THE TEA CEREMONY

Beliefnet has some interesting thoughts on "the healing power of tea." Like this one:

Green tea is considered a "pure" tea, meaning it doesn't undergo an oxidation process. Most green teas are grown in Japan or China. Its health benefits are manifold. Although green tea naturally contains caffeine, one mug's worth contains less than a fourth as much as the average cup of coffee. For people trying to cut their caffeine consumption, switching from coffee to green tea is a very healthy alternative. Scientists have shown a correlation between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk, weight loss, and improved heart health. Green tea also possesses a small amount of natural fluoride, an element which strengthens bones. And anyone who has ever had a sore throat can definitely attest to the soothing power of green tea with honey in it.

Here's what Thich Nhat Hanh says about tea meditation:

Tea meditation is a practice. It is a practice to help us be free. If you are still bound and haunted by the past, if you are still afraid of the future, if you are carried away by your projects, your fear, you anxiety, and your anger, you are not a free person. You are not fully present in the here and the now, so life is not really available to you…In order to be really alive, in order to touch life deeply, you have to become a free person. Cultivating mindfulness can help you to be free…When you drink tea in mindfulness, your body and your mind are perfectly united. You are real, and the tea you drink also becomes real…..This is genuine tea drinking.”

WHAT KIND OF WELL IS IT?

A man dug a well by the side of a road. For years afterward, grateful travelers talked of the Wonderful Well. But one night a man fell into it and drowned. After that, people avoided the Dreadful Well. Later it was discovered that the victim was a drunken thief who had left the road to avoid being captured by the night patrol--only to fall into the Justice-Dispensing Well. (a Chinese story found in Benjamin Hoff's The Te of Piglet)

ANGEL RIDE BRINGS JOY TO SICK CHILDREN

Starting in the New Year, I will donate any offerings or honorariums I receive for weddings, joinings, funerals, and pet memorials to the Angel Ride. Angel Ride is a cycling even held every year to raise funds for The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps.

I have done this in the past, but this year I will be more open to doing a few more speaking engagements and retreats so that I can raise consciousness of and support for this organization

The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps encompasses the world's largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions. To date, more than 114,000 children with serious illnesses from all 50 states and 32 countries have attended these camps free of charge.

The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is a not-for-profit organization totally supported by charitable contributions. Hole in the Wall Camps are the dream of actor Paul Newman, who started the first camp in 1988, and has been the driving force ever since.

Please click here if you would like to make a direct contribution.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6: TEA AND ORIGAMI

Join me Sunday, January 6, at 2 p.m. at the Woodbury (Connecticut) public library for a tea meditation that I will lead followed by origami instruction with Sandy Carlson. This is billed as a family event, so all are welcome. There is no charge. Click here for directions to the library.

A NEW YEAR'S BLESSING

I am so lucky to get to meet so many people who "have faith in themselves."

May all beings in the New Year find faith and happiness in who they know they are and throw off superstitions of the past.

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE END OF LIFE

Every day I have conversations with folks about end of life. Some are concerned about loved ones or pets, some about themselves. I feel it such an honor to be part of such discussions. I think there will be an upcoming retreat about this subject in the New Year.

WITH A FEW FRIENDS AT HANUKKAH

SCOOTER HAS BUDDHISM IN HAND

Today Annie Carroll and her friends came to Dae Yen Sa International Buddhist Temple to film a video for children that will teach them about Buddhism. The guest of honor was a sock puppet named Scooter, who came from Outer Space via his film buddies in New York. The video will be broadcast on the Internet in February. It was a great day with some great friends, and I'll be back to tell you when and where you can see how much fun we had! Meanwhile, though, there are three video clips of me and Scooter at work at the temple in the YouTube player at the top of this page.

COURSE ON SPIRITUALITY & MEDITATION STARTS OCTOBER 22

Starting Monday, October 22, and on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, Brian Vaugh will lead an evening program of Spiritual Inquiry. We will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. John's Parish on the Green in Waterbury. Along with a period of sitting meditation, each week we will look deeply into how we can lead a life in spiritual harmony with all of God's creation. The twice monthly group will use Wayne Dyer's latest book, Change Your Thoughts-Change Your Life as a guide. Do you have thoughts about this? Please drop me a line in the comment box to the right!

CELEBRATING ST. JOHN'S 275TH ANNIVERSARY

St. John's Parish on the Green in Waterbury, Connecticut , celebrated its 275th year of mission and ministry to the people of the Greater Waterbury Area on Sunday, October 14. The day began with a procession in Waterbury with stops at the Congregational and Roman Catholic churches, which are near St. John's.