Joyful Path is happy to host and participate in a meditation group in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Experienced community members, including Joyful Path volunteers, rotate responsibilities in leading the sessions. This group meets on the First and Third Tuesdays.
First Tuesday Format
- Introductions (5 minutes)
- Guided Sitting Meditation (20 minutes)
- Five Mindfulness Trainings (15 minutes)
- Question and answer or second meditation (15 minutes)
- Close (5 minutes)
Third Tuesday Format
- Introductions (5 minutes)
- Guided Sitting Meditation (20 minutes)
- Walking Meditation (5 minutes)
- Short talk (15 minutes)
- Discussion and close (10 minutes)
Sitting Meditation
Sitting meditation brings us mindfully into the present moment, which is the only moment which we ever really have, as opposed to dwelling in the past, which already has gone, or the future, which has yet to arrive. In sitting meditation, we concentrate on our breath. Breathing in, we are aware only that we are breathing in. Breathing out, we are aware only that we are breathing out. When our mind wanders, we gently, without judgment, bring our full attention back to the breath. We do this as many times as is necessary throughout the sitting period.
Mindfulness Trainings
The Five Mindfulness Trainings are one of the most concrete ways to practice mindfulness. They are nonsectarian, and their nature is universal. They are true practices of compassion and understanding. All spiritual traditions have their equivalent to the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Mindfulness trainings are practical guides to help us live more fully in compassion and understanding. They are Thich Nhat Hahn’s “translation” of the traditional five precepts, and include (1) Reverence for Life (2) True Happiness, (3) True Love, (4) Loving Speech and Deep Listening, and (5) Nourishment and Healing. During our time together, we will recite the trainings and perhaps explore an aspect of one of the trainings if there is time.
Walking Meditation
We do walking meditation for the same reason as sitting meditation: to bring ourselves mindfully into the present moment. In this case, however, we get off our cushion or chair so that we can move mindfully with our sangha brothers and sisters. In walking meditation, we walk for the joy of walking, without striving.
