Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All deeds are led by mind, created by mind. If one speaks or acts with a serene mind, happiness follows, As surely as ones shadow. -Dhammapada 1:2

The Vipassana (pronounced vi PAH suh nuh) Group is a twice weekly gathering of diverse individuals who practice meditation and study the teachings of the Buddha according to the Theravada (pronounced terra VAH duh) school of Buddhism, the traditional Buddhism of Southern and Southeast Asia. The Vipassana Group first met at Ekoji in November 1994, and began weekly Friday meetings on March 3, 1995.

Newcomers are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of their meditation experience, religious background or affiliation, or those with no religious affiliation.

Vipassana is a Pali word which literally means clear-seeing, or seeing with clarity and precision; insight. Through the practice of meditation and by studying and applying the Buddhas teachings in everyday life, one learns to see things more clearly and with greater understanding. The causes and conditions that shape ones thoughts, feelings, judgments and sensations become clearer. Through direct experience, the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees oneself from suffering is understood. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness (mindfulness), non-delusion, self-control and peace.

As a way of strengthening our spiritual practice, the Ekoji Vipassana Group strives to host visiting teachers throughout the year. Past teachers we have hosted include Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia, Susan Stone, and Thanissaro Bhikkhu. In addition, we hold 2 self-led weekend retreats annually at The Clearing in Amelia County. We also encourage our members to attend outside retreats as their schedules permit.

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Insight Meditation Community of Richmond, Va. - Ekoji ...

Who we are

We are a friendly and inclusive group inspired by, and associated with, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanhs Community of Interbeing and with the Insight Meditation tradition of Gaia House.

What we do

We meet weekly on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm to practise Buddhist meditation and mindfulness. Weaspire to bring mindfulness, concentration, and insight to daily living. During our meetings we practice guided meditation, walking meditation and silent sitting meditation. We also share readings from a range of Buddhist teachers. There is an opportunity for mindful speaking in which we communicate with compassionate listening and loving speech. (See Our practice pages for more details of what we do).

Where we meet

Centrally located, meeting at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 222 Sheen Road, TW10 5AN,we are convenient for members from Richmond, Ham, Petersham, Kew, Barnes, East Sheen, Mortlake and St Margarets.

New members

Our meetings are open to, and welcome, new members of all faiths or none. We honour the differing religious traditions of our members. No previous experience is needed but please make contact by email before attending for the first time so that we can arrange for your first visit to be on a week in which relevant instruction is being given.

About our Group

Weare run ona not-for-profit basis. There is no charge for attending our meditation evenings but donations are accepted towards our running costs.

Richmond Mindfulness Meditation Group was founded in 1997. We followGuiding Principles which encapsulate what we value about our Group. For the avoidance of doubt, we are neither a therapeutic group nor a stress reduction group.Our meetings have a minimum age limit of 17 and we regret that children cannot be brought to our meetings.

In addition to our regular evening meetings we have periodic Days of Mindfulness where we have the benefit of a full day of practice.

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Richmond Mindfulness Meditation Group - Buddhist meditation

There are roughly two kinds of people: those who continually lament what is wrong with the world, and those who smile away life's difficulties and remain always positive in their thinking. Why take everything so seriously? How wonderful this world would be if everyone were more positive, more harmonious!

In the jungle of civilization, in the stress of modern living, lies the test. Whatever you give out will come back to you. Hate, and you will receive hate in return. When you fill yourself with inharmonious thoughts and emotions, you are destroying yourself. Why hate or be angry with anyone? Love your enemies. Why stew in the heat of anger? If you become riled, get over it at once. Take a walk, count to ten or fifteen, or divert your mind to something pleasant. Let go of the desire to retaliate. When you are angry your brain is overheating, your heart is having valve trouble, your whole body is being devitalized. Exude peace and goodness; because that is the nature of the image of God within you your true nature. Then no one can disturb you.

When you want to create a good habit or destroy a bad one, concentrate on the brain cells, the storehouse of the mechanisms of habits. To create a good habit, meditate; and then with the concentration fixed at the Christ center, the center of will between the eyebrows, deeply affirm the good habit that you want to install. And when you want to destroy bad habits, concentrate at the Christ center and deeply affirm that all the grooves of bad habits are being erased.

