About this Event
Interested in meditation & mindfulness and not sure where to start? Or perhaps you're finding your own practice too difficult? We know it's not easy, even if you use apps like Headspace, Calm or Insight Timer.
Come learn about how Buddhist teachings can help the mind settle down so you can find peace and enjoy life to a fuller extent.
We will be meeting outside, so please bring a warm jacket & maybe a hat as it gets chilly near the water. You may also like to bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel to use for the brief yoga session. The mat or towel will also be useful to fold and sit on to elevate your hips during the meditation practice.
I will be bringing my dog Sparky, who will sit quietly while we practice.
Format- Weather reports (10 min)
- Yoga (5 min)
- Chanting (5 min)
- Reading & Dhamma Talk (15 min)
- Guided Meditation (12 min)
- Dhamma Sharing (15-30 min)
Most forms of Buddhism originate from specific countries and are identified as such. The Thai Forest Tradition originates from Thailand and is a form of Theravada Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism focuses on the original teachings of the Buddha, as opposed to Mahayana (ex. Zen) which has adapted the Buddha's teachings to fit with more modern culture. The canon has been interpreted by different monks throughout the more than 2500 years since the life of the Buddha. We will be focusing on teachings from Thanissaro Bhikkhu, who teaches at the Metta Forest Monastery in Valley Center, CA ( about 1 hour from San Diego ). You can find more information about his teachings at on his website dhammatalks.org.
Q & AWhat are weather reports?
A creative way to check in with one another about how have been. Have you been feeling happy? Your weather has been sunny! Have you been feeling down in the dumps? Your weather has been cloudy or rainy. Feeling angry or stressed out? Maybe you're weather has been thunderstorms.
Why Yoga?
Yoga is not specifically part of the Thai Forest Tradition, but it has been mentioned by various monks as a way to release energy in the body prior to meditating as a good way to help the mind settle down.
What will the chanting involve?
We will mirror the 8pm meditation sessions at the Metta Forest Monastery by chanting the Sublime Attitudes. This is half in Pali and half in English. If it's your first time, feel free to only chant the English parts, you'll catch on to the Pali as you continue to practice. The Sublime Attitudes are a great introduction to Buddhism by practicing metta and learning about the Triple Gem.
What is Pali?
Pali is one of the ancient languages that the Buddha's teachings were recorded in. The other main language is Sanskrit.
What is metta?
Metta is the Pali word for good will. We typically spread good will and a wish for happiness to ourselves and others.
What is the Triple Gem?
The Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha
What is Dhamma?
Dhamma is the Pali word for truth, that which really is. Dhamma talks are words of wisdom spoken by a wise teacher, usually a monk. In our case, we'll listen to Dhamma talks by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
What is a Sangha?
A Sangha is a group of people made up of both monastics ( monks and nuns ) and lay people ( practitioners of Buddhism that are not monks and nuns ). By joining this group, you'll be part of our Sangha!
What are the expectations for Dhamma sharing?
After our meditation, we will share from the heart and speak mindfully about our experiences. We can share insights, difficulties that were encountered, ask questions or discuss anything else related to our practice.
Who is leading this group and why are you doing it?
My name is Thomas Silloway, but you can call me Tom. After a long career in the video game industry, I began to explore meditation and mindfulness as a way to soothe anxiety and help with depression. I started with the app called Headspace and found some success, but also found it to be frustrating and could not stick with it. After being introduced to the Buddhist teachings, I learned about the reasons behind why meditation is important, rather than just how to do it.
Buddhism helps teach how to live a more virtuous life, through compassion, generosity, and mindfulness. Leading a more virtuous life naturally leads the mind to settle down, as there are less things to worry about when you are not taking part in unskillful actions such as lying, stealing, or harming yourself or others.
I am starting this group to share what I have learned and found so helpful and transformative in my life. I would also like to grow a community of like-minded people that share similar values.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1010 Santa Clara Pl, 1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, United States
USD 0.00