ASCenter
The Arlington Street Center for Liberal Religious Inquiry and Spritual Practice
Inquiry is an approach to religious commitment and education that is deeply rooted in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Practice is equally important, as we seek to translate our ideals, values, and spiritual insights into action in our personal lives. With these principles in mind, the ASCenter offers programs that explore the principles, history and practice of the Unitarian Univeralist tradition; the Jewish and Christian roots and influences of liberal religion; resources and wisdom from world religions; study of Sacred Texts; appreciation of spiritual themes in literature, art, music and drama; and discussion of critical social issues facing our contemporary society.
Current Events
Summer triple play: Beat the heat, watch a movie
&
engage in interesting conversation
Sunday, July 25th, 12:30 pm, in the cool Parish Hall
Join us for a screening of the movie Gran Torino, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Drawing from her sermon, The Evil I, Sarah Richards will facilitate a discussion of portrayals of evil and good, disconnection and community, following the screening. Popcorn will be provided!
Buddha’s Belly — The Buddhist Book Discussion of the Arlington Street Zen Center
Please pick up Pico Iyer’s wonderful new book, The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, and plan to read it over the summer. We’ll reconvene on Tuesday evening, September 14th, at 6:00 pm, and promise a lively discussion! From September through June, Buddha’s Belly meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 6:00 pm. It is followed by gatherings of the Arlington Street Zen Center with seated meditation, walking meditation in the Public Garden, a dharma talk, and conversation, beginnig at 7:00 pm. All are welcome!
The Wednesdays — Arlington Street’s Literary Salon
If you’d like to prepare for the autumn salon (starting in November), Professor Alan Helms has some light summer reading to recommend (!): The Death of Ivan Ilych, Death in Venice, and As I Lay Dying… You get the idea… !
All are welcome.
About ASCenter Groups
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Arlington Street Zen Center
Leader: Kim K. Crawford Harvie, Senior Minister
Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month
Time: 7:00–8:30 pm
Location: Hunnewell Chapel
An evening of meditation practice. Sessions include seated & walking meditation, Dharma talk, and conversation. This practice is open to all, both beginning and experienced practitioners.
The Arlington Street Zen Center always follows the Buddhah’s Belly Reading Group.
Buddhah’s Belly Reading Group
Leader: Lois Hartsough
Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month
Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Location: Hunnewell Chapel
TheBuddhah’s Belly Reading Group meets twice monthly to discuss issues of spiritual practice from a Buddhist perspective. Members come from many different faith traditions and religious practices. The group has discussed works by Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Saltzberg, Pema Chodron, Sylvia Boorstein, Shunryu Suzuki and others.
Kundalini Yoga
Leader: Jean Ko Stewart
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Location: Hunnewell Chapel
Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter his or her age or physical ability. It is a complete system of yoga that includes breath (pranayam), yoga postures (asanas), sound, chanting (mantra) and meditation. It is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your Kundalini.
The word “kundalini” literally means “the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved.” It is a metaphor, a poetic way of describing the flow of energy and consciousness that already exists within each one of us. These practices enable you to merge with, or “yoke” with, the universal Self. This merging of individual consciousness with universal consciousness creates a “divine union” called “yoga.” (Excerpts from the book Kundalini Yoga, the Flow of Eternal Power, by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa.)
Note: Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably made of cotton or other natural, breathable fiber. Avoid eating immediately before class. Also, there is a $10 fee for this course.
For more information, visit the 3HO website.
The Wednesdays Literary Salon
Leader: Professor Alan Helms
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Location: Frothingham Library
Join Professor Alan Helms, Arlington Street Church members and the general public in a book group. Professor Helms guides discussions of specific works of drama, literature, and poetry.
Sacred Eros
Leader: Desmond Ravenstone
Date: Fourth Monday of each month
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Perkins Room
Sacred Eros is a monthly discussion group at Arlington Street Church, providing a safe and supportive space to explore questions about sexuality from a spiritual and ethical perspective.
We usually meet on the last Monday of each month (excluding holidays) in the Perkins Room at 7:00 pm. All people over 18 are welcome, and participants are expected to respect one another and keep personal matters discussed confidential.
Talking Our Walk
Leader: John Sacco
Date: Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 5:30–6:30 pm
Location: Perkins Room
A wonderful, supportive atmosphere, facilitated by our own John Sacco, awaits in this open discussion group: not a substitute for therapy or medication, but a different kind of healing. The group meets the third Wednesday of the month. Please speak with John or with Rev. Kim for more information.
You are not alone!