Description
Compassion and wisdom are at the very heart of the Buddha’s path of liberation. As our inner freedom grows, our capacity for compassion grows. As our compassion increases, so does our value of freedom. They absolutely support each other on the path. Come learn what compassion is and what compassion isn’t.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
Dalai Lama
The Buddha’s teachings provide practical ways of cultivating compassion and clarity. In this practice group, we will include and explore compassion for others, and self-compassion. We will learn to:
- Transform our own hearts and minds in the present moment
- Listen deeply and respond to the suffering that is a part of all our lives
- Meet sorrow with acceptance and care
- Stay connected to ourselves, each other and our world with all that life brings
- Experience a heart that is free from fear, anger and separation
- Practice with open-hearted steadiness, patience, generosity, and a commitment not to abandon ourselves, anyone or anything in this world
- Discover compassionate actions that can make a difference in our world
- Cultivate compassion as daily life practice
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators of all ages and all levels of experience. All are warmly welcome. Each session includes formal meditation practices on compassion, teachings, time for discussion, reflections, and questions. Practice homework between sessions allows for a deeper understanding of compassion.
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.