Eye Opening Damma Talk on 'Mindfulness'

In the monthly damma talk held at Houston Buddhist Vihara on Saturday 6th June, meditation master from Mitirigala Nissarana Vana, Sri Lanka, Ven. Uda Iriyagama Dhammajiva presented a simplified overview of mindfulness or awareness in the context of 'kayanupassana' or 'contemplation on the body'. His clarifications were fitting for both the advanced meditators and children. In 'kayanupassana' meditation, one closes all the six 'doors' one has except mind and body. This eases gaining of awareness over the body by taming her mind. Mindfulness can be practiced even in our everyday lives; undistracted dinning is an example.

The event was well organized by Rajans in Texas with the help of community of Houston Buddhist Vihara. Apart from learning damma, many made use of this as an opportunity to meet fellow Sri Lankans and Rajans. Meeting a senior Rajan that moved to Houston recently is among the rewards DAANA had from this event. Development of awareness on the activities of DAANA among the Houston community would be useful in executing future activities in Texas.

DAANA Texas chapter is thankful to its members and all the others who supported this invaluable cause.

Word on Our First Ever (Official) Gathering

It was such a wonderful evening with all the school 'stuff', the way it used to be decades ago. Even though, we missed some of out Rajans in Texas, we came to know at least one new Rajan. Best of all was that we felt as if we were back in class with our good old friends on top of Lake View, even though, the ones around us were Rajans spaning decades or generations. We are Rajans and that all matters...

As it was warned, there were no pauses in flooding of stories from good old days. Had those been recorded, it would have filled a large portion of the Dharmaraja archives.

Families also had a chance to get to know other Rajans and their families in Houston area, and of course their own Rajan.

It was just before saying good bye, all the serious discussions took stage. It is not a news; all the Rajans in TX are ready for action.