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Mark Helsel: The Steward Council (Joel, Walter and Tehri in attendance) held a meeting this morning and also in attendance were myself, Shelley and John from the Program Committee. During the meeting we decided that we would hold a *Sukhavati for Rhonda on Wednesday July 8th during the time of the regular practice session (starting at 3:45) at HoA and Zoom. There will be no hour long sit and the entire time will be dedicated to Rhonda. We will have the normal zoom link so that her friends and family from the US can attend if they like. I believe that Rhonda has many friends in the Ajijic non-buddhist community that may also be interested.

*Sukhavati Service (according to ChatGPT & Google AI): Honors the life of our friend. Acknowledges the reality of impermanence. Generates and dedicates merit to Rhonda. Expresses the aspiration that she may experience a fortunate rebirth—traditionally, rebirth in Sukhavati, where conditions are ideal for awakening. Offers comfort and support to family, friends, and the sangha.

JULY 2026: Ego’s Games – Attachments, Hooks, Obstacles

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Wednesday, July 8^th, 3:45 pm, Buddhist Memorial Ceremony for Rhonda F.

Sunday, July 12^th, 11-12:30 pm, Pema Chodron Q&A video

REGULAR OFFERINGS

SUNDAYS

1^st Sunday, July 5^th, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Three “rounds” of sitting and walking meditation, come for 1, 2, or all 3 hours

All other Sundays, 9:00-10:00 am, Meditation

Approved Independent Program: Josef Cuellar Sangha: 10:30 am–12:00 pm, July 19th and 26th, meditation, Dharma talk & discussion

WEDNESDAYS –  Also offered via Zoom – find the link at www.heartofawareness.org

July 1st, 3:45-6:15 pm, meditation, Dharma video, discussion

July 15th, 3:45-6:15 pm, meditation, Dharma talk or video, discussion

July 22nd, 3:45-6:15 pm, meditation, Dharma talk or video, discussion

July 29th, 3:45-6:15 pm, meditation, Guided Meditation & Practice, Walter Wesley, Dharma talk, discussion

Every Wednesday following meeting: Dinner at a nearby restaurant, all are invited.

THURSDAYS, 1:00-2:30 pm, Practice/Book Study Group (No need to own the book).  All welcome!

There is no fee for our regular offerings, and all are welcome!

SPECIAL OFFERING

HoA sponsored: Monday, June 8^th,  3-4 pm, Meditation for Peace and Healing

REGULAR OFFERINGS

SUNDAYS

HoA Program

1^st Sunday, June 7th, 9 am-noon, three “rounds” on the hour of sitting and walking meditation, come for 1, 2, or all 3 hours; subsequent Sundays: 9-10 am 

* * *

Approved Independent Program

Josef Cuellar Sangha: 10:30 – noon, meditation, Dharma teaching & discussion

WEDNESDAYS –  All are invited.

At the HoA facility (also offered via Zoom – find the link at www.heartofawareness.org)

Social time: 3:15-3:45

Sitting and walking meditation, 3:45-4:45

Teaching (live and/or video) & discussion, 4:50-6:15      

June 3rd:  3:45-6:15 pm, Meditation, Dharma video, discussion

June 10th: 3:45-6:15 pm, Meditation, Marty Janowitz, Sr. Teacher, Dharma talk, discussion

June 17th: 3:45-6:15 pm, Meditation, Marty Janowitz Dharma talk, discussion

June 24th: 3:45-6:15 pm, Meditation, Dharma video or talk, discussion

THURSDAYS   All are welcome.

1-2:30 pm, Practice/Book Study Group, Meditation, reading, lively discussion, book provided.

There is no fee for our regular offerings, and Dana is much appreciated.

We are pleased to share that long time Buddhist scholar and practitioner, Joseph Rio Cuellar, will be facilitating meditation and Dharma recordings at the HoA facility on Sundays from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm, beginning on 24/05/2026.

Joseph has been an Ajijic resident for many years, and throughout that time has generously supported the cultivation of Sangha through hosting gatherings held both in his home and in the homes of others. He has also led and co-led a number of well attended retreats, including retreats attended by members of the HoA.

Please note: The HoA Steward Council approved and welcomes this proposal as an independent offering by Josef Cuellar. While shared within the HoA community, this offering is independently organized and presented by Josef and is not an HoA-sponsored activity. There will be no changes to the current HoA schedule, and Sunday meditation will continue from 9:00 am-10:00 am, and on the first Sunday of every month from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. 

On Wednesday, to attend remotely via Zoom, click the following link:  HOA Wednesday Zoom Access

(NOTE: a small message box may appear as you enter Zoom. Click “Got it!” to enter the meeting in Zoom’s “Focus Mode.”).

Wednesday, April 29th: 3:45 pm – 6:15 pm: Meditation, Dharma video, discussion

6:15 pm onward: Dinner at a nearby restaurant

Every Thursday: 1-2:30 pm

Practice/Book Study Group – all welcome, no need to own the book

Sunday, May 3rd, from 9-noon: 

Meditation  –  come for one, two, or all three hours.

Steward Council meetings are open to all HoA members. To support an orderly and effective meeting, attendees who are not Steward Council members are asked to hold comments and questions until the Chair opens the floor for general member participation. Thank you.

Welcome and join us for a wonderful retreat with Marty Janowitz!  Click on the link below for details, and also see the message from Marty below:

Retreats & Programs — CASA WERMA

Message from Marty Janowitz:I am guiding a weekend retreat at Casa Werma in Patzcuaro in May (22nd- 24th), which will also be available on Zoom.   It is designed to appeal to both a Mexican (primarily in Patzcuaro but also beyond) and expat community in an open, mixed group, with translation. It has worked well in the past. 

The program is also intended to be low-cost (click on the link for full details), especially accessible to the Mexican community. The program will be a blend of meditation (guided and group) and study, including approximately 7 presentations, group Q&As, and discussion circles.

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. The food is very good (prepared by wonderful Mexican cooks).  Last time we had one car (mine) drive from Ajijic (about 4-4.5 hours) on the toll road….This time, I am hoping there will be at least a few more from here – we can assist in arranging car pools.   

With Metta,

Marty

REGULAR OFFERINGS:

On Wednesday, to attend remotely via Zoom, click the following link:  HOA Wednesday Zoom Access

(NOTE: a small message box may appear as you enter Zoom. Click “Got it!” to enter the meeting in Zoom’s “Focus Mode.”).

Wednesday, April 22nd: 3:45 pm – 6:15 pm: Meditation, Dharma video, discussion

6:15 pm onward: Dinner at a nearby restaurant

Every Thursday: 1-2:30 pm

Practice/Book Study Group – all welcome, no need to own the book

Sunday, April 26th, from 9-10 am: 

Meditation

With Metta,Your Volunteers at Heart of Awareness

REGULAR OFFERINGS, April 15-19th, 2026

On Wednesday, to attend remotely via Zoom, click the following link:  HOA Wednesday Zoom Access

(NOTE: a small message box may appear as you enter Zoom. Click “Got it!” to enter the meeting in Zoom’s “Focus Mode.”).

Wednesday, April 15th: 3:45 pm – 6:15 pm: Meditation Instruction

6:15 pm onward: Dinner at a nearby restaurant

Every Thursday: 1-2:30 pm

Practice/Book Study Group – all welcome, no need to own the book

Sunday, April 19th, from 9-10 am: 

Meditation