Message from Ricky McCarson

Hello all,

2026 has been a busy year so far for our organization and community. I would like to offer some resources and make some announcements.

Below is CDM's Link Tree URL. It contains an orientation guide describing the various levels of the organization and its mission and activities. It also has organization links and various documents that are supportive to study and practice.

https://linktr.ee/celticdharmaministries

You can reference the orientation guide to get more detailed information but here are the basic descriptions of the various parts of our organization.

Celtic Dharma Ministries: Overarching legal nonprofit that manages the money, plans service/stewardship opportunities, and promotes the values of the Crazy Heart Lineage.

Heartwood Buddhist Tradition: The curriculum of study and methods of practice that the organization propagates, focusing on the essential Buddhist teachings and eco-spirituality.

Saluda River Sangha: The community of practitioners and host of the various local and online activities.

From this point on, you will receive most study and practice event invites from Saluda River Sangha email address. Organizational level news and announcements, interfaith events, and charity/service opportunities will come from Celtic Dharma Ministries email address. Please make sure neither are going to your spam folders or being blocked. If you would like to be removed from the mailing list, please let me know.

All regular events are free of charge but donations are greatly appreciated as they will help our community grow and move us towards our vision of opening a rustic meditation and retreat center in Upstate South Carolina. Link to our Zeffy Donation form is on the link tree site. If you are a regular participant and would like to set up a recurring donation, you may do that as well. We are also searching for people to offer their time or talents in support of the ministries vision and mission. See the list of opportunities below and let me know if you would like more information.

Social Media Manager

Secretary

Treasurer

If you would like one-on-one instruction or just need a spiritual friendship session, don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you all for your support and I hope to see you at a community event soon!

Palms Together,

Ricky McCarson

Priest/President

Celtic Dharma Ministries

Doug Rose writes

Hello Readers and Friends, 

        This very short piece explains a major “secret” to happiness. It is actually not such a big secret. It’s just that sometimes we don’t pay attention to what we already know. 

         In a nutshell—if you successfully employ your life as the singular stitch within the fabric of humanity that it is, while all the while identifying with and having a concern for the entire fabric even more so than you identify with and are concerned for the individual stitch within that fabric that your life represents, welcome to Nirvana. This is explained sweetly within the page or two attached. Trust me. It’s worth a five-minute read.

        If you like this piece and want to see more, my third 5* book is yours free at www.fearlesspuppy.info/newbook Why free? Because the book is going to help you in some spots, entertain you in most other spots, and I care more about you than I do about the money. (Contributions to supplement my $546 a month income are welcome and appreciated, but definitely not expected or required.)

       My recent trip to Thailand and India was cut a bit short so I could return to the Boudhanath Stupa neighborhood of Kathmandu, Nepal. I have been told by many that I am a bit peculiar, but there’s nothing strange about loving this neighborhood. I’ve still never owned a telephone/camera (or a wristwatch, or driven a motorized vehicle) these 74 years, but will send photos whenever I can find someone to take them. There are a few good ones within the attachment above that are keeping the text in good company. I think you will enjoy them. It is a very pretty world when it isn’t busy being ugly.   

             Love to you and whoever you run into. Be well, Tenzin

Sophie Perks writes on facebook...

At 10:25pm EST Jan 31st, the dawning of St. Bridget’s day in Ireland, my father, the trickster, the playful adventurer, the creative daring lover of phenomena, Bonny Johnny, John Anthony Perks died. He was surrounded by his wife and 5 daughters as the snow gently started to fall on a still night.

 

It is hard to go forward into a world without him as he was— being ever so much him as he was. Johnny, my heart is cracked wide open. Tender treading forward.

We won’t be holding any official practice gathering- some people are practicing with his body in our own ways. However, if you wish, send him off as you feel so inspired. Raise a whiskey, sing a ballad, include him in your prayers, sit in a stone circle and watch the sun rise, cook a meal paying ever so much attention to the comfort of your guests and regale them with joyous stories…

 

When the arrangements for the services have been finalized word will be sent out for those who’d like to attend.

 

Oh Johnny boy…

Passing of H.H. Seonaidh (John) Perks

The passing of our revered teacher and founder of Celtic Buddhism, H.H. Seonaidh (John) Perks, occurred on Friday evening, January 31, 2025. He was attended by his wife and daughters at his residence in Saxtons River, Vermont. We will add more about his burial arrangements as plans evolve.

Activity Schedule - September 2024

Inbox

Ricky McCarson

Thu, Aug 29, 2:29 PM (2 days ago)

to bcc: me

Hello all,

Here is September's schedule. Calendar invites to follow. Email with Meditation Intensive/Potluck info and sign-up sheet will go out soon. Share the news about the Meditation for Beginners course with anyone who might be curious about the practice.

