Meditation

Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self
Based on the contemporary Buddhist bestseller The Buddha in Your Mirror (www.middlewaypress.com), this class introduces a simple daily ritual that you can apply to relationships, career, health, and the unique environments you encounter in normal life. Unlike monastic traditions, this 700-year old Buddhist philosophy and technique can be practiced anywhere (except when driving!) and can be completely integrated into your daily life (without buying a new wardrobe or leaving for long weekends). Instruction will take place in English. Taught by Charles Greenberg and a guest speaker. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He team-teaches Practical Buddhism.
1 Session $31 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $23)
Sat., 3/10 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong: Level 1
In Chinese Medicine, the condition of one’s Qi is the most critical determinant of health status. This life force is omnipresent and can be transferred and absorbed. In this series, participants learn a set of Qi Gong exercises for self-cultivation of one’s Qi. Practicing these exercises can yield benefits in maintenance of good health and prevention of disease. The students first learn to sense and enhance the flow of Qi within the body and around the inner organs. Then the student learns to improve his/her Qi balance through meditation. The student will learn techniques for the expelling of bad Qi and the drawing in of good Qi from the outside. Students from prior classes are welcome back. Taught by Debbie Dong, owner of Meridians, a provider of Eastern Health Alternatives in Ridgefield. She has taught Qi Gong for many years.
4 Sessions $51 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $38)
Mon., 3/5, 12, 19 & 26 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.; Venus Bldg.

Meditation Workshop with Thai Meditation Master
Achan Da will lead another seminar similar to those that have been so well received in past years. Mahasati meditation is a form of vipassana, or insight meditation, practiced for years in Southeast Asia. It uses both walking and seated meditation. It is experiential in focus and does not rely on the acceptance of any religious doctrine. Since it is performed with the body in motion and eyes open, it is more easily carried into daily life than other forms of meditation. Suitable for both new and experienced meditators, the workshop will combine lecture, demonstration, and actual meditation practice. The second session provides attendees the opportunity to ask Achan Da questions regarding their practice after trying the technique for a week. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Meditation Master Achan Da is a Theravada monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was abbot of the Thatkong Monastery in Northeastern Thailand and has been teaching meditation for over 30 years. This is a chance to learn from a true master.
2 Sessions $29 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $22)
Available Spring 2012. Please check back early March for dates.
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge, W. Redding (1/2 mile east of Route 7).

Medical Questions:

We expect students to have consulted with their doctor before starting any new exercise program.