Winter 2013 dates
Training the Mind: Introduction to Meditation
taught by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard
Winter CLASS, 2013
Four Saturdays, Feb. 16-March 9
9-11 am
9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton, WI
This four week class will introduce the basic principles of breath based meditation as outlined by Gotama Buddha 2,556 years ago. The skill of meditation offers us a way to train the mind and cultivate ease, clarity, kindness and awareness in our daily lives. Participants will learn techniques for formal sitting and walking meditation as well as informal practices to establish and cultivate joy, open-heartedness, kindness and wisdom in any moment and as we go about our daily life.
Clearing the Path: Meditation in Context
taught by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard
Winter CLASS 2013
Five Saturdays, March 16-April 13
9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton, WI
This five week class builds upon the introductory class
and is intended for those who have an established meditation practice.
Participants should have a basic understanding of breath meditation, be
comfortable meditating for 30 minutes, and be meditating frequently.
This class will focus on some of the foundational teachings of the
Buddha. The Buddha's teachings provide many lists for cultivating the
path to the end of suffering. This class will introduce teachings on
Life of the Buddha himself, The Four
Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts, the Five
Hindrances, and the Five Subject for Frequent Recollection. Each class will include a short period of meditation. The introductory class (Training the Mind: The
Skill of Meditation) introduces the strategies and techniques for
training the mind. This class continues the process through "Clearing the Path" to peace by developing and investigating the mind with greater intention and understanding.
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NOTE FOR EITHER CLASS: The practices and ideas presented in these sessions are progressive. Attendance at the prior class is assumed in what is presented at each subsequent class. Those able to attend the complete series are most able to benefit and develop their practice. Because of this, participants are asked to attend all sessions, to enhance your own comprehension and to build group cohesion for the benefit of your fellow students.
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For questions about either class contact Jan at janice.sheppard@yahoo.com
Class Fee: In keeping with the Buddha's intention and instruction, the teachings are offered on a dana or generosity basis. There is no pre-established fee for the classes. Dana is the Pali word that is generally translated to mean generosity. Dana
is a joyful practice that brings happiness to our own hearts. True
generosity is not a moral obligation, an egocentric gesture, or payment
for services rendered. Nor is it an action taken with the expectation
of receiving something in return like fame, praise or recognition of
any kind. When practiced in mindfulness, giving generously is an
opportunity to develop the qualities of kindness and compassion, while
learning to "let go" of our attachment to concerns like the desire for
acknowledgement, material acquisition, and attention. Dana is
also a way to express our individual appreciation to a teacher and of
expressing one's gratitude for the Teachings and the unbroken lineage
that began over 2,552 years ago with the Buddha himself. Dana
is based upon the Buddhist tradition that the teachings are
priceless and are thus offered freely by the teacher to those wanting to
learn. In turn, students offer dana to the teacher in appreciation for hearing and learning the teachings.
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To Register send the following Registration information to janice.sheppard@yahoo.com
- Name
- Address
- City,State, ZIP
- phone
- Email
This registration is for
_______Training the Mind - Introduction to Meditation
_______Clearning the Path - Continuing Meditation class
Confirmation will be sent by email
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