What’s Going On at the Center

February 5, 2014 by Del_Swann

By Michelle Welch

Here’s an overview of our regular programs at the Phoenix Shambhala Meditation Center.

Public Sitting: Every week on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday sitting is 30 minutes of sitting, followed by a tea break. Sunday sitting is 90 minutes of alternating sitting and walking meditation, followed by a tea break. Book discussions may be held after tea on Sundays depending on interest, if there is no previously scheduled event. Brief meditation instruction is available 15-30 minutes before sitting. Public sittings are open to everyone and are free of charge; one-time donations or monthly membership are appreciated but not required. Voluntary contributions of snacks for the tea break are also welcome.

Sarpashana: Meditation& dharma studies for those in recovery, held every Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. 20 minutes of meditation, followed by a reading chosen by the facilitator or a volunteer, often using Pema Chodron’s book “Comfortable with Uncertainty.” After all present have had an opportunity to share without cross-talk, we close with 5 minutes of meditation and a Dedication of Merit. Voluntary donations are welcome and appreciated but not required.

Learn to Meditate: A free open house for beginners, usually on the first Wednesday of every other month, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (This replaces the regular Wednesday sitting.) The next session will be March 5, 2014. A brief talk and meditation instruction will be followed by Q&A and refreshments.

Two related events that are not official Shambhala programs are Dharma Punx and the Mindful Hike. Dharma Punx is the meeting of the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, held at the Phoenix Shambhala Center on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. See their Facebook page for more. The Mindful Hike is coordinated by Mike Lipscomb and is held Saturday mornings (time varies depending on the location and season). Details for each week’s hike are posted on the Mindful Hike Facebook page. Please RSVP at the Facebook page or email [email protected] if you plan on joining a hike so Mike can meet you at the trailhead.

You can find all the official events of the Phoenix Shambhala Meditation Center on our Monthly Calendar.