Meditation is not a monolith. There are many ways to meditate and many ways to interact with our awareness. When we practice meditation, what are we doing with our awareness? How are we relating to it?
In this session, we will practice two different ways of meditating:
Concentration Meditation, in which awareness is focused and deepened on a single object
Continuity Meditation, in which the priority is not focus, but instead maintenance of a continuous stream of awareness, be it on one object, or many different objects in succession, or even many objects all at once
We will learn methods for practicing both of these styles. While there is some overlap with these two styles, there are also some very big differences and divergences. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Which one did the Buddha include on his path? Where does Insight Meditation fit in with these two?
These questions, and others, will be examined so that we may each develop our own personal connections to both styles. There will be an instructional talk along with periods of meditation, discussion, and Q&A.
This program is suitable for first-time meditators and experienced practitioners alike.
Max Johnson has been practicing Dhamma since 2014. He is particularly interested in Early Buddhism, and the similarities and differences it has with modern Buddhism. Max has studied under various Thai, Lao, Burmese, and Sri Lankan monks, and is also qualified by Brown University to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Learn more about Max at the teacher page of Wenham Insight Meditation Center.
Fee: Please pay at the highest level that is comfortable for you – paying at a higher level helps us support those who need to pay at a lower level.
Supported: $35
Base: $45
Benefactor: $55
NSIMC members should feel free to pay at the lowest level; become a member here. If you would rather pay at the door (cash, check, or Venmo), send an email to northshoreimc@gmail.com to register.