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 week on Saturday, September 19, we meet both on line at our web site and in person at the New Haven free public library main branch from 10:30 am to Noon with Lee. We will support each other in silent meditation and share a dharma talk and conversation about the benefits of karma and living an ethical life as they impact on a peaceful life. An ethical life lived in awareness with a pure mind leads to joy.
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See the Dhammapada section on choices for what the Buddha said about what we are:

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​“Speak or act with a pure mind

And happiness will follow you
As your shadow, unshakable."

Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below:
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"This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds. To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the movements of a dance."
— Gautama Buddha

Following Joy's dhamma talk, these recommended links will deepen your practice:

WISDOM OF THE LEAVES

“One Autumn day I was in a park and I looked at a very small beautiful leaf, it’s colour was almost red. It was barely hanging o the branch nearly ready to fall down. I spent a long time with it and I asked the leaf a number of questions. I found out the leaf had been a mother to the tree.

We usually think that the tree is the mother and the leaves are just children but as I looked at the leaf I saw that the leaf is also a mother to the tree. The sap that the roots take up is only water and minerals, not sufficient to nourish the tree, so the tree distributes the sap to the leaves, and the leaves transform the rough sap into an elaborated sap with the help of the sun and air and then send it back to the tree for nourishment. Therefore leaves are also a mother to the tree…

I asked the leaf whether it was scared because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was very alive. I worked hard and helped nourish the tree, and much of me is in the tree. I AM NOT LIMITED By this form. I am the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon….

And after a while I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soul dancing joyfully. Because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy. I have a lot to learn from the leaf because it is not afraid – it knew nothing can be born and nothing can die.”

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

ECI Online Sits

Sunday Sit at 7:30 am Community meditation Sunday, 7:30–8:30am ​ Join us via Zoom here

Weekday Morning Sit Community meditation Monday through Friday, 7:30–8:30am Join us via Zoom here

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​View an archive of recent newsletters​

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.
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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:
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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.​
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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

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