Enjoy a relaxed afternoon mindfully creating cards of compassion using collage and paint. Because art can offer a way of exploring things that trouble us and allows us to practice getting to a non-judging place, it can be a useful way to grow compassion. You do not have to consider yourself an artist to enjoy this offering!
Compassion begins when we can accept all aspects of a person, letting go of judgment and recognizing the universality of the human condition. Using collage and paint, we will compassionately explore something troubling us. It could be different aspects of ourselves: what we like to present and what we prefer not to show in public; it could be a strained relationship, it could be trying to have compassion for a friend… you decide what you would like to work on (although we suggest that you start small). We will explore our feelings on postcard size paper and write messages of compassion and encouragement on them. You have the option of having us mail these cards of compassion to yourself or the intended recipient later in the month.
Space is limited. All materials included. Please pre-register so that we can set up the space accordingly.
About Our Mindful Creativity Classes
The BDC Mindful Creativity classes offer creative ways to explore the teachings of the Buddha. Using arts, crafts and/or writing methods, facilitators from our community will lead creative activities with the purpose of expressing the wisdom, inspiration and compassion of the Dharma.
You do not have to practice Buddhism or have prior experience with the art form to join; everyone is welcome.
There will be a suggested sliding scale fee which includes registration and materials costs for every meeting; scholarships are available on request.
Sample Meeting
● Welcome/introduction
● Meditation (10-20 minutes)
● Introduction to creative activity.
● Creative activity
● Group sharing on the experience of practice or the reading
● Clean up
● Short closing sit and Dedication of Merit
Background on Creativity and Buddhism
Creativity, innovation and imagination have been part of the Buddhist tradition since the first century BCE when the oral tradition of Theravada evolved into the narrative sutras of the Pali Canon etched into palm leaves. Statues of Buddha were created in the 3rd century Pyu period of Burma. The Dunhuang caves of China revealed a multicultural collection of 5th century Buddhist manuscripts and mural paintings. Tibetans have created thangkas and mandalas for 1,300 years inspiring the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism. The history of Zen in Japan is replete with poems, drawings, paintings and books based on Buddhist themes. Modern western Buddhism is currently producing art, in all its forms, as an exploration of the Buddha’s teachings. Our Mindful Creativity Group will continue this tradition.
