President s Report. Contents: Spring/Summer 2015 RIVER DHAMMA News and Letters from Arrow River Forest Hermitage.

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1 Spring/Summer 2015 RIVER DHAMMA News and Letters from Arrow River Forest Hermitage President s Report Stephanie Schmidt The Buddha taught about muditā, sympathetic joy this way: Contents: President s Report 1 Muditā Ajahn Punnadhamo 2 Learning Centre Photos 4 Here, O, Monks, a disciple lets his mind pervade one quarter of the world with thoughts of unselfish joy, and so the second, and so the third, and so the fourth. And thus the whole wide world, above, below, around, everywhere and equally, he continues to pervade with a heart of unselfish joy, abundant, grown great, measureless, without hostility or ill- will. At Arrow River Forest Hermitage, it has been easy to feel joy for the happiness of others and for what we have accomplished. The steward s quarters are complete and the Learning Centre is almost finished! We have established a good relationship with Blue Sky Lodge in Thunder Bay where we can hold events in the city, and we celebrate the successes that Blue Sky Lodge has had. Arrow River recognizes with gratitude the donations that come from the wider community that help support the Dhamma. The Hermitage s continued existence is because of people opening their hearts to the teachings. We wish that all beings continue to experience joy in their lives. Upcoming Summer Schedule 5 Searching for a Heart of Gold James Koskela 6 Treasurer s Report - Lori Smetaniuk 7 Donation Information 8 The Buddha s teachings have prepared me to recognize the joy of others and send out muditā to them. This year has been one of happiness in marriages and births. As well, a friend of the Hermitage, Michelle, had her Anagarika Ordination on September 7, 2014 at Dhammadaharini Vihara. I also have a new job that I reflect on with joy and gratitude. Wishing others joy is a good habit to cultivate. It removes feelings of separation and helps us to practice selflessness. It recognizes the success of others and helps to eliminate envy and jealousy. Practicing muditā also helps us see our own good fortune, making us grateful in the moment. - Stephanie Schmidt, ARFH President

2 Muditā by Ajahn Punnadhammo The brahmavihāras are four emotional states of inestimable benefit. Together with their standard English translations they are mettā (loving- kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (sympathetic joy) and uppekkhā (equanimity). They are called brahmavihāras, divine abidings, because to dwell in one of these states is to have a mind as pure, clear, open and expansive as that of a brahmā god. The Visuddhimagga gives a charming illustration of the differences between the four: [The brahmavihāras are] like a mother with four sons, namely, a child, an invalid, one in the flush of youth and one busy with his own affairs; for she wants the child to grow up (mettā), wants the invalid to get well (karunā), wants the one in the flush of youth to enjoy for long the benefits of youth (muditā), and is not at all bothered about the one who is busy with his own affairs (upekkhā). - VM IX, 108. Muditā seems to be somewhat the neglected sibling. One often sees references to loving- kindness and compassion in modern Buddhist commentary; sympathetic joy not so much. It may be that many people find it harder to access that particular state, or that rejoicing in another s happiness may seem less noble or necessary than sympathizing with their suffering. Whatever the reason may be, it is unfortunate. Muditā has an incredible power to brighten and uplift the mind. The word muditā is derived from the verb modati, to enjoy or to like something. The mental state can be described as rejoicing in another s success or happiness, or the earnest aspiration that other beings enjoy every good thing. It can be quite ordinary, worldly kinds of happiness that we recognize and rejoice in. The example given in the Visuddhimagga is seeing another riding on a richly adorned horse or elephant. Muditā overcomes two particular defilements, issā ( envy ) and arati ( discontent or boredom ). Envy has the same proximate cause as muditā, which is seeing another s success. Where does your mind go when it sees someone riding on a richly adorned elephant, or to update things a bit, when you see the neighbour pull up in a brand new sports car? Are you envious that he is enjoying better things than you, or are you delighted in the fact of his success? The difference is whether there is focus on the self or not. It is significant that envy does not arise in the mind of a stream- winner because she has eliminated the concept of self. Arati is difficult to translate precisely. It is a type of aversion but is tinged with discontent and boredom. Perhaps the French loan word, ennui comes closest. One of the three daughters of Māra is named Arati, the others being Rāga ( passion ) and Tanhā Continued 2

