Sitting Group / Dharma Study
The focus of this group is traditional Buddhist topics such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Hindrances, the Three Characteristics, heart practices, etc. through talks given by senior Vipassana teachers from Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, Insight Meditation Center, and other Vipassana centers.
We meet weekly on Saturday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am. Meetings are in-person on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month and virtually via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays. On months that have five Saturdays, we meet in person. Sign up below to receive weekly updates with more information.
In-person meetings are held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego - Hillcrest. 4190 Front St, San Diego, CA 92103 across the street from the UCSD medical center. The entrance to church parking is on Arbor Drive.
STUDY Focus - Liberative dependent origination
We are currently studying liberative dependent origination. We will listen to and discuss talks on the topic, and additional resources will be provided.
From Gil Fronsdal, “One of the useful descriptions the Buddha gave for the way out of suffering is the twelve steps of what is called ‘Liberative Dependent Origination’ (LDO). These steps are successive mental states, each dependent on the presence of the preceding one, which create the conditions for not only becoming free, but for really knowing one is free. The Liberative Dependent Origination sequence is offered in contrast to the more commonly taught twelve-fold dependent origination sequence that describes the main causal conditions that lead to suffering.” Gil’s full article is posted here.
About the Group
What is the format of this Sitting group?
We begin each meeting with an optional silent meditation at 9:30 pm. At 10:00 am we have a brief check-in about our practice followed by a Dharma talk and then mindful sharing. This part of the meeting is guided by our mindful sharing guidelines.
Do I need to have previous experience in Mindfulness or Vipassana?
No, newcomers and experienced practitioners are welcome. Drop-ins are also welcome. By signing up below, you will receive emails containing the weekly talks and other resources and announcements, as well as have access to our online forum on Google Groups.
By signing up below, you will receive emails containing the weekly talks and other resources and announcements, as well as have access to our online forum on Google Groups.
Question? Please contact Irene at irene@insightsd.org.
- How to Practice Vipassana Insight Meditation
- Beginning with Buddhism and meditation — a Lion’s Roar guide
- Thousands of free dharma talks can also be found on audiodharma.org and dharmaseed.org.
- Mindful Sharing Guidelines
- Mindful Eating Instructions
- Eating meditation instruction, Andrea Fella
- Walking meditation instruction, Tara Brach
MEDIT MEDITATION TIMER APPS
- Insight Timer
- Lotus Bud