Meditation for Beginners — Cultivating Kindness | Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center

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We look forward to hosting you! Please visit aryaloka.org/about-your-visit for relevant information regarding your visit. Aryaloka Cancellation Policy If a cancellation is made 11 days or more in advance (counting the start date of the event), the deposit will be refunded minus an administrative fee of $25, or the whole fee can be transferred to a future event. If the cancellation is made within 10 days or less of the event, the whole fee can be transferred to a future event, or half the fee will be refunded. If there is a no-show for an event without cancellation prior to the start time of the event, no refund will be made. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Center Manager who can be contacted at info@aryaloka.org.

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Event Description

<img alt="" src="https://aryaloka.org/sites/default/files/images/events/June%20meditatio…; style="width:800px;height:800px;" />Meditation for Beginners — Cultivating Kindness | October 26, 10-4

Meditation practice helps us to develop a sense of contentment, peacefulness, integration, clarity and focus. 
 
Whether you're looking to de-stress and find some stillness in your life, or to explore the nature of awareness, this class is a great way to begin!

In this introductory meditation workshop we will explore the Buddha's teaching of kindness or metta, generally as a living principle, and more specifically as a meditation practice. Participants will learn the Metta Bhavana, or Cultivation of Loving-Kindness, a meditation that has been practiced for thousands of years. Described as 'divine abiding', the practice of loving kindness meditation opens new dimensions and depths of positive emotion within the heart. We will learn how to be with difficult emotion in a creative space, rather than a reactive cycle.  We will explore the core Buddhist ethical principle of non-harm and its practical application in daily life, drawing out the rewards and challenges of a life lived with empathy and kindness.

Participants will learn everything they need to begin a regular and effective meditation practice. Suitable for complete beginners, or those looking for a refresher.

A vegetarian lunch is included. Participants may consider bringing a notebook with a pen, a water bottle, and warm socks or slippers. We provide meditation cushions and blankets, as well as meditation chairs and benches. Our onsite book and gift shop has many great titles on meditation and Buddhism. <a href="https://aryaloka.org/about-your-visit-aryaloka">Click here</a> for more useful info about attending events at Aryaloka.

Led By — Dh Suddhayu has been a practicing Buddhist since 1992. He is an ordained member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, and has been teaching workshops and leading retreats since 1998. He currently works full time for Dharma initiatives as manager of Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center and Chair of Portsmouth Buddhist Center. 
 
This workshop includes a vegetarian lunch. You can access helpful information about attending workshops at Aryaloka <a href="https://aryaloka.org/about-your-visit" style="text-decoration:none;">here</a>. 
 
 
How are we coming together safely?

<ul>
<li style="list-style-type:disc;">If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 or if you have had Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person.</li>
<li style="list-style-type:disc;">Masks are optional unless otherwise stated. Please wear a mask if you have recovered from Covid-19 and are still between days 6 and 10 from your first positive test.</li>
<li style="list-style-type:disc;">If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.</li>
<li style="list-style-type:disc;">We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology! </li>
</ul>

Zoom options are available for some events. Transfer of fees or refunds are also available for illness or illness-preventative related absence. Please email <a href="mailto:info@aryaloka.org" style="text-decoration:none;">info@aryaloka.org</a> if you have any questions about our safety protocols.

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means.

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation.

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible.

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge.

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements. info@aryaloka.org