<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Flowering Lotus Meditation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Offering the opportunity to learn from Buddhist teachers from all over the world. We welcome you!]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 03:53:16 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.floweringlotus.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Beyond Walls: Carrying the Sangha Within the Heart of the South]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the early days of the Buddhist tradition, the "Sangha"—our community of practitioners—was defined not by the walls of a temple, but by the dust of the road. Historically, the Buddha and his disciples were known as wanderers. They traveled across the Indian subcontinent, sharing teachings with anyone they met. It was only during the heavy monsoons of the Vassa, or the "Rains Retreat," that they would pause to seek shelter. For the rest of the year, the Dharma was on the move. At Flowering...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/mobile-sangha</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e83c1aa96d49e56eca0e07</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:37:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_b9ed80ca57854cfda653aaeed7696448~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_919,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[On Playfulness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Image by  Free-Photos  from  Pixabay   	If the Internet can be believed, Albert Einstein once said “Understanding physics is child's play...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/on-playfulness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6894d938e597530529f4c353</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:05:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_a4fa14717046428080762b2fed242bd8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_731,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honoring Juneteenth: A Dharma Reflection on Liberation, Compassion, and Interconnection]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honoring Juneteenth: A Dharma Reflection on Liberation, Compassion, and Interconnection On this solemn and sacred day, we pause in deep...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/honoring-juneteenth-a-dharma-reflection-on-liberation-compassion-and-interconnection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">684672f83f9d19c9670c4bcd</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:15:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_092f02af72a74098a4c5ac71d0ea82a4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embracing Pain, Change and Freedom]]></title><description><![CDATA[This blog post is from our Dharma Simplified Study we do on Sunday nights. As we continue this journey of exploring the Buddha’s...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/embracing-pain-change-and-freedom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68467485e0f98f52e29da2f2</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:48:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_b2ae8b8e18134b72862867e5d7e5237a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[On Forgiveness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Depending on where and when and how (and by whom) you were raised, the word “forgiveness” might have a lot of different connotations for...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/on-forgiveness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6839186b6be3ccb4d3fdc23e</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 02:37:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_49939f97ffa9438991df846c42348f87~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_295,h_224,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Stay Conscious During Troubled Times]]></title><description><![CDATA[By David Chernikoff I was recently sitting quietly in the rocking chair in my home office reflecting on what felt like a koan that many...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/how-to-stay-conscious-during-troubled-times</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67e9bd743c6e86d187150084</guid><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 22:00:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_05370ad5b7274c8595f6779979d45ff2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Four Truths That Can Transform Your Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Understanding the Four Noble Truths: A Path to Freedom and Peace  The Four Noble Truths, are the foundational teachings in Buddhism. You...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/the-four-truths-that-can-transform-your-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6796c4be4b4f21d5ea072613</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:32:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_4e771d352cf1412a81870529c2fb5e5d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Noble Silence: A Guide for Your Retreat Experience]]></title><description><![CDATA[Embarking on a meditation retreat can be a transformative journey, and if you’ve come across the term "noble silence," you might be...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/understanding-noble-silence-a-guide-for-your-retreat-experience</link><guid isPermaLink="false">677a1e66ae443e9cce8b0d0a</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:00:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_5343d8b4e1fd4f2084b40c1110c17457~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Dharma Anyway?]]></title><description><![CDATA[You can listen to this blog on our podcast.. https://open.spotify.com/show/7nOpPGs89wZdfu3BkMwKn2?si=613480d5f531408d What is Dharma...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/what-is-dharma-anyway</link><guid isPermaLink="false">678468259c8be061d6a1bacd</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2025 01:22:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_72fcf095fb9f4ceca88f961e43c5b49d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Seeds of Mindfulness: Reflecting on 2024 and Blooming into 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[Together, we have continued to nurture our mission of providing a healing refuge for all.]