Drop-in Meditation Classes
What to expect at a class:
Beginning Meditation: Each class begins with a guided breathing meditation to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace; followed by a short prayer to Buddha Shakyamuni.
Dharma Teaching: Every week the teachings explore one aspect of Dharma, or Buddha’s teachings, which focuses on how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives.
Concluding Meditation: At the end of the class, we conclude with a meditation based on the teaching that was given during the class. Opportunity for Q&A and snacks after class.
No prior meditating experience or Buddhist background required. We have comfortable chairs and cushions. You may attend the full series or drop in any week!
Live-streaming on Zoom is available on Thursdays at 6 PM and Saturday events for supporting members.
Supporting members can request the live-streaming link here.
Buddhist Wisdom for Daily Life
The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions.
If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Usually we find it difficult to control our mind. It seems as if our mind is like a balloon in the wind – blown here and there by external circumstances. If things go well, our mind is happy, but if they go badly, it immediately becomes unhappy. For example, if we get what we want, such as a new possession or a new partner, we become excited and cling to them tightly.
By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enables us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time, rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency.