Change Your Mind Day 2005

Albany, New York

"I don't want to change my mind," said one of the first speakers at the Third Annual Capital District Change Your Mind Day in Albany. "What I do want is to develop a mind that is strong, steady, clear and aware." Within this framework, for the next several hours participants encountered a variety of practices they could use to reach that goal.

A solid group of the both the curious and converted gathered on a beautiful spring day at the Interfaith Chapel House at the State University of Albany. Set in a wooded grove and garden the Chapel provided an ideal setting in which to share Buddhist practices.

The twelve presenters from nine traditions provided instruction in meditation, guidelines for everyday living (Mindfulness Training), and practices to help deal with negative emotions, cultivate compassion, prepare for death (both our own and others), steady the mind and develop insight. The day was also enlivened with chanting, drumming, singing, physical exercises (lujong), inspirational reading and dialoging.

Among the many highlights of the day: what do you do when a stranger intentionally and repeatedly kicks over your statue of Buddha; how does an inflated balloon help clarify Dependent Arisingl; and a rousing series of Buddhist musical parodies.

Everyone left with smiles and much to contemplate.

Louis Kuziomko