with Guo Gu

In the Chan tradition, there are two main approaches to awakening: the method of silent illumination (mòzhào) and investigating a critical phrase (huàtóu). The former is a settling method of serene reflection on the nature of awareness; the latter is an explosive approach that aims to concentrate and shatter all mental states so awakening manifests. Retreat practice is an excellent way to deepen our practice, as it allows practitioners to engage with the meditation method in a sustained, focused way under a protected environment with a retreat teacher. Practitioners receive guidance on issues or experiences that wouldn't normally arise in daily or individual practices.

Aside from the many periods of sitting meditation, there will also be stretching exercises, walking meditations, and outdoor direct contemplation. There will also be mindful eating and work practices. There will be daily Dharma talks by Guo Gu, and opportunities for personal consultations to practice (ONLY for those attending in person - Guo Gu will not be able to offer personal consultations to those attending online).

The target audience recommended for this retreat consists of individuals who have maintained a regular and stable meditation routine for a minimum duration of one year. 

Retreat Logistics

This retreat will offer both in-person participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center and online participation. THIS REGISTRATION PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION ONLY. Please visit the Online Retreat page if you wish to attend online.

The retreat will begin with orientation at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 6 and ends after lunch on Monday, December 11. Participation is open to both FCM members and non-members.

The fee for in-person participation is $400 for overnighters and $300 for commuters, with a $50 deposit required to register. The balance of the fee will be due by November 20. 

Retreat Scholarships are available; please click here to see FCM’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student’s response is also based on Dana, i.e. generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage. All retreat dana will go towards supporting the retreat teachers.

The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants once registration is closed, including retreat protocols, schedules, and Zoom links.

Registration for this retreat is now closed.

Retreat Leader

Guo Gu (Dr. Jimmy Yu) is the founder of the Tallahassee Chan Center, the founder of the socially engaged intra-denominational Buddhist organization, Dharma Relief, and a professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions at Florida State University. He studied under the late Master Sheng Yen for over 30 years, nine of which as his attendant monk and most senior and closest disciple. He is the author of The Essence of Chan (2012), Passing Through the Gateless Barrier (2016), and Silent Illumination (2021).

Questions?
For more information, please contact Angie at parrish26@gmail.com.

with Guo Gu

In the Chan tradition, there are two main approaches to awakening: the method of silent illumination (mòzhào) and investigating a critical phrase (huàtóu). The former is a settling method of serene reflection on the nature of awareness; the latter is an explosive approach that aims to concentrate and shatter all mental states so awakening manifests. Retreat practice is an excellent way to deepen our practice, as it allows practitioners to engage with the meditation method in a sustained, focused way under a protected environment with a retreat teacher. Practitioners receive guidance on issues or experiences that wouldn't normally arise in daily or individual practices.

Aside from the many periods of sitting meditation, there will also be stretching exercises, walking meditations, and outdoor direct contemplation. There will also be mindful eating and work practices. There will be daily Dharma talks by Guo Gu, and opportunities for personal consultations to practice (ONLY for those attending in person - Guo Gu will not be able to offer personal consultations to those attending online).

The target audience recommended for this retreat consists of individuals who have maintained a regular and stable meditation routine for a minimum duration of one year. 

Retreat Logistics

The retreat will offer both in-person participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center and online participation. THIS REGISTRATION PAGE IS FOR ONLINE PARTICIPATION ONLY. Please visit the In-Person Retreat page if you wish to attend in person.

The retreat will begin with the opening session at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 6. The retreat will end with at noon on Monday, December 11.

The fee for the retreat is $150. Retreat Scholarships are available; please click here to see FCM’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student’s response is also based on Dana, i.e. generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage. All retreat dana will go towards supporting the retreat teachers.

The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants once registration is closed.

The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants once registration is closed, including retreat protocols, schedules, and Zoom links.

The last day to register for online participation in this retreat is November 25.

Retreat Leader

Guo Gu (Dr. Jimmy Yu) is the founder of the Tallahassee Chan Center, the founder of the socially engaged intra-denominational Buddhist organization, Dharma Relief, and a professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions at Florida State University. He studied under the late Master Sheng Yen for over 30 years, nine of which as his attendant monk and most senior and closest disciple. He is the author of The Essence of Chan (2012), Passing Through the Gateless Barrier (2016), and Silent Illumination (2021).

