Merging Hearts Holistic Center

Sunday November 15, 2009 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gangkar Tulku Rinpoche, Head Lama of the Dzindu Monastery in India, and the Tibetan Buddhist monks are currently touring the US to spread the message of love, compassion, and wisdom, and to provide an opportunity for the public to learn about ancient Buddhist traditions through teachings, prayers, and ritual ceremonies.

Wednesday, November 11th, Gangkar Tulku Rinpoche and the Tibetan monks  offered a Puja (blessing) at The Merging Hearts Holistic Center to bless the site and all those in attendance. 

Gankar Tulku Rinpoche and the Tibetan Monks

11/11/09 Gankar Tulku Rinpoche is a celebrated Tibetan spiritual leader and head of the Dzindu Monastery in Tibet. At the age of four he was formally recognized as the third incarnation of Gankar Tulku, the great master of the Dzindu Monastery, whose second incarnation was killed in the atrocities committed by the Chinese after they invaded Tibet in 1950. At five, Gankar Tulku Rinpoche was ordained a novice monk, and his care and education were entrusted to a great Buddhist master, Tara Tulku Rinpoche. At ten, he entered Drepung Loseling, the largest Buddhist monastery in the world, where many of the greatest Buddhist scholars have been trained. When he was twenty-one, he was ordained by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. In 1996 he was awarded the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest academic honor attainable in the Buddhist world. He has completed his advanced studies at the Gyuto Tantric University, graduating with the highest honors, and now continues studying directly under His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Rinpoche is presently based in India at the Drepung Loseling University but travels yearly. He leads tours with groups of monks, some of whom are scholars, musicians, and artisans, and participates in many public events, forums, and conferences. He is the founder and director of Khacholing Center in Minnesota and Tardo Ling Center in San Francisco, and continues to work for the rebuilding of the Dzindu Monastery in Tibet. Spreading messages of peace, harmony, and fellowship wherever he travels, Rinpoche is sought after for his spiritual teachings and is a world ambassador for Buddhism.

Buddhist Concepts Explained Mandalas: Mandalas are created whenever a need for a healing of the environment and living beings is felt. Tara: The female deity Tara is regarded as the embodiment of the enlightened activity of all of the Buddhas. Tara is evoked for the elimination of all forms of fear, and to accomplish one's positive activities. Empowerment: The transference of a Buddha's power or grace that inspires a sacred peace of mind and a strengthening of the life force that restores balance and health. White Tara: Goddess Tara in the form of White Tara is known for granting health, longevity, and wisdom. Medicine Buddha: A powerful practice to heal external physical sickness, and the internal sickness of anger, desire, ignorance, and jealousy. Thus, engaging in Medicine Buddha has the benefit of leading to both inner and outer healing. The practice also increases one's healing power, so that one can help others more effectively. Puja: A blessing performed on a home or office and the persons within.                           The Four Noble Truths 1. Life means suffering. To live means to suffer, because the human nature is not perfect and neither is the world we live in. 2. The origin of suffering is attachment. The origin of suffering is attachment to transient things and the ignorance thereof. 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. Suffering can be ended by attaining dispassion. 4. The path to the cessation of suffering. There is a path to the end of suffering - a gradual path of self-improvement. It is the middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self-mortification (asceticism); and it leads to the end of the cycle of rebirth.   The Noble Eightfold Path The Noble Eightfold Path describes the way to the end of suffering, as it was laid out by Siddhartha Gautama. It is a practical guideline to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments and delusions; and it finally leads to understanding the truth about all things. Together with the Four Noble Truths, it constitutes the gist of Buddhism. Great emphasis is put on the practical aspect, because it is only through practice that one can attain a higher level of existence and finally reach Nirvana. The eight aspects of the path are not to be understood as a sequence of single steps, instead they are highly interdependent principles that have to be seen in relationship with each other. 1. Right View. To see and to understand things as they really are. 2. Right Intention. Commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement. 3. Right Speech. To tell the truth, to speak friendly, warm, and gently and to talk only when necessary. 4. Right Action. Unwholesome actions lead to unsound states of mind, while wholesome     actions lead to sound states of mind. 5. Right Livelihood. One should earn one's living in a righteous way. 6. Right Effort. Without effort, which is in itself an act of will, nothing can be achieved. 7. Right Mindfulness. The mental ability to see things as they are, with clear consciousness. 8. Right Concentration. Concentration on wholesome thoughts and actions.    A tulku  is an enlightened Tibetan Buddhist lama who has, through phowa and siddhi, consciously determined to take birth, often many times, in order to continue his or her Bodhisattva vow. The most famous example is the lineage of Dalai Lamas; the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is held to be the fourteenth mindstreamGendun Drup (1391–1474). It is held in the Vajrayana tradition that the oldest lineage of tulkus is that of the Karmapas (spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu lineage), which began with Düsum Khyenpa (1110-1193). People generally address reincarnate lamas with the honorific title Rinpoche  (rin-po-che), which means Precious One.

