9:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday, April 16, 2016
In the McFarlin Chapel at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 2 Westford Street, Chelmsford
The 24/7/365 global news cycle can make it seem impossible to avoid hearing the cries of the world; and then there are the individual burdens each of us bears in our own lives. Yet understanding the ubiquity of dukkha is the first step on the path towards awakening. Rather than remaining trapped in reactive cycles of greed, hatred, and ignorance, there is another possibility: compassion, the ability to respond to suffering with kindness… both for others and for ourselves.
During this day of communal practice we will investigate both faces of compassion. In the morning we will explore the cultivation of karuna as “a quivering of the heart” in response to the suffering of others – especially those with whom we find ourselves at odds. In the afternoon we will turn our attention to meeting our own suffering with an open heart. The day will conclude with tea and the opportunity for informal discussion.
Previous experience with mindfulness and/or lovingkindness meditation is recommended, but not required. We encourage attendance for the full day, however there is the option to come for either the morning (9am to 12 noon) or the afternoon (1pm to 4pm) session only. In consideration of the other participants, please arrive promptly.
Please bring your own lunch and meditation cushions or benches as desired; chairs will be available. There is no charge, however we ask you to consider making a donation to support our hosts at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Chelmsford.
RSVP to grommit_2000 [at] yahoo [dot] com no later than April 9.