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What is Vipasanna Meditation?
Vipassana (also called Insight), is a type of Buddhist meditation common in the Theravada tradition of Southeast Asia. It gradually frees the mind from the distortions of self-centeredness, negativity, and confusion. Combined with the cultivation of mindful awareness in all aspects of life, Insight meditation helps us to see life as a constantly changing process, so we can begin to accept pleasure and pain, fear and joy, and all aspects of life with increasing balance and equanimity. Over time this balanced awareness, grounded in the experience of each moment, leads to ever-increasing wisdom, compassion, and peace.
As in all Buddhist traditions, vipassana practice emerges most naturally from a life based in non-harming. Daily practice of the Five Precepts - not killing, not stealing, not misusing your sexuality, not speaking falsely, and not abusing drugs or alcohol - is an essential support for sitting meditation.
Lovingkindness Practice
Developing metta, or lovingkindness, is a wonderful complement to vipassana. This slightly different form of meditation is an important component in our group's practice.
Info and Suggestions for Newcomers
The Albany Vipassana Meditation Group has been meeting regularly since 1987. We meet Monday evenings at 7:30. We have a short reading, then an hour of silent meditation, followed by tea and conversation. The location varies from week to week, so you will need to call before you come. Anyone is welcome to join us. Bring a cushion for sitting on the floor if you have one but it's fine to sit in a chair if you prefer. We do not offer formal meditation instruction, but can suggest books and tapes to help you get started. Many people, even brand-new meditators, find the shared practice environment is very supportive. Probably you can sit still longer than you think, and moving around a bit - or getting up and doing walking meditation - is not a problem.
For More Information or to find out where we are meeting, email BJPetiet@capital.net or call John or Beverly Petiet at (518) 438-9102.
Some recommended books:
Seeking the Heart of Wisdom by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield
A Path With Heart by Jack Kornfield
Insight Meditation by Joseph Goldstein
Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg
A Still Forest Pool by Ajahn Chah
The Mind and the Way by Ajahn Sumedho
Taped talks and meditation instructions given by many teachers in this tradition can be purchased at the Dharma Seed Tape Library. For a free copy of the catalog contact DharmaSeed@www.dharma.org or call 1-800-969-SEED
For downloadable translations of original Pali texts and audio dhamma talks by Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg and others, contact Access to Insight or Dharmanet .
Retreats and Study Courses
Many of us find inspiration and support for our practice in the meditation retreats at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and in courses at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS). Both of these non-profit centers are located in Barre, Massachusetts about a 2 ½ hour drive from Albany.
Call IMS at (978) 355-4378 to request a schedule. Their website address is www.dharma.org .
BCBS can be contacted at BCBS@dharma.org or call (978) 355-2347.
In the NYC area, New York Insight Meditation Center, offers a variety of non-residential retreats, evening Dhamma talks, weekly sittings, beginners' courses, and workshops. Programs are held at different locations throughout the city and its environs. To receive their schedule and be placed on their mailing list, call (917) 441-0915. Or email nyinsight@earthlink.net .
] May all beings be happy ]