JUNE “WALK IN THE PARK WITH BUDDHISTS”
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025. 10:30 AM.
LAKESIDE PARK, FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
MEET AT THE “DOME” OF THE ROSE GARDEN
Because Roses.
All things must pass. We live in Time.
Because the roses are now in full bloom we will be having our “Walk in the Park with Buddhists” in Lakeside Park again on Sunday Morning, June 22, 2025 at 10:30 am. This will be our third walk. The first was in Foster Park in April. The second was in Lakeside Park in May. They have been wonderful!
One significant tenet of Buddhism is the impermanence of physical things. Another is that human suffering is caused by attachment to things that cannot be stopped from changing or passing away. We are happy when good things come our way and we are sad when good things go away. In parallel, we are disquieted when bad things happen and, often, exhausted and relieved when bad things go away. Come make steps toward finding the peace and joy of the humble acceptance of impermanence and change. The roses won’t last. If we opted to go to the same park next month, the rose blossoms likely would be gone - or at least, not at their height of beauty and the peak of their “becoming.”
This coming Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 10:30 am, you are invited to join us on our walk among the big beautiful trees, roses, and other park-goers, in Lakeside Park in Fort Wayne. We will be joined by the Venerables of the Indiana Buddhist Temple, Bhante Devananda, Bhante Chandarathana and Bhante Pannasara. We are also happy to have the temple’s Venerable Abbott with us for this walk! Bhante Devananda visits often but is frequently elsewhere - in Sri Lanka or at the Los Angeles Temple.
What to expect:
A very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Just “being there,” together, experiencing the morning’s fleeting, sensual offerings in the moment
A brief Dharma Talk by one of the Monks.
Guided walking meditation.
A search for the tree that feels just right for a little sitting meditation.
Mingling and conversation. People are free to “stay with the group” or to break off into smaller groups or to walk or sit solo. Opportunity to ask questions of the Monks.
Buddhism can seem mysterious to people not yet acquainted with it as can be the particulars of any Buddhist Temple or Buddhist Meditation Center.
Here are a few FAQ about IBT:
Q: What “type” of Buddhism is practiced at the Indiana Buddhist Temple?
A: Theravada, although people of all religious faiths (or no religious faith) including other schools of Buddhism are deeply respected and warmly welcomed at the Indiana Buddhist Temple.
Q: Where are the Monks from?
A: Sri Lanka. If you visit the Indiana Buddhist Temple the cultural aspects of the temple will be quite apparent. Embracing their home culture and the home culture of many of the area Sri Lankan Buddhists, the Monks nevertheless know that “cultures” are not the heart and soul of Buddhism. All cultures and cultural identifications are celebrated at the IBT. You can be yourself.
Q: Why is the word “Sādhu” said aloud so often at the Indiana Buddhist Temple? What does it mean?
A: Though it is an "untranslatable phrase,” it can be variously translated as “amen,” “good,” “yes,” “thank you,” “I have received,” "well done,” ”be it so,”or "all shall be well.” It is often used at IBT during the activity surrounding meditations.
Q: What does “Bhante” mean?
A: Spelled with some variation, Bhante/Bhanthe (pr. BON tay or BON tee) basically means “priest.” It is used as a honorific before the name of any given Monk and can also be used alone when addressing a Monk. Imagine talking with a Catholic Priest. You might address the Priest as “Father John” or simply as “Father.” The same is true of “Bhante.”
Q: How are the Monks’ “long names” pronounced?
A: Many are intimidated by the long names of the Monks, but their names are actually quite easy to say. You just have to make a point of sounding them out a couple of times. Bhanthe Chandarathana’s name is quite phonetic. Try “Chanda + rathana,” with the “Ch” sounding like “Sh.” Although certain syllables have slight emphases, saying the name smoothly and without any syllabic emphasis works. Bhante Pannasara’s name is also mostly phonetic and best said smoothly and without syllabic emphasis. The double “n” (nn) is best pronounced like “ny” as in the word “canyon.” Think “Panyasara.” The “ar” is more like the word “are” as opposed to the “ar” in the feminine name “Sara.”
Q: Will Buddhists try to “convert me?”
A: Absolutely not. At least not at IBT. The Monks obviously embrace Buddhism and think it worthwhile. They will certainly be happy if you embrace the tenets of Buddhism, but will be equally happy if you have found other ways of being and believing that which works best for you. The openness to peoples’ various beliefs is sincere and sound.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Fort Wayne.
