Monks to lead Day of Mindfulness for Merced

Living a life that allows one to die without fear is the focus of the annual Day of Mindfulness for Merced, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

“There was a great teacher, Shantideva, an eighth-century Indian Buddhist monk, who noted that although we all say we seek happiness, in our pursuit of happiness we destroy it,” host Jule Biesiada said.

“Therefore it is not that we want a good quality of life which presents a challenge but perhaps the method we use in our attempt to attain it. Through mindfulness-based practices, we are offered an opportunity to address issues related to understanding the deeper meanings and development of generosity, altruism and ethical discipline; patience, zeal, meditation and wisdom, which is part of the base of inner freedom; and the Spirit of Awakening,” she said.

The Day of Mindfulness for Merced endeavors to provide a safe place for people to explore learning how to live in order to know how to pass through the last stages of life.

“In other words,” Biesiada said, “it is about the importance of developing the courage to live a true and earnest life that allows one to die without fear, regret or remorse.”

The Day of Mindfulness for Merced is a silent retreat with instruction for sitting practice, mindfulness meditation, walking meditation and yoga stretches. Held in Biesiada’s home, it will be led by Sri Lankan Theravadan monks.

“We may practice what is meant by ‘paying attention moment to moment in a nonjudgmental way,’ as ascribed by Jon Kabat-Zinn,” Biesiada said, “which allows us to notice how our thoughts need to be consistently suspended in order to not judge and instead to simply witness the moment. This is one of the ways to be in the present moment.”

There will be a silent lunch break, marked by a sharing of food and gentle group alert silence.

“There is time to speak to the monks individually during the lunch break, or after, for those who wish to do so,” Biesiada said. “At the end, the monks do chanting and individual blessings.”

Attendees are welcome to spend the entire day or only a part.

“We would just ask for them to come in and join in wherever we might be at, and as mindfully as possible,” Biesiada said.

Guests are asked to avoid cologne and perfume to avoid distracting others who might have sensitivity to such things.

Mary Wood is looking forward to a day dedicated to silence and mindfulness.

“There is so much suffering in our world,” she said. “To spend one day aspiring to feel a heart big enough to hold it all is a rare treasure. I am grateful to step outside of my normal distractions for one day and just be present within the refuge the good monks are offering us.”

This story was originally published December 11, 2014 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Monks to lead Day of Mindfulness for Merced."