Description
Compassion, clarity, and connection are three pillars of an holistic approach to Dharma practice in which we meet the fullness of our lives, whatever arises, with kindness and an open heart. In this practice group we will nurture and deepen the capacities each of us has to live in a clear and connected way.
Compassion
We will cultivate the qualities of goodwill and non-harming in relation to ourselves and others. Through an investigation into the Four Noble Truths and the practice of loving kindness, we will explore the practices of intention-setting, reframing, and retraining thought.
Clarity
We will focus on basic mindfulness practices that ground and steady our attention in the moment, and give us a place of renewal to return to and rest in. As these practices develop we learn to recognize the empty clarity of an open heart-mind that naturally can be with whatever arises, just as it is, without fabrication or adornment. It becomes possible to drop the burden of blindly believing our thoughts, and let go of moments of struggle with ourselves and the world. We begin to meet life freshly, valuing all experiences from an open, kind stance of attention.
Connection
When clarity and compassion come together, we experience a quality of connection to others in our lives, to nature, and to the simple acts of living that make up each day. We learn to bring balanced care and attention to life, deeply connected to the process of living itself, moment by moment, with things exactly as they are. Momentary connections can even melt away the habitual sense of separation. It becomes possible to drop a sense of me and you and to live with freedom, ease, and joy in the here and now.
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators of all levels of experience. Sessions will include formal meditation practice, time for discussion, reflections, and questions. All are warmly welcome.
Matthew Daniell has been practicing Buddhist meditation since 1985. He practiced Zen in Japan, Tibetan Buddhism in India, and Insight Meditation in India, Burma, Thailand, and the United States. His main teaching mentor is Larry Rosenberg. He is the founder of the North Shore Insight Meditation Center in Massachusetts (NorthshoreIMC.org). He is a member of the Religious Services Department at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he leads a meditation group for students.
Attending an online practice group
- Sitting a practice group from home online differs greatly from coming to a meditation center. Tending to your comfort and giving yourself a quiet, private sitting and walking space (if possible, in your environment) will help keep your attention focused and support your practice and learning. Plan to bring as much simplicity and ease to your day as possible. The schedule of the practice group is structured to support your well-being and practice with regular breaks and time for mindful movement.
- We use Zoom for online practice groups. Before your practice group begins, be sure to download Zoom and familiarize yourself with using the program, including the chat feature. Specifics about how we use Zoom during your practice group will be covered initially; however, we cannot provide technical support during the group.
- We ask that you treat our virtual meditation hall as if we were together in person, in the same room. The teachers and other yogis benefit greatly from your full presence and careful attention.
- Join each session of the practice group a few minutes early. This will support the teachers and your fellow attendees.
- Please maintain noble silence as much as possible for the duration of the practice group and take any necessary steps to limit external distractions such as incoming emails, texts, or other interruptions to maintain the integrity of our practice together. Close all programs on your computer other than Zoom and turn off all notifications on your devices.
- Power off your phones and smartwatches for the entire practice group. Please don’t check your devices during breaks. We suggest you put an “away” message on your email and voicemail and leave your devices in another room during the practice group.
- Please keep your video on during our time together as much as possible. This supports a sense of connectedness and sangha.
- You will receive a welcome email from CIMC a day or two before your program, including the Zoom link, practice group schedule, and further information.