Merging Hearts has a booth at the Farmers Market in downtown Canton, OH during the warmer months of the year. The last Farmers Market for this year was on Oct 10 and here are a couple photos from that day.
We are there as a non-profit organization and do not sell any products. It's a way to introduce the Merging Hearts Holistic Center to folks in northeast Ohio.

This ceremony allows people to remember, honor and sometimes grieve those who have passed on to the spirit world. In past years, it has proved to be very powerful and healing. Included are various types of meditations designed to give you the opportunity to commune with departed loved ones (including pets) and the building of a community altar in which people may briefly share a memory of a deceased loved one. In addition, there was a Silent Feast held before the ceremony. This is an ancient tradition in which deceased loved ones are invited to share a meal with us. A setting is put out for all those in spirit, favorite foods are cooked and the meal is generally eaten in silence (or at least part of it is) giving people a chance to commune with those on the other side of the veil.

Instead of 4th Friday this month, we had a Halloween Costume Party on 5th Friday. Our once-a-month Friday gathering is a chance to get to know each other better in a casual social atmosphere.And this month we got creative and had some extra fun wearing costumes.
 

Date:  Friday, June 19, 2009

Time: 6:00 pm

Address: 7618 Eberhart Rd, Bolivar, OH 44626

Labyrinth maker, Arthur Clarke has created a powerful energy site called the "Gates of Isis" for a client in the Bolivar area.

Members of Merging Hearts Holistic Center were kindly invited to 'activate the gates' on Friday, June 19th. 

Arthur stated that "we will be accessing the higher Divine realms of love and stepping into the Divine role we came here to play.  We will be one Heart with many voices."

The activation ceremony lasted about 2 hours.  

Please contact Arthur at        creativehealthconcepts@yahoo.com.for more information about The Gates of Isis.

Thanks to all who joined us for this powerful, Divine-filled ceremony!

Your Soul's Plan:Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born 

with Robert Schwartz, Author and Cathy Daniels, Hypnotherapist

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Robert Schwartz, author of the book Your Soul’s Plan: Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born, will discuss why we ourselves plan our greatest challenges before we’re born. Working with four gifted mediums and channels, Schwartz researched the pre-birth plans of dozens of individuals to determine what they had planned and why. His book contains ten true stories of people who planned physical illnesses, having handicapped children, deafness, blindness, drug addiction, alcoholism, losing a loved one, and severe accidents. The book presents the actual conversations souls had with one another when they planned their lives together.  Suffering that once seemed purposeless becomes imbued with deep meaning; negative feelings are healed and replaced by acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, and peace.  Please visit www.YourSoulsPlan.com for more information.

Cathy Daniels, certified hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, and Natural Health Educator will discuss the process of using hypnosis for past-life regressions and between-life regressions.  She will share some of her past client experiences and will entertain your questions.  She will be available to schedule your own past-life or between-life regression session.  Visit her website at www.onegentlespirit.com.

Blessing of our New Site

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, we conducted a Gratitude Service at our former site: the Loft of the New Vision UCC.  We are grateful for the wonderful space that housed our many sacred sessions and fostered our individual and collective growth. 

