Byvalla
buddhist community
A spirituell meetingplace
Visions and goals
A vision and a goal can be good but only if we can live in the present moment. If we live only in the future, it has little or no value. If we are grounded instead in the present moment, it can create an inspiration for us. Learn about the vision and then let it be in the background. What matters are the present, the meeting with each other and a loving approach to life.
A vision
The aim of the community is to create a place and a situation where we can support each other's spiritual development. However if we are in a phase in our life where we do not meditate, it is important not to hinder others to do so.
We will, as best we can, live in harmony with nature and the environment, and eat vegetarian food at the common meals. We sort out the garbage, compost and use eco-friendly electricity. There is a shared respect for nature and the environment.
The goal is to build a community that goes a little deeper than just living together and trying in various ways to create an open and generous home for people to meet. We take responsibility for our own feelings and do not project them on others and we will develop our ability to communicate and relate to each other. A good relationship with others always starts with a good relationship with ourselves. Therefore meditation is important.
Some days we might want to be by ourselves and want to be in silence. Other days we might like to socialize. With good friends, we can do what we want, with the best of friends, we can do nothing. We are working to get rid of guilt and shame, which suppress our deepest emotions.
When we are there together we will meditate twice a day, morning and evening. We are there to support each other's development. We leave television back at home. If you want to use the computer, such as for work, you should be in your room to avoid disturbing others. Radio will be available in the kitchen. We try to avoid any electronic interference as much as possible. Silence is all we need.
The house will also be used for courses and activities that benefit personal growth.
We will work with some of those things that are written above, over the weekends as part of our training. Every year we do at least two retreats together. Meditation and a healthy approach to life is the foundation of our development and cooperation.
What type of Buddhism?
I myself come from the Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism and my teacher Akong Rinpoche, who recently passed away, lived in Samye Ling, Scotland. Amongst the various branches of spirituality, there can easily be disagreement if each person is holding too tightly to their own tradition. It's called politics and is something I want to keep away from. What is important is compassion and that we develop presence, peace, joy and love. I will continue to respect my teachers but I am also open to other schools.
Who am I?
I who have taken this initiative is Sture Johansson
I have been meditating since 1976 and spent eleven years at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery Samye Ling in Scotland. During that time, I also completed two years of a four‑year retreat. In addition, I have done individual retreats for about one year in total. Since 1999, I have been working at Hälsans Hus in Stockholm with acupuncture, counselling, and mindfulness courses.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting many important Buddhist teachers. Akong Rinpoche has influenced me more than anyone else; his boundless compassion showed me things I never thought possible. There are no words for the gratitude I feel. I also want to mention Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, who was a great support during my retreat.
Other teachers who have made a strong impression on me are Mingyur Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, Situ Rinpoche and Ringu Tulku. I have completed a one‑year training with Mingyur Rinpoche and am now a certified AAM (Anywhere, Anytime Meditation) teacher.
I cannot claim to have achieved anything in particular — I continue to learn from every day and every encounter.
Links
NEWS:
We have now finished several retreats since 2012. Despite a simple accommodation everybody liked the courses. In neighboring property we rented meditation room, bedroom, toilet and shower. Here are some pictures from the retreats.
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