SUNDAY MEDITATION GROUP
Because of the COVID-19 virus, Westchester Buddhist Center is moving meetings to the online platform Zoom. Visit www.westchesterbuddhistcenter.org/updates for timely updates and more information. Also, sign up for the weekly email here.
Meditation Morning Gatherings (Dharma Talk or Learn to Meditate) & Afternoon Courses at Eileen Fisher Headquarters, Irvington, NY
No In-Person Meetings. We meet online via Zoom at our regular time: 10 am Sunday, March 15th
3/15 SUNDAY DHARMA GATHERING
On Sunday at our usual time, John Baker will give a Dharma talk entitled Bringing Fear to the Path of Awakening, followed by a discussion. As always, we will begin with a period of sitting meditation. Meditation will be guided, for new meditators, at that time. All are welcome.
At that time, you may join the meeting via this link!
09:45 - 10:00 AM: Tech support and guidance on using Zoom, (if unfamiliar with it).
There will be a technical "host" present to handle issues at all these listed zoom events
This first gathering may be well-attended, so please try to join early, or right at 10am, so we can start gracefully. As with our in-person gatherings, if you arrive later, during meditation, please just sit quietly with your microphone muted. Thank you.
10:00 - 10:10 AM Greetings and Welcome to Zoom Dharma Gathering
10:10 - 10:30 AM Sitting Meditation
10:30 - 11:30 AM Dharma Talk, Bringing Fear to the Path of Awakening with Q&A.
11:30 - NOON Social (bring your own refreshments).
Even though we are not meeting in person, any donation is still appreciated.
WHEN & WHERE
Sundays (10 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Eileen Fisher Headquarters, 2 Bridge Street, Irvington, NY 10533
Directions: Northwest corner, entrance is adjacent to the river. Please note; GPS won't work, view detailed directions below
By donation. Open to all.
ABOUT THE MORNING MEETINGS
Sunday mornings alternate each week between Dharma Gatherings (DG), Open Meditation (OM) and Learn to Meditate (LTM).
Dharma Gatherings (DG) begin with 30 minutes of sitting practice, followed by a dharma talk and discussion. A brief introduction to the meditation technique is provided for those that want it in a separate room upstairs at 10 am.
Open Meditation (OM) consists of 2 full hours of practice, with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, and a brief reading.
Learn to Meditate (LTM) meetings offer a very detailed (1-1.5 hour) presentation on the practice for those who are new to it, or for those who would like a refresher. This instruction is offered at the same time as Open Meditation, but in a separate room, upstairs. At the end of this instruction, the group will join the Open Meditation gathering for the remainder of the morning.
All programs conclude with conversation and refreshments. Meditation cushions are provided.
PLEASE NOTE: No meetings on major holidays or in seriously inclement weather. Join our newsletter to stay updated.
WINTER COURSES, 2020
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS (12:30 - 2:30PM)
Both of the following course offerings follow our ongoing Sunday morning activities from 10 am-noon
Foundation Level Course:
The Way of the Buddha-Meditation and Insight, Semester Two
Transforming Suffering into Compassion—Insight, Egolessness and Buddha Nature
A year-long foundation level course in 3 semesters (Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020)
From January 12 through April 5, 2020
Intermediate Level Course:
The Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom and Compassion, Semester Two
An exploration of the Mahayana based upon Volume Two of The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, begun in Fall 2019.
From January 12 through March 15, 2020
SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
Losar 2020, Lunar New Year – Year of the Rat
Sunday, February 23 (12:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
Eileen Fisher Headquarters, 2 Bridge Street, Irvington. View directions & map (GPS won’t work!)
This year, Losar, or Tibetan New Year’s Day, ushers in the Year of the Rat. The holiday itself falls on February 24; Westchester Buddhist Center will celebrate Losar as a community on Sunday, February 23. We cordially invite you to attend! Join us at 10:00 am at Eileen Fisher headquarters for meditation and dharma talk and stay for the New Year’s festivities beginning at 12:30 pm. Or come just for the afternoon.
Milarepa Day
Saturday, March 21, 2020
9 - 5pm (Lunch break at 12pm)
The Aligned Center
1 Bridge Street, Irvington NY 10533
We will be celebrating Milarepa Day by chanting The Rain of Wisdom, known also as The Vajra Songs of the Kagyü Gurus. These spontaneous songs of enlightenment have been handed down to us from Milarepa himself and from other great meditators of the Kagyü lineage.
All are welcome to attend, for the whole day or any part of it!
PREVIOUS COURSES (FALL 2019)
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Eileen Fisher Headquarters
2 Bridge Street, Irvington, NY 10533
(Please note, GPS won't work, please view detailed directions below)
As you face the river, the entrance is on your left, on the northwest corner of the building.
1. From Route 9, turn onto Main Street, Irvington. Continue down hill (west) towards the train station.
2. Turn right on N. Ashton
3. Turn left on Bridge Street, continue on to River Street, and follow parallel to railroad tracks past the first large brick building.
4. WBC meets at Eileen Fisher’s office space, which occupies the 2nd large brick building. Turn right into second Parking Lot
5. Our entrance is around the corner of the building facing a small courtyard and the Hudson River.
For those who walk from the Irvington train station. As you face the river, it is the second large building on your left. You enter from the river side, with your back to the river as you go through the door.
