Renunciation and earth and air elements; guided meditation

These two classes cover the basic instructions for Buddhist mindfulness (vipassana or insight) meditation. The first class explores the attitude we bring to meditation that makes it rewarding, and the training that helps us in "coming back" from thoughts. The second class guides us in "being here," in cultivating a mindful awareness that recognizes and accepts what is happening in the present moment. Both classes include guided meditations and valuable reminders that can support you in developing a rich meditation practice.

Howard Thurman, the great African American activist, mystic, and theologian, once said: “Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” In the spirit of this guidance, we continue exploring how to understand and respond some of the core issues related to the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001. We are further guided by (1) understanding the inter-relationships between individual, relational, and collective domains of practice; and (2) taking wisdom, compassion, and courage (and responsiveness) as three touchstones of our practice, both more inner and more outer.

Begins with guidance to establish a relaxed, steady, upright posture, wishing well throughout the body. When a balance of energy comes, begin turning the mind around. Get back to where the thoughts and memories are coming from. Direct yourself to the place of arising, before it takes form. The sense of formlessness and openness can then be experienced.

Guided by several key teachings, particularly how we might bring together wisdom, compassion, and courage, we explore some of the issues raised in reflection on the last ten years. A focus is the parallel between personal practice and responding to larger social issues.

Radiating loving kindness towards a dear friend and neutral person can help us to expand out awareness and open our heart to all beings.

Mind is endlessly moving, meandering, outflowing. Meditation is about bringing the mind back through the use of particular reference points. Use the guided meditation to firmly, kindly, repeatedly bring the mind back.