(Please see below for Frequently Asked Questions)
Wednesday Practice Session
5:45-6:45pm
Regular location: Eviama Life Spa - 262 S. 16th Street (between Spruce and Locust), 2nd Floor
This hour-long mid-week practice session generally begins with a brief reading and/or guided meditation from the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, followed by silent sitting meditation and Dharma sharing (a chance to share together about our experience of practicing mindfulness). Folks are welcome to contact us first to let us know to expect you, or just drop by any Wednesday a bit before 5:45pm, whichever is most supportive to you.
Sunday Practice Session
10am-12:45pm
This practice session, held at rotating locations in Center City Philadelphia, generally includes: Sitting meditation; walking meditation; reading and/or other practice from the Thich Nhat Hanh Tradition; & Dharma sharing.
Thich Nhat Hanh Reading Circle
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, 6:30-8:00pm
The Thich Nhat Hanh Reading Circle comes together to discuss writings by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in order to more fully realize these teachings in our daily lives, so as to transform suffering and water seeds of understanding, compassion, peace and joy in ourselves, our relationships and the world. We come together as a community of practitioners and peers, to support each other to touch these teachings deeply and connect them with our own hearts and lives. Sessions begin with a short period of sitting meditation. Lending copies of the book are available for Reading Circle participants.
Reading of The 14 Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing
2nd Tuesdays & last Sundays of each month
The 14 Mindfulness Trainings for Engaged Buddhism are the precepts of the Order of Interbeing, the Tiep Hien Order, the core community of monastics and laypeople practicing worldwide in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Many people practice these trainings beautifully and powerfully without ever receiving formal transmission, and this recitation is open to and welcomes everyone. For more information about the 14 Mindfulness Trainings and the Order of Interbeing, please visit: http://iamhome.org/interbeing_intro.htm.
Can I just show up or should I let you know I’m coming?
On Wednesdays, newcomers are welcome either just to show up a little bit before 5:45, or to contact us in advance to let us know to expect you--whichever feels most supportive for you. For our other meetings, as they are often in members’ homes, we ask newcomers to please contact us ahead to confirm the location, let us know to expect you, and make sure you have all current information.
Do I need to bring a meditation cushion?
Eviama Life Spa, where we meet every Wednesday evening, provides a small assortment of chairs and cushions (you may like to come a few minutes early to choose the one you like). Other locations offer chairs, and sometimes pillows, to sit on. If you have a cushion or seat you enjoy using for meditation, you are welcome to bring it if you like.
Is there anything else I need to bring or know in advance?
Nope. You are welcome to come just as you are. For folks new to the practice, we are happy to offer basic instruction. (If you would like to talk with someone or ask any questions in advance, you are very welcome to call or email us). If you’re interested, our “Resources” page also offers links to more information about our tradition and practice.
Is there any charge?
All of our meetings are offered free of charge. Donations, never required, are welcomed to help pay operating expenses and support our Sangha Scholarship Fund (to help reduce financial barriers for active Sangha members to take part in important learning and practice opportunities in our tradition). On Wednesdays, Eviama Life Spa donates their space, and small donations to them are welcomed but not required.