I will tell you a true story of the effectiveness of this technique. In India, a man who had a bad temper came to me. He was a specialist in slapping his bosses when he lost his temper, so he also lost one job after another. He would become so uncontrollably irate that he would throw at whoever bothered him anything that was handy. He asked me for help. I told him, The next time you get angry, count to one hundred before you act." He tried it, but came back to me and said, I get more angry when I do that. While I am counting, I am blind with rage for having to wait so long." His case looked hopeless.

Then I told him to practice Kriya Yoga, with this further instruction: After practicing your Kriya, think that the divine Light is going into your brain, soothing it, calming your nerves, calming your emotions, wiping away all anger. And one day your temper tantrums will be gone." Not long after that, he came to me again, and this time he said, I am free from the habit of anger. I am so thankful."

I decided to test him. I arranged for some boys to pick a quarrel with him. I hid myself in the park along the route where he used to pass regularly, so that I could observe. The boys tried again and again to goad him into a fight, but he wouldn't respond. He kept his calmness.

Affirmation

Bless me, that I heal anger hurts in myself with the salve of self-respect, and anger hurts in others with the balsam of kindness."

See the article here:

Richmond Meditation Circle - Home

FITNESS

Saturday Tai Chi Floor Polish Dance Studio, 215 N. Hoff Ave. Learn chi-building standing meditation and Yang form Tai Chi Chuan movement. 1-2 p.m. Saturdays. $10. 333-5905.

Tai Chi for Health Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. First Ave, Oro Valley. Improve balance, mental clarity, relieve pain and create an overall feeling of well-being through natural breathing and slow, gentle, meditative body movements. 1-2 p.m. Mondays. $10 per class; $60 for nine weeks.780-6751.

Tai Chi for Health St. Francis in the Foothills, 4625 E. River Road. Safe, effective and fun way to improve balance, mental clarity, relieve pain and create an overall feeling of well-being. 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays. $10; $60 for nine weeks. 780-6751.

Seated Tai Chi for Health Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road. For those who want to improve their health but cant stand to exercise. 1-2 p.m. July 12. $24 for four classes. 465-2890.

Divine Joy Yoga Rincon United Church of Christ, 122 N. Craycroft Road. Yoga. Visit divinejoyyoga.com to see all locations. 9-10 a.m. July 6, 11 and 13. $6. 808-9383.

Yoga in the Buff Movement Culture, 435 E. Ninth St. Clothing optional co-ed. 4-5 p.m. Thursdays. $5. 250-2331.

Hot Yoga Rooted, 1600 N. Tucson Blvd. Full body flow. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $10. 1-435-671-9033.

Vinyasa Yoga Tucson Chiropractic Center, 570 N. Columbus Blvd. Strengthen, stretch and tone. 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $5. 1-435-671-9033.

Tibetan Yoga Awam Tibetan Buddhist Institute, 3400 E. Speedway Rancho Center. For young or old, focuses on the breath as it works with the asanas. 10-11 a.m. Saturdays. $5. 622-8460.

Meditation and Martial arts

Taekwondo Wellness Intuition Wellness Center, 5675 N. Oracle Road. Learn traditional Taekwondo philosophy and core principles, self-care, stress management, coping skills, social skills and mindfulness meditation. 4:15 p.m class for ages 7-12; 5:15 p.m. for ages 12 and up. 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $20. 333-3320.

Capoeira for Kids Studio Ax, 2928 E. Broadway. Children learn the basics of Tucson Capoeira Martial Arts through games and exercises. Ages 5-12. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Free first class; $15. 990-1820.

Intro to Capoeira Studio Ax. A form of fitness and exercise that works the whole body, but also the mind. 7-8:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free. 990-1820.

Tucson Community Capoeira Classes All Levels Movement Culture. Build strength, and test endurance while learning the basic history and traditions. 4-6 p.m. Saturdays. $10.

Kids Capoeira Movement Culture. Develop; balance, motor coordination, speed and strength. Wear loose pants/sweat pants and any t-shirt and training will be in bare feet or martial-art/dance shoes. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays. $10.

Tucson Capoeira intro class Movement Culture. Introduction to the four core expressions of Capoeira: Movement, music, philosophy, and history. 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays. Free.

Tucson Capoeira Beginners Class for Kids Movement Culture. Children will begin to learn the basics of capoeira. Ages 5-12. 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. $10.

Playing Capoiera: Learning Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Public Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive. Learn Capoeira movements and music. Ages 10 and up. 6-7 p.m. July 12. Free. 594-5200.

