Meditation
Join us for meditation. Developing a meditation practice is easier in the company of others. We offer several opportunities to participate, both in-person and online. All of our sits are open to everyone on a drop-in basis. Scroll down below the virtual attendance quick links for specifics about each gathering.
Virtual Attendance Quick Links
Virtual participation is via Google Meet. Clicking a meeting link will automatically open Google Meet in your web browser if you are using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are on a mobile device, you’ll need the Google Meet app, and the link will launch the app. Alternatively, you can enter the meeting code (no hyphens necessary) in your web browser at meet.google.com or in the Meet app.
Current Opportunities
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Introduction to Practice
We offer an introduction to practice virtually and in person. An experienced practitioner will introduce the Madison Insight Meditation Group and meditation practice, lead a guided meditation, and answer questions. This introduction is open to all.
In-person on the second Sunday of each month
The introduction will be offered on the second Sunday of each month in conjunction with the regular Sunday night sitting from 6 to 8 at the First Unitarian Society in Madison. See ‘Sunday Evenings’ below.
Virtually
We also offer the introduction via videoconference. If you are interested, please send a request to info@madisonmeditation.org. We will set up a convenient time for you and the leader.
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Sunday Evenings
Every Sunday night, in person and online, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
The Sunday night sitting group is both in-person and online. The in-person meeting is at First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, in the Landmark Auditorium. This site is fully wheelchair accessible.
There are no COVID-related restrictions in place at this time. However, you are welcome to wear a mask.
On the first and third Sundays, there will be a 45-minute sitting followed by a talk and discussion. On the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays, we will have a practice night consisting of two 45-minute sittings with a 20-minute walking period in between.
To join by Google Meet, use the link below or the meeting code jwn-atnh-pbp (hyphens may be omitted).
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Tuesday Evenings
Every Tuesday night, in person and online, 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm
The Tuesday night sitting group is both in-person and online. The in-person meeting is at 9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, on the far west side of Madison.
We ask that only people fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID attend the in-person session. Wearing a mask is optional.
The evening is led by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard and includes chanting, meditation, a Dhamma talk and discussion. We chant briefly and meditate until 7:15 pm. The chanting book we use is online and available here:
or
Chanting book file on this site
If you’d like to follow along, you can print out pages 2-8. Following the meditation, Jan will share some reflections on a topic, followed by a discussion.
To join by Google Meet, use the link below or enter the meeting code ccb-mzif-udf (hyphens may be omitted) in the Google Meet app or home page.
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Friday Evenings
Every Friday night, in person and online, from 7:30 to 9:15 pm
We meet in person at Herspiral Contemplative Arts. Herspiral is in an office suite at 303 South Paterson St., just off Willy Street on Madison’s near Eastside. Parking is available in front of the building. Herspiral is down the hallway to the right after you enter the building. The location is wheelchair accessible, except the outer door has no automatic opener. We encourage you to contact us in advance if you may need help with building access.
On the first Friday of the month, the evenings consist of a 45-minute meditation period, a short break, and then open discussion of attendees' practice and the dhamma.
On the second, fourth, and sometimes fifth Fridays, we have a 30-minute sit, a short break, a talk (usually by Jason Chung) and then a short period of discussion about the talk.
On the third Fridays, various sangha members take turns leading after our 30-minute sit.
There are no COVID-related restrictions in place at this time, but you are welcome to wear a mask. The studio has some cushions and mats that may help with floor sitting, but there is no formal meditation gear; feel free to bring your own. Seating is available.
To join by Google Meet, use the link below or the meeting code hag-jhoc-ruy (hyphens may be omitted).
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Weekday Mornings
Every weekday morning, online, 6:30 to 7:00 am
Please join us in morning meditation from 6:30 to 7:00 am, Monday through Friday!
The bell rings at 6:30, and we meditate until 7:00, followed by a brief period for announcements and merit sharing.
All are welcome to this practice, whether you wish to come once, occasionally, or consistently.
To join by Google Meet, use the link below or the meeting code skf-kejo-ezb (hyphens may be omitted).