Editorial
by Devin Ashwood

In this issue, we open to the concept of 'birth'. It seems an auspicious time to be contemplating birth as the evolving process of Dancing Mountain’s birth takes form. This edition contains the summary of a pivotal meeting between core Dancing Mountains group members considering the form Dancing Mountains will take. Legal, structural and decision making issues are discussed which will affect the direction Dancing Mountains takes as it grows and the next pivotal meeting is announced. Thank you to the Community Of Interbeing for their support and to Frances for her great efforts in documenting the event.

The dharma talk ‘Where are all the buddhas born?’ that is included in this issue was given at the end of the last year by Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi and transcribed by Chris Brown. I found it most moving, for me it is the kind of talk that doesn’t simply convey teachings as transmit them. I found myself moving from reading to practising as my eyes moved over the page. Also, if you ever wondered where the name ‘Dancing Mountains’ came from, this explains all... so know that if you are part of Dancing Mountains, you are where the buddhas are being born. Enjoy!

Dharma Talk
Where Are All the Buddhas Born?
by Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi

We have humbly arrived at the occasion of our great benefactor, Shakyamuni Buddha, resolving to sit still under the Bo Tree, until realising the way... Read more...

News
Update and Development of Dancing Mountains
by Frances Collins

Since 2008 Dancing Mountains sangha has continued to grow and develop. With the release of this 12th newsletter our global communications have been enhanced through our Faceboook page at Dancing Mountains Read more...

Book Review
The Snow Leopard
by Peter Matthiessen

‘Just as a white summer cloud, in harmony with heaven and earth freely floats in the blue sky from horizon to horizon following the breath of the atmosphere-in the same way the pilgrim abandons himself to the breath of the greater life........ Read more...

Event Report
Rohatsu Sit December 8th 2010
by Michael Elsmere Ko Gan Mu Ju .

In November we discussed as a sangha the possibility of being in union with other Buddhist communities around the world by joining them in the traditional Rohatsu Sessin from 3rd to 8th December that traditionally celebrates Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment. Read more...

Article
Birth
by Michael Elsmere Ko Gan Mu Ju .

It is a typical winter day here in South Devon. Masses of grey cloud surge in from the Atlantic bringing fierce wind and ocean tasting rain. A close friend is dying and in the midst of my deep sorrow I wander my garden trying to come to terms with this news. Read more...

Extract
Hakuin's "Song of Meditation"

from D.T. Suzuki (1935) Manual of Zen Buddhism.

Sentient beings are primarily all Buddhas:
It is like ice and water.
Apart from water no ice can exist:
Outside sentient beings, where do we find the Buddhas?
Not knowing how near the Truth is.
People seek it far away.--what a pity! Read more...

Next issue of Mountain Silence
The Spring edition with a theme around "Engaged Buddhism". We welcome your articles, poetry, pictures, letters, retreat reflections and book reviews! Spring issue publication date: 21st March, deadline for submission of material 8th March.

Get involved

Facebook group
For general discussion and socialising about Dancing Mountains and related events on Facebook, please click the link above. Business matters and decisions are made separately via an email list - please contact us if you want to be part of this.

Local Contacts
Visit the Local Groups webpage for details of Dancing Mountains groups in your area, and the Diary for their regular meeting dates and times.

Next issue
Spring issue publication date: 21st March, deadline for submission of material 8th March.
Submissions to the Newsletter/Website:
Devin Ashwood, 07875 155464
Address: 18 Westfield, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0BT
devin@dancingmountains.org.uk

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