Meditations and Talks
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Information on specific meditation sessions is listed below
Meditation Practice and Dharma Talk
Generosity - a Practice Leading to Freedom
Thursday, December 16, on Zoom
by Ian Challis
Generosity is the first of the 10 paramis, the beautiful qualities of mind-heart that, as they are watered and grow, lead to the flower of true freedom. The awareness and cultivation of generosity is the first parami as well as one of the three pillars of the dharma, along with bhavana (practice), and sila (integrity). This particular form of practice was so essential to the Buddha’s means of teaching, that before he taught the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path — before he taught anything, he started right at this place — the cultivation and expression of a generous heart.
Let’s explore this powerful quality and how it prepares the ground of practice, and leads to greater connectedness with each other, ourselves, and this earth.
Join us on Zoom for a mediation practice at 7:00 PM, followed by a dharma talk at 7:35.
There will be a short Q&A after the talk by Ian Challis, visiting teacher.
Suggested donation for evening is $8 – 20. Please donate according to your means.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Other Zoom options available here
Sunday in-person and Zoom meditation
8:15 - 9:45 AM in our indoor (shared) space in Northampton
191 Main St, 3rd floor Northampton, MA
Elevator available at the back – call 413-570-0097 on arrival
All are welcome to join the program. Arrive by 8:15 to help set up.
Zoom starts at 8:30. We need to lock the front door by 8:40.
8:30 to 9:30 – mindful movement, meditation and dharma discussion
9:30 to 9:45 – dharma tasks – clean up for the next group
9:45 – Opportunity for outdoor tea/dining with other sangha members in the downtown area.
Please take a meditation class if you plan to attend regularly.
Meditation donation.
Choose the specific meditation
from the drop down menu in PayPal.
Thursday evening meditation
Beginning at 7:00 PM (on Zoom only)
* Register Here for in person attendance
The program varies from week to week, but will always include meditation.
1. Qi gong or Thai hand meditation instructions given at 7:00. Optional movement practice of your choice. Followed by meditation for 45 minutes.
2. Meditation from 7:00 until 7:30, followed by a dharma talk.
3. Meditation from 7:00 until 7:30 followed by a closed class.
All are welcome to join the meditation program. Please attend a basic meditation class if you plan to attend regularly.
If attending in person, arrive by 6:45 to help with dharma tasks – mindful practice to build community together.
Meditation donation.
Choose the specific meditation
from the drop down menu in PayPal.
* We will hold in person attendance if requested by at least 4 people 1 week ahead of time,
at Florence Congregational Church 190 Pine St., Florence, MA
Wheelchair ramp available
We are subletting space from Shambhala of Pioneer Valley or Florence Congregational Church.
As guests in their space, we need to take good care of their belongings, and leave the space clean. Attendees will participate in dharma tasks to maintain the space.
