The Wild Geese Sangha is part of the UK Community of Interbeing: our practice follows the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh.

For a short biography on Thich Nhat Hanh click here.

Where we meet

St Mark's Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Interbeing Sangha meets at St. Mark's every Thursday - 7.15 pm. For a prompt 7.30 start. The evening normally finishes before 9.30 and usually includes a guided sitting meditation, a walking meditation, readings and sharings.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

Please note that on 7th May, we are unable to meet at St Marks because it has been booked for a dharma talk by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche. As some of us may wish to go to the talk we may simply cancel our usual practice for this evening. However if there are some of us who wish to practice at the Mews then we may be able to arrange this. Details will be announced during the Thursday session before; otherwise, please 'phone Jon or email for latest news - details on the left side of this page.

For additional information, contact Jon on (0131) 339 8401.

Mindfulness@Lunchtime

Open to all each Tuesday from 12.15-pm to 2.00-pm for a lunchtime of peace, silence and relaxation. The lunchtimes are open to anyone who may enjoy a period of peace for reflection during the often busy working day.

This practice of mindfulness includes:

guided and sitting meditation
walking meditation
enjoying our lunch together in silence

You may arrive and leave at any time, all we ask is that you respect the silence.
Please bring your own packed lunch. We provide fruit and drinks to share.
Mindfulness@Lunchtime is not a religious service - it is a simple period of peace, mindfulness and meditation.

~

"Mindfulness is our inherent capacity of healing and renewal. It is the basis for transforming ourselves and creating a more harmonious family and society. To be mindful is to be aware of what is going on in our body, in our feelings, in our mind and in the world, as we avoid doing harm to ourselves and others. With the help of conscious breathing - breathing and knowing we are breathing, we are able to touch and be nourished by the peace and joy that are available within and around us, in the here and now.

Our true home is in the present moment. To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now. Peace is all around us - in the world - and in nature - and within us - in our bodies and our spirits. Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed. It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice."

Touching Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh

Calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hanh

Early Morning Meditations normally take place Monday to Friday, 7:15 to 8:15am, but may not take place during the Winter months as Ani is "wintering" in Plum Village. Please listen for announcements on Thursday evenings: otherwise please telephone (see contact details on the left) or e-mail to confirm it is on. Otherwise, details are given at the end of the Thursday evening gatherings. If on, these are held at The Mews, 13 Inverleith Place Lane (along the northern boundary of the Royal Botanic Gardens, off Inverleith Row). Click here for Map. There is very little parking on the Lane, so please only do so if you have a physical need to do so. Buses 8, 23 and 27 (17 does not run Sundays). Enter through blue garden gate, next to pink building.)

DVD viewing (talks by Thây) with discussion and shared meal starting at 4:30pm, take place most Sundays BUT may not be regular during winter months (reason above) and may take place at different venues. Please listen for announcements on Thursday evenings: otherwise please telephone or e-mail for information

Location for all Mindfulness @ Lunchtimes and Thursday evening Practice night.

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Location for early morning meditations (Mon to Fri), Saturday and Sunday events and the evening of 23rd April.

Please zoom in (use "+" button) for more accurate location.

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Information and News

Some words or phrases on these pages may be unfamiliar to you - please click here for explanations.

Days of Mindfulness at The Mews (see Early Morning Meditations for details of location). From 10:30am, bring vegetarian food or shared lunch. Held on Saturdays or Sundays, includes meditation, shared lunch, walking meditation in the Botanic Gardens (Scottish weather permitting) and discussion. Next dates to be decided.

Inter-Sangha retreats and gatherings (these are for practitioners of different Buddhist traditions in Edinburgh - a chance to view and share in each other's practice). The Annual Retreat for 2009 has again taken place at Wiston Lodge (near Biggar). Please check back here towards the end of this year for details of our 6th annual gathering in April 2010.

Edinburgh Celebrates Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace. The Community of Interbeing in Edinburgh support this with various events - details will appear here.
Information