Meditation, Dharma, Community — Every Wednesday, 7-8:30pm at Gateway Taiji in Portsmouth or online on Zoom, beginning October 5th.
From a Buddhist perspective, spirituality is a process of becoming kinder and less selfish, of freeing oneself from habits based in craving, hatred and ignorance. This work leads us to a deeper sense of connection, and begins to unravel our suffering. The problem of human suffering was of central concern to the Buddha, and the Noble Eightfold Path is a core teaching in relation to reducing suffering for ourselves and the world.
The Eightfold Path is more like a tree than a sidewalk. When we think of walking a path, we imagine following a course from one place to another. That image holds up for the Eightfold Path, as it does lead from Samsara to Nirvana. Yet in experience, the Eightfold Path feels more like a tree in that its limbs are connected and present all at once. Sunlight that touches the leaves of one branch benefits the entire tree. Likewise, as we focus on one limb of the Eightfold Path, what we learn there informs and supports our practice of the other limbs. A beautiful living organism of practice and the fruits of practice sprouts and grows in the light of awareness.
Each week we’ll gather to meditate and explore another limb of the path: Vision, Emotion, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Awareness and Samadhi. We’ll see how these integral dimensions of transformation work and relate to each other as an evolving process. We will have a practical focus on how the practice of the Eightfold Path reduces suffering for ourselves and others. We will explore these practices from the perspective of individual transformation, and how they contribute to the flourishing of friendship and community.
Suitable for all levels of experience, including complete beginners. Join us for the whole series, or drop in as you like. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Your donations help cover our rent and support our programs and teachers. Please bring your own water bottle or thermos; we have meditation cushions and chairs at the studio. Gateway Taiji is located at 875 Islington St, Portsmouth.
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How are we coming together safely?
If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person. Stay up-to-date with exposure guidelines here.
Masks are optional unless otherwise stated.
If you have recently recovered from Covid-19, stay up-to-date with CDC guidance here as to when you’re clear to be back in public.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person, but please attend on Zoom.
Gateway has installed Hepa filters in their HVAC system for air purification.
*Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about how we’re coming together.