Tucson Capoeira Beginners Class Movement Culture. Dance, acrobatics and music. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. $15.

Kettlebell Fit Centerline Movement, 1600 N. Tucson Blvd. Strength and conditioning. 18 and up. 7-8 a.m. July 6, 11 and 13. $25. 975-0292.

Everyone Runs TMC Run with the Roosters Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. 5 mile run, customized finisher tech shirts, Mexican breakfast, photos, slip 'n slide, sno-cones and awards. 5-7 a.m. July 9. $35. 797-7867.

Brewery Bootcamp Dragoon Brewing Co., 1859 W. Grant Road. Full body workout. 21 and up. 11 a.m.- noon. July 9. $10 includes first beer. 465-6895.

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Tucson Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation and Fitness ideas July 6-14 - Arizona Daily Star

Dream: I'm at my piano teacher's house. I hear her say, "If you haven't practiced, then don't play today." (I had been lax in meditations.) I play anyway. I take some of my piano pieces out and flip through them to find an easy one to play.

My teacher plays one of mypiano pieces. The teacher says how beautiful my piece is. It is one of my music pieces. I realize the teacher's playing is beautiful, but I want to play my piece myself instead of listening to the teacher play my piece.

Step 1. Connect previous day (often the day before) events to the dream to discover this dream's theme.

I have been reading and studying wonderful writings of one of my favorite authors. Yet, now I have not been experiencing the depth of meditation as I had been. Theme: Meditation

Step 2. Connect previous day (often the day before) thoughts to your dream to detect which thoughts may have prompted this dream.

Yesterday after reading the inspiring teachings, I wondered why my lack of success with meditation. Obvious thought-question: Why my lack with successful meditation?

Step 3. Define major dream phrases and symbols from your write-up of this dream to discover the dream's personalized meanings.

Answers to my pre-dream thought of why my lack with successful meditation: Practice and listen instead of depending on surface level meditations, even inspiring readings, for effective meditation.

Media Contact: Evelyn M. Duesbury (608) 348-5925 http://www.yourguidingdreams.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/book-reveals-two-critical-parts-of-successful-meditation-300480706.html

SOURCE Evelyn M. Duesbury

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Book Reveals Two Critical Parts of Successful Meditation - PR Newswire (press release)

One ambassador of mindfulness-through-technology is the AI powered meditation app Aura, which was voted Apple's #1 new app in February 2017 and currently has a 5/5 star rating in the iOS App store. It's available for both iOS and Android, and while it normally costs around $100 per year, Engadget readers can get a lifetime subscription today for just $60 - over 80 percent off.

While there are plenty of different meditation apps on the market, Aura stands out from the rest with a host of unique features:

1. Aura fits with your schedule and attention span.

While some competitors offer 10-30 minute meditations, Aura has options that work for anyone's schedule. Sessions last anywhere from three to ten minutes, depending on your level of comfort, making it great for newcomers and more experienced practitioners alike.

2. It uses Machine Learning to customize your meditations.

Aura is unique in that it's a personal meditation coach that learns from your sessions and customizes your future meditations. Before and after each meditation, Aura asks short questions about your current mood and uses sophisticated machine learning techniques to give you a unique experience that complements your emotional state every time you use it. It even sends you helpful relaxation reminders when you need them most.

3. You can track your progress over time.

Aura also keeps track of your data to paint a detailed picture of the patterns of your mental ebbs and flows. Just like you fitness goals, you can track your mindfulness progress with the help of Aura's gorgeous visual interface.

4. You get 24/7 access for life.

Their premium subscription gives you 24/7 access to all content, so you can have it on hand whenever you need a few moments of silence.

If you're interested in using technology to help relieve stress and anxiety, check out this offer on Aura Premium - you can get a lifetime of just $60, two years for $50, or one year for $30.

Check out these other popular offers from GDGT Deals:

Engadget is teaming up with StackCommerce to bring you deals on the latest gadgets, tech toys, apps, and tutorials. This post does not constitute editorial endorsement, and we earn a portion of all sales. If you have any questions about the products you see here or previous purchases, please contact StackCommerce support here.

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Why Aura is the one meditation app you should be using - Engadget

Living life with purpose and fulfillment that is the topic Master Wu Chueh Miao Tien, the 85th patriarch of the Taiwan-based Chan school of meditation, will tackle during his first U.S. public address, Saturday, July 1, at the Irvine Barclay Theater.

