Meditation is an important practice in many spiritual traditions, including Unity. Although a variety of techniques exist to achieve one’s intended goals, Buddhism’s Vipassana Meditation (also known as Mindfulness Meditation) is simple, direct, and fits with most spiritual paths. Vipassana Meditation is a moment-to-moment analysis of the mind/body process utilizing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, which includes: (a) breath, (b) feeling or sensation, (c) mind or consciousness, and (d) mind objects. The goals are: (1) to be able to live being fully present at all times, and (2) to feel greater comfort with our own emotions and thoughts, as well as with those of others around us. Two opportunities to learn about Vipassana Meditation are being offered at Unity North Atlanta Church this weekend.
On Friday, March 1, 2013, there will be a presentation on Vipassana Meditation, entitled "Insight (Vipassana) Meditation and Buddha's Path to Liberation," from 7:30 to 9 pm in the Sanctuary. Registration is not required for this lecture. A love offering will be gathered during the event.
On Saturday, March 2, 2013, a workshop entitled “Insight (Vipassana) Meditation: A Practice of Freedom” will be held from 9:30 am to 5 pm in the Peace Chapel. The day, which is suitable for beginners as well as those who are more advanced, will consist of instruction and experiential practice in sitting, standing, and walking meditations. Chanting and dialogue will also be part of the program. Participants are expected to bring their own meditation cushions, although chairs will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this workshop. Fees are $85 per person with a discounted fee for seniors and students of $70 per person. The vegetarian lunch is an additional $10. March 1, 2013, is the registration deadline for those paying by cash or check. Please contact Gregg Raduka by phone at (770) 924-8101 or by email to register or to ask questions.
The facilitator of both events is John Orr, an ordained Theravada Buddhist monk, who trained for 8 years in Thailand and India in the 1970s. Orr has been teaching meditation and leading workshops and retreats internationally since 1980. He is an Interfaith Minister and the Dharma teacher for the New Hope Sangha in Durham, North Carolina, and teachers at Duke University.
Unity North Atlanta Church is located at 4255 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, Georgia 30066. The church campus is located in the Atlanta suburb of East Cobb. Take I-75 North from Atlanta to Exit 276A – Canton Road (5 Spur) going north. At the first light, turn right onto Sandy Plains Road. Follow Sandy Plains for approximately 6.7 miles. The church is located on the left side of the road. Make a U-turn at the next intersection.
Home Study Resources for Residents of Columbus, Georgia
The following texts are available on Amazon: (1) “The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation” by William Hart ($11.89 in paperback); (2) “Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation” by Marshall Glickman ($11.68 in paperback); (3) “Insight Meditation: A Step-by-Step Course on How to Meditate” by Sharon Salzberg ($20.95 spiral-bound); and, (4) “Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom” by Joseph Goldstein ($12.66 in paperback).
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