Description
The Buddha talked about Wise Livelihood as one factor on the Eight-Fold Noble Path. The essential baseline is that our work is not harmful to ourselves, others, or the world. Equally important is the quality of presence we bring to our occupation. Many of us spend a large portion of our time at work. But do we actually “show up”?
In this Practice Group, we will take a fresh look at our occupations. What happens when we bring a balanced, clear, open-hearted attention to this aspect of our lives? Can such awareness affect the quality of our work and at the same time contribute to liberating wisdom? We will use this investigation to explore the attitudes that arise at our jobs, and with the people with whom we work. Do you know what your true occupation is?
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. Each session includes meditation practice, talks, and discussion of the Buddha’s teachings on wise livelihood. Mindful home practices between sessions will deepen this exploration. All are warmly welcome.
Attending an in-person practice group
- Masks may be required. We’ll make this decision on a program-by-program basis.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in and to find a comfortable place in the meditation hall.
- Please power off your phone, smartwatch, and other electronic devices for the duration of the program.
- Parking at CIMC is limited; we suggest you use public transportation to the Center whenever possible.
- CIMC provides vegetarian meals at day-long, weekend, and multi-day retreats. We are unable to accommodate special dietary needs. If you have dietary restrictions, we invite you to bring your own meat-free meal. Please note that nuts may be used in our kitchen.
- Food and beverages, including water, are not allowed in the meditation halls.
- We strongly recommend you dress in layers since the temperature in the meditation hall varies throughout the day. The hall thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature. Still, please give yourself a range of clothing options, as individual preferences for warmth or coolness differ widely and cannot be accommodated.
- Please leave your shoes on the shoe shelves on the first floor and keep your valuables with you.
- CIMC provides zafus (round cushions), zabutons (large mats), meditation benches, blankets, and chairs. At the end of each program, we request that you brush off and plump up zabutons and zafus and neatly return them where they belong.
- CIMC is a refuge. Out of compassion for those with chemical sensitivities, please avoid using scented products such as lotions, deodorant, after-shave, hair products, perfume, and clothes laundered with scented detergent or dryer sheets.
- Meal Dana: In keeping with tradition, we invite you to sponsor a practice group meal as a simple and meaningful act of generosity. You can share a dedication of your generosity, perhaps to someone in your life, a special occasion, or an aspiration. Please contact the office for more information about offering Meal Dana for this practice group.