Well That was super cool!  A Tea sharing teleconference over skype.  I never expected that.

Listening to the sound of the bell (well ok, it sounded a bit like an alarm clock -- but mindfulness can transform that.. maybe we need to ask skype for an "invite bell" feature!)  Bowing in, and bowing out -- type (bow) to get that -- dancing figures and funny faces, stories, poems, a virtual skype tear, photos, video links, songs, (each person singing a line, since all of us singing together would overload skype).  Three of us monastics shared some tea together while listening in and sharing, Sr. Chan Khong appeared, Brs. Phap Trien Vien Tuan did a impromtu rap, "for life", and Br. "Fast Track" and Sr. Jewel made guest appearances.  Inspiration online.  Not as good as in person for sure, but still amazing!  here's the quote from Neslon Mandela that Bart shared...

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

It seemed we learned that it might be good to have a facilitator planned beforehand -- to get things going right away -- wonderful job on that Patrick! Also to do a brief check-in to hear everyone's voice and see how people are doing might be wise to connect the group (since you can't see each other).

OK folks go for it.  Organize a conference call Dharma sharing over skype with your friends!  I highly recommend it.