What we’re about
Meditation, discussion and fellowship. Regular gatherings, weekly and monthly, with committed leaders. Special events, too, featuring distinguished guest speakers and potluck meals. We meet at the Bodhi Tree Dharma Center in Nu'uanu. On festive occasions we celebrate together with other groups who use the center.
The Bodhi Tree Dharma Center is spiritual center offering meditative practices from a variety of traditions. Our vision is to make the practice of meditation openly available to those in society most in need; to develop and deepen the capacity for unconditional, selfless dedication to the service of others; and to exercise innovation and creativity in the application of Mindfulness to healing, the arts and daily living.
The Center also serves as a spiritual, educational and social gathering place for Vietnamese, Burmese and Thai residents. These communities hold their ceremonies and host visiting monks at the Center. Classes in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Non Violent Communication are offered along with Vipassana and Tibetan forms of meditation for our English speaking community.
We wish to deepen our understanding of the relationship between self and other and reflect that understanding in positive forms of transformation for the individual, the family and the community.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Audible Peace Ceremony Series • April: The Choice of Saving the PlanetBodhi Tree Dharma, Honolulu, HI
Over the past years, Markus Myō-on Mars (they/them) has refined the philosophy behind this choice awareness meditation practice and is very excited to share the fruits of their work with you in 2024. If you like, you can read an in-depth description of the Audible Peace ceremony here.
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THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: THE CHOICE OF SAVING THE PLANET
Planet Earth is hurting. We are hurting. Let's reflect on better-informed choices in our day-to-day lives to support the healing of our planet, our global and local community, and ourselves.* * *
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THIS CEREMONY
Please visit https://markusmars.com/audible-peace#the-ceremony to prepare for the ceremony.* * *
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WHAT TO EXPECT
Experience the transformative power of Audible Peace, a unique sound-guided meditation practice that transcends the superficial, guiding you on a profound journey into the depths of interconnectedness and genuine understanding. In a world obsessed with quick fixes, our ceremonies offer a sanctuary for deep reflection, inviting you to explore the intricate complexities of life and embrace a more authentic existence. Through immersive soundscapes and collective introspection, Audible Peace fosters fairness through awareness, encouraging personal growth and a deeper appreciation of our shared reality. Join us in redefining well-being as we embark on a path of mindfulness and mutual respect, building towards a thoughtful, sustainable future.* * *
ADMISSION OPTIONS
- FREE: This event is freely accessible to anyone who struggles financially. If you want to attend and the ticket price exceeds your budget, please get in touch with me at https://audiblepeace.com/contact and select RSVP, and I will add you to the guest list—no questions asked.
- MEMBERSHIP: This event is included in the Ceremonial Grade tier. Join our community today for access to unlimited ceremonies and ceremony recordings at https://www.patreon.com/markusmars.
- DOOR: The minimum suggested donation is $20. Please RSVP here.
Thirty percent (30%) of donations will support the Bodhi Tree Dharma Center.
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SOME GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
- Make sure to give yourself enough time to find parking.
- Please arrive 10-15 minutes earlier at the space to give yourself enough time to settle in.
- Feel free to bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, tissues, water, and whatever you need to make yourself comfortable.
- Important: Please switch your smartphone and smartwatch off entirely. Blinking notifications, ringing, and even silent setting vibrations disturb the flow of our shared experience. Allow yourself an hour away from your devices.
- Doors will be closed at the start time stated in the calendar. Unfortunately, joining our Audible Peace Meditation Ceremonies after that time is not possible. We appreciate your understanding.
- Weekly Vipassana MeditationBodhi Tree Meditation Center, Honolulu, HI
Join us every Wednesday at 6:30 pm for Vipassana meditation led by Dr. Thanh Huynh.
Vipassana meditation, also known as insight meditation. In Pali, an ancient language of Buddhism, the word ”Vipassana” means “seeing things as they really are.” The literal translation is “special seeing.” In Vipassana, you practice self-observation by focusing on your inner self in a nonjudgmental way. The goal is to help you:
- quiet your mind
- focus on the present
- accept thoughts, emotions, and sensations for what they really are
- reduce regrets by dwelling less on the past
- worry less about the future
- respond to situations based on reality, instead of worries or preconceived notions
About the Teacher
Dr. Huynh is a radiation oncologist holding faculty appointments with the University of Hawaii's School of Medicine as well as its Cancer Center. Thanh has been studying and practicing mindfulness meditation (vipassana) since 1984. His practice includes multiple month-long silent retreats under the guidance of Asian masters as well as other training with western teachers, including the Community Dharma Leaders program at Spirit Rock. He has been conducting and coordinating regular meditation sessions for prison inmates since 1993 and has offered free introductory mindfulness meditation classes to the public, including children, with rewarding results. He and his wife Xuan lead the weekly sittings and monthly day-long and weekend retreats in Honolulu.When: Every Wednesday
When: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: 654A N Judd Street, Honolulu, HI 96817Suggested Donation: $10 | To donate click here.
Donations support the Bodhi Tree Dharma Center to continue offering transformative practices to the community at little to no cost.