3 ( craving ). The defilement of arati makes any happiness impossible and suffocates the mind in a fog of weariness. Muditā is the medicine that cures this disease, opening the mind to joy and light. You can practice muditā as a formal meditation the same way you would mettā or karunā. It is based on the earnest aspiration, may this being (all beings) continue to enjoy whatever happiness they have found. You begin with yourself; focus on the positive aspects of your life and find joy in that. Never mind for now any of the negative aspects of your life; rejoice in your loved ones, your material well- being, the fulfillment you find in work or play. When you feel that muditā is well established, extend it outwards. This can be done in one of two ways: by general pervasion or by working through a list of individuals. Each method has its own particular benefits. General pervasion is done by extending the feeling of the brahmavihāra outwards in ever expanding circles; for example, everyone in this room, in this town, in this province or state, on this continent, to the entire world and then outwards to the infinity of space. Include in your circle of rejoicing all the various kinds of beings, humans and animals, not forgetting whatever invisible beings there may be like devas or petas. The mature stage of this meditation is radiating infinite muditā to boundless space in all directions, rejoicing in the happiness of all the infinitude of unknown beings. This form of the meditation has the very powerful effect of expanding, purifying and brightening the mind. It dispels all manner of negative and dark mind- states. The other way of developing the meditation is less expansive but more focussed and is recommended if you are trying to develop your samadhi. You go through a list of individuals beginning always with yourself, then someone you think of as a teacher or mentor, then your parents if they are still alive, then a dear friend, then a neutral person, then someone who causes you feelings of ill- will. This meditation is considered mature when the feeling for the enemy is just as strong and clear as the feeling for the dear friend. Each of the brahmavihāras has its own unique flavour to the mind, and that of muditā is joy. So why not try it, couldn t we all use a little more joy in our lives? 3

4 Pellentesque: Interior (above) and exterior (below) of new steward s quarters/library. Consectetuer: 4

5 Arrow River Forest Hermitage Spring/Summer Schedule 2015 Tues, May. 26th Sat, May. 30th Dhamma talk in the city Day of Mindfulness Blue Sky Lodge, 512 Victoria Av. E. 6:30 PM Group Meditation at Arrow RIver 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM Mon, June 1st Wesak Celebration begins 8:00 PM Sat, June 6th No Dhamma Talk Ajahn is away, this week and next Sat, June 13th No Dhamma Talk Ajahn is away, schedule resumes next week Sat, June 20th Tues., June 30th Sat, July 4th Sat, July 18th Sat, Aug 8th Sat, Aug 15th Community Work Day Dhamma talk in the city Day of Mindfulness Community Work Day Day of Mindfulness Community Work Day Pot- luck meal* at 10:30 AM, work day 12-6 PM, Dhamma Talk 7 PM Blue Sky Lodge, 512 Victoria Av. E. 6:30 PM Group Meditation at Arrow RIver 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM Pot- luck meal* at 10:30 AM, work day 12-6 PM, Dhamma Talk 7 PM Group Meditation at Arrow RIver 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM Pot- luck meal* at 10:30 AM, work day 12-6 PM, Dhamma Talk 7 PM Aug Camping Retreat Bring a tent and meditate in nature *For pot- luck meals, please bring enough for 4 people. 5

