Description
The Experienced Practitioner Practice Group provides a weekly opportunity for dedicated practitioners to sit and learn together over time. We will engage in an ongoing and intensive exploration of the qualities of compassion and wisdom. These are said to be the two wings of a bird; both are needed to keep our balance as we find our way through the easy, beautiful times of life as well as when challenged by boring, irritating, and painful conditions. The wing of compassion is especially indicated in the midst of painful conditions, and exercising the wing of wisdom is always indicated.
The teachings of the Buddha offer a transformative way to approach everything in our lives. In this Experienced Practitioners group we will learn and practice ways of responding freely, and gracefully with compassion in the face of pain, and with wisdom whatever the conditions might be. Throughout our days together, we will form a spiritual community that will allow us to delve more deeply into the timeless teachings of the Buddha.
Each meeting will include meditation practice, instruction, talks and discussion. Suggestions for home practice will be offered each week. The structure provided by this “homework” and the weekly Practice Group lead to a deeper understanding and integration of essential Buddhist teachings into one’s life.
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.