Sunday, September 1st @ 10:00 AM - Sunday Sangha, Online


Tuesday, September 3rd @ 6:00 PM: Group Meditation, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Saturday, September 7th @ 10:00 AM: Group Meditation, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Sunday, September 8th @ 10:00 AM - Sunday Sangha, Online


Tuesday, September 10th @ 6:00 PM: Group Meditation, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Sunday, September 15th @ 10:00 AM - Sunday Sangha, Online


Tuesday, September 17th @ 6:00 PM: Group Meditation, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Saturday, September 21st @ 10:00 AM: Group Meditation, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Sunday, September 22nd @ 10:00 AM - Sunday Sangha, Online


Tuesday, September 24th @ 6:00 PM: Group Meditation, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Saturday, September 28th @ 10:00 AM: Meditation Intensive and Potluck, Westminster Presbyterian Church


Sunday, September 29th @ 10:00 AM - Sunday Sangha, Online

Tuesday October 1st @ 6:00 PM: Meditation for Beginners, Westminster Presbyterian Church

Palms Together,

Ricky

Ricky Mc Carson announcement for May 2024

Hello All,

 

I would like to announce three new offerings on Sunday mornings starting in the month of May 2024. All three will be held online via Zoom. There is a chance that they may shift to a hybrid format if we find a suitable location to meet. All activities are free-of-charge. Donations are welcome. The information and schedule for each event is below.

 

 

Event: Sutta Study

When: 1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:00 AM EST

Where: Online via Zoom

Description: Three Streams Sangha and Upasaka Adisa of the Great Wheel Society will gather to read, discuss and reflect on the Early Buddhist Scriptures. Session will include opening and closing prayers along with a short meditation on what we have read and discussed. This will be an informal, peer-led session to enjoy the words of the Buddha and cultivate spiritual friendship.

 

Event: Book Club

When: 2nd and 4th Sundays at 9:00 AM EST

Where: Online via Zoom

Description:Three Streams Sangha will come together for the shared reading and discussion of Buddhist literature. This will be an eclectic study of Buddhist thought. We will cover material from across the traditions of the Three Vehicles. Since this will be a more coordinated and ongoing study, participants will be expected to register and purchase the books. Registration will happen a couple weeks prior to starting a new book.

 

Event: Bardic Sangha

When: Every Sunday at 10:15 AM EST

Where: Online via Zoom

Description: We will gather for traditional Vajrayana practice, coupled with the open exploration of Celtic Buddhism. Sessions will include recitations, offering, liturgy, Calm-Abiding Meditation and discussion.

 

 

I will be sending out invites as these events are scheduled. I will also be sending out the first Book Club registration email within the next week. Keep an eye out for those and let me know if you have any questions.

 

Palms Together,

 

Ricky (Acalanatha) McCarson 

 

March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024

We would like to note the celebration of the 90th birthday of our revered and beloved teacher and the founder of the Crazy Heart Lineage of Celtic Buddhism –Ven. Seonaidh (John) Perks –Yeshe Tungpa (The Trumpeter of Wisdom).

We express our gratitude for John’s dedication and diligence in turning the wheel of the Dharma. We acknowledge his remarkable patience, generosity, insight and unending good sense of humor in sharing the profound teachings and laying the groundwork for future practitioners.

The atmosphere of genuine friendship and vision that he has invoked in the development of Celtic Buddhism over the years has certainly taken root within a broad international sangha. Intrinsic in this lineage, John has planted the seeds of awakening that are still unfolding.

Happy Birthday Seonaidh!

News From The Priory

 

Celtic Buddhist Priest Ricky McCarson has partnered with Caroline Dennis, Pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, SC. 

 

Ricky is facilitating a weekly meditation group at the church on Tuesday nights. The meditation sessions will include calm-abiding, walking, and loving-kindness meditation. The practice is presented in a secular way and emphasizes the universal benefits for practitioners, regardless of faith tradition. 

 

Ricky is also coordinating an interfaith discussion group and book club on Thursday nights. This group will read scriptures and books from many faith traditions and have subsequent discussion. The group will act as spiritual friends to each other and build a community of modern contemplatives. These sessions will also include mindfulness practices. 

 

These groups are open to all in the Greenwood area. These sessions will soon be offered virtually as well.

 

The Priory will also hold space for a non-sectarian Buddhist community, the Three Streams Sangha. A regular Saturday practice and monthly Full Moon observance are planned to begin in January. These events will be held virtually.

 

The Celtic Buddhist Priory website has been updated. It has been simplified and given a new color scheme. A community tab, event list and calendar have been added to reflect the current activities.

 

New Celtic Buddhism website

Hello all,

 

I have spoken to a few of you in the past but most of you probably don't know who I am. My name is Ricky McCarson. I was ordained as a priest within the Celtic Buddhist Lineage about a year and a half ago. Since then, I have focused on strengthening my own practice and my understanding of the Dharma. I still have a long way to go but I feel as though I am ready to give back and spread the Dharma where I can.

 

With the permission of Yeshe and in consultation with Dorje Rinpoche, I have created a virtual priory where we can post practice instructions and dharma study, define the path to ordination within the tradition and host online events. I have also created a GoFundMe, Facebook Page, Instagram Account, and YouTube Channel where I (and preferably the Sangha at large) can share insights and news. I hope all of this leads to in-person sessions and the construction of a retreat center at some point in the future.

 

Please take a look at the content and share it as you see fit. I welcome your input and collaboration. I hope that I can get to know each one of you and that we get the chance to practice together. You can reach me at this (the Priory's) email or at the contacts below.

 

Respectfully,

Ricky McCarson (Finnbheara Acalanatha)

 

Email: finn.acala@gmail.com

 

Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/rick.mccarson

Facebook Practice: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066598609813 

 

Website:

www.celticbuddhistpriory.com