Tuesday Friends' Evenings

We are hybrid on Tuesday evenings, meaning you can come in person or join on Zoom! This is a great opportunity to stay connected and find some inspiration. Led meditation, Dharma talks, and engaged discussion. All are welcome, even if you have zero experience! By donation, $5-$15 suggested (you can donate online here). No registration required.

To join us on Zoom, Click here.

Our Current Series:  

Vision and Transformation — The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path

From a Buddhist perspective, spirituality is a process of becoming kinder and less selfish, of freeing oneself from habits based in craving, hatred and ignorance. It is a process of becoming clearer about how life actually is, and more effective in creatively facing the troubling realities of the times we live in. 

This work leads us to a deeper sense of connection, and begins to unravel our suffering. The problem of human suffering was of central concern to the Buddha, and the Noble Eightfold Path is a core teaching in relation to reducing suffering for ourselves and our communities.

The Eightfold Path is more like a tree than a sidewalk. When we think of walking a path, we imagine following a course from one place to another. That image holds true for the Eightfold Path, as it does lead from a reactive, habitual life to a life of true creativity and freedom. 

Yet in experience, the Eightfold Path feels more like a tree in that its limbs are connected and present all at once. Sunlight that touches the leaves of one branch benefits the entire tree. Likewise, as we focus on one limb of the Eightfold Path, what we learn there informs and supports our practice of the other limbs. A beautiful living ecosystem of practice and the fruits of practice grows in the light of awareness.

• Each week we’ll gather to meditate and explore another limb of the path: Vision, Emotion, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Awareness and Samadhi.
• We’ll see how these areas of practice relate to each other as a practical way of changing painful habits and becoming kinder, more creative people. 
• We will explore these practices both from the perspective of individual transformation, and how they contribute to the flourishing of friendship and effective community.

All are welcome to our weekly gathering which includes led meditation, a short talk and discussion. These supportive and friendly community evenings are perfect for getting started with meditation and Buddhism, or for going deeper in your practice. This is a wonderful way to make friends and to explore deeper meaning in one’s life.

If you'd like to make a donation for the evening click here.

How are we coming together safely?

• 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.
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.

Zoom options are available for some 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, or health related concerns.