Questions?
For more information, please contact Angie at parrish26@gmail.com.

FCM's Days of Mindfulness are offered both In-Person at the Tampa Practice Center and Online. Whether you are a new or experienced meditator, our Days of Mindfulness are an opportunity to support and deepen the practice of mindfulness and meditation, and nourish the seeds of well being, inner peace and openness in our lives.

 

The day will be a chance for all of us to put down the busyness of our lives and to relax, refresh, and renew with the healing energy of mindfulness. The day is an opportunity to experiment with letting go of our stories and dramas about our lives and the world. Instead we will practice simply be present to, and nourished by, our actual experience in the present moment. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 8:30 am.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information will be provided once you register. We provide guidance to help you make the experience at home as close as possible to an experience in the Meditation Hall.

When you register indicate your choice of participation In-Person or Online.  While there is no fee for participation, the traditional practice of Dana (generosity) is appreciated. Please register to receive important information about your In-Person or Online Zoom attendance.  

If you have any questions please contact Rita Cathey at ritaanna727@gmail.com

Join Fred and other FCM members for Christmas Eve fellowship and cheer. The evening will include meditation, carols, a short talk by Fred, and some light holiday refreshments. There is no charge, but please register for yourself and family or friends so that we know how many to expect.

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 Full Moon Loving Kindness and Compassion evening will be from 7:30 – 8:45 pm. The evening will include guided loving kindness and compassion meditations, a short talk, and recitation of the Metta (Lovingkindness) Sutra and/or other music and altruistic readings. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom is below. The event is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. There is no formal advance registration; simply join us online on the Sangha Line shortly before 7:30 pm. 

Zoom Links for FCM Sangha Line
Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID# 329 624 3465

Members and non-members are invited to join the FCM community in selfless service and work meditation Saturday, December 30 by participating in this Saturday's workday!

We will begin the day together meeting under the pergola located between the Education Building and Great Cloud in preparation for our mindful work, with an orientation by work day leaders. There will be both indoor and outdoor tasks in need of our joyful attention. Please wear old clothes, sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves if you have them. Snacks and water will be provided.

We encourage everyone to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person on our campus. Our safety protocols are based on CDC recommendations. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols.

With metta,

Molly and Bill

Please note: FCM Members can access the Death Cafe web page and the Zoom links by clicking here.

with Betsy Arizu and Bill MacMillen

Many of us embark on a spiritual path seeking to live a meaningful and purposeful life--a life of authenticity, integrity and goodness. Aspiration, vows and intention are key elements that empower us on our path.

Our aspirations refer to the highest and deepest heart-felt wishes we have for our lives, our relationships and the world--our shining north stars, so to speak. Making vows and setting intentions are tangible ways we can channel the energy of our aspirations and infuse them with determination and commitment. These three elements--aspiration, vows and intention--provide direction in our lives, keep us on the path when we are challenged or confused, and help us make wise choices that are congruent with our inner values.

In this workshop, led by Betsy Arizu and Bill MacMillen we will look deeply into our lives to examine, uncover and clarify each of these elements, and learn how to use them in our daily practice. Please bring something to write with, so that we can write down our personal aspirations, vows and intentions for the various areas of our lives.

Examining our aspirations, vows and intentions is not a one-time endeavor. We hope that this January workshop will become an annual community event for all of us, so that these elements are present for us in each day of the year. To truly live a life of conscious intention, we place these elements and their power at the heart of our practice.

This workshop is free, offered as a gift to FCM members. It will be held via Zoom only.

Please plan to join us!

Betsy Arizu is a senior student of Fred Eppsteiner and an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing.  She currently leads various Mindful Living Path and Dharma Path programs at FCM, such as Mindfulness Practices for Emotional Healing and Transformation, Deconstructing the Myth of Self, Transforming the Inner Critic, Basics of Buddhism, and  Empowering Our Lives with Aspiration, Intention and Vows.  

Bill Mac Millen has been a practitioner with the Florida Community of Mindfulness and a student of FCM's teacher Fred Eppsteiner since 2013. Aspiring to be of service to the community, he is on the Leadership Council overseeing the area of Center Care, a member of Thich Nhat Hahn's Order of Interbeing (OI), and participated in FCM's first Dharma Transmission Program.

