Weightless Giving and Receiving

Weightless Giving and Receiving

We are already well into the holiday season and perhaps more than any other time of year, we think about the rites and rituals we associate with this time. We certainly have many practice opportunities as we examine our attachments and aversions.

The Buddha had something to say about both giving and receiving.

Posted by Deb.

Announcing a New Sitting Group on the Southside!

Announcing a New Sitting Group on the Southside!

We are excited to welcome a new sitting group to the Southside beginning in January 2018!

Insight Chicago Meditation Community is partnering with the Rebuild Foundation to host a Southside meditation sangha the second and fourth Monday of each month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Posted by Deb.

Study and Practice

Study and Practice

Study versus practice is a debate in some centers and sanghas. The usual retreat structure that is modeled on the Goenka method or at centers like Insight Meditation Society typically lean heavily towards practice without much study. This approach certainly has merit and can create big breakthroughs for practitioners, but it has its limitations, too.

Posted by Deb.

Looking In the Mirror

Looking In the Mirror

Mahjima Nikaya sutta 61 (MN 61: Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta: Instructions to Rahula at Mango Stone) recounts the Buddha's teaching to his son, Rahula. This sutta is often cited in dhamma talks to illustrate the importance of right speech. The real importance of this sutta, however, is the instruction it gives for how to integrate practice in daily life.

Posted by Deb.

Insight Meditation Timer

Insight Meditation Timer is a free app for Android and iOS that is so much more than a timer. For example, it contains more than 6,000 guided meditations. If you haven't yet discovered it, you can find more information about it at https://insighttimer.com/.

Posted by Deb.

Posted by Deb.

The Importance of Generosity

The Importance of Generosity

The Ten Paramis or Perfections are qualities that are said to lead to awakening if integrated into life and practice. They are closely entwined with the Brahmaviharas and the Noble Eightfold Path. While different sources list or translate the Pali words for these in different ways, virtually all sources list the first or greatest of the Perfections as generosity (dana). . . . .

Posted by Deb.