Gathas: A Simple Way To Joy

Class Description:

How would you like to become  an Instant Bringer  of Joy? Gathas are four-lined, unrhymed poems expressing happiness for the big and little in life! Derived from ancient Sanskrit, “gatha” means “song” or “hymn”. Gathas are a lively form of expression, embraced by people from all walks of life.  Relax with us as we savor sumi-e art—create gatha-songs inspired by that art—and enjoy time together. No experience is needed for this fresh, spontaneous writing! You’ll emerge enlivened by a practice that can be taken everywhere you go-and treasured as uniquely yours. Taught by instructor Mary Lynn Oertel.

Instructor Biography:
Mary Lynn Oertel is an educator, lecturer and curriculum developer with an M.A. in World Literature from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, and a B.A. in English and French education from The University of Iowa. Her path has included K-12 education, English As A Second Language at Drake University’s International Center, Des Moines Area Community College, and GrandView University. Zen Buddhist  practice led her to study of gathas. She incorporates gatha-writing as a meditative practice and joy-bringer into her daily life. She sits zazen with Prairie Oaks Sangha, deriving pleasure from its collective wisdom. She has also been a participant with The New York  Zen Center For Contemplative Care. As a novice maker of art, she likes to work with charcoal, oil pastel chalk, acrylics and oil paints.She is currently learning both art and poetry from the Zen artist Jacqueline Kramer, affiliated with the Zen Peacemakers.

Fee Structure:

Price is $10 for members and $35 for non-members. All proceeds donated to the renovation of the Historic YWCA Building.