Membership in our sangha is most meaningfully determined by participation in sangha events, i.e. weekly sittings, half-day, day long and weekend retreats. Members are asked to commit to regular practice, participation in ongoing practice groups and at least two retreats each year of any length.
Members are asked to make a monthly contribution toward space rental and teacher support and accommodations are made based on individual financial circumstances. No one is turned away for financial reasons and practicing with and for each other is the primary responsibility of membership.

Visitors are always welcome and prospective members are encouraged to take whatever time they need to decide if this is the right sangha and the right time to join.

Classes

Beginner’s Mind: Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

This 10-week course will explore the Buddha’s core teachings on how to live with greater ease, joy and connection. Using the practice of mindfulness meditation as a foundation, we will examine how to develop a personal practice and apply these teachings in order to live with greater wisdom and compassion in the midst of the demands, stress, pace and distractions of our hyper-connected modern life. Each session will include meditation practice, instruction and group discussion. No previous experience with meditation is needed to participate.

When: Tuesdays, 9/13 – 11/15, 7:30-9:00p.m.

Where: Thoreau Farm, 341 Virginia Rd. Concord, MA

Cost: $120 (Need based scholarships are available)

Led by: John Bigay

Further information or to register: Contact John Bigay at: info@emptyskysangha.org

The Path of Liberation: An Introduction to the Teachings of the Buddha, Zen, and Vipassana.

In this six-week course we will explore the basic teachings of the Buddha as a direct path of freedom from self-made suffering in every aspect of daily living. We will examine how these teachings are actualized in both the Zen and Vipassana traditions through the formal practices of sitting and walking meditation, inquiry, and in our personal relationships. Each 90 minute meeting will include meditation instruction and practice and discussion. Each participant will be expected to maintain a daily meditation practice, a daily practice journal and do the assigned reading.

When: Thursdays at 7 p.m. beginning September 15, 2011

Where: 61 Surdan Mountain Road West Cornwall, CT.

Cost: $ 95.00 ( Need based scholarships are available)

Led by: Doug Phillips

Further information or to register: Contact Mary Gates (860-672-6737) or info@emptyskysangha.org