Once the Buddha began to share his teachings with the rest of the World, he never instructed anyone to accept those teachings blindly. Instead he encouraged students to test his findings for themselves in order to develop their own experience of the practice. Our community attempts to operate with that same spirit of openness and respect.

You are cordially invited to join us as we sit, stand and walk in meditation, practicing simply for the sake of practice. All levels of practitioners are welcome so, regardless of whether you're embarking on or continuing your journey inward, we would be most honored by your presence. This is a non-denominational group. However, even though many of us do not have a label for our spirituality, we do primarily practice methods which have been handed down by the Buddha. Nevertheless, no matter what path you follow, it is our intention to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental environment for internal exploration, one where all attendees feel comfortable and at ease.

It is the further intention of this group to help its members identify areas where suffering (feelings of stress and dissatisfaction) may exist and to help them learn how to change their relationship with those feelings in order to cultivate deep inner peace. We envision this group being an interactive community where authentic personal connections are made as we share and learn together from the combined insights of all who attend. The eventual development of our collective wisdom should also help us to better assist one another on our respective paths. Ideally we must remember that, despite our wishes to the contrary, growth happens at its own natural pace. Thus it will be quite important to be patient, be gentle with ourselves and be supportive of our fellow practitioners in order to nurture these intentions in a beneficial way.

Event details vary from sitting to sitting and will be posted on each individual event page. Generally, we will practice these forms of meditation: Samatha (Tranquility / Calming the mind and body through one pointedness), Anapanasati (Mindfulness of the breath), Vipassana (Clear seeing / Insight), Metta (Loving-Friendliness / Kindness) and Tonglen (Exchanging self with others / Compassion).

A voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. As causes and conditions permit, we look forward to sharing energy and insights with all who choose to be present.

With Metta, Mark Z

Groups near Northbrook, IL