Meditation Class
The materials on this page support our four week 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.
Week 1 - The Basics
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.
For more about mindfulness, see Jack Kornfield's article, "Doing the Buddha's Practice" (Shambhala Sun, July 2007).
Week 2 - Mindfulness of the Body
"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."
--Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Week 3 - Mindfulness of Feelings
"If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase."
--Epictetus
Week 4 - Mindfulness of Thoughts
"It is the very mind itself
That leads the mind astray;
Of the mind,
Do not be mindless."
--Takuan Soho
Continuation - Integration of Practice in Daily Life
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 at Deb's house on Monday evenings from 7 - 9 p.m. for group meditation and discussion.
Advanced - Mindfulness of Dhammas
The fourth foundation of mindfulness investigates the principles underlying our experiences and the factors that inhibit or facilitate meeting this life with wisdom.
