Description
This year-long program offers a precious opportunity to join a committed and dedicated community (sangha) for an extended period of time.
We will begin and end with daylong workshops. In between, we will meet on one Friday evening of each month, except August. Dates are:
- Saturday, January 9: 10:00am – 4:30pm
- Fridays (6:00-8:30pm): February 12, March 5, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, September 10, October 8, and November 12
- Saturday, December 11: 10:00am – 4:30pm
The Buddha’s teachings are radical and challenge our assumptions about the nature of suffering and what leads to release. They describe an attainable path to liberation. This path is most famously expressed in the Four Noble Truths, including the Buddha’s diagnosis of the problem of suffering and the Eightfold Path, in which the Buddha offers a treatment and remedy for suffering.
These teachings invite us to look within our own life to explore the Noble Truth of suffering and its causes. They guide us to engage with the actions and activities that can release us from this suffering and discover inner freedom for ourselves. The Noble Eightfold Path includes eight interconnected practices that we will apply in our formal meditation and our daily life practices.
They are:
- Wisdom: Wise Understanding, Wise Intention,
- Ethical Conduct: Wise Speech, Wise Action, Wise Livelihood,
- Mental Discipline: Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, Wise Concentration
In this year-long practice group, we will investigate the Four Noble Truths and with an emphasis on each factor of the Eightfold Noble Path. Each factor has its own set of practices and methods of cultivation. Through exploration and engagement, we will deepen our understanding of the path and practices with our minds, hearts, and bodies.
Come join us-This practice group is designed for those willing to look deeply within and to practice in a contemplative and lively community. It is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators of all ages and all levels of experience. Each session will include Formal meditation practices, Dharma reflections, exploration and discussion of how to Live the Noble Eightfold Path. Mindful Home Practices and Buddy Groups between sessions support your understanding and practice.
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.
- Practice groups will often have home practices in between sessions.