Start Date: Saturday, July 13, 2013
End Date: Saturday, July 13, 2013
These Saturday or Sunday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic ways to set up our meditation and a traditional Buddhist meditation form that is compatible with any religious belief are taught on each half-day workshop. Monthly workshops alternate between focus on Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness) meditation practices.
For a grounding introduction to the practice of meditation and/or Buddhism a combination of meditation workshops and/or an evening class is recommended. Any series or day can also be taken on its own. No prior experience is necessary for introductory level events. All of these courses are also appropriate for practitioners with some experience who wish to refresh their practice.
Foundation Meditations
At Aryaloka we begin with traditional meditations. Each is a path to awakening and a basis for other forms of meditation, such as the Brahmaviharas and Anapanasati meditations, which we teach for experienced practitioners.
Foundation practices belong to the broad class of samatha meditations which develop calm, concentration and a still, pliable mind that is open to insight and deep reflection.
- Mindfulness of Breathing is a practice that helps us to develop a calm, clear, and focused mind. With mindfulness we develop concentration and awareness. A concentrated mind, flexible and alert, is poised for insight into the nature of mind and life itself.
- Metta Bhavana (cultivation of loving-kindness) is a method of working with our hearts and mind together, allowing us to enjoy greater positivity towards others and ourselves. With practice, metta flowers into compassion and equanimity.
- Just Sitting practice is an open or ‘formless’ meditation of direct awareness of our present moment experience.
- Walking meditation is mindfulness and metta in motion, following the Buddha’s way of bringing awareness into all our activities.
This month’s topic: Mindfulness of Breathing
At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. The Sustaining price is for people comfortably paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford the occasional meal out and movie. The Sustaining price level also helps Aryaloka offer lower prices to those who could otherwise not afford to attend. Any payment above this price is a tax-deductible donation. Mid-Level prices are for those who have a regular income and are paying their mortgage or rent. Prices at this level contribute to the range of Aryaloka’s operating costs. The Base-Level price is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. Those whose circumstances are not included above can call the office to arrange alternate pricing.
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Led by: | TBA |
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Times: | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
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Venue: | Aryaloka |
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Registration: | Registration Page |
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Fee: | $50/40/30 |
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Level: | Introductory |
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Directions: | Directions Page |