The Class is Presented in Conjunction with Turning Point Yoga Center, Madison, Ct
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CLASSES ARE EXPECTED TO START UP IN SUMMER 2010.
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EMAIL NOTICES WILL BE SENT OUT ANNOUNCING DATES, TIME AND LOCATION.
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INSTRUCTOR: John L. Smith
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COST: The course is free.
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REGISTRATION: Click on CONTACT to send John an E-Mail.
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CLASS INFORMATION The focus of instruction and practice will be on Dzogchen (pronounced “zo-gin”) style meditation. Dzogchen is a Tibetan meditation practice for perceiving ordinary awareness and integrating our life in the world as well as deepening one’s intimacy with universal presence or cosmos. Dzogchen is often described as “the direct path.” The specific Dzogchen practice taught employs an "eyes open, soft gaze,' known as "Trekchod" or "Skygazing" practice.
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The sessions will also include occasional chanting (with instruction) as well as several ancient Buddhist practices used to move the mind from the thinking mode into the present moment.
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Occasionally there will be a short talk between sittings with time for questions and answers. There is also an opportunity to relate the teachings to Western spriritual practices and concepts.
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There will also be an opportunity to practice development of heightened concentration skills, depending upon the needs of the group. The Blue Kasina Method will be taught if we choose to explore that practice.
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There will be at least two sittings per evening with a short break in between. Wear loose fitting clothing and bring a light coverlet as appropriate since we will usually sit with the windows open unless the weather is extreme. In excellent weather we may sit outdoors by the ocean as long as there is daylight.
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You will also need a meditation cushion of a blanket which you can fold into a firm seat about 3-4 inches high. A few chairs are available for persons who do not wish to sit in the classical floor posture. “
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"The usual idea we have is that meditation is to enlighten us, make us better, give us peace, or whatever. But for these people, meditation is not for oneself. It is an act of service for the sake of the cosmos. The purpose wasn’t to attune oneself to get something out of it. It was to attune oneself to the cosmos for the sake of the cosmos.”
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____Peter Kingsley in an interview with Christopher Bramford — speaking of the teachings of the great spiritual masters: (Parabola, Spring 2006)
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John L. Smith Biography
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John has studied meditation for over 25 years. He has attended extensive meditation retreats in both dzogchen and vypassana meditation. He taught classes in meditation and development of concentration skills at the Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health in Guilford for over 10 years. John is also a certified Rubenfeld Synergist, a Reiki Level III Master and also teaches fundamentals of Emotional Freedom Therapies (EFT).
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SUGGESTED READING:
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“The Power of Now” and
.“A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose”, by Eckhart Tolle
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In both of the above, Eckhart Tolle writes about the importance of being in the moment, transcending the ego which is basic “goal” of meditation practice. He also thoroughly discusses the role the ego plays in the psyche and as a result, the difficulties usually encountered in transcendental practice as the ego tries to avoid staying in the moment.
..“The Power of Kindness”, Piero Ferrucci
. Piero Ferrucci is a transpersonal psychologist. In this small book of 288 pages he gives one of the clearest and most elegant presentations of the importance of kindness (compassion) which is considered the crowning jewel of transcendence. He relates this to our everyday lives and explains clearly and with no hesitation how and why kindness towards ourselves and others is paramount in fulfilling the promise of ego transcendence. (“So you got enlightened, what do you do with it?”) The practice of compassion or kindness is a major stumbling block for many accomplished meditators. Ferrucci explains it in a way which removes all obstacles and resistance from the path of kindness. He is able to relate all the aspects of kindness to each other and one will breathe a deep sigh of relief from the understanding that shines from his brilliant mind. All aspects of kindness are encompassed ; honesty, warmth, forgiveness, contact, sense of belonging, trust, mindfulness, empathy, humility, patience, generosity, respect, flexibility, memory, loyalty, gratitude, service, AND yes, Joy! This is a real book from the heart. It covers the ground and then some.
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