Buddhist Gathering and Lunch in Philippe Park, CYM Day

Change Your Mind Day Tampa Bay 2014

An annual gathering of friends of Buddha's teachings.

Sharing ideas, practices and experiences.

Change Your Mind Day Tampa Bay is an opportunity for people interested in Buddhism to meet and interact. Buddhist teachings have much to offer. By working together, we can better alleviate suffering.

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When: Saturday, April 12, 2014, 10 am to 3 pm (arrive & leave at any time)

Where:
Shelter #1
Philippe Park
2525 Philippe Pkwy,
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

What:
Presentations and conversations about Buddhism.
Pot-luck vegetarian lunch.
Free books and other literature.
Buddhist art and music.

Who: Anyone interested in Buddhism

Cost: No charge or obligation

Sponsored by: Buddhist Peace Fellowship of Tampa Bay (www.bpf-tampabay.org).

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Schedule:
10:00 : 108 bells (Clear Water Zen)

10:10 : Pali chanting by Ven Saddhasara of Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery

10:15 : Discussion session on Meditation:

Gene Healy, AP, DOM "Approaching the Dharma: From Yoga to Mindfulness, to Zen." (10:15 to 10:30 Presentation, 10:30 to 10:45 Q&A)

Buddhist Global Relief Work (10:45-11:15 )

Rev. Frank Tedesco, Ph.D., Buddhist Chaplaincy/Pastoral Work (11:15-11:45)

11:45-1:15 : pot-luck vegetarian lunch, followed by entertainment and activities, including music, bathing the baby Buddha, and walking meditation.

1:15-2:00 : Panel and Discussion: Emptiness Teachings

Essay by Susan Kahn, An Introduction to Buddhist Wisdom

2:00-2:45 Discussion session: What Buddhism means to me and why am I a Buddhist? This is an open discussion to get to know each other. We will sit around in a circle on chairs or cushions. Tom will moderate.

2:45-3:00 : Closing ceremony : chanting and 108 bells

The morning session will start with three 15-minute meditation sessions. For each, the presenter will briefly describe their group and tradition, and then give a short guided introduction to a meditation technique.

In the afternoon session, panelists will address questions such as: How can Buddhists better reach out to people not actively involved in Buddhism? How can Buddhist groups better help those who already are involved? Are there needs and populations that are not being served?

In both the morning and afternoon, after the program we will have a general discussion, welcoming comments and questions from anyone who would like to speak.

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We look forward to:

• Volunteers to help provide lunch-time entertainment (music, dance, poetry, mindful movement, etc).
• Volunteers to help with the event on April 12, including lunch and tea coordinators.
• Groups to offer free literature, information, art exhibits, etc.
  (unfortunately, Parks Department rules prohibit sales or soliciting of donations)
• Volunteers to help staff the BPF literature table.
• Updated literature from local groups for the BPF literature table -- please bring it on April 12 or email to arrange mailing or pickup.