The life and writings of beloved Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) are rich with meaningful teachings, as well as a window to the treasures of Vietnamese culture. Our focus book, At Home in the World, is a comprehensive personal memoir, one where he "opens the door to his childhood in Vietnam and circles the influential events that would come to define his path. The book shares the vivid moments and hardships that Thay experiences as a young monk and writer in war-torn Vietnam, then moving beyond to tell the story of his incredible life.
In this four-week study and reflection program for FCM members, together in small groups we will explore a path that allows us to discover both where we've come from and where we're going. Most importantly, this path will help us to generate happiness, understanding, and love, so we can live deeply in each moment of our life, right where we are.
The program has no cost and will take place from January 31 through February 25, 2022. All members who join will be assigned to a small group that will meet four times via Zoom. Each group will have a facilitator to keep the discussion lively and to guide the reflection and discussion. Our organizer, John McHarris, will establish a weekly reading schedule and distribute questions for reflection.
Once you have registered, please obtain a copy of the book and begin reading.
Note: In addition to At Home In the World (the main book for this book club offering), members have the option of reading My Master's Robe, also by Thich Nhat Hanh, as supplementary reading. My Master's Robe was written by Thay as a novice monk during his late twenties. The setting is a peaceful monastery surrounded by war (1942-47, The French War in Vietnam). During the weekly meetings, either of these two books can be referred to while sharing.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Please read the information below before you click to register!
When you register, you will be asked to indicate your preferences for the one-hour discussion groups offered through Zoom. The following seven discussion groups will be listed, and you will be asked to indicate for each group one of the following labels: my first choice, my second choice, cannot do, or could do but not preferred. Please be sure you have checked your calendar so you are available for all four small group sessions.
Group 1: Monday mornings, 11:00 am, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21
Group 2: Monday evenings, 7:00 pm, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21
Group 3: Tuesday evenings, 6:00 pm, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
Group 4: Wednesday mornings 7:30 am, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
Group 5: Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24
Group 6: Friday mornings, 11:00 am, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Group 7: Friday evenings, 7:30 pm, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Registration will be open only through January 20. We will let you know your group assignment shortly after the registration period ends.
If you have any questions, please contact John McHarris at jmcharris2@gmail.com.
