Description
In challenging times such as these, exploring and embodying the refuges offered by the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha are essential for our own well-being, as well as for the well-being of our earth, country and world. In exploring these refuges, we may find a place of rest. In embodying refuge, we can trust the unfolding of our lives.
In this workshop we will practice pausing and returning to the skills of mindfulness. We will contemplate both false and true refuges. By learning to pause, taking care of our bodies, hearts, and minds, and with refuge, we discover our capacity to meet hardship compassionately with inner steadiness. We come to see that our happiness, sorrow, and awakening are linked to the happiness, sorrow, and awakening of all beings.
Taking refuge in the Buddha, we reflect on the inspiration of the Buddha’s life, we remember our own innate goodness as well as the goodness of others. We commit ourselves to our own capacity for awakening.
Taking refuge in the Dharma, we reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and undertake practices to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and skillful actions. We seek to free ourselves from greed, hatred, and delusions that prevent clarity and understanding. Thus, we walk the path of awakening in our life, resolving to live in accordance with what is true.
Taking refuge in the Sangha, we reflect on the power of community and remember that we are not alone. We align ourselves with the community of people moving in the direction of awakening, and we recognize our interconnectedness. Together, we may begin to heal centuries of oppression and trauma with a true sense of interdependence with each other and our planet.
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. Our day together will include sitting meditation, talks, and time for discussions and group meetings.
Attending an in-person workshop
- CIMC is a refuge. Out of compassion for those with chemical sensitivities, please avoid using scented products like lotions, deodorant, after-shave, hair products, perfume, clothes laundered with scented detergent or dryer sheets—before you come to the Center.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and to find a comfortable place in the meditation hall.
- Parking at CIMC is limited; we suggest taking public transportation to the Center whenever possible.
- All phones, pagers, beeping watches, and other electronic devices must remain completely turned off while you are at the Center.
- Please leave your shoes on the shoe shelves on the first floor and keep your valuables with you.
- Lunch will not be provided. Participants are invited to bring a vegetarian meal to the Center or may buy lunch in the neighborhood. A list of local restaurants and food stores will be available.
- No food or beverages, including water, are allowed in the meditation halls.
- We strongly recommend that you dress in layers since the temperature in the meditation hall varies throughout the day. The hall thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature range; however, we recommend you give yourself a range of clothing options, as individual preferences for warmth or coolness differ widely and cannot be accommodated.
- Masks are optional. Some masks are available at the entrance of the Center.
- CIMC provides zafus (round cushions), zabutons (large mats), meditation benches, blankets, and chairs. At the end of the program, we request that you brush off your zabutons and plump up your zafus. All other items should be returned neatly to where they belong.