Dharma Day

Asalha Puja Day – Theravada Buddhist

Asalha Puja Day (pronounced "as-an-ha poo-jah) is also known as Dharma Day. It is one of the most important festivals of the Theravada Buddhists.

Asalha Puja Day marks the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching. It commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares and the founding of the Buddhist Sangha.

The discourse (known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, or as “The First Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma”) consisted of the essence of all of the future teachings and was delivered to his first five disciples. In this message the Buddha taught the Middle Way, the Noble Eight-Fold Path and the Four Noble Truths: life means suffering (dukka); origin of suffering is attachment (tanha); cessation of suffering is attainable and finally, the way to cessation is via the eightfold path.

Dharma Day also marks the beginning of the worship of the Triple Gems, namely: the Lord Buddha, His Teachings and His Disciples.

Asalha Puja Day is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month (July) – in 2009 it is on Tuesday, July 7th.

Theravada Buddhists observe Asalha Puja Day by spending extra time reading the teachings of the Buddha and expressing gratitude that the Buddha, and other enlightened teachers, have shared their knowledge. Dharma Day is also considered a perfect time to come together at the sangha for celebration through readings and teachings from elder students, lamas, rinopches, etc. Cleaning of homes, temples and monasteries also take place on this day. Generally speaking, the activities done on this day are similar to those done on Vesak. (For a refresher, you might want to look back at the Interfaith eLert on Vesak. You can find it in the eLert Archives at: Vesak.)

Those unable to attend sangha on this day are encouraged to spend extra time in meditation, reflection, and in the reading of Buddha’s teachings.

Buddhists are invited to make merit throughout the day.

Theravada (pronounced – more or less – "terra-VAH-dah"), literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It is relatively conservative, and is generally closest to early Buddhism.

For many centuries, Theravada has been the predominant religion of continental Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, Cambodia, and Laos) and Sri Lanka. Today Theravada Buddhists number well over 100 million worldwide. In recent decades Theravada has begun to take root in the West.

On July 7th, we ask that each of you pause for a few moments and, in a manner appropriate in your faith tradition and/or belief system, send thoughts of love and good will to all of our Theravada Buddhist brothers and sisters.

June 27 8pm: Shag Rehoboth "Noght at the Oasis"

"Shag" in Rehoboth Beach Delaware
“Midnight at the Oasis” Party
Send your Camel to bed. But come celebrate with

Belly dancers Amany & Viviana & guest dancer Surayyah

Show is on Saturday June 27th 8:00 p.m.

Amany is one of the top experienced performers of Delaware in folkloric & cabaret styles & has made appearances in Philadelphia, NY, Virginia & Maryland.

Viviana danced professionally in the D.C. area before moving to Lewes. She won 2ND place as headliner in the 2006 East Coast Belly dance Classic. Don't miss this one.

Shag is a good feeling place where you can retreat for a bite & brew or a complete meal & martini.

Shag invites you to the stylish “Blue Palm” outdoor dining room. Or hang out in the Ultra cool “Pleather Bar” in the back. Or slip off a Sand Dune & sit in the front balcony for a Margarita & people watching.

37 Wilmington Avenue Rehoboth Beach one block over from main street.

For more information call (302) 227-6869 or www.shagrehoboth.com

John and Viviana

301 520 8452

June 13-14: Gypsy Caravan Workshops in Phili

Be sure to get your registrations in by Friday, June 12th!
A mass of swaying hips, undulating bellies, hands upon hands upon hands with arms moving snake-like, strangely synchronous; watch closely as these powerfully sensuous women wrap you in their web of enchanting improvisation... this is Gypsy Caravan! Paulette of Gypsy Caravan will be returning to the Philly area for a weekend of workshops! To learn more about Gypsy Caravan visit www.gypsycaravan.us

Shimmy Queen: Saturday, June 13th - 12:00-2:00pm
Define your hips with variations on the shimmy, and include other hip movements combined with drilling. Fun and invigorating!

