This class is designed to support participants in their journey of awakening, offering guidance and the energy to engage in this challenging work. After a welcoming introduction, the bell rings to signal the start of a 30-minute silent meditation, sourced from the Zen and Vipassana traditions. Following the meditation, there’s a short break to stretch, enjoy tea, and chat with others. We then return to our seats for a Dharma Talk drawn from various major streams of the Buddhist tradition, followed by a discussion and a Q&A session. Dharma Talks offer all participants inspiration and guidance, rooted in experiential learning.
We conclude with a Dedication of Merit and Metta Chant for those who wish to join:
We dedicate the merits of our practice to everyone gathered here,
to our families, our community, and to all beings throughout the Dharma worlds.
May the light of wisdom dispel darkness and awaken compassion.
Let all karma be released, and the natural mind bloom in eternal spring.
May we see clearly into the nature of reality and live each moment with awareness.
Let us awaken together and walk the Way with love and humility.
May all beings be happy and safe from harm.
May all beings be healthy in body and in mind.
May all beings be peaceful and free from suffering.
This class is suitable for all levels of experience and is held both in person and online. All are welcome and no one is turned away for lack of funds.
Upcoming Teachers
- September 21st – Jampa Kalsang – Friending Ourselves
When we begin to meditate or learn about meditation, we often take on the practice as a self-improvement project. This attitude comes from a place of subtle aggression towards ourselves. We want to fix ourselves, fix our mess, get our stuff together. An important ingredient necessary for practice is loving-kindness. An attitude of friendliness. We don’t need to fix or change anything. Meditation is about making friends with ourselves, just as we are, in this very moment. - September 28th – Jokai Blackwell Roshi – Living the Precepts
In Zen Buddhism, an in-depth study of the precepts takes place near the conclusion of formal training. This training consists of exploring the precepts from the Theravada, Mahayana and Buddhyana viewpoints. These viewpoints are both distinct and overlap. In this meeting we will explore the Buddhist precepts in an effort to deepen their application in our daily life. - October 5th – Franz Manfredi
- October 12th – Jokai Blackwell Roshi (preceded by our 2nd LBM Social)
