What is Insight (Vipassana) Meditation? “Vipassana” means insight into the true nature of reality or "to see things as they really are." It is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation, It was practiced by Gautama Buddha more than 2,500 years ago, and he, in turn, taught it to others. The goal of meditation is the eradication of suffering, a state of liberation, and the highest possible level of happiness. Vipassanā meditation has been reintroduced in the Theravada-tradition by Ledi Sayadaw and Mogok Sayadaw and popularized by S. N. Goenka.
Insight meditation is a way of gentle self-observation with the objective of decreasing anxiety and suffering. It focuses on the interconnection of mind and body that can be experienced by disciplined attention to the mental and physical sensations that interconnect and thus condition the mind. Our mind is a magnificent part of us, and yet we don't always use it in the most skillful manner. Insight meditation can train the mind, in order to help effectively harness its resources. The most common meditative practice is to concentrate on the inhalation and exhalation of the breath. Many think that meditative practice necessarily involves pushing away thoughts that intrude in meditation. But our minds have evolved that habit of thinking and wandering! Instead of pushing them away, mediators are encouraged to observe thoughts and, after observing them, simply return to following the breath. The thoughts that arise are important, for they can lead to insight when we are eventually able to observe them non-judgmentally.
Meditation, which is at the heart of a Buddhist's practice, is also often incorrectly thought to be characterized by a mystical or magical state of nirvana. More accurately, it is a practice of concentration that can lead both to deep insight and a physiological state of calm. There is more than one way to enter into and practice meditation. Here is an example of a basic meditation instruction, and here are a series of 3 - 19 minute guided meditations from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. Visit the "Resources" page for information on meditation instruction courses.
Everyone is invited to attend, listen and explore the teachings. We think that you will find that they are universal in nature. Buddhism is not a mystical or esoteric philosophy. Quite the contrary, it offers practical life teachings and wisdom to people of all religious backgrounds. The Buddha taught respect for all religions and, in fact, encouraged his followers to question his teachings. Like the Buddha, we encourage questioning the Dharma, the teachers, and the Sangha, as well as our inner conceptions. If you would like to know more about Buddhist Teachings, please visit both our Buddhist Teachings page.
When Do We Meet? We typically meet on alternate Sunday evenings each month. Meetings begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. with an introduction, a 30-40-minute meditation, and 10 minute tea break/social time period. The final hour is devoted to a dharma talk. Refer to the "Calendar and Activities" page for dates and speakers.
Where Do We meet? Since Spring of 2020 we have met online since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic. The link for the meeting is https://zoom.us/j/9744202686 We anticipate that within the next few months we will return to our former meeting place at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 120 J Street (at the corner of First Street) in Benicia,
What if I’ve Never Meditated or Know Nothing about Buddhism? You won't be alone. Many meditators are "first timers" or relatively new to meditation. It is a life-long practice. If you would prefer not to meditate, feel free to arrive after meditation, for the dharma talk only. In this case, we suggest arriving around 6:45 pm. If you would feel more comfortable talking with someone before you visit for the first time, please contact Judie Donaldson, judiedonaldson1@gmail.com or 707-771-1217. We would be happy to meet or talk with you. We also invite you to read our Welcome Guide.
Dana The Benicia Sangha functions, as Buddhist gatherings have for thousands of years, on the basis of "dana," the Pali word for giving and generosity. This Buddhist tradition is based on the premise that the Buddha's teachings are so precious that attaching a specific monetary value is impossible. Consequently, Buddhist teachers offer their teachings freely. In return, those benefiting from a teaching have the opportunity to express their appreciation, in a financial or other way if they are able, by making a contribution at whatever level is personally appropriate. Contributions go toward supporting our teachers' lives, as well as sangha overhead, including room rent, insurance, and website hosting. While dana of your treasures is important, so are your time and talents. to learn about volunteering with Benicia Insight Meditation, please contact us at beniciasangha@gmail.com
Etiquette The intention of our Sangha is to honor the teachers and the community participants in a number of ways. We ask that everyone arrive on time. We begin promptly with meditation at 6:00 p.m. If, for some unanticipated reason, you are late, please enter as quietly as possible, take a seat, and join the meditation. Our practice is to remove our shoes and leave them in the hallway when we arrive. If this is not comfortable or possible for you, we respect your choice. Completely turn off your phone and other electronic devices before you sit so not to disturb anyone's meditative state. Utilize the restroom, if possible, prior to or after the meditation period; and, in general, limit activities that could be distracting.
Volunteer to Help the Sangha There are a number of ways individuals can serve the Sangha. Those who volunteer consider it a part of their spiritual practice of selfless service. If you have questions or would like to be added to our email announcement of Sangha meetings or if you have suggestions or want to contact someone to volunteer, please write to: beniciasangha@gmail.com