Ongoing Offerings
Shambhala Gainesville offers a rich array of weekly ongoing offerings free to the public. No prior meditation experience required to attend. Most programs offer meditation instruction upon request. All are welcome.
OPEN SITTING
Monday Morning Meditation (in-person) from 6:00 am to 6:45 am. Shamatha practice. Enter through front door.
Weekdays (M-F) (online) from 6:45 am to 7:15 am. You may enter or leave the zoom room at any time. Email Laura at [email protected] for zoom link.
Sunday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Join us in-person for meditation and book discussion. We are currently reading It’s Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path* by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. You do not have to own the book as we have copies to share. Beginners are encouraged and welcome to come for instruction at 10:00 am.
*From the preface: “These teachings are inspired by the needs and questions of my students as they work to integrate genuine practice with their lives. Although the teachings here are rooted in the traditional teachings I received from my teachers, I do not consider them traditional teachings as such. Rather, they are my own contemplations and insights. They are also intended to encourage students to engage in joyful and honest self-reflection as a way to deepen their understanding of the spiritual path. In the end, all teachings – traditional or informal – have one aim: to help reduce self-importance and make room for the truth.”
Tuesday from 7:00pm to 9:00 pm. Join us in-person for meditation and book discussion. Beginners instruction available at 6:30 pm. We are currently reading Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Suzuki Roshi. You do not have to own the book as we have copies to share. Several times a year, on the Tuesday nearest the full moon we practice the Shambhala Sadhana in lieu of book study.
HEART OF RECOVERY
Every Tuesday 5:00-6:00 pm (online) Heart of Recovery is open to anyone who is interested in exploring how the path of meditation and the path of recovery intersect. All are welcome who are working with recovery from addiction to substances and behaviors as well as those whose lives have been impacted by addictive and compulsive behaviors. No meditation experience is necessary.
Newcomers will learn basic meditation techniques to enhance their own recovery program. Experienced meditators will deepen their current practice while adding support to the group. The meeting format includes meditation, readings/or topic and group discussion bringing together Shambhala Buddhist meditation practice with the Twelve Steps.
The meeting is open to:
• Buddhist practitioners from any tradition
• 12 Step practitioners from any program
• Individuals interested in exploring the relationship of meditation to recovery from addiction, addictive and compulsive behaviors
QUEER & TRANS DHARMA
1st (online) and 3rd Wednesdays (hybrid) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
You are welcome to join us in this true community of acceptance, as we support each other’s journeys to full embodiment. There will be meditation, followed by book study/discussion. Newcomers, please plan to arrive at 6:45 pm.
For zoom link and more information you may contact: Kane Barr: [email protected] or Oliver Klicker: [email protected]
DEATH & DYING FORUM (Online)
How do we examine our own concepts and feelings about death? How do we work skillfully and compassionately with those who are dying? What are the Buddhist teachings about death and dying? These are some of the questions we consider. Currently we are reading How We Live Is How We Die by Pema Chodron. Join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For zoom link, please email [email protected].
WHAT IS MY PATH?
If you have questions about study and practice, please contact Nora Wiser, Practice & Education Director, to discuss your aspirations and options. Nora is available to meet via Zoom or in-person at the center. Email: [email protected].
Here is a pdf showing the five areas of Practice and Study available now even as they are undergoing evaluation, updating and revisions.
_________________________________________________________
DHARMA NIGHT
Several times a year, we come together for “Dharma Movie Night” which includes a film, discussion and refreshments (please bring goodie and/or drink to share).
DECORUM FOR ONLINE PRACTICE
When you join a ZOOM practice session, please close all other programs on your computer and maximize the video to full screen. You may use the prompt in the upper right corner of your screen to toggle between two views. “Speaker view” shows whoever is talking full screen. “Gallery view” shows little Hollywood-square type boxes. (NOTE: speaker view and gallery view are invitational prompts, not descriptions of what you’re seeing.)
Please “mute” unless you are the speaker. Because of the way ZOOM is designed, there can be only one speaker at a time, even during chants. (NOTE: If you do not mute yourself, the host may mute you).
During silent sitting sessions, please find a quiet location and sit on your meditation chair or a cushion. Close your other electronic devices. Give yourself the gift of this time to practice without distraction. Please be respectful of your fellow sangha members. It can be challenging to practice together online. Please keep your backgrounds simple and limit your movements while on camera.
