Meditation Class
Instructional sessions are usually two hours in duration; the class sequence of five sessions is held in South Elgin.
There is no obligation except your commitment to undertake the entire sequence of instruction. Classes are led by Deb Wright, a graduate of
the Advanced Study and Practice Program at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.
In this tradition, the teachings are offered freely; if you consider them of value, an offering is considered appropriate
($25-$50 suggested). The choice to offer something in return is entirely up to you. For more information on the philosophy and practice
of dana (generosity), click here.
To inquire about meditation classes, please contact Deb.
The materials on this page support our meditation class. Although they are available to anyone who visits the site, they are meant to be used in conjunction with practice under the guidance of a mentor or teacher. NOTE: Click on a Week to see the content. Click again to close that section.
This week, we will introduce mindfulness meditation as taught over 2500 years ago by Siddhatta Gotama, known as the Buddha.
Mindfulness meditation is the entry level for both vipassana, or insight, meditation
and samadhi, or deep concentration of mind. Mindfulness training effectively quiets the mind and awakens us
to what is actually happening without distraction or distortion. This clear seeing helps us to respond wisely to whatever arises in
our experience, and is a good preparation for other styles of meditation.
"When we look for happiness, we tend to look far away. Even when we're meditating, we tend to look far
away from where things actually are. Everything we need to know, the Buddha says, lies in this fathom-long
body with awareness."
"Vedana (Pali): Feeling; the pleasant, unpleasant or neutral feeling tone that arises with all experience;
one of the five aggregates."
"If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase."
"It is the very mind itself
As you continue your practice, it is helpful to have the support of community with others who are also making the effort
to integrate mindfulness into daily life. After completion of this class, you are invited to meet weekly with EAIM's regular sitting group
on Tuesday evenings from 7 - 9 p.m. for meditation and discussion.
