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us…. The downtown meditation community provides an environment where individuals come together to practice insight meditation, to develop their understanding of the meditation skill and the teachings central to it. The community offers a refuge, a place to cultivate steadiness of mind, calmness, wisdom and compassion, amidst the clamor of urban life. The meditation skill provides a means by which we learn to train the mind and heart. In doing so, we’re able to meet the moments of our lives with greater joy, clarity, equanimity. We put particular emphasis on the integration of the meditation skill into our daily lives, our work life, our family life, our relationships. The opportunity to practice meditation with each other, to share the path, lies at the heart of the vision of the downtown meditation community. In order to maintain a mindful life it is important that we practice together. In many ways, the way life is lived in today’s world, in a place like New York City, with its complexities, commotion, stresses and myriad distractions, is counter to the meditative path, the way of peace, calmness, clear-seeing. It is therefore extremely beneficial if we do not try to follow this path alone but rather as part of a community (sangha). In community, we support each other, we learn to live in harmony with one another, to act and speak in a skillful, compassionate manner. We become able to bring this way of being into all the facets of our lives. We become able to meet the world with an open heart. And in the process, we have a genuine opportunity to contribute to the happiness of all beings. The programs led by Peter Doobinin include: --- weekly classes --- courses for beginning and experienced students --- retreats, which provide extended periods of silence, enabling us to further develop stillness and insight Community events, such as pot-luck dinners and poetry readings, are held on a regular basis. The practice of insight meditation originates in the 2, 500 year old teachings of the Buddha. However, it is not necessary that one be a Buddhist to practice insight meditation. In fact, the vast majority of those who practice in this form in the West and in the downtown meditation community, are not Buddhists. The teachings, as offered by Peter Doobinin and others, are accessible to people of all religions, as well as those without any religious background. Participation in the classes, courses and retreats is open to all. We welcome all beings who are interested in the meditation practice and would like to join us. The fees charged for programs are kept as low as possible, so that all may attend. Please note that no one will be turned away because of lack of funds. Fees cover basic expenses, such as renting space, mailings, etc. Teachers do not receive payment for leading classes. The teachings are offered freely, in the spirit of generosity. In turn, students have the opportunity to offer generosity (dana) to teachers. This generosity enables teachers to continue to teach and, accordingly, allows for the teachings to continue to be heard, for people to continue to learn the meditation skill. In giving there is no right or wrong amount. We should consider this giving as part of our practice, the cultivation of generosity, the opening and gladdening of the heart. Whatever you give is greatly appreciated. contacting
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