Celtic BuddhismNews and Programs
Photo: Tillie and Sophie with their father, Seonaidh, at a Savaripa instruction weekend.
Ty Phillips is creating a chidren's home...
Metta Home and School for Children is devoted to education, compassion, and
hope.We exist to assist children without homes or hope, to have a thriving,
vibrant and beautiful childhood; one that offers education and warmth in a
home style environment. Metta Home and School offers a new paradigm in
education, reform, and healing.Nelson Mandela once stated, “Education is the greatest weapon with which to
change the world.” Out of the top 30 industrialized nations, the United
States currently ranks among the bottom when in comes to primary education.
Our School’s educational model is designed around Sweden’s individualized
learning: A proven method of education developed by behavioral and
cognitive psychologists. The program approaches each person as an
individual and encourages their specific intelligence (see Howard
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence).Metta Home also devotes its programming to mental health. Metta Home uses a
Buddhist Psychology and Positive Behavioral Psychology method to encourage
and educate our children — never forcing, restraining, or using coercion.
Thich Naht Hanh stated, “When another person makes you suffer, it is
because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling
over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is
sending.”Hope is the final aspect to Metta Home’s program. Most group homes graduate
their children and then send them back to the situation that created the
issue and cuts all ties. The child is then left with no hope and a complete
lack of true understanding and useful education in order to bring about
change. The modern group home is essentially a factory for repeat
customers. Incorrect modeling allows for continued mistakes and continued
financial income for the facility; never taking into account that true
success is serving others and helping these children flourish into
creative, happy and constructive adults.Part of our hope program is our Metta Home Futures; a continuing
educational program that will offer several trade and professional
secondary education certificates, housing, and a safe and independent
living environment.info@mettahomeandschool.org "
An email from Tom Oflaherty, Nov,9,'12
Seonaidh,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the beauty that the winter
can bring your way. It is the end of the rainy season here with a fairly
vigorous monsoon like rain yesterday. Keeps it cool and in two weeks the
summer will be upon Bocas del Toro, Panama. I'm volunteering with the
Floating Doctors providing companionship and care to the residents of Asilo
which is a nursing home for older people with no family and multiple
physical challenges. Good service for the soul.
I am going to be able to use a space here a couple of times a week to offer
a place for people to sit and a Dharma talk from a variety of schools and
teachers. Yes I will be wearing earrings and will get a picture to you.
I think of you often and my wish is for you and your family and all our
brothers and sisters in Sangha to continue to practice the Dharma for the
benefit of all sentient beings. Sitting together in peace and love, Tom...
We have added a new page to our website of recently ordained Celtic Buddhist Priests.
We would like to announce a new website about Buddhist Chaplains and their network and activities.
Buddhist chaplains serve in healthcare, education, and military settings. They bring meditation to people in jails and prisons and they apply buddhist teachings in social justice work.
On the topic of music, Sarah and Thom Kilts have one of their songs included in a compilation of Celtic music, which features various artists. The album is called Celtic Dreams: Vol I . Sarah and Thom's old band, Diablo's Dust performs "It Hurts When You're Gone". It's available at amazon.com and iTunes as a digital download.
Also, we were recently priveleged to receive the help of Noirin Ni Riain who provided us with a rendition of a Gaelic/Buddhist chant which members of our community sing. Noirin is a well-known singer from Ireland. Check out her wonderful music on her website: www.theosony.com We made Noirin's acquaintance at Glenstahl Abbey several years ago on one of our pilgrimages to Ireland.
Ongoing Meditation Programs in Vermont and in Maine
In Saxtons River, Vermont at the Anadaire Celtic Buddhist Center:
There is a daily meditation schedule open to the public.
7:00-8:30 am Monday thru Saturday
6:00-7:30 pm Monday thru Saturday
9:00-12:00 noon Sunday is liturgy, meditation and a dharma talk, followed by tea and cookies.
Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to join us for daily meditation and Sunday services. Beginning instruction in meditation practice is always offred.
Please call for directions: 802-869-4496
Also, inquire about upcoming retreats.
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