[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] TOMORROW - PLEASE READ - Haiku & Bonsai at the National Arboretum - Sunday June 30, 1-3pm

Hi all,

Hope to see you tomorrow for haiku at the national arboretum! There is a *slight* change in location because I learned picnics are only allowed in one area of the arboretum. Please meet me at 1pm at the nice and shady Grove of State Trees picnic area (large circled area on the map below) where I will share writing implements/paper and brief instruction on haiku. From there, we will take a quick 10 min walk (or you can drive) to the Bonsai & Penjing Museum (the small circled area in the map below) where we'll find inspiration in beautiful bonsai! As you're ready, you can head back to our picnic area to share haiku with others and enjoy snacks and drinks. Bathrooms and parking are available both near the picnic area and near the bonsai museum.

It will be hot tomorrow, so please stay hydrated and bring a hand fan or whatever you need to stay cool. I will have some water and writing implements/paper to share, but please consider bringing drinks, snacks, your own notebook and pen, and a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

Can't wait to see you there! Please feel free to contact with any questions :)

<3 Judy

Begin forwarded message:

From: Judith Lavelle <lavelle@bu.edu>
Date: June 14, 2024 at 8:54:59 AM EDT
To: IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv <downtowndharma@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Sangha Activity - Haiku & Bonsai at the National Arboretum - Sunday June 30, 1-3pm



Hello!

To help usher in summer, I'm excited to organize a sangha "mini event" for those interested :)

What: Please join us for a casual afternoon of haiku-writing and bonsai appreciation! This will be a picnic-style event where we can write haiku, explore the National Arboretum's bonsai exhibit, and enjoy nature and good company. (Haiku are short, accessible poems that typically evoke nature and contemplation of the present moment. Find examples of famous haiku here.)

When: Sunday, June 30, 1-3pm

Where: National Arborteum (3501 New York Ave NE) -- Come in through the R St Gate entrance for cars and pedestrians. We will meet in the field next to the bonsai exhibit off Ellipse Road. See map of the arboretum grounds at the bottom of this email. The field we will meet is in marked with a red X icon. Parking and bathrooms are nearby.

Who: There is no participant limit, and everyone is welcome. Feel free to bring a friend! No experience with haiku necessary--beginners are most welcome!

How: We can go over simple instructions on how to write haiku. Some pens, paper, and handouts on haiku will be provided, but please bring your own pen and notebook if you can. Please also consider bringing a picnic blanket/lawn chair. Some drinks/snacks will also be provided, but please also considering bringing more for yourself/to share.

Questions? Please reply to this email to reach me at lavelle@bu.edu.

<3 Judy

Meeting Location:

Further Resources on Haiku:

These are completely optional! No need to explore them before you attend.

Article: Haiku: A Whole Lot More than 5-7-5

This comprehensive article covers a linguistic perspective on the differences between Japanese and English haiku, as well as some principles ("rules") of haiku and the traditional haiku masters.

Article: Why Haiku Holds the Flavor of Zen

This brief article explores the Zen nature of haiku and connects the form to some principles from Western writing, if folks are more familiar with that.

Podcast: Writing and Haiku as Spiritual Practice (Tara Brach Interviews Natalie Goldberg)

Discussion on haiku, its relationship to spirituality, and Goldberg's book Three Simple Lines begins in earnest at 10:35.

Site: The Monthly Tricycle Haiku Challenge

This site is a hub for Buddhists interested in writing and sharing haiku, including submitting to a regular contest.