We then continued our Sunday service with a Blessing of the new home for Merging Hearts.  Stronghawk (Virgil Russell) and Shining Star Bear (Pam Fitch) conducted a sacred Native American Pipe Ceremony to bless our new space.  Our sincerest thanks to Stronghawk, Shining Star Bear and all those who attended this special ceremony.

Shining Star Bear and Stronghawk after the ceremony. 

New Center is at  5590 Lauby Rd, Suite 4B, North Canton, OH 44720

Oneness Blessing with David Altman  

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2009

Admission: $10

 Love, Happiness, Good Relationships, Inner Peace... Do these words describe your everyday life? Would you like them to be? Experience the Oneness Blessing™And join the Mass Awakening that is happening here and now!

What is the Oneness Blessing™?

 The Oneness Blessing is basically a process of transferring divine grace through the Oneness Blessing giver who becomes an open vessel. This  brings about a shift in human consciousness. The shift in human consciousness is brought about by affecting a neurobiological change in the brain. Amma and Bhagavan, the founders of the Oneness University, maintain that the brain is the center of all experience that we have in our life. Depending on how the brain centers are activated or deactivated is the quality of your experience of life. So, whatever is your intellectual understanding, whatever your spiritual wisdom or anything, unless it has impacted the physical structure of the brain there is not going to be a real shift in your experience of reality; all that could happen is you could have a better understanding of life, but not a better experience of life.

Benefits of the Oneness Blessing™

• Re-pattern negative life programming.
• Release traumas that have been stored at the cellular and energetic levels.
• Facilitate deep emotional and physical healing.
• As the sense of separation leaves, one feels a deeper connection with all that is.

Our Oneness Blessing™ facilitator,  David Altman, has been on a spiritual path for over 20 years. This path lead him to the Oneness Movement on 30 June 2007, with the arrival of Ria Roth Oneness Facilitator from Dayton, Ohio. So impressed with the personal changes that seemed to come easy to him after receiving the Blessing, that he completed his training and initiation as a Blessing Giver at the Oneness University in Fiji, on 12 Sept 2008. He has stated that his whole purpose in life has changed, and priority now goes to the Oneness Movement and the Blessing. “I will be giving Blessings to as many and as often as people are accepting of it.” David said. He currently serves the Sandusky, Ohio and surrounding areas as well as Green Springs, Ohio.

Awareness: A Journey to Wholeness Workshop

with facilitator Christopher Hewitt during two days:

Saturday, March 21 and Sunday March 22

This seminar explored the timeless understanding of the principle of Awareness.  Awareness is an essential state of being in our collective and individual journeys to attaining our purpose and our desires.  Through interactive discussion, exploration of Perennial Philosophies, and dynamic group activities, participants had an opportunity to grow in their understanding of The Human Condition, Our Being Nature, and a process for transformation which has been expressed by almost all cultures and schools of thought throughout history.

This seminar drew heavily from the works of Eckhart Tolle, present day understanding of the principles of healing/wholeness, and the collective insights/desires of participants.

Participants had the opportunity to gain insights and application techniques/skills designed to assist in moving measurably forward on their personal journey to Wholeness (Life Desires/Goals and Intentions) as well as have the potential to assist significant others.  

An Evening with John of Old, John of New, the Apostle Phillip, and author Sharon Prince!

Friday, February 20, 2009 - 7:00 pm

This was an incredibly powerful evening as we were in the presence of three highly-advanced spiritual beings. 

 We heard:

• John Davis, the reincarnation of John the Beloved Apostle, talk about potential in the context of Jeshua's teachings,
• Michael Baumann, the reincarnation of the Apostle Phillip, speak about his experiences with working with the earth's energy grid and about his past incarnations,
• Sharon Prince, author of John of Old, John of New, speak about her close connection with Jeshua, the spirit world and her experiences since the book was written.
  

Pictured: Michael Baumann and John Davis at the Sea of Galilee.

