Description of Classes & Sits
The Way of Mindfulness Meditation of Tucson
Sunday,
3:00-4:30 and 6:00-7:45 p.m.
The primary goal of this group is to bring people together who are privately practicing meditation, and to provide the with the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other meditators. We would like to encourage our friends out there, who are interested in the Buddhist meditation practice of being mindful and peaceful, to join us. We believe that mindfulness makes our everyday life more effective, productive, and fulfilling. By developing mindful practice, you will gain a deepening understanding of your own mind, and insight into how you react to, and interact with, the world around you. You will meet many wonderful and unique people, and will have the opportunity to build relationships with like-minded people. "The Way of Mindfulness Meditation of Tucson" is opened to everyone. Our meeting consists mainly of meditation practice rather than a discussion. If you are new to meditation or just starting your practice, we recommend attending the 3:00 session where you'll be gently guided through a basic mindfulness technique. For the more experienced meditator, the evening session is mostly silent with very little guidance.To receive reminders or ask questions, sign up on Meetup.com
Gentle Yoga with Jose
Monday, 6:30-7:45p.m.
Tucson Buddhist Meditation Center is pleased to host Jose Carillo for his weekly Gentle Core Yoga class. Jose is a certified yoga instructor and teaches a yoga focusing on the sacrum as a building block on which to to initiate the yoga posture, which is then developed through the breath. The practice is gentle, and slowly builds the level of difficulty depending on the student's ability. Please bring a mat. Open class, drop-in. As with all of our classes, this class is a free offering to the community. Donate as your heart inspires you.Community Chanting Class
Tuesday, 5:00-6:15 p.m.
Did you know that chanting is a form of meditation? Ajahn Sarayut and the other monks at Wat Buddhametta will teach us how to chant the Evening Puja in Pali, as has been done in the Theravada tradition for thousands of years. A short segment in the beginning of the class will be devoted to learning Pali phonetics, pronunciation, intonation, pitch, tempo and speed as we follow his lead. The last portion of the class will be our participation in the actual Evening Chanting. This class is of particular interest to those interested in joining the monastic community, as the twice-daily chanting forms an integral part of the daily routine. This is an open class and you are welcomed to come on a drop-in basis.Tucson Buddhist Study Group
Wednesday, 6:00-7:45p.m.
Meet with the Monk to learn the history, traditions, philosophy, and practices of Theravada Buddhism. The primary teacher was born in Thailand and has been a monk for 25 years and now resides in Tucson, but guest speakers from other traditions and experiences occasionally lead this group as well. The idea is to give lay people an opportunity to learn and discuss Buddhism regularly and directly with a monk who has spent a lifetime training as a practitioner and a teacher. No need to call yourself a Buddhist, just explore a new world and have fun while you learn. Open class, drop-in.Tai Chi and Qi Gong with Stefanie
Thursday, 6:15-7:15p.m.
We are now hosting a Tai Chi and Qi Gong class, lead by Stefanie Mackenzie, every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. Everyone, of all ages, from beginners to experienced are welcome. There is no cost for taking this class however, if you wish, your generosity in the form of a donation is always appreciated. Open class, drop-in.Evening Dhamma Talk and Meditation
1st Saturday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
For those interested in deepening their practice, and for those exploring Theravada Buddhism come and join us. This class meets the 1st Saturday of the month. Open class, drop-in. The format is as follows:- Chanting
- Silent meditation
- Dhamma talk
Day Long Silent Meditation Retreat
2nd Saturday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Orientation on the Friday before the retreat, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The all day retreats are designed for those wishing to deepen their experience in meditation, and to develop insight into the workings of the mind. The schedule for the day alternates 30 minute periods of sitting and walking meditation, with occasional breaks for tea and lunch, and ending with a Dhamma talk at 4:00 pm. This is a silent retreat, so we encourage you to speak as little as possible and to keep eye contact to a minimum. Please bring a small lunch for yourself, or a larger one to share with the monks and your fellow meditators. If you have not attended one of our retreats before, you are encouraged to attend the Orientation on the Friday before the retreat. This consists primarily of a Dhamma talk on the value and practice of meditation, and typically focuses on the experiences and obstacles that one will generally encounter when meditating for long periods. Space in the retreats is limited, so please stop by the Temple to sign up. Like all our programs, the retreats are offered freely to the community, though donations are always appreciated.Individual Sitting Practice
Most days, 6:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
The Temple is generally available at these times for extended sitting and walking meditation. Stay for a few hours or all day. Design the time to fit your practice.
As is traditional, Wat Buddhametta is a community supported Temple and Monastery. We exist solely on alms and donations. We offer our services absolutely free of charge, and will never ask you for money. But please be mindful that we are only able to do this because of the continued support of the community. As we see it, it is our responsibility to provide these services to the community. If you find them valuable to yourself and the community, and feel inspired to help support our efforts, please feel free to donate at the Temple donation boxes. If you are unable to do so, that's OK too. We are more concerned that you have a place to practice, a place to receive the Dhamma, and a community of like-minded individuals.