The great Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah used to express the essence of the meditative path as, “Be the one who knows.” Variations of this theme are taught in Zen, Tibetan Buddhism (Dzogchen, etc.), and in the nondual schools of Indian spirituality (Advaita). In this workshop we will be gently guided in meditation and shared silent inquiry to turn attention back onto itself. The direct method works from the outside in, to see and rest in our innate wisdom of knowing as being reality itself. This is a special kind of knowing that expresses itself as a sense of being deeply in the here and now. It is also unifying, as we begin to understand and relate to all of life as sharing this same simple spark of knowing/ presence/ being. This can help us to live with more acceptance and kindness, both toward ourselves and others, and to experience more spaciousness, love, and connected ease in formal practice and in the midst of our daily lives.
This workshop will combine reflection, guided and silent meditation periods, and time for discussion at the end. All levels of experience are welcome.
Matthew Daniell is the guiding teacher of NSIMC. He has been practicing Buddhist meditation since the 1980s, including over a decade in Asia, where he practiced Zen intensively in Japan, Tibetan Buddhism in India, and Insight meditation in Burma, India, and Thailand. Read more about Matthew on his teacher page.
Please note that unlike most of our weekend programs, this one takes place on a Sunday and the start time is 10 a.m. The fee for this program is $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers (become a member here). To register and pay online, click below; if paying by cash or check, send an email to northshoreimc@gmail.com.