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What is Dana?
Dana is a Buddhist word that means generosity or heart. Nearly all Sacramento Insight Meditation activities are offered on a dana (donations) basis. This means our programs are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. Practice dana, please support our Sangha. DONATE NOW
05/24/2018 “Meaning and Practice of ‘Investigation’” with Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaThe Meaning and Practice of “Investigation” in Insight Practice – The principal purpose of Insight Practice is the creation of conditions that lead to spontaneous, intuitive Insight that liberates the mind and heart from suffering. This occurs through “Investigation.”
An exploration of the meaning of Investigation involves an examination and understanding of the most fundamental and radical viewpoints expressed in the teachings of the historical Buddha. Likewise, it involves how those viewpoints are operationalized into the Buddha’s instruction for practicing meditation and paying attention to our experience in everyday life.
Dennis’ talk explores these topics and the challenges they represent to evaluating our own individual meditation and daily life practices. The talk uses the Buddha’s teachings on the “Seven Factors of Awakening” as a jumping off point for discussion and exploration of this fascinating topic. It would be helpful to review the first 12 pages of the article by the same name by Piyadassi Thera which can be found at https://accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/wheel001.pdf.
This talk references the following handout: Seven Factors Chart (.pdf)
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
05/10/2018 “Reflections on Old Age, Sickness, and Death” with Rich Howard
Audio DharmaIt is said that the historical Buddha started his journey to awakening after being shaken by encountering the “heavenly messengers” old age, sickness and death. He recommended reflecting on these life experiences often. We will take this evening to reflect on and discuss our relationship to these messengers and how they might enliven our practice.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
Family Sangha cancelled for Mother’s Day
News04/26/2018 “Dependent Origination” with John Travis
Audio DharmaExamining this core teaching of the historical Buddha. We’ll look, specifically, at how the past creates the present, and the present creates the future, in our daily lives. And we’ll focus on how a good hear, with clear thinking, creates a positive future.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
Beginning Meditation Class One-Day Retreat
Meditation Course, RetreatThis retreat is part of a six week meditation course offered twice a year. You must pre-register to the course before attending this retreat.
Beginning Meditation Class (6 of 6)
Meditation CourseThis class is part of a six week meditation course offered twice a year. You must pre-register to the course before attending this class. For course details, click here.
Beginning Meditation Class (5 of 6)
Meditation CourseThis class is part of a six week meditation course offered twice a year. You must pre-register to the course before attending this class. For course details, click here.
Beginning Meditation Class (4 of 6)
Meditation CourseThis class is part of a six week meditation course offered twice a year. You must pre-register to the course before attending this class. For course details, click here.
Beginning Meditation Class (3 of 6)
Meditation CourseThis class is part of a six week meditation course offered twice a year. You must pre-register to the course before attending this class. For course details, click here.
Beginning Meditation Class (2 of 6)
Meditation CourseThis class is part of a six week meditation course offered twice a year. You must pre-register to the course before attending this class. For course details, click here.