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Madison Vipassana, Inc.
Meditation Classes in Madison, WI

CLASSES 2008-09

1. Training the Mind: Introduction to the Skill of Meditation

SUMMER class 9-11 am, Saturday, likely dates June 6-June 27, 2009 (will be confirmed by April)
taught by Janice Sheppard

This four week class will introduce the basic principles of breath based meditation as outlined by Gotama Buddha 2,550 years ago.  The principles, strategies and fundamental truths that the Buddha pointed out offer us a way to train the mind and cultivate ease, clarity, kindness and awareness in our daily lives.  The class will introduce the fundamental teaching of the Four Noble Truths in order to provide the understanding for why the practice of meditation is beneficial.  Participants will learn techniques for formal sitting and walking meditation as well as informal practices to establish and cultivate joy, open heartedness, kindness and wisdom.  

2. Clearing the Path: Meditation in Context

WINTER CLASS: 9-11 am, Saturday, March 14, 21, 28 & April 11, 2009, taught by Janice Sheppard

SUMMER class dates tba, likely July-August

This class builds upon the introductory class and is intended for those you have an established daily/frequent meditation practice. Participants should have an basic understanding of breath meditation and be comfortable meditating for 30 minutes or more.

In this class we will explore some of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha through the meditation itself. The introductory class establishes the strategies and techniques for training the mind. This class continues the process through "Clearing The Path" to peace. The Buddha's teachings intricately link one to the other and we will reflect upon the insights he identified through investigating our own meditating minds.

The Buddha's teachings provide many lists for cultivating the path to the end of suffering. In this class, we'll use the meditation practice to reflect upon and consider the Life of the Buddha himself, the Four Heavenly Messengers, The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts, the Five Hindrances, the Four Brahma Viharas, the Three Refuges, and the 38 steps to safety and happiness presented in the Managala Sutta. Each class will include a 20-30 minute period of meditation.

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For questions about either class contact Jan at uppekha@yahoo.com

Both classes will be held at:
9638 Shadow Ridge Trail
Middleton, WI 53562

In keeping with the Buddha's intention and instruction, the teachings are offered on a dana or generosity basis. There is no pre-established fee for the classes. Dana is the Pali word that is generally translated to mean generosity. Dana is a joyful practice that brings happiness to our own hearts. True generosity is not a moral obligation, an egocentric gesture, or payment for services rendered. Nor is it an action taken with the expectation of receiving something in return like fame, praise or recognition of any kind. When practiced in mindfulness, giving generously is an opportunity to develop the qualities of kindness and compassion, while learning to "let go" of our attachment to concerns like the desire for acknowledgement, material acquisition, and attention. Dana is also a way to express our individual appreciation to a teacher for sharing the Dhamma. In this way, it is also a means of expressing one's gratitude for the Teachings and the unbroken lineage of teachers that began over 2,552 years ago with the Buddha himself. (adapted from http://www.floridamindfulness.org/dana, many others descriptions and explanations of dana also on the web by using a search engine and entering 'dana Buddha'. )

Registration Form:
email to uppekha@yahoo.com, or mail to Jan Sheppard, 9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton, WI 53562

Name___________________________
Address_________________________
City_________State_____ZIP_______
phone____________
Email____________

This registration is for (check which class you are registering for)
_______Training the Mind - Introduction
_______Clearning the Path - Continuing Meditation class

Confirmation will be sent by email

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Additional locations offering regular or periodic Meditation classes:

Lives Unlimited
For info or to register for Lives Unlimited classes call
(608) 233-7431

Center for Mindfulness
Kathy Bonus,  608-265-8325, 
(at the UW Sports Medicine Clinic, 621 Science Drive)

begun 1996, ©2009, revised 3/3/2009
Additional links, comments, or improvements to these pages are always welcome. Please let me know what you think uppekha@yahoo.com