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Tuesday Evening Meetings The Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville explores the many
benefits of Vipassana meditation. We meet every Tuesday in the JABA
building, off of Route 29 at 674 Hillsdale Drive (behind Toys R Us). Gathering
begins at approximately 7:00 pm, and the meeting starts at 7:30.
What is Vipassana? Also known as Insight Meditation, Vipassana is a practice that trains us to live mindfully in the present moment. Literally meaning "to see clearly," Vipassana enables individuals to experience all aspects of life from a place of greater stillness. The meditator learns to relate to life with greater clarity and loving kindness and with less fear, anxiety and stress. Vipassana represents perhaps the central meditation practice/technique taught by the Buddha upon his enlightenment and handed down through the ages. Although the origins of Vipassana lie in the Buddha's teachings and are central to Buddhism, insight meditation-or "mindfulness" meditation as it is also frequently called-can be practiced by anyone regardless of religious beliefs (or lack thereof). Mindfulness meditation requires no belief in a god or even a Buddha, nor an adherence to specific doctrines. Instead, one simply meditates upon one's reality with focused attention in order to "see clearly" whatever is experienced. So have no fear: you can practice Vipassana without being Buddhist! To learn more about the origins of Buddhist Vipassana practice, please see this short article. What happens in the meditation group? Our meetings usually begin with instructions and a 45 minute meditation, or "sitting." This is followed by a "dharma" talk (dharma means "teaching") from one of our teachers that addresses different facets of a meditation practice, including how to bring the heart of meditation into our daily life. After the talk, we have an informal discussion, individual sharing, questions, and general announcements. We also occasionally have special events, such as tea and other refreshments, to foster the sense of community or for celebrations. What if I am new to meditation? You are welcome to join us! Our community includes meditators of all levels, from first-timers to "experts." There is no reason to delay taking part in a meeting because instructions are given at almost every class. We also provide a Newcomers' Orientation starting at 7:00 p.m., which will help give you more information about the community and insight meditation. We periodically offer introductory classes as well, all of which are announced on the website and during meetings. The teachers are also glad to meet with you individually to clarify the basic instructions and answer questions. If you wish to prepare some beforehand, try practicing each day, even if only for a very short time; feel free to ask any questions that arise once you come to a meeting. You can also find some helpful Meditation Instructions and a FAQ page on our website. Do I need to sign up or register? This is an open class and you are welcome to come whenever you like. What is the cost? There is no required fee. Rather, gratitude is expressed for the teachings by offering donations. This is called "dana" (dana means generosity), and allows for an open-hearted exchange. Any money beyond the space rental charge will go to IMCC for the purchase of items that will support our meditation practice like tapes, videos, community meditation pillows and scholarships for those wanting to take our retreats but who lack the funds. IMCC is a 501c3 corporation, and donations are tax-deductible as a charitable organization. What else does IMCC offer?
See the What's Now page, the Event Calendar, and the Resources section for more details. How do I get more involved? Room set-up- We always need people to help set up the room before our Tuesday night meetings. These are small jobs that take only a few minutes but they enable our meetings to flow smoothly. Carol Brown asks for volunteers once a month at our meetings, or you can call her at 293-2729. Greeting new people- The Social Committee needs volunteers to welcome newcomers on Tuesday evenings, greeting guests who are new to the group and giving them a brief orientation so that they'll feel comfortable. Even if you are new to IMCC, you can be a big help, since you remember what it feels like to be a newcomer. Email Linda Cappachione or talk to her on a Tuesday evening. Non-voting board members- If you are interested in contributing your thoughts on how to strengthen and grow our community, please consider becoming a non-voting board member. As such, you'd receive all the board material but you won't be obligated to attend every board meeting-you can attend when you're able. We hope you'll consider the options and take action-mindfully and with loving
kindness! The Board of Directors hold an open meeting on the first Tuesday of each month in the meditation room at 6:30 p.m. The current Board is made up of:
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