Sunday Secular Dharma Sangha Will Begin May 12th
What is Secular Dharma?
Secular Dharma is an approach to the teachings of the buddha (dharma) that seeks to strip away sectarian religious dogma and retain the wisdom that the buddha offered which is still so relevant for the life we live today as householders (meaning not monks or nuns) with family, jobs and all the joys, sorrows, complications and messiness that accompany real world 21st century living.
This sangha is inspired by Insight Meditation as presented in Spirit Rock Meditation Centre in California where Cathi trained and practiced. It is also inspired by the teaching of Stephen Batchelor and Martine Batchelor with whom Cathi has also trained and practiced.
To get some understanding of Secular Dharma, you might like to watch an interview with Stephen here
How Often Does The Sunday Secular Dharma Sangha Meet?
Sangha will meet every Sunday from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Yoga Home Sligo (Top Floor Of The Wellness Centre) EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS BEFORE A BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
What Happens At A Sangha Meeting?
Sangha Meetings will be structured as follows
gentle movement to arrive into the body—these can be done sitting or standing
gentle breathing practice to connect with breath
mindfulness meditation with some guidance and some time in silence
break for tea
presentation of some aspect of the buddha’s teaching
time for Q&A and/or discussion
I’m a total Beginner at Mindfulness and Meditation—Can I Come?
Yes! Everyone is welcome if they are interested in learning about these wisdom teachings and wishes to cultivate a meditation practice. There are often courses and/or workshops running at Yoga Home Sligo especially for those new to Mindfulness Meditation, so you might like to check the calendar or contact Cathi@yogahomesligo.com for information about these. However, it is not necessary to have prior experience. There will be some guidance at the beginning of the meditation.
Do I Need To Bring Anything?
You do not need to bring anything as there will be chairs, meditation cushions, and a variety of yoga props so that people can find the best position for themselves to be both awake and at ease. Some instructions will be offered for people who are newer to the practice so that physical discomfort can be minimised and not be a barrier to mindfulness meditation. If you are a regular practitioner, you can feel free to bring your own cushion or what ever you enjoy for sitting. Please note: if lying down/standing meditation is your preferred method, that’s fine too. There is no one right way. It is what suits you best on any given day.
Do I have To Book and is there a fee?
This weekly event (except bank holiday weekends) is offered as a community gathering (Sangha) that is donation based. There will be a basket at the door and you are invited to contribute what feels appropriate for you. This is called “dana” in the buddhist tradition and it means something like a combination of generosity and gratitude; both the giver and receiver of the donation and the teaching are experiencing different aspects of generosity/gratitude. Each supports the other in an exchange and it is in this way that the teachings are passed from generation to generation without a price tag.
For those for whom this is a new practice, some guidance is often appreciated and so suggestions are offered below but please understand that it is a donation and it is part of the practice to honestly assess what is appropriate for you and some days that might be very little and other days it might be more—some days it might be appropriate to offer help setting up the room in lieu of a financial contribution. Somedays it might not be possible to offer anything. No one will be monitoring and all are invited into the spirit of the practice according to which no one is to be left out and everyone is welcome.
Suggested Donations*
If you are experiencing financial instability €5-€10
If You are experiencing financial stability €10-€15
If You are experiencing finacial security €15-€20