downtown meditation community insight meditation programs Programs Open to All Students Sunday Night Meditation This ongoing weekly “drop in” class includes sitting meditation, a dharma talk, questions and answers, and time for getting to know one another. New Year's Eve Sitting On this evening, we'll have an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the arrival of the new year. The class will include chanting, sitting meditation, a dharma talk and discussion. The class will end at 8:30pm, followed by time for refreshments and sharing fellowship. All are invited. Five-Week New Students’ Course This five-week course will provide instruction in the fundamentals of insight meditation. Emphasis will be placed on learning the practices of sitting and walking meditation, and developing mindfulness in daily life. Explanation of the teachings central to insight meditation will be part of each class. January Sutta Study In this class we’ll explore one of the suttas (discourses of the Buddha). The class will include instruction, discussion and meditation. Particular attention will be paid to the relevance of the teaching to our contemporary urban lives. February Sutta Study In this class we’ll explore one of the suttas (discourses of the Buddha). The class will include instruction, discussion and meditation. Particular attention will be paid to the relevance of the teaching to our contemporary urban lives. Fundamentals of Lovingkindness Lovingkindness (metta) is the basic quality of the heart. When the heart is open it shines with lovingkindness. In this course we’ll learn to cultivate this elemental skillful quality, through formal lovingkindness meditation, and, most importantly, through our everyday actions. Special emphasis will be place on developing lovingkindness for ourselves. The six-week course will include meditation, instruction, discussion and various practice activities. The course is open to all students. It is expected that students will have taken a beginners course or have equivalent training. March Sutta Study In this class we’ll explore one of the suttas (discourses of the Buddha). The class will include instruction, discussion and meditation. Particular attention will be paid to the relevance of the teaching to our contemporary urban lives. Two Evenings with Thanissaro Bhikkhu Downtown Meditation Community is pleased to offer two evenings of teachings with Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff), abbot of Metta Forest Monastery, and author of many dharma books, including “Wings to Awakening,” “Paradox of Becoming,” and “Skill in Questions.” During these evening classes Ajaan Geoff will give a talk and lead a discussion on an important dharma theme. There will be a continuity from one class to the next but each class will stand alone. Five Week Beginners' Course at the Open Center This five-week course will provide instruction in the fundamentals of insight meditation. Emphasis will be placed on learning the practices of sitting and walking meditation, and developing mindfulness in daily life. Explanation of the teachings central to insight meditation will be part of each class. Each class will include time for discussion and student’s questions. The course is suitable for students with no previous experience, as well as experienced meditators who wish to renew their practice. Programs for Group Members To find out about being a Downtown Meditation Community member, please go to the Being A Member page. The Path to Wisdom It is through wisdom that we bring about an end to suffering. As dharma students we learn to develop causes that lead to results; accordingly, in this course we’ll discuss the causes that lead to wisdom. We’ll examine where we are, what we’re doing, what we need to do, in order to achieve wisdom. As such, the course will present an opportunity to reflect on our practice and share with others our process in our efforts to find true happiness in our lives. The six-week course will include meditation, reflection, discussion, and various practice activities. January Insight Meditation Retreat This day-long retreat will be held in the traditional insight meditation form, allowing participants to experience stillness and insight in a supportive environment. The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation. There will be a dharma talk and opportunities for interviews. A Life of Inner Worth: Practicing Generosity, Virtue, Renunciation The cultivation of the qualities of generosity, virtue and renunciation is central to the development of the Buddha’s path. It is essential to develop these qualities if we are going to practice breath meditation and establish jhana, the Buddha’s concentration. In this four-week course we’ll strengthen our understanding of these primary skillful qualities. We’ll learn to deepen intention and purify our action with regard to these elements of the path. The course will include meditation, discussion and various suggested practice activities. March Insight Meditation Retreat This day-long retreat will be held in the traditional insight meditation form, allowing participants to experience stillness and insight in a supportive environment. The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation. There will be a dharma talk and opportunities for interviews. Downtown Meditation Community Downtown Meditation Community
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