Heartwood Mandala

05/22/2026

Interested in learning about how Buddhism came to the West? Watch a 16-minute video created by Master Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche, revealing the lineage story, on our website under the Academy tab: “Pre-Recorded Self-Paced Studies.” Link to the website in bio!

“It is true that Buddhism has been re-established in India, and all the traditions and schools in the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana are present now in America. But we face our own problem: How do you make sense out of so many voices from so many cultures?

Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have taught 84,000 different dharmas to help living beings with at least that many different karmic conditions and afflictions. He taught different methods because living beings are different, and they need unique ways to evolve toward Buddhahood.

He also taught that we all have what we really need. We possess the same Buddha nature, or Dharmakaya, of a Buddha — only we have not yet awakened to that fact. These different methods are to help us find our way.”

#8400

04/24/2026

A Time of Renewal

After a complex and busy time, the Heartwood monastics will be entering a week of retreat to integrate the many recent changes and to engage in more intensive practice so as to bring clear and present minds and “internal serenity of heart” to the days ahead. The local sangha has also opted to take this opportunity for retreat and reflection, so Heartwood will be closed from April 26th- May 2nd. Venerable Soma will be spending the week at Quietude in Black Mountain, Kedara will be spending the week at Empty Cloud Monastery in NJ, and Bhusita will be in seclusion at the retreat cottage on Heartwood’s property. Joe Rogers will be offering the Dharma Talk on May 3rd. May all be auspicious and may all be well and happy.

“I’ve taught you the one who studies a lot, the one who advocates a lot, the one who rehearses a lot, the one who thinks a lot, and the one who lives by the teaching. Out of sympathy, I’ve done what a teacher should do who wants what’s best for their disciples. Here are these roots of trees, and here are these empty huts. Practice absorption, mendicant! Don’t be negligent! Don’t regret it later! This is my instruction to you.” AN 5.73

04/23/2026

This photo of Venerable and is beyond precious! It’s a cause for happiness - enjoy! 😊❤️

For the past few months we have been engaging in Dharma contemplations on Wednesdays! Today’s discussion went so well we’d like to share it with you. We encourage you to be with this passage in a heartfelt way - Take the contemplation and allow it to lead you to new levels of insight. How can this shape your practice from now on? What might you need to refine or let go of? What does it mean to exchange self with others?

“If the wish for awakening does not genuinely arise within my own heart, how could it ever truly extend to others? If I turn away from my own suffering, ignore it, or meet it with indifference, then the suffering of others will remain distant and abstract, something I speak of but do not feel. Therefore, I begin here: acknowledging my own longing to be free from pain, confusion, and fear—not as a selfish act, but as the ground of understanding. Just as I wish for happiness and freedom, so too do all beings, without exception. In this shared condition there is no real separation. Seeing this, I train my mind to exchange self and other, to loosen the tight grip of ‘me’ and ‘mine,’ and to let concern widen naturally. From this recognition, bodhicitta is not forced or fabricated—it grows, steadily and sincerely, as the heartfelt wish that all beings, me included, may be free from suffering and awaken to boundless compassion and wisdom.”

Shantideva and the spirit of the Bodhicaryavatara

04/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to honor Venerable Pannavati in person or online. It was a very special day. Our deepest gratitude to First Congregational Church UCC Hendersonville Connection for offering their beautiful and light-filled church and livestream support -and to Luminosa and Executive Chef Graham House for offering delicious award-winning food for the reception. What incredible kindness!

We carry our dear teacher in our hearts and vow to actualize her teachings.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Venerable Pannavati“No coming, no going, no birth and no death.”The deepest gratitude to ...

04/06/2026

Venerable Pannavati’s memorial is this Saturday at First Congregational Church at 1735 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28739. The service will be from 1-3pm and will also be shared via livestream at that time. https://www.youtube.com/

We really look forward to celebrating the beautiful life of Venerable Pannavati together and with those who join via livestream.

Deep appreciation to First Congregational Church UCC Hendersonville Connection for their generous offering of location and online support!

04/04/2026

It all starts with cultivating community… May the Dharma flourish forever more! 🙏❤️🚜🌾

03/27/2026

Join DharmaVoci every last Friday of the month for music and tea, from 5-6:30pm at Ginkgo Tea in Downtown Hendo!

It’s a vibe! 😊🍵🎶

03/20/2026

Many hands make light work! 🪽

03/17/2026

With hearts full of joy and reverence, we offer our deepest congratulations to our dear Sister, Ayya Saddha, on receiving the “Outstanding Women in Buddhism” Award for 2026. 🪷✨ May this beautiful recognition, shared alongside 17 noble women—including Bhikkhuni Shih Ceng Da A Wang De Ji and Bhikkhuni Kurunegala Dhammadini—be a shining light of inspiration on the path. 🙏🏆

From losing everything in a fire to finding refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, Bhikkhuni Saddha’s path began with a single turning toward truth. Through years of seeking, study, and perseverance—often without support—she became part of a new wave of women reclaiming the Bhikkhuni lineage across Cambodia and beyond. “May other Cambodian women be strong to walk the path with determination—may our practice bear fruit in Dhamma.”

Visit iwmcf.net to learn more about the Outstanding Women and their spiritual paths and accomplishments, benefiting all sentient beings.