SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE PROGRAMME

What is spiritual discipline?

Spiritual discipline is a seven month programme looking at seven people from seven different faiths reflecting on spiritual practices and what they can offer you.

The spiritual disciplines being explored are fasting, meditation, study, solitude, celebration, worship and service. They will be looked at from the perspectives of individuals from Baha‘i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikh communities.

Introduction to spiritual discipline from the Moderator, Rev David Arnott:

"There are so many ways in which we may approach the mystery that is God. You may find some work more effectively than others for some reason. Temperament, attitude, health, education, upbringing, personal needs all condition who we are on any given occasion. If you then couple any of these with where individuals are on their own journey of faith you begin to realise the variety of attitudes that we all bring to our quest for God.”

"I commend to you, therefore, the variety of these disciplines. Undoubtedly some will appeal more than others, but do give them all a try. I am sure you will find different disciplines will speak in different ways at different times, but all will enrich and encourage your faith."

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CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE RESOURCES

Fasting Resources (click here)

In a society obsessed with fast food, fasting for many is an alien concept. It is a concept that often divides opinion within the Church and yet there is a strong Biblical tradition of fasting. We are told that Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul, and Jesus Christ all fasted.

Throughout Scripture, fasting refers to ‘abstaining from food for spiritual purposes’, which was used as a tool to turn people’s attention to God. When feeling hunger pains, a person’s concentration is automatically drawn to the present moment and they might begin to ask the question, "What are my real needs?” This in turn might lead to, "What is it that other people need?” and, along the way, "What is it that God is asking me to share or let go?”

Celebration (click here)

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘celebration’? The author of our first article, Maggie Lunan, perhaps sums up the view of many people when she explains that it is, "about becoming aware of what gives me life, what gives me joy and what gives me energy, and ensuring that this forms part of every day”. Think of the things in your life that bring you joy and energy. It could be that you find your energy in sporting activities and are looking forward to the forthcoming Olympics or the climax of the football season. Or, maybe you are looking forward to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. For others, celebrations remind them of significant milestones, from a special birthday to a wedding anniversary. Many people find joy and energy from sharing in a special occasion in a family member or friend’s life. In our own office we find happiness and togetherness with our colleagues by celebrating one another’s birthdays, which normally takes the form of sharing a cake and laughter

The Church of Scotland Spiritual Discipline Programme includes articles on Celebration by BGKT Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) UK and Fasting by Triratna Buddhist Order, Manchester UK, and a video clip on fasting by Venerable K Sri Rewatha Thero (Scottish Buddhist Vihara), UK.

CELEBRATION

Articles Buddhism

The Buddhist Festival of Vesak

Jacquetta Gomes, Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada), UK

FASTING

Articles

Buddhism

Fasting: a Buddhist perspective:

Munisha: Triratna Buddhist Order, Manchester, UK

Video Clip

Venerable K Sri Rewatha Thero (Scottish Buddhist Vihara), UK

The Church of Scotland

121 George Street

Edinburgh

Scotland

EH2 4YN

Telephone 0131 225 5722

Please click on this link for the CoS Website Spiritual Discipline Section

Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravāda)

invites you to join their annual

VESAK CELEBRATION

This event has now been held

which commemorates the Birth,

Enlightenment (2601 years ago),

and Final Passing Away of the Buddha.

This year’s Vesak also ushers in

THE BUDDHIST NEW YEAR 2556

There will be a short ceremony, followed by

Dàna (the traditional sharing of food)

You are welcome to bring vegetarian food or

non-alcoholic drinks to share.

Donations of flowers, incense, white candles welcome

Saturday, 5th May 2012

6.55 pm for 7.00-9.00 pm

United Reformed Church (bottom hall, in courtyard), Highgate, Kendal

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

MESSAGE TO BUDDHISTS FOR THE FEAST OF VESAKH/HANAMATSURI 2012 A.D./2555 B.E.

Christians and Buddhists: Sharing Responsibility for Educating the Young Generation on Justice & Peace through Interreligious Dialogue

Vatican City

Dear Buddhists Friends,

1. On behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, I am happy to offer again, this year, heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Vesakh/Hanamatsuri. It is my wish that this annual feast may bring joy and serenity to the hearts of all of you throughout the world.
2. Today, more and more in classrooms all over the world, students belonging to various religions and beliefs sit side-by-side, learning with one another and from one another. This diversity gives rise to challenges and sparks deeper reflection on the need to educate young people to respect and understand the religious beliefs and practices of others, to grow in knowledge of their own, to advance together as responsible human beings and to be ready to join hands with those of other religions to resolve conflicts and to promote friendship, justice, peace and authentic human development.
3. With His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, we acknowledge that true education can support an openness to the transcendent as well as to those around us. Where education is a reality there is an opportunity for dialogue, for inter-relatedness and for receptive listening to the other. In such an atmosphere, young people sense that they are appreciated for who they are and for what they are able to contribute; they learn how to grow in appreciation of their brothers and sisters whose beliefs and practices are different from their own. When that happens there will be joy in being persons of solidarity and compassion called to build a just and fraternal society giving thus hope for the future (Cf. Message of World of Peace, 1 January 2012).
4. As Buddhists you pass on to young people the wisdom regarding the need to refrain from harming others and to live lives of generosity and compassion, a practice to be esteemed and recognized as a precious gift to society. This is one concrete way in which religion contributes to educating the young generation, sharing the responsibility and cooperating with others.
5. As a matter of fact, young people are an asset for all societies. By their genuineness, they encourage us to find an answer to the most fundamental questions about life and death, justice and peace, the meaning of suffering, and the reasons for hope. Thus they help us to progress in our pilgrimage towards Truth. By their dynamism, as builders of the future, they put pressure on us to destroy all the walls which unfortunately still separate us. By their questioning they nurture the dialogue between religions and cultures.
6. Dear friends, we join our hearts to yours and pray that together we will be able to guide the young people by our example and teaching to become instruments of justice and peace. Let us share the common responsibility we have towards the present and future generations, nurturing them to be peaceful and to be peace makers

Happy Vesakh/Hanamatsuri.

Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran President

Archbishop Pier-Luigi Celata Secretary

Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue 00120 Vatican City

Tel: +39.06.6988 4321 / 06.6988 3648

Fax: +39.06.6988 4494

E-mail: dialogo@interrel.va

A Passion for Kendal 2012

A Review

The Passion Play: A Passion for Kendal was performed in the streets of Kendal for the first time in 400 years on Good Friday April 6th and Easter Saturday 7th by Kendal Community Theatre, a secular organisation open to anyone. The director was Chris Taylor and the script was written by Caroline Moir. The Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Brook, played Jesus Christ and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Willshaw, played Caiaphas. An estimated 1000 + people attended on Good Friday, and about 500 on Easter Saturday.

For more details email apassionforkendal@gmail.com

http://apassionforkendal.blogspot.com/

Mystery Plays had been performed in many towns inEngland at the festival of Corpus Christi during June, from the Middle Ages until the 16^thcentury. The Kendal Play had continued until 1605.

GOOD FRIDAY

Scene 1: The Plot to Kill Jesus - The steps at Kendal Library

The arrest of Jesus is being plotted by the High Priests and Scribes. Joseph of Arimathea tries to dissuade them. Judas agrees to betray Jesus.

Scene 2: The Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane-Kendal Market Place

Judas betrays Jesus. The disciples forsake Jesus and flee. Jesus is arrested.

Scene 3: The Roman Lockup - Top ofFinkle Street

The Sergeant hands over Jesus to the Centurion. Jesus, Barabbas and the thieves are marched to the Trail. Scene 4: The Trial - The Town Hall

The High Priests and the Scribes accuse Jesus of breaking God’s law on the Sabbath.Pilate tries Jesus. Since it is Pesach (Passover), Pilate offers to release one prisoner: either Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd demand for Barabbas to be released. Pilate signs Jesus’s death warrant, and Jesus is taken away for crucifixion. Peter is accused by the servant of the High Priests of being an associate of Jesus, which Peter denies. Scene 5: Jesus Falls - Highgate

Jesus falls, on the way to the crucifixion. The Roman soldiers force Simon of Cyreneto carry the cross beam.

Scene 6: The Crucifixion - The Brewery Steps

Jesus is crucified. Joseph of Arimathea and the women lift him down from the cross and lay him down on the ground, with his upper body lying on the lap of his Mother Mary. All the actors remain motionless, while the choir sings; bringing the proceedings to an end.

SATURDAY

Scene 7 The Empty Tomb -The Castle

The women visit the tomb to prepare Jesus for burial. His body is not there. An angel informs them Jesus is alive and waiting for them in Galilee.

and

Icon Painting Workshops, May & July

Weekly Icon Painting Classes

Icon Exhibition

Kendal Passion Play: "A Passion for Kendal”

6 & 7 April 2012, Kendal Community Theatre

This event has now been held

The Passion Play: A Passion for Kendal is being performed in Kendal for the first time in 400 years on 6 & 7 April by Kendal Community Theatre.

For more details:

Email: apassionforkendal@gmail.com

http://apassionforkendal.blogspot.com/

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Icon Painting Workshops, May & July

Weekly Icon Painting Classes

Icon Exhibition

The Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning has a beautiful Icon workshop. Sister Mary Stella made an Icon of St John the Theologian for Jacquetta Gomes who is playing him in the Passion Play. (She is a member of KWMMG Kendal Women’s Multi-faith Meditation Group) and a regular visitor to Hyning since 1999 with KWMMG). By invitation of the Mayor of Kendal Councillor Jonathan Brook (who is playing Jesus Christ in the Passion Play) the Icon will be visiting the Mayors Parlour in Kendal Town Hall.

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Icon painting workshops led by Sister Mary Stella take place at Hyning Monastery. In 2012 they are held on May 8 -12 (beginners) and July 2 - 6 (intermediate and advanced). There will also be weekly icon painting classes. There will be an exhibition of Icons in 2012.

Please contact:

01524-732684.

hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk

www.bernardine.org

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Sister Mary Stella explains the Icon of

St John the Theologian as follows:

St John the Theologian is known in the Gospel of John as the Beloved Disciple.

St John is turning around and up to listen to God’s Word seen in the upper left hand corner. God is mysteriously present always. St John teaches us to listen with our inner ear and heart. The divine presence is seen as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

St John holds a scroll in his right hand. It is the inspired word of God that his disciple (not seen) is taking down as dictation.

St John’s left hand is open to the world, giving what he has heard to the world.

The halo on St John reminds us he is divinized by God’s grace. Gold is a symbol of the divine presence.

St John sits with his feet on a sort of platform bringing heaven and earth into greater oneness.

The blue cloak reminds us of the divine and St John transcribed the divine word.

The rocks in the desert remind us it is the locus of God.

The cave is of dark ignorance, losing one’s way, despair etc.

St John sits in the true light and God uses him as a bearer of light.

St John invites us to sit in God’s presence.