Chan,a spiritual practice that focuses on cultivating inner peace and compassion, is believed to have come to China about 1,500 years ago from India, where it was called dhyan. In an interview via Skype from Taipei, Miao Tien said Chan aims to complement and enhance any religious practice, not to replace it.

Chan now has practice and teaching centers in Irvine, Walnut and Torrance, and thousands of practitioners across the country, as well as in Taiwan, Europe, Japan and mainland China.

Miao Tien, 84, spoke to the Register about his message and the essence of Chan practice:

Members of the Chan Center listen to Chan Master Wu Chueh Miao Tien on the television Friday at the Chan Center in Irvine. ///ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 7/19/13 MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER 01.chanmeditation.ml Chan is an ancient form of meditation, which orginated in India and was then exported to China and later to Japan (Zen). This is a story about the Chan Center in Irvine and about the practice, its benefits, etc.

Donna Feng leads the meditation ritual before listening to Chan Master Wu Chueh Miao Tiens video Friday at the Chan Center in Irvine. ///ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 7/19/13 MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER 01.chanmeditation.ml Chan is an ancient form of meditation, which orginated in India and was then exported to China and later to Japan (Zen). This is a story about the Chan Center in Irvine and about the practice, its benefits, etc.

Q: What is the goal of this spiritual practice?

A: The ultimate purpose of practicing Chan is for our spirit to be with God. In the process, through this practice, we are also making our physical body healthy, and our hearts and minds joyful. When we gradually purify our body and mind, we can practice Chan in its true sense. This helps connect us with the sacred spirit (God) and enables our spirit to witness God, and that is the highest spiritual state.

Q: What role does kindness and compassion play in Chan practice?

A: It plays a significant role and it starts with cultivating ones heart. We need to cultivate a very beautiful world in our hearts, where we are joyful every day, respect each other and do not create conflicts. Even when conflicts arise, we need to continue to be courteous to others and not get angry. If you can develop this habit through Chan practice, you will cultivate loving kindness, which will help elevate your spiritual practice to a higher level.

Q: What is the key to cultivating this joyful heart?

A: Most importantly, you need to realize life is short at most, 100 years. Within this time, you need to realize the meaning and value of this life. The purpose of life is not to feed our own desires. We need to learn how to contribute our heart and our abilities to benefit mankind. When that realization dawns, naturally, you will be joyful every day and find life to be very fulfilling.

Q: What message do you hope to convey to your audience in the U.S.?

A: I will talk about the difference between religious and spiritual practice. When conflicts arise between different religious groups, it causes war. But, spiritual practice is not about religions. It is about the sacred spirit. Religions are interpreted in different ways according to peoples understanding and perspectives. On the contrary, everyone has the same sacred spirit. What we pursue in Chan is this sacred spirit, not religions. This has the potential to bring peace to the world and end wars.

In the eastern world, people read and recite scriptures. In the western world, you listen to sermons, read the Bible or listen to hymns. These religious practices bring peace to peoples hearts. However, they are not enough to witness God because these are all practices that exist in the conscious mind. The sacred spirit can be reached only by transcending the conscious mind and by entering that spiritual realm through Chan. When you start the practice you will see right away that your body becomes healthier and your mind gets clearer.

Wu Chueh Miao Tien, the 85th patriarch of Chan, will discuss The Secret of Life from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 1, at the Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Information: 714-699-3188 or info@heartchan.org.

Original post:

Taiwanese meditation master visiting Irvine to teach approach to living a life of purpose - OCRegister

By 42, life had caught up with Sha Roehm.

"I had to start going to a cardiologist because I thought there was something internal going on. I hit a wall," said the wife and mom who struggled with anxiety.

She's not alone.

According to the American Psychological Association, 75 percent of adults report experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month.

"If your mind is unhealthy, your physical body is going to be unhealthy," said Chelsey Charbeneau of Mastermind in Dallas.

Mastermind is a relatively new concept in boutique fitness: a studio that exclusively offers guided meditation. There are no treadmills or pilates reformers. This is a gym for your brain, designed to quiet your relentless mental chatter.

Meditation classes are guided by trained instructors. You can choose to sit or recline -- whatever is more comfortable for you. There are no phones allowed in the meditation room. No shoes allowed, or talk about religion or politics. All that's required is breathing.

