What to Expect at a Class

Nervous about coming to a class? Relax. Our classes are focused on providing practical instructions and experience of Buddhist meditations. You do not need to be a Buddhist to come to a class and receive benefit. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith, or to none.

What happens during a typical class?

Classes begin with a short, guided breathing meditation for relaxation, which helps to reduce our distractions and set an intention to benefit our self and others. After the meditation we engage in a brief (5 min) traditional Buddhist Prayer to deepen our experience of inner peace. The teacher will then explain a Buddhist idea and practice, depending on that week’s topic, with emphasis on how to apply it to our busy daily lives. We then engage in a guided contemplative meditation to gain a personal experience of the teaching and practice. We conclude with discussion or questions.

The classes are detailed and practical enough that we can practice the meditations we learn on our own right away. Doing so increases the benefit we receive and increases our faith in our potential for improving our mind. Attending multiple classes in a series can increase our understanding and deepen our practice, but attending one class will bring significant benefit.

Answers to other common questions

Our weekly and weekend classes are self contained. You don’t need to have any previous experience to understand the teachings. It is best to arrive ten minutes early to class to get settled. We have both chairs and meditation cushions available for seating during the class. No special clothing is required, just dress comfortably.