6 Muditā, Searching for a Heart of Gold By James Koskela Muditā, translated as sympathetic joy, is an ideal way to develop mettā in our lives and in our communities. Taught by the Buddha, it basically means allowing yourself to enjoy the successes, accomplishments and happiness experienced by others. Being readily able to enjoy the success of others, it can be said you create an aura of good- will that naturally draws in the right people. Inadvertently, that surrounding space of radiating goodness can be a refuge for those who are hurt or ostracized as a result of suffering in our societies. Other people can pick up on this and learn about the effects of compassion, and encourage them to seek wisdom in their conduct, ever spreading more mettā into the world. The Pali Canon outlines the way of cultivating muditā. It is written that the path is to practice a mindful self- purification. You can unleash your inner empathetic resources and become that heart of gold, to use a lyric from Neil Young, that you may have been searching for in the world but had trouble finding. Doing so, the searching stops, and a practice of developing loving- kindness can begin to transform you. Where you once gave in to feelings of sadness, anger or jealousy toward others, it is replaced with a heart capable of sharing in the joy of others. So, we sit and meditate in order to stay afloat, to learn not to blame ourselves or others for troubling conditions we find ourselves in. Muditā calls us to let go of our conditional selfish desires and harsh words, and allow ourselves to be glad for others, to keep open opportunities for reconciliation, and play a part to help stop the rampant divisiveness in our society. It is interesting to reflect on the dynamic that exists between the process of delving into the conditional, impermanent reality of existence and the development of good social qualities. Muditā is a form of brahmavihāra, translated as divine abode. It can be thought of as a place you can go within your psyche noticeably available through the practice of meditation. Here, there is an unobstructed wish for the goodness, well- being, peace, joy and happiness directed to the universe, yourself and others. Mindfulness developed at this level will leave you a greater insight into your own habits and those of others, essentially enabling you to see how the elements of the ego are constructed in all beings. You can learn to accept other people s actions as a result of past painful experiences, or their karma. But, by focusing on the task of muditā, you train your mind to realize that your happiness does not depend on the conditions of the external world. Sympathy can help you navigate the saṃsāric conditions of our world, because all beings experience suffering. To develop peace is to be patient with others because you cannot expect someone deeply involved in saṃsāra to behave otherwise. Trying to change the nature of the world would only generate more suffering for yourself that can spill onto others. Muditā only asks that you sympathize with their condition and spread mettā by expanding moments of happiness, by participating in the joyful feelings of others. Really, I think the hardest part is to be convinced that muditā works to bring peace and happiness to yourself and others. For the beginner in the Dhamma, it can take faith, but I m sure your experiences of the world have shown the inevitable dissatisfaction that results from selfish desires. Muditā, as a brahmavihāra, an inner abode or resting place, allows you to co- exist in saṃsāric, social conditions without being touched by it. 6

7 Treasurer s Report - Lori Smetaniuk Our annual fundraising letter sent in 2014 resulted in a total of $8,237 in donations raised from November 1, 2014 January 31, 2015 which will go towards our $36,500 operating budget for Thank you to all that have donated funds for the Library and attached steward s quarters. ARFH now has enough funds to complete the final building phase and to purchase furniture for the space. Any funds that are left over at the completion of the project will be used towards the cost of building a new sauna and other building projects. Donations to ARFH come from the generosity of our supporters in Canada and the United States. The reasons for donating are varied. Some people who browse through the website, like what we offer and in turn offer their support. Others come and stay at ARFH for retreats or have listened to talks given by Ajahn Punnadhammo in Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Minneapolis, and as far away as Knoxville. Donations received allow ARFH to offer the teachings through talks, book studies, group and individual retreats at no cost to the participant. Some of bigger expenses items include: support for the Abbot and any other monks in residences (lodging, food, medical costs); food for lay community in retreat, automotive expenses, propane for the kitchen, building maintenance, waste disposal, firewood, and communication systems. On behalf of Arrow River Forest Hermitage and its Board of Directors, we thank you for your generosity and continued support. Income & Expense Summary for 2014 January 1 - December 31, 2014 Donations $56,860 Gain on US Exchange 1,260 Total Income $58,120 Less Expenses 45,656 Surplus $12,464 Balance Sheet Summary at December 31, 2014 Bank & Cash (operating) $10,468 Reserve Fund 14,460 Rebates Receivable 2,011 Prepaid Expenses 110 Accounts Payable $ 23 Total Current Assets $27,049 Dec 31, ,038 Capital Assets (Net Value) 63,476 Surplus ,464 Total Assets $90,525 Total Liabilities & Equity $90,525 Included in Capital Assets are: $4, Library Building Costs Paid in 2014 $3, for 2002 Ford Windstar donated in

8 Donation Information The Arrow River Forest Hermitage community greatly appreciates the generosity of all of our supporters throughout the years and in the future. In order to continue offering the teachings of the Buddha to those who seek them, we do rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters. All donations towards our annual budget of $38,000 are received with gratitude, and Canadian residents who donate $10.00 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt. ARFH can now send receipts for donations electronically. Please include your address if this is your preferred delivery method. Mailing address is still required on all receipts issued. Contact treasurer@arrowriver.ca if you have not received your receipt within 45 days. To all our Canadian Donors: Do you have Canadian Tire money? Not sure what to do with it? ARFH will gladly accepting Canadian Tire money this can be used to buy propane, motor oil and other miscellaneous supplies. Please note such donations will be accepted as non- tax receipted funds. Contact ARFH Comp 2, Site 7 RR7 Hwy 593 Neebing, Ontario P7L 0A2 arfh@explornet.com Would you prefer an electronic copy of River Dhamma? Subscribe online: Unsubscribe: We respect your privacy and will not distribute your address. It will be used only for ARFH news and event notifications. 8