GREETINGS
Welcome to the Meditation Circle site. This longtime Buddhist-oriented meditation group based at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 520 Kanawha Boulevard W., in Charleston, West Virginia, will be closing down its meetings for good effective with the end of June 2022, after a good run. See the ‘RESOURCES’ page for tips on setting up or deepening meditation practice. Be well!
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Category Archives: Mindfulness
The Buddhamas Carol (or ‘Ode of a Vipassana Yogi’)
There just aren’t that many Buddhist Christmas carols out there. Here’s one by Bhante Yogavacara Rahula, a Theravadan Buddhist monk who guides the Lion of Wisdom Meditation Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Years ago, Bhante Rahula approached me with the verses … Continue reading
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The Wise and Prudent Friend
“If for company you find a wise and prudent friend who leads a good life, you should, overcoming all impediments, keep their company joyously and mindfully.” ~The Buddha from The Dhammapada, 23.328
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Observe Your Own Mind
“People today have been confused for a long time. They do not know that their own mind is the real Buddha. “They do not know that their own essence is the real Dharma. “Wishing to seek Dharma, they attribute it … Continue reading
The world of continual emergence
Perceive freshly as you enterThe world of continual emergence.That rock-bottomed essence of your mind,Is always still, but ever-emerging;Always there, as if waiting to be noticed. – Ji Aoi Isshi (Quote courtesy DailyZen.com)
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Be your own witness
People may look at you and feel your way of life, your interest in Dhamma, makes no sense. Others may say that if you want to practise Dhamma, you ought to be ordained as a monk. Being ordained is not … Continue reading
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Don’t Be a Meditator
“Don’t try to become anything. Don’t make yourself into anything. Don’t be a meditator. Don’t become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. What you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. ” ~ Ajahn Chah
Turn to the Ocean
I explain to you mattersPertaining to enlightenment,But don’t try to keepYour mind on them.Just turn to the oceanOf your own essenceAnd develop practicalAccord with its nature. ~ Yangshan
Recipe for Contentment
“If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the … Continue reading
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Bhante G on meditating via ZOOM, daily mindfulness and facing death
This Q-and-A was featured in the April 2021 issue of WestVirginiaVille.com magazine By Douglas John Imbrogno | WestVirginiaVille.com | april15.2020 It is not as well known as it should be that a much-beloved, 93-year-old global figure in Buddhism has called … Continue reading
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Why don’t you touch your nose?
Then spring now autumn,the four seasons revolve.Then young now old,you see the hair turn white.Then wealthy and nobility,now a long dream.Years and months go by,Carrying ten thousand pecks of sorrow.In the path of suffering,The wheel of rebirth rolls endlessly.In the … Continue reading
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Abandon COnceit
“It is by diminishing ego, letting go of arrogance, and abandoning conceit that one becomes a better Buddhist, no matter what tradition one may follow.” ~ Bhikkhu Analayo, “Superiority Conceit in Buddhist Traditions”
Calmness in Activity
“Calmness of mind does not mean you should stop your activity. Real calmness should be found in activity itself. We say, “It is easy to have calmness in inactivity, it is hard to have calmness in activity, but calmness in … Continue reading
Just Waves
“It will take quite a long time before you find your calm, serene mind in your practice. Many sensations come, many thoughts or images arise, but they are just waves of your own mind.” ~ Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
Step-by-Step
“So, don’t be in a hurry and try to push or rush your practice. Do your meditation gently and gradually, step-by-step. In regard to peacefulness, if you become peaceful, then accept it; if you don’t become peaceful, then accept that … Continue reading
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Observe & Notice
“When we practice, we observe how much peace, happiness, and lightness we already have. We notice whether we are anxious about accidents or misfortunes, and how much anger, irritation, fear, anxiety, or worry are already in us. As we become … Continue reading
