The Art of Bonsai

If you’ve been to Peace House lately, you may have noticed our new resident – a tiny bonsai perched on a table downstairs. This ancient artform is one that Zen Buddhists (and before them, Chinese monks) perfected over 1,300 years. What began as a bid to preserve natural trees found high in the mountains, developed into pruning techniques designed to remove all but the essential parts of these trees, reflecting the Japanese philosophy and belief that “less is more.”

At Peace House, we aspire to the ancient wisdom and meaning of the bonsai. We are a living institution, carefully and artfully tended to grow in beauty but not in size. We hope our presence, whether you enter or not, inspires a greater sense of harmony and balance in the community. Amid the daily chaos of our tumultuous, hyperactive world, we hope it reminds you that small is, indeed, beautiful. That less is more.

Our programs remain modest, but this week we include an additional 30-minute guided hybrid meditation. Each morning at 7:00 am, join “Morning Leaves of Mindfulness” with Bhante Kusala to support you in setting a tone of clarity and calm to begin your day.

In peace, judy

Meditation

Morning Leaves of Mindfulness Meditation
Monday through Sunday, 7:00 - 7:30 am (hybrid)

Devotions to the Buddha, Morning Chant & Meditation
Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 9:45am

Midday Silent Meditation
Monday through Friday, 12:30 - 1:30pm

Wednesday Mettā (Lovingkindness) Meditation
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm

Thursday Meditation & Sutta Study
Thursdays, 6:00 - 6:55pm EST (hybrid)

Friday Maranānussati (Recollection of Death)
Fridays, 6:00 - 7:00pm

Saturday Beginner’s Mind Q&A
Saturdays, 9;00 - 10:00am

Sign up here for all meditation offerings. Click here to join Morning Leaves of Mindfulness, and here to joinThursday Sutta Study via zoom.

Silent Retreats

Upcoming Sundays: November 17, December 1, December 15, 1-4pm

Join us at for a half-day, self-guided silent retreat. This is quiet, electronics-free time for you to spend however you need. Bring a book, journal, or other quiet activity, or spend time on the cushion.

Come Meet Us!

Curious about Peace House? Interested in a longer conversation with Bhante Kusala, Bhante Samitha, Busshin or our director, judy? We are all available for 1x1 conversations in a cozy chair with a warm cup of tea. We’d love to see you!

Community Programs

Christian Centering Prayer Third Tuesdays, including November 19, December 17, 5:30-6:30pm

Applying the fundamentals of centering prayer from the Christian faith tradition, Rev. Mary Leahy, a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, will give a brief practice instruction and then work from Thomas Keating's The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living. This touchstone offering will be an opportunity for beginners to acquire a familiarity with the practice and for more mature contemplatives, an opportunity to pray with others.

More information here.

Opportunities for Alms-GIving

On weekdays from 11:00 - 11:15 am, the Bhantes walk for alms-food in the neighborhood (piṇḍapāta). Come along and put some food in their alms bowls! Sign up here . The Bhantes will be notified and look forward to receiving your alms offering at 46 Lee Street, Cambridge, MA (Wilder Play Area outside of West and Lee Streets near Peace House). More questions? Visit our Q&A page.

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