Life Bliss Meditation Class Saturday, Feb 14, 2009

Master Teacher Masivananda from the Vedic Temple in Delaware, OH conducted this meditation technique cognized by Paramahamsa Nithyananda.  In this workhop, the participants learned a highly effective mediation technique which beautifully blends the timeless techniques from Patanjali Yoga Sutras to Tantra from Shiva Himself. 

The five steps of the Life Bliss Meditation are Chaotic Breathing, Intense Humming, Chakra Awareness, Unclutching, and Gratitude.  A tiny step inwards could catapult you to discover amazing possibilites in every aspect of life.

Also see website: http://www.vedictempleohio.org/

Realm to Realm Workshop - Sat, Jan 24, 2009

Angel Reader, Laura Lyn Wissler presented a beautiful evening full of spiritual enlightenment.  During this program Laura Lyn shared with each participant what she saw and heard around them!  This included aura colors, angels, spirit guides and loved ones from the other side.  Participants will enjoyed combination of aromas, music and crystals to set the mood. 

Fee:  $25 for 2-hr workshop. 

Be sure to visit Laura Lyn's website at http://www.angelreader.net/ .

A Dialogue with Two Medical Intuitives - December 4, 2008

Authors Sarvi Asnani from New York City and Kelly Prosnier from Woodstock, New York shared stories and cases about their work the past few years as medical intutitives.  They work with individuals to promote wellness, healing, balance and enlightenment.

Following their presentation and questions, they were available as a team for personal consultations. Those who saw Sarvi and Kelly privately reported profound experiences.

Sarvi and Kelly will return at a future date.  Visit this site often for updates!

Pictured: Sarvi Asnani, Brad Graef, & Kelly Prosnier

John of Old, John of New - November 22, 2008

Imagine being told by several psychics that you walked with Jesus two thousand years ago. This is what happened to John C. Davis, a comedy performer of over two decades. How would you react? John decided to find a regression therapist and get the answers once and for all. The regression revealed what many had already told him: he was the reincarnation of John the Beloved Apostle.

After experiencing through regression the enormous Love of the man called Jeshua, John decided that he had to share his stories of spiritual healings and miraculous events that have transpired in this life as John C. Davis and to share the messages that were given to John so long ago.

Two thousand years of interpretation of scriptures have affected their meanings. If we are here to come to know God, would God make the path so difficult that we could never find our way? The message brought forth from the regression is that the pathway to God is simple: LOVE. No Dogma, no ceremony, just Love.

It is for each of us to find our connection to God within us. Find Love and you will find God, for God is Love. It is simple, not esoteric. It is a message for all and does not exclude any religion or individual.

Discover more about John and his journey at www.johnofnew.com.

Note:  John will be returning to Merging Hearts Holistic Center for healing sessions on Sat, Dec 20.  See the Calendar for more info.

On Phoenix Wings - Oct 13, 2008

On Phoenix Wings is a partnership between Brian Borrell and Linda Eckstein.  They presented the Language of Light, a form of spiritual communication that allows the participants to develop connections with their spirit guides, guardian angels, ascended loved ones and other helpful spirits.  Through the use of divine language, spirit beings are able to convey messages,  visions, emotions and guidance that can assist the individual on their spiritual path.  Many people have had life-change encounters during Language of Light and share experiences of extraordinary reassurance, comfort, support and guidance.  Many attending this evening will receive a personal Language of Light reading followed by discussion and interpretation of the visualizations received.  Phoenix Vibrational Healing may also be applied to help one facilitate clearings of deeper emotional issues, painful blockages, stagnation in personal growth and physical ailments that may be hindering your ability to life your life in complete joy and harmony.  Join us for another magical, spirit-filled evening when On Phoenix Wings returns on March 16, 2009!

"Awakenings" - an 8-week workshop held during October, November and December of 2008 for victims of sexual abuse.

It's time to wake up your soul and heal!  Enjoy therapeutic use of music, art therapy, spiritual affirmations, psychosocial therapy and much more to strengthen your soul and learn healthy ways of being!  Awaken to a healthier life!

For: Adult men and women who have experienced sexual abuse.

Cost: Most insurances accepted.  No insurance?  Call 330-639-0395 to discuss an affordable fee designed specifically for your lifestyle.