Tribal Combinations/Variations: Saturday, June 13th - 2:30-4:30pm
Using simple and complicated moves to add spice and variety within our tribal structure, dancing in duets, leading on both sides with with both right and left hips!

Tribal Grooves: Sunday, June 14th - 12:00-2:00pm
Tribal with attitudes! Add spice to your dance steps... the trancey-ness of North African grooves, the prayerfulness of Indian mudras using hands and poses, the spiciness of Spanish influences using your big skirt with some added sass. We will learn some moves and combos, and then work with a partner or two, changing formations. This is for intermediate/advanced level dancers please.

Tribal Trance: Sunday, April 19th - 2:30-4:00pm
Different ways and methods of using dance, with the tribal belly dance background, for trance and healing. This is your time to explore your dance, free your dance, dance with the elements, dance with your sisters, shake your booty, chant and meditate, a bit or ritual and prayer in the tribal belly dance way! Some tribal experience necessary!

Where: **NEW LOCATION** Asplundh Field House, 2775 Buck Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
Cost: Single class = $40 / Full day Sat or Sun = $70 / Entire weekend = $120
(non-refundable unless workshops are canceled!)

Registration: For registration details go to www.tribalbellies.com/GC_registration.htm
Questions? Email hipnosis@tribalbellies.com
Happy Shimmies!
~Hipnosis~
www.tribalbellies.com

June 7- Lewes Beach Drum&Dance 6:30pm

Lewes Beach Drum Circle

Drum2009Lewes, DE--- Meet at the public beach in Lewes, DE at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, May 24 for “Drum & Dance Sunday”. Bring an instrument and learn how to form Middle Eastern rhythms with local drummer John Matthews. Learn to bellydance with local dancers such as Viviana and Leah of Damali Dance Company and Roma & the Nomads of Nomadic Magic Tribal Dance. Bring your instruments (drum, zills, tam bourine, etc) and hip scarves or they will be provided to first arrivals. Other props and toys are also encouraged such as hacky sack, hula hoops, poi, kites, and anything else family and beach friendly. Please use general “Leave No Trace” environmental ethic. This event is located on the south side of the Lewes Beach Public Parking lot at the end of Savannah road, behind the Dairy Queen. Go to the far end of the parking lot and parking is free. Bring your family & friends, a chair and prepare to shimmy until the sun sets! This event is weather and bug permitting. This event is FREE, donations accepted. For more info call Carol Boyd-Heron at 302.644.3723 / 302.645.0551

link: http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200905270432/DW06/905270334

June 6- Zoobilation! (6-10 p.m.)

Zoobilation!

Support the Salisbury Zoo at Zoobilation June 6, 2009 6-10pm. Cost is $75 for food from locally owned restaurants and performances by tribal bellydancers and local musicians. Enjoy a safari style evening with an Indian Jones theme. Procedes will go toward a new veterinary facility for our local zoo. To register call 410-860-6880 or send payment with registration form to PO Box 2979, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Roma & the Nomads at Namaste Friday May 29 8pm

Cambridge Workshop: November 15 (Noon-4pm)

American Tribal Style
Level 1 Workshop
All the techniques covered in Tribal Basics I in one 4 hour session! 2 hours of slow moves followed by 2 hours of fast moves and improvisation. What is Tribal? Definition, Costume basics, Brief history. Learn formation and dance form. Use cues to lead and follow. Improvise with partners and in group. Great for parties.

"Base 8" + Beginers moves
* Snake Arms
* Floreos
* Taxeem
* Maya
* Rib Cage Rotation
* Bodywave
* Ghawazee
* 3/4 shimmy
* Arabic I and II
* Choo-Choo
* Egyptian

Saturday, November 15
Noon-4pm
$50.00

Location:
Dorchester General Hospital
300 Byrn St
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-5511

Register:
Karyn Walsh ext.8450
kwalsh@shorehealth.org

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