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. In May, meetings are in-person on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month and virtually via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays.

Beginning June 1, 2024, the Saturday Sitting Group will begin to meet in person weekly. We are very sad to say goodbye to our Zoom dharma friends who can’t meet in person, but our North County Sitting Group continues with online meetings. We would also like to offer this extensive list of Online Sanghas that Spirit Rock has on their website. There are virtually (:-) hundreds of groups meeting online regularly.

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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 - Gladdening the Heart/Mind

All too often in Buddhist practice, the emphasis is on dukkha, or suffering. But the Buddha said “I teach suffering and the end of suffering.” The second half of that statement refers not only to abandoning what causes suffering, but to cultivating the wholesome states of mind such as joy, gladness, gratitude, generosity, even rapture. It is taught directly in the lists such as the Four Brahmaviharas and the Seven Factors of Awakening, but it’s also woven throughout many of his other teachings.

Starting June 1, we will begin an exploration of the study of gladdening the heart/mind. We will loosely follow the topics in James Baraz’ course and book “Awakening Joy,” which are: Intention; Mindfulness; Gratitude; Joy in Difficult Times; Integrity; The Joy of Letting Go; Loving Ourselves; Connection with Others; Compassion; and The Joy of Being.

You are encouraged to purchase James’ book, Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness, although it is not necessary. As usual, we will listen to, and discuss, talks on the topics. Additional resources will be provided along the way.