The FCM open mic night is coming up on Saturday, January 20! 

Any type of performance will be welcome: music (vocal and/or instrumental), dance, poetry, storytelling, comedy, magic, etc. 

We’ll be gathering in the meditation hall at FCM — a great acoustic space augmented by a nice PA. 

It’s an opportunity for performers to share their talents with a friendly audience -- as well as a chance for the audience to view rare performances.

There is no charge to attend, but registration helps in planning the event.  

There will be twelve performance slots, each up to 10 minutes long (including set-up). Open to FCM members and friends. Slots will be assigned on a first-come basis, and there will be a wait list if needed.

Performances don’t need to have any particular theme but should be consistent with the general spirit of mindfulness, wisdom, kindness and compassion at FCM.

To sign up to perform or for more information, contact Rick Ferriss at rfrrazz@gmail.com or 813-850-8168 (text or voicemail).

FCM has appreciative audiences and many talented people — it should be a great evening!

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 Full Moon Loving Kindness and Compassion evening will be from 7:30 – 8:45 pm. The evening will include guided loving kindness and compassion meditations, a short talk, and recitation of the Metta (Lovingkindness) Sutra and/or other music and altruistic readings. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom is below. The event is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. There is no formal advance registration; simply join us online on the Sangha Line shortly before 7:30 pm. 

Zoom Links for FCM Sangha Line
Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID# 329 624 3465

8-Week Program Beginning Saturday, February 3, 2024

(25 hours CE available*)

Welcome to our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, a transformative eight-week journey designed to empower individuals with lifelong skills for navigating the challenges of daily life. Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD., MBSR integrates mindfulness practices and therapeutic yoga to foster emotional and physical well-being, ultimately promoting a profound sense of balance and resilience.

Throughout the program, participants engage in a systematic exploration of mindfulness, learning to cultivate present-moment awareness and develop a compassionate relationship with their thoughts and emotions. The weekly sessions provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, receive guidance, and integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.

MBSR is rooted in scientific research and is a nonsectarian approach, making it accessible and beneficial for individuals of all backgrounds and faith-based traditions. Our program aligns with the evidence-based principles of MBSR, offering practical tools to manage stress, enhance well-being, and foster personal growth.

Join us on this enriching journey as we explore the transformative power of mindfulness, discover resilience in the face of life's challenges, and cultivate a deeper connection to your own well-being. Whether you are new to mindfulness or seeking to deepen your practice, our MBSR program provides a supportive and inclusive space for your journey toward greater emotional and physical harmony.

Please note that while the class will be held at the FCM Center, it is important to point out that MBSR has been designed specifically to be non-denominational and, therefore, complements any existing religious or spiritual practice (or lack thereof).

Please visit our MBSR webpage for more in-depth information about our program.

Advance registration is required. Registration will close January 26.

Fee: $400 before January 20; $450 after January 19. Limited scholarship funds are available.

Cancellation Policy: Full refund prior to Class 1 on February 3. No refunds after Class 1.

Course Components and Class Dates:

• 1 Orientation Class, 90 minutes (required) - Monday, January 29, 7:00-8:30 pm (the Orientation Class will be conducted online using Zoom).
• 8 Weekly Classes, 2.5 hours - Saturday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 am, February 3 through March 30 (March 16 is the All Day Retreat)
• 1 All-Day Retreat, 7 hours - Saturday, March 16 from 9:00 - 4:00 pm

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

Angie Parrish is a Qualified Teacher of MBSR through the UC-San Diego Mindfulness-Based Professional Institute. She brought the fruits of her experience in mindfulness and meditation into her professional career as an employee benefits consultant for a wide variety of organizations, including many employee training programs. Angie has developed and taught classes on Mindful Communication, Mindfulness and Stress Reduction, Mindfulness and Money Management, and Introduction to Mindfulness classes for both the general public and for employee groups. She also leads retreats and Intensive programs for the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM).

Angie has been a student of Buddhism and mindfulness for over 25 years. After a 1999 retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh, she became a student of Fred Eppsteiner's and a member of FCM. She is currently the Leader of Dharma Programs for FCM.