"Even if they know they can do this at home, on an app or with a video, they may not have the peace and quiet that they need or the environment set up to make them feel comfortable," said Charbeneau, 34, who moved from Los Angeles to Dallas to help get the Mastermind concept off the ground in Texas.

"It kind of clears the space a little bit," said Hal Penchan, 32, after his second meditation class.

The husband and father of two young children works in real estate and comes to Mastermind with colleagues from work.

"Whether its the middle of the day or morning or middle of the week its a good reset, refresh," he said.

The effects of meditation on the brain are undisputed.

"It actually stimulates or increases the vagal nerve tone, and it naturally will lower heart rate. It will naturally lower your blood pressure, and it will naturally lower those cortisone levels and bring things back into a normal state," said Dr. Melita Williams of Texas Health Plano.

Roehm has it figured out. She's made meditation a daily habit. Her health has improved and so have her relationships.

"My husband has seen changes in me, my daughter -- Im not yelling or screaming or anything like that now," said Roehm, who is finding time to do everything she wants by setting aside a little time -- first-- for herself.

For more information on meditation classes at Mastermindgo here.

Nicole Cross - Evening News Anchor/Health Correspondent

Read more:

The first 'brain gym' in the ArkLaTex teaches meditation techniques - KTBS

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to catch Lavendra, a show by Philadelphia visual artist E. Jane. The solo exhibition turned a Brooklyn gallery space into an immersive, purple-tinted sanctuary in which to honor black women. On the walls hung lovingly crafted collages of R&B stars, including Aaliyah and Whitney Houston, while the floors were dotted with screens showing videos of the artist in fantastical digital environments. It felt like stepping inside a music video mood-board, and in a way it was, for E. Jane's alter-ego is Mhysa, and electronic artist and one-half of SCRAAATCH.

This July 21, Mhysa will release her debut album fantasii on Rabit's label Halcyon Veil, and today you can hear a brand new track from it called "Bb." Produced by lawd knows, Mhysa's partner in SCRAAATCH, "Bb" is an aural rendering of Lavendra, all swathes of silken synths and tactile percussion. The spacious sonics center sensual vocals: "Touch me/ And kiss me/ Love me/ Still love me," she sings over drums that don't so much beat, but lounge. A whisper over six minutes long, it's less of a ballad and more like a meditation on the healing power of R&B.

"With 'Bb,' I wanted to make a full-on RnB song," Mhysa told The FADER over email. "I wrote the lyrics and did the arrangement and lawd knows produced the beat. Being a Black American woman from the American south, I wanted to draw on my roots and my history and engage the genre that feeds me so much. This is the only RnB song on the album and it's special to me because it allowed me to be vulnerable in a way I'm usually not in my music."

"I'm used to being vulnerable about my feelings on Black death but not my feelings about wanting to be desired, longing things that I and many other Black women and femmes still think about and need," she continued. "I'm not letting go of my rage, but I also need joy, desire really to experience the full range of emotions because I am human and those feelings are inside of me, as they are inside of all of us. We are still living even as we mourn, and some of us don't have the time to even mourn because capitalism keeps us so burdened with alienated labor."

Listen below, and check out some beautiful images from photographer Naima Green's fantasii album cover shoot.

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Mhysa's Bb Is A Sensual Meditation On The Healing Power Of R&B - The FADER

If you struggle with stress or anxiety, you are far from alone. In fact, most US workers say they suffer from stress on the job. Thankfully, technology and science are teaming up to fix this growing issue with a whole slew of meditation and relaxation based tools. One example that's currently sweeping the industry is Aura, an app that helps you reach inner calmness through short, guided meditation sessions. Right now, you can get lifetime Premium access for just $59.99 via the Popular Science Shop.

While few of us have time for yoga classes and prolonged mindfulness, we can all spare 10 minutes. Aura helps you hit maximum relaxation in the minimum time by employing artificial intelligence that tailors your meditations to your state of mind.

When you open Aura, the app first asks about your mood and how long you have to meditate. Sessions last between 3 and 10 minutes with accompanying audio that has been crafted by meditation teachers and therapists. Aura even helps you track your mood over time, so you can see the improvement.

As a Premium member, you get unlimited sessions for life. Worth $399, Aura Premium lifetime subscriptions are now just $59.99 for a limited time.

See original here:

Aura uses artificial intelligence to deliver personalized meditations - Popular Science