Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha

The Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha sponsors a variety of classes to help our members develop and deepen their practice.

Introductory Classes

The sangha holds an introductory class on the practice of Insight Meditation many months of the year.  Classes begin on the first Tuesday of the month, and run for four consecutive weeks.  No prior experience is necessary, no materials are required, and there is no fee for the course.

November – No class

December – No class

January 10, 17, 24, 31 - Tuesdays, 6:15 pm – Mary Powell teaching

February – No class

March 6, 13, 20, 27 - Tuesdays, 6:15 pm – Joan Mitchell teaching

April – No class

These classes are held at the Mountain Cloud Zen Center in the Office/Library from 6:15 to 7:15 pm.  After each class, students are encouraged to join the rest of the Sangha for each evening’s Dharma Talk or discussion.
To inquire about the schedule or learn more about the class contact Joan Mitchell at:  trutrope32@yahoo.com, 983-2475 or Mary Powell at: madridbook@msn.com, 984-1285.

Join a Dharma Friend Group

SUPPORT FOR YOUR PRACTICE: DHARMA FRIENDS GROUPS

Dharma Friends Groups have begun and will open up again in May 2011. Please contact Joan Mitchell, trutrope32@yahoo.com, if you are interested and answer the questions below.

“In spiritual friendship, we can actually be with each other. We open ourselves to the other person, ready to notice any grudges that we have, or the opinions and obsession we have about them, as well as the attractions towards them. Then we can enter more into the place of listening, of forgiving, of letting go of the past and just being open to the present. And this is the most wonderful and beautiful gift we can give.” Ajahn Amaro

The Buddha stressed the importance of friendship among practitioners. If you would be interested in meeting with a small group of 5 to 10 fellow meditators for 2 to 3 hours every week or every other week, let us know. Groups are usually facilitated by two persons, and may focus on a topic such as a sutta, article, or book chapter, or may meet simply to discuss our practice. Meetings include a group meditation period. A commitment to attend regularly for a set period is important. If there is enough interest, groups will begin in late February. If you are interested in participating, or facilitating, contact Joan Mitchell, trutrope32@yahoo.com with the following information:

1. What days (Monday-Sunday) and times (morning, afternoon, evening) are you available?

2. I am interested in a group where the primary focus of discussion is
A. Sutta Study
B. a book chapter, article, or audio talk
C. our meditation practice
(You may choose more than one.)

3. Briefly describe your practice (daily practice, retreats)

Intermediate Classes

The sangha occasionally holds an intermediate meditation class in place of the Tuesday evening introductory class.  Classes begin on the first Tuesday of the month and run for four consecutive weeks. Pre-requisite for this class: an introductory class or equivalent experience in insight meditation, and commitment to daily practice for the duration of the class.

These classes are held at the Mountain Cloud Zen Center from 6:00 to 7:15pm. After each class, students are encouraged to join the rest of the Sangha for each evening’s Dharma Talk or discussion.
To inquire about the schedule or learn more about the class, contact –
Joan Mitchell — trutrope32@yahoo.com

Continuing Education

In addition, we offer continuing education classes on special topics during the course of the year. These are often taught by visiting teachers.

JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN TALKS

Every other Thursday 2:30 to 4:00 PM, Beginning March 8

Over the past several years Joseph Goldstein of the Insight Meditation Society gave 46 talks on the Sutta on Mindfulness (the Satipatthana Sutta). They constitute one of the most complete courses on Vipassana available. We will listen to one talk every other Thursday and have a half hour discussion afterwards. The group will initially meet at the home of Pat D’Andrea. She has space for about 8 people. We will begin Thursday March 8.

All talks are available through www.dharmaseed.org

Please join us!  Email Mary Powell at madridbook@msn.com or Cathy Perrodin at cathyperrodin@gmail.com