Rosy Sharma Sedhain is a Qualified Teacher of MBSR through the UMASS Center for Mindfulness and a certified yoga teacher. Prior to teaching mindfulness classes, Rosy attained a degree in Information Systems and an MBA, concentrating her work in the pharmaceutical industry. Rosy is married and the mother of two children, ages 12 and 17.

Rosy was born in Nepal. Her journey spans multiple countries and states—from Singapore to the USA, residing in places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Dallas, West Virginia, and currently Tampa, Florida. Balancing her career and raising two children in diverse cultures, Rosy also cared for elderly in-laws during transitions across states and countries. She started her mindfulness practice nearly a decade ago in the request to find equilibrium in the midst of life changes.

Since 2019, Rosy passionately shares mindfulness with all age group children, teens, and adults. Her dedication extends to teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in foster care settings, emphasizing the transformative power of mindfulness in navigating life’s complexities

* Florida Community of Mindfulness, Inc. is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling to provide continuing education credits through CE Provider # 50-14766. Total in-class time is 25 hours over 8 weeks.

Mindfulness Institute Grievance Procedure

Mail a statement describing your complaint to: Director of Continuing Education, 6501 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604.

Questions? E-mail us at info@floridamindfulness.org or call 813-237-0746.

with Roshis Chozen and Hogen Bays

How often in your daily life do you allow yourself to reflect on your own impermanence, mortality, your own death? During this retreat we take up the Buddha’s Parinirvana – the Buddha’s death – as the essential meditative inquiry into our own relationship with death, dying and the uncertainties of this life.

With the guidance of experienced teachers and the stillness and quiet of retreat, the structure and support needed to look into the many misconceptions, fears and anxieties we carry, consciously and unconsciously, surrounding the fragility of life will be examined. As we allow our body, heart and mind to deeply settle and rest, we will feel our way into some fundamental life questions that we rarely ask ourselves: Who is it that’s alive right now? Who or what dies? What remains after death?

The great Zen teachers have all encouraged us, “if you die before you die, you will no longer fear your death or your life.” In this time of great uncertainty for the planet and our species, this profound spiritual insight will give us the courage to directly face the unknown so we can live our lives with unshakeable stability, unceasing compassion, and deep understanding.

A Zen silent meditation retreat can be rigorous and, at times, challenging, and is not recommended for beginners. In order to attend in person, it is recommended that you have first attended one of our silent weekend or longer retreats or a five-to-seven day silent retreat at another Buddhist Center.

Retreat Logistics

This retreat is in-person only participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center. The retreat will begin with orientation at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 6 and ends after lunch on Sunday, February 11. Participation is open to both FCM members and non-members.

The fee for in-person participation is $450 for overnighters and $350 for commuters, with a $50 deposit required to apply. The deadline for application for this retreat will be December 20.  We anticipate that we may have more applicants than spaces available for this retreat, so please understand that this application DOES NOT guarantee you a spot in the retreat. We will notify all applicants by December 27 as to whether or not they have been accepted into the retreat. For those accepted, the balance of the fee will be then be due by January 5, otherwise the spot will be given to another applicant. 

Retreat Scholarships are available; please click here to see FCM’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student’s response is also based on Dana, i.e. generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage. All retreat dana will go towards supporting the retreat teachers.

The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to accepted registrants once registration is closed.

Retreat Leaders

Roshi Chozen Bays has been the teacher for Zen Community of Oregon since 1985. In 2002 she helped to found Great Vow Zen Monastery and is co-abbot. In 2011 she also helped found Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland, Oregon. She has written books on mindfulness and mindful eating, and written articles published in Buddhadharma and Shambhala Sun.

Roshi Hogen Bays began practicing Zen in 1968 with Philip Kapleau, Roshi doing residential training at Zen Center of Rochester and eventually at Zen Center of Los Angeles with Taizan Maezumi Roshi. He continued his Zen studies with Shodo Harada Roshi in Japan and on Whidbey Island from 1990 – 2015. He’s a psychologist and Naturopathic Doctor (ND). He is co-abbot of Great Vow Zen Monastery.

Questions?
For more information, please contact Angie at parrish26@gmail.com.

Please note: FCM Members can access the Death Cafe web page and the Zoom links by clicking here.