Triple Gem of the North was established in 2003 as a non-profit
organization dedicated to the study and practice of the teachings of
the Buddha. Triple Gem of the North sponsors meditation and sutta
study classes, as well as meditation retreats.
Triple Gem of the North is also heavily involved in various disaster
relief efforts such as Tsunami relief in Sri Lanka and Hurricane
Katrina. This is done in the spirit of the teachings of the Buddha.
Triple Gem of the North contributes to the relief efforts by
building new houses, helping to repair damaged houses and sponsoring
children.
Throughout 2005 we have continued our mission through the events and
functions as noted below.
Classes started January 3rd with the Monday Night Dhamma session at
the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Mankato. The group
was honored to receive Sister Ani Pema later in the month as well as
at a retreat held on the 15th at Phat Ân Temple.
On January 25th, Bhante Sathi traveled to Sri Lanka with a group of
relief workers to help Tsunami survivors. Sister Ani Pema
graciously led classes in his absence.
In March, Bhante Sathi returned to lead the weekly Meditation and
Sutra study classes. The Friday night sessions were moved from
Phat Ân Temple to Heartwood Mindfulness Center in Minneapolis.
There was also an Interfaith meeting on the 7th and retreat at Phat
Ân Temple the 19th.
April and May included a speech, "Is War Moral", at MNSU along with
retreats at Rochester University and Northfield Zen Meditation
Center .
Over the summer, Triple Gem of the North launched the monthly
newsletter "Insight: Voice of Wisdom".
Included were articles from various contributors, weekly class
information, and upcoming events.
In May, a Vesaka day celebration was held in Mankato which was well
received by all who attended. On June 3rd the Friday night
class, along with various members from the Mankato group, celebrated
in Minneapolis which included a pot luck picnic afterwards at
Longfellow Park.
There was a half day retreat on July 23rd at Williams Nature Center
in Mankato .
July 16th Bhante Sathi was invited to attend the Temple Opening
Ceremony in Rochester, MN and an Interfaith meeting at Blue Earth
Library organized by the Islamic Center of Minnesota.
July also included the arrival of Venerable Bhante Punnaji to
observe a three month retreat with Bhante Sathi. A very
successful public talk was given by Bhante Punnaji "Ariva magga
bayana (The Sublime Way)" at Phat Ân Temple followed by a one day
retreat in September. Bhante Punnaji and Bhante Sathi also
participated in a Robe Offering Ceremony at Great Lakes Buddhist
Vihara in Michigan followed by a Kathina Ceremony in Eden Prairie,
MN to end the retreat.
Bhante Sathi started leading a meditation class in Chanhassen, MN
July 30th.
Augsburg College sponsored a one day retreat on August 13th.
In September, Bhante Sathi led meditation programs in Mankato, MN
for Life Works employees and at Hope Interfaith Center. He was
also a participant at the Dhammawheel Buddhist Center opening in
Florida and extended his relief work to visit and hold a youth
counseling program for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
A speech about Buddhist practice was held October 2nd at Mount
Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, MN.
OOn October 8th, an evening retreat was hosted by Bhante Sathi and
Richard Price at Richard's home in Chanhassen, MN. Bhante led the
group through meditation, a discussion on the "Five Precepts", and a
tea and social break.
Another retreat was held October 29th at Leisure MN, with AA. The
following evening a retreat was held at Sun Moon Yoga Studio in
Mankato, MN.br>
NNovember started with a lecture on the fundamentals of Buddhism at
Blue Earth County Library.
Vhante Sathi returned to Sri Lanka on November 23rd to continue
Tsunami relief works. He would return in December with classes
resuming the 19th.
The organizations website, /font>
www.triplegem.org (by David Lampert) does a tremendous service
all around the world which is maintained by Lee Weston and Marc
Johnson. Our official e-mail address is
info@triplegem.org/font>.
Over 100 people receive mailings from Triple Gem of the North.
Ongoing classes in Mankato, Minneapolis and Chanhassen, MN,
supported with regular retreats, have the Triple Gem of the north
congregation expanding on a daily basis.
View Annual Report 2004