Facilitators: Diane Moreno, LISW, ACSW, Therapist and Jeanne Grimes, BS, MS, sexual abuse survivor.

Peace Picnic - September 21, 2008

Our first annual Peace Picnic, held in celebration of the International Day of Peace, was a huge success!  There was great food, wonderful presentations, and superb music and drumming!  Thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful day! Check out all the great photos!

Thanks to everyone who attended and volunteered!  We'll see you again next year! 

The Lightworker Intensive Workshop presented by Linda Schiller-Hanna and Kym McBride - June & July 2008

Participants in this course of study learned about the aura, chakras, energy balancing, toning and many other mind-body connections.  They also learned how to contact spirits, read the future and practice effective prayer systems.  In addition, everyone received a past life reading.  As expected, by the end of the six class sessions which extended over the months of June and July in 2008, all had bonded into a spiritual family with a shared passion and commitment to service.

Linda Schiller-Hanna has taught intuitive development for more than 25 years and has given readings to more than 25 thousand individuals.  She has lectured at the ARE and was recently heard on WHBC's Ron Ponder radio show. Visit her website at http://www.lightworker22.com/.

Kim McBride has been a professional reader for more than five years and is a gifted photographer, acts and does motivational speaking.  Visit her website at http://www.kymmcbride.com/.

Realm to Realm - Angels & Aura Workshop with Laura Lyn Wissler - May 6, 2008

Angel Reader, Laura Lyn Wissler presented a beautiful evening full of spiritual enlightenment.  During this program Laura Lyn shared with each participant what she saw and heard around them!  This included aura colors, angels, spirit guides and loved ones from the other side.  Participants enjoyed a combination of aromas, music and crystals to set the mood.  Visit Laura Lyn's website at http://www.angelreader.net/ .

Native American Pipe Ceremony by Strong Hawk

On Saturday, March 22, 2008, a wonderful sacred Native American Pipe Ceremony was conducted by  Strong Hawk (Virgil Russell) to help bless our new site at the New Vision United Church of Christ.

This ceremony was an ancient traditional way to bring a focus to our prayers in communion with all our relations. A very heartfelt THANK YOU to Strong Hawk for a special evening of spiritual blessings.  Our gratitude is also extended to Shining Star Bear (Pam Fitch) and Yellow Squirrel (Salina Carper) for their roles in the wonderful ceremony!

Strong Hawk has been apprenticed to a Choctaw elder for over 13 years learning Native American wisdom and traditional ceremonial ways.  He is both trained and experienced in conducting vision quests, sweat lodges, house blessings and sacred pipe ceremonies.  He also offers teaching srom an ancient Ojibwe drawing known as the Peace Shield. It is Strong Hawk's vision to incorporate ancient wisdom into our community's need to redefine masculinity. He can be contacted at stronghawk@excite.com or via his website http://www.stronghawk.com/.  

Edible and Medicinal Plants by Eric Fitch

Eric Fitch, a Park Ranger with the Summit County MetroParks provided us with an entertaining and informative class on Edible and Medicinal Plants in Feb 2008.  Eric shared his knowledge gained from his degree in Recreation and Wildlife Management and from Native American elders, who gathered and used herbs in a sacred manner.  Eric brought many reference books, herbal teas, salve, lip balm, grinders, strainers and other devices he uses to process herbs. 

Eric's wife and son joined us also and shared their knowledge of Native American flutes and played a few melodies!  What a great bonus to this wonderful evening!

Sherri Powell, Astrologer

In January of 2008, Intuitive Master Astrologist, Sherri Powell, (left in picture) explained many of the astrological terms, discussed the sun signs and mercury retrograde, the full and new moons and gave a detailed forecast for each sign of the zodiac for 2008.

Author of When Ghosts Speak and Consultant to the hit TV show "Ghost Whisperer," Mary Ann Winkowski spoke to a capacity crowd in December of 2007.   She told of her experiences of seeing earthbound spirits since childhood and how she helps spirits go into the light and onto the next plane of experience.  What a great event!