Description
The Buddha’s teaching of The Five Reflections shows us how old age, illness, death, the inevitability of separation, and the lawfulness of cause and effect can be powerful liberating teachers in our lives. This six-week series will systematically explore these five reflections.
Each session will include guided and silent meditation, along with reflection and discussion. With the strength of our shared practice and inquiry we may grow our capacity to see into these universal human experiences with more wisdom and compassion. This can give us new resources to skillfully care for ourselves and others as well as helping us live richer and more fulfilling lives in the here and now.
All are welcome. This class might not be appropriate for those who are currently grieving. In that situation, calming practices such as breath awareness or loving-kindness practices may be more helpful than a direct inquiry into these themes.
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.