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/seeds-of-mindfulness-reflecting-on-2024-and-blooming-into-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6779e1c14631621cd80f5541</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Jan 2025 03:03:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_4ec4ca850e1144ec88a732ed23c9f05c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Art of Stillness: Exploring the Transformative Nature of Solitude]]></title><description><![CDATA[Taking time for solitude can feel unusual. Yet, finding time for silence can give you a chance to recharge and reflect. This post looks...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/the-art-of-stillness-exploring-the-transformative-nature-of-solitude</link><guid isPermaLink="false">676185b4d2057084f3096ac2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:10:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_820f59faea914fa6bc401100e5196553~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[My Silent Meditation Retreat Journey]]></title><description><![CDATA[Attending a Silent Retreat – My experience   When I started meditating 50 years ago, I was in an intimate group setting in a church...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/my-silent-meditation-retreat-journey</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66bd167dbb37414f754f445b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:42:02 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>bettyobrian</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are Meditation Retreats?]]></title><description><![CDATA[What are meditation retreats, and why are they important for mental and spiritual wellbeing? Most of us have busy lifestyles with work,...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/what-are-meditation-retreats</link><guid isPermaLink="false">663a7f76a60369e33d5a97f8</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2024 18:30:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_15301c270cd240318b0bcff42406729e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>bettyobrian</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why try different meditation techniques?]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I was  a young adult, few people in the West even knew about meditation or why it is different from prayer.  Raised in the Bible...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/why-try-different-meditation-techniques</link><guid isPermaLink="false">663a801b6667c665967e189f</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:30:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_d6e42ca0ebe64b0da8e81ecd857beb46~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_341,h_362,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>bettyobrian</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Mindfulness and How Does it Relate to Meditation?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mindfulness is a mental state characterized by awareness and attention to the present moment, without judgment. It involves consciously...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/what-is-mindfulness-and-how-does-it-relate-to-meditation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">663a80c8b3e9ffb07f44e415</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 14:15:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_c4e9776a1d5840e191f1d6a256d5f2ea~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>bettyobrian</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Participating in a Meditation Retreat]]></title><description><![CDATA[Participating in a meditation retreat can offer a myriad of benefits for both mind and body. When you think of getting away from it all,...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/the-benefits-of-participating-in-a-meditation-retreat</link><guid isPermaLink="false">663a81237bbd7422e66bb632</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2024 14:15:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_4859fbc341c043aca2ae24ea0f44c420~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>bettyobrian</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for incorporating mindfulness into daily life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Incorporating mindfulness into daily life can greatly enhance your overall well-being and help you navigate through life's challenges...]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/tips-for-incorporating-mindfulness-into-daily-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">663a81fc53dc8130d4c4fda8</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2024 17:33:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6dd333_06c0ff2ce5c141b48a518ead5ee6098b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_600,h_777,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>bettyobrian</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unlock Inner Peace: A Beginner's Guide to Learning Meditation]]></title><description><![CDATA[At its core, meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts. It is often used to promote relaxation]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/beginner-guide-to-learning-meditation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">657745a8da18d459b677a5c4</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:42:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_015e1315c9084e7880779e2de68abaf6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Compassion Unveiled: Embracing Kindness through Buddhist Teachings]]></title><description><![CDATA[Compassion is not a passive state but an active force that has the potential to transform lives and create a more compassionate society. ]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/compassion-unveiled-embracing-kindness-through-buddhist-teachings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64d491da50c6d5d5a8436875</guid><category><![CDATA[Buddhism for all]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:38:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_5413e47398994ec5b4d628f9aa211e3d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Tranquility: How Buddhist Meditation Techniques Benefit Everyone]]></title><description><![CDATA[Embracing these techniques, you can find tranquility amid the chaos, deepen self-awareness, &#38; embark on a  journey towards inner peace.]]></description><link>https://www.floweringlotus.org/post/finding-tranquility-how-buddhist-meditation-techniques-benefit-everyone</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64d483b0bf1eac2d83a2ee8b</guid><category><![CDATA[Buddhism for all]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:34:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2847_12110fb3d04f4f5b94ee880614d4801a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>floweringlotusms</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>