As the various branches of American Buddhism continue to flower, the idea of a greater Buddhist community in the United States is increasingly in the air. As a way of celebrating the practice of mindfulness in everyday life and furthering a sense of collective awareness, Tricycle, the independent Buddhist review, has sponsored a national “Change Your Mind Day” for the past seven years. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 2, in 20 cities from Anchorage to New York, Ann Arbor to Pasadena, and represents a moment when the numerous dharma streams flow as one.
“You don’t have to be a Buddhist to share in the afternoon. As when Buddha taught, sitting under a tree in a forest grove, everyone is welcome,” says national coordinator Rande Brown. “Because the teachings and meditation focus on awareness and compassion, they can be appreciated by anyone wanting more spiritual understanding.”
In Ann Arbor, the meditation, inspirational talks, music and poetry take place at the West Park band shell, 215 Chapin St. (West Park is between North 7th and Chapin, and Huron and Miller, a few blocks west of Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating local Buddhist centers include Jewel Heart Center for Tibetan Buddhism and Culture, Karma Thegsum Choling Center, Flaming Jewel Dharma Center, Ann Arbor Zen Buddhist Temple, Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple and Deep Spring Center, among others.
It’s free of charge and open to everyone (kids too) — so bring blankets and picnic lunches. For more information, call 734-994-3387 or visit www.jewelheart.org and www.tricycle.com.
The Hot & the Bothered was written and edited by George Tysh. E-mail him at [email protected].
