Meditation for Beginners — Cultivating Kindness

Meditation for Beginners — Cultivating Kindness | November 12, 10-1

Meditation practice helps us to develop contentment, clarity, integration, concentration, and a sense of peace. Whether you're just looking to find some stillness in your life, or to directly explore the nature of consciousness, 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.

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.
 

How are we coming together safely?

• If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person.*  Stay up-to-date with exposure guidelines here.
• Masks are optional unless otherwise stated. Masks are required indoors for anyone testing negative of Covid-19 within days 6-10 of post-covid exposure without infection.
• If you have recently recovered from Covid-19, stay up-to-date with CDC guidance here as to when you’re clear to be back in public.*
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.*
• We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology!
• There are new cleaning and sanitation protocols.

*Zoom options are available for many events. Transfer of fees or refunds are also available for illness or illness-preventative related absence. 

Please email info@aryaloka.org if you have any questions about our safety protocols. Aryaloka may adjust these policies in relation to current, local infection rates, and will keep retreatants posted on such changes.
 

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