Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for getting to know our own minds by observing what is arising in the present moment without judgment. This can help us learn to live with less stress and even improve our relationships with ourselves and others. But the Buddha taught another set of meditation practices that are even more relationally powerful, known as the four “heart practices”:
Lovingkindness or goodwill (metta)
Compassion (karuna)
Sympathetic joy (mudita)
Equanimity (upekkha)
Powerful tools for liberation in their own right, these attitudes are so helpful for interpersonal harmony and conflict reduction that one Buddhist teacher has described them as providing “the answer to all situations arising from social contact.” In a world of seemingly constant conflict, intentionally cultivating these practices leads to more peace with others as well as inside oneself.
In this program we will look at how each of the four heart practices operates, and practice them together. Beginners and seasoned meditators are all equally welcome.
Adam Groff is the manager of NSIMC. He has been practicing Buddhist meditation since the 2000s, beginning at the Insight Meditation of Newburyport under Matthew Daniell. Read more at Adam’s teacher page.
Fee: This program has a three-tiered pricing structure to accommodate people of various means:
Supported: $35
Base: $45
Benefactor: $55
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. NSIMC members should feel free to pay at the lowest level; become a member here. If you would rather pay at the door, send an email to northshoreimc@gmail.com to register.