At FCM we celebrate the full moon each month with an evening devoted to meditations that help us develop and cultivate the mind of kindness, friendship and compassion towards all beings. During the guided meditation, we will practice embracing ourselves and others with thoughts of unconditional kindness, compassion, and support, and then to extend those feelings with well wishes for peace, happiness and an end to suffering for everyone in the world.

It has long been part of Buddhist tradition to honor and celebrate the arrival of the full moon. Legend has it that Shakyamuni Buddha was born under a full moon, arrived at his enlightenment under a full moon, and passed into paranirvana under a full moon. In Zen the full moon reminds us of our Buddha nature or our essential wholeness and completeness.

Our first Full Moon Loving Kindness and Compassion evening will be Thursday, August 15. The event will be from 7:15 – 8:45 pm in the Meditation Hall at the Tampa Practice Center. The evening will include guided loving kindness and compassion meditations, a short talk, and recitation of the Metta (Lovingkindness) Sutra and other altruistic readings. Tea and cookies will be available afterwards.

This evening is open to members and non-members and newcomers are especially welcome. The event is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. There is no formal advance registration; simply join us in the Hall shortly before 7:15 pm. Any expressions of generosity through dana (donations) are greatly appreciated in the begging bowl on the right as you enter the Hall.

Upcoming Full Moon Dates

September 14

October 13

November 12

December 12.