Trinity is happy to welcome Mariposa Sangha, an Insight Meditation group. Insight meditation refers to a spiritual practice shared by all forms of Buddhism and to a particular historical Buddhist tradition. “Insight” and “clear seeing” are common translations of the Pali word vipassana. Developing clear seeing helps people live their lives with growing skillfulness and ease.
As a spiritual practice, insight meditation cultivates mindfulness and equanimity, which foster the deepening of wisdom and compassion, the gateways to liberation from suffering. Though insight meditation comes from the teachings of the Buddha, it is appropriate for people of any spiritual background. The program that we offer is appropriate for experienced meditators as well as beginners.
Our style of practice is associated with Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, MA , and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA . Teachers at these centers have deep histories with Buddhist masters from around the world, particularly from the Theravada traditions of Burma, Thailand and India. They strive to present the teachings accurately in a form accessible to Westerners. There is little ritual involved and our Sangha is respectful, informal and welcoming.
A wide variety of teachings, both recorded and written, is readily available.
This group meets in Trinity’s Interfaith Chapel every Thursday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The group begins with 30 minutes of sitting meditation, followed by 15 minutes of walking meditation and then another 15 minutes of sitting. They end the evening with a discussion based on a weekly reading. It is not necessary to have done the reading to attend. Beginners are always welcome.
There will be a Dharma talk with Q&A after meditation on the first Thursday of each month. The topic of the talk will vary.
Book for Thursday Discussion – “It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness” by Sylvia Boorstein. It is available from Amazon.
Instruction for Beginners – First Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. Bring a cushion if you have one; a few cushions and chairs are available. Wear comfortable clothing.
In addition, there is also a smaller group that meets in Trinity’s Interfaith Chapel on Friday mornings from 8:05 – 8:45 am.
For more info, visit Mariposa Sangha’s website at http://mariposasangha.org.