"Between the Senses Gate and Conflict", Dhamma Talk with Lee, July 25


We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation.

Dear Sangha,


This Saturday, July 25, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet for meditation, small group discussion and a dhamma talk by Lee Barbera about what " happens between the sense gates and conflict ", perception, occurrence, and preconditioning.

To read more about what the Buddha had to say on this subject, please review one of the links below to access a downloadable file of the Madhupindika or the Assutava Suttas :

Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below:

Kuan-Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Ceremony 7/26/26

Chuang Yen Monastery (Putnam County, NY) will be holding a ceremony to commemorate Kuan-Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment. The ceremony will be held from 10:00 am. to 12:15 pm. on July 26, 2026.

Joy plans to drive up and leave New Haven about 7 am. If you would like to ride with her, click below to prepare an email.

Everything just as it is,
as it is, as is.
Flowers in bloom.
Nothing to add.
- Robert Aitken, Roshi, As it Is

How does Buddhism view people living with disabilities?

As July wraps up, a reminder that this month highlights the intersection of the LGBTQIA family and those with disabilities.

Some religious and worship groups loudly discredit and dehumanize individuals on both sides of this reality. In this brief video, the "Enthusiastic Buddhist" explains the meaning of karma.

The Light That Shines Through the Universe

April 2026 – Fall 2027

Spur, a public space 'made by people, for people', a direct ride into New York City brings one to 30th Street and 10th Avenue for an experience with sculpture from Tuan Andrew Nguyen that reminds us humanity has a long history of diversity that co-exists.

Lecture and meditations accompany the sculpture on:

August 5, 12:30 – 1:30pm
October 10, 2:30 – 3:30pm

SIMPLE SIT in August with ECI

Our facilitators will take a break from facilitation next month. Saturdays will feature Simple Sits throughout the month of August.

Tips for Bringing Mindfulness to Your Next Vacation

There’s a reason why the saying exists: I need a vacation from my vacation. Research suggests that the benefits of time off can wane within a week of returning to work. A 2010 study of 1,500 vacationers and non-vacationers suggested that those who went on vacation were not actually happier when they returned than their non-vacationing counterparts.

The key difference between the two cohorts, the researchers found, was in the planning: vacationers who injected more relaxing experiences into their vacation time reported higher levels of post-trip happiness. Additionally, researchers saw vacationer pre-trip happiness as an “indication of vacationers looking forward to their holiday.”

So it might not just be the holiday that counts — it’s how you plan the vacation. Consider incorporating these three mindfulness tips to maximize your next vacation (or weekend). READ MORE

...“ those who went on vacation were not actually happier when they returned than their non-vacationing counterparts “
Elisha Goldstein, mindful.org 3/2018

ECI Online Sits

Sunday Sit at 7:30 am

  • Community meditation
  • Sunday, 7:30–8:30am

Weekday Morning Sit

  • Community meditation
  • Monday through Friday, 7:30–8:30am

Sangha NOTES

Dana

Dana, the practice of generosity, supports teachers in continuing practice and the lineage of Buddhist teachings. If you benefit from these practices and from this community, please consider supporting us. Dana is currently used to support our website, arrange visiting dhamma teachers, help to feed the New Haven community in need, and support the New Haven Free Public Library in gratitude for their generosity in providing our Saturday meeting space.

The easiest way to contribute is through this link where you can make a donation via Venmo or with a credit or debit card (via PayPal, no account required). Alternatively, if you want to send a check, please address it to:

Elm Community Insight
PO Box 6195
40 Putnam Ave
Hamden, CT 06517

Volunteering

We are seeking volunteers to assist with future Saturday Sangha meetings, including setting up, greeting visitors, and providing technical support at the Library. One way to help is to arrive early at the Library (~10:10 am) to help set up the room for Saturday Sangha. Thank you!

Community Resources

Melanie Stengel is the Sangha's Goodwill Ambassador: if have a need for concrete support (e.g., dog care, food, furniture moving) or emotional support (e.g., going through a hard time, would appreciate check-ins or visits), please reach out to her for coordination by clicking here: SanghaGoodwillAmbassador.

For supportive telephone conversation, warm lines are another resource. These phone lines are staffed by people with expertise in providing mutual aid. A list of Connecticut's warm lines is available here.

Our Community

Find more information about us, learn more about community meditation resources, or subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website at: elmcommunityinsight.org

40 Putnam Ave, PO Box 6195, Hamden, CT 06517
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