Category: Uncategorized

Dearest Community,

Here at Heartwood, a lot has changed in the past year. Our most powerful beacon of light, Venerable Pannavati, left this world. Her assistant, and our dear friend, Venerable Soma, has taken to the road on a pilgrimage. The old stalwarts, me, Kedara-Sacca, and Reba, remain as residents of the monastery. Our small sangha moves steadfastly forward with the intention of learning from the Buddha, studying the Dharma, and putting the principles into practice. 

While change and uncertainty continue, we are invited to turn toward our own Buddha-nature and allow ourselves to rest in the gap of the unknown- to see what it can teach us without trying to change or grasp at anything or anyone. That is where prajna wisdom lies. 

There ARE some knowns though!

The formal organization of Heartwood currently consists of:

• myself, Bhusita- President of Heartwood Mandala and Academy program leader
• Kedara-Sacca- Vidya program leader
• Joe Rogers- Lay leader, programs co-leader, Board Member/Treasurer 
• Brian Silva- Chairman of the Board
• Nancy McClung- Board Member
• Elsie Fort- Board Member/ Secretary

Some of the most engaged sangha came together in July to discuss a shared vision and mission to guide us. While the mission is still being developed, our simple vision is:

Heartwood Mandala is a community of lay and monastic practitioners dedicated to cultivating and embodying the teachings of the Buddha.

We are developing more structure and communication about offerings. You can expect: 

1. General access and support for learning and living the Buddha Dharma through study of the suttas and cultivation of our conduct -Dharma Contemplations and Dharma Talks, 1-1 support
2. Advanced studies – support for dedicated practitioners of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III teachings. 
3. Sustaining activities – evening Meditation, Novena and Sadhanas.
4. Retreats as needed to support deeper practice and the establishment of practice – Ex. Preliminary Practices, etc.
5. Service programs to be developed  (children’s programs, programs/ supports for people contemplating or nearing end of life)

Venerable Pannavati and Venerable Pannadipa planted strong Dharma roots here in Hendersonville and made up the heartwood of that beautiful tree. We now have the opportunity to fertilize and tend to that tree. Despite being a relative neophyte myself, it is clear that there is still a need for the refuge of Heartwood- to study and embody the teachings of the Buddha, to be of service to beings in need, and to steadily practice self-effacement, thus uncovering the intrinsic and luminous light of our true nature.

I share my deepest gratitude to this sangha for their generosity of heart, for the considerable resources that have been offered to maintain Heartwood and the monastic presence, and for the sincere commitment to the triple gem. May blessings abound and prajna guide our every step.

Namo Buddhaya, Namo Dhammaya, Namo Sanghaya!

All beings, are essentially pure by nature, 
Pure as in shunyata, 
Pure as in emptiness. 
I too, am essentially pure by nature, 
Pure as in shunyata, 
Pure as in emptiness.