lin Kung Fu?

It is the original Martial Art from which all others grew. It fully embraces the union of body, mind and spirit to create one strength. In traditional Shao Lin, there are no ranks or belts, the practice is about gaining insight, wisdom and skill and a master can learn much from an absolute beginner.

Shao Lin Kung Fu not only strengthens the body and improves balance, circulation, coordination and flexibility but it builds moral character and personal integrity. The study of Shao Lin can provide you with the means to gain victory in any confrontation whether physical confrontation is required or mental agility and emotional strength is needed.

Shao Lin is wisdom and it is life. It is complex and mastery of the Art is rarely achieved for it is as vast and complex as the Universe itself.

The details -

How "fit" do you have to be?
Every exercise is adaptable to any level of fitness or ability. The goal is to help you achieve wellness as it is best for you in your life, not to become a copy of someone else. The forms encourage individual identity so no two people doing the same form will ever perform it identically.

What is the age limit?
From 7 yrs old and up. We do ask that for children between 7 and 14 to participate, a parent or guardian must participate along with them.

Is there parking?
Lots and it is free.

Is it on the busline?

Yes, the 78. From Pawtucket, get off at the first stop after the light where Water and School merge and the Launch is right down the hill. From Providence, get off at Rhode Island Farms (Memorial Hospital), walk down the hill to School Street. Turn left and walk down till you see the Boat Launch on the left.

Are there facilities?

No bathrooms or changing rooms. There are grilling pits and picnic tables.

What is the cost?

A $5 dollar per session donation is suggested. Whatever you can reasonably afford is fine, the cost to the Z-CC to provide this is low, but there is a cost. You can make a donation each time you come, or do a one time donation per month. Cash/Debit/Credit are accepted. Absolutely no checks, no exceptions.

What should I bring/wear?

Comfortable sneakers or shoes, loose clothing (long pants, t-shirt), water/sports drink. Shorts are not recommended.

Anything else?

Please let the instructor know if you have any physical concerns or limitations so they can help you adapt the exercises to bring you the most benefit.

Each session is weather permitting, please email your mobile number to us if you would like a txt notification by 4pm if the session is cancelled or, follow us on twitter (@ZenCommunityRI) where we will tweet cancellations only by 4pm.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Amituofo,

cassandra

Map to Boat Launch

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Pawtucket+Boat+Launch,+Pawtucket,+RI&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&oq=pawtucket+boat+launc&hq=Pawtucket+Boat+Launch,+Pawtucket,+RI&t=m&z=16

Winter of Plenty Update - Warrant Issued for Groundhog

Poor Punxsutawney Phil , it would seem the Pennsylvania State Prosecutor has indicted him and is going for the death penalty for a faulty forecast about the start of spring. Rumor has it the town gathered for a beheading ceremony yesterday.

As darkly funny, ridiculous, ironic and slightly sad it is to read about this in the news, this nonsense also serves to remind us all of something important - in the midst of our struggles, there is room and necessity for humor. Without it, we are in danger of forgetting that all things are temporary in the long run. Times and situations do change, but only with diligent effort to be ready for opportunity.

I am pleased to report, in this last week of the Winter of Plenty drive, that because of all your help our families have all taken steps forward to better circumstances and the communities we have been have been working with have also grown. Two now have work, another is finally receiving the medical and legal assistance they need to be able to pursue work, three now have homes, we've expanded what we do with MCHA/OASIS to include Shao Lin Qi Gong and meditation (and more communities are asking for us to come in) and the rest of us have discovered a way to give that makes us better.

In this last week we do have a strong need for fresh vegetables, fruits and non-perishables. Gift cards for food/gas and Riptiks are also needed. You can drop the donations off on Weds Main Street Martial Arts (MSMA) at 1282 North Main Street in Providence (anytime after 2), or at the Zen Community Center (ZCC) 50 Dunnell Lane in Pawtucket on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 5 and 5:30.
On Weds night @ 730pm you are welcome to join us for a small dinner and meditation at MSMA (just RSVP by email to cassandra@z-cc.com). On Sunday, March 31st at 8pm @ the ZCC (50 Dunnel Lane, Pawtucket) we will commence the Ksitigarbha Mantra in memory of all the names donations were given in. The mantra is 45 minutes long and the entire event is in silence (but for the chanting). Please feel free to join, RSVP to cassandra@z-cc.com as space is limited. The list of memorial names will also be posted to this blog.

What next? Dealing with the fallout from the sequester. Cuts have already radically impacted services and more will be felt in April. What does this mean for you and me?  It means we just keep on doing what we have learned this winter we can do. The ZCC will continue providing relief and assistance with your help. We are also committed to providing a small community dinner before our 5:30pm meditations at Dunnell. There are plans for some specific drives that I will post about later as we coordinate with other relief and service agencies. The goal is not so much to generate a response to the sequester, but to continue expanding our ability to support each other in community. I will be posting soon about the expanded ZCC services and offerings for all - it is going to be a stellar Spring, groundhog or not.

I want to thank you all so very much. You have moved me with your spirit, generosity and compassion; may the grace of your actions bring you and your generations much blessings.

Amituofo
Amituofo
Amituofo

Cassandra

The First Community Dinner at the ZCC Evening Meditation in Pawtucket, Rhode Island