Introduction to Meditation

This course provides a basic orientation to one of the most essential practices of the spiritual journey. Called 'receptive prayer," "contemplation," "sitting," zazen, and "the art of inner listening," meditation offers manifold benefits to the spiritual seeker. We consider some of the schools of meditation as we work with over a dozen techniques drawn from Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Tibetan and zen traditions. Because the purpose of the course is to equip students with this most valuable tool, the format is much more experiential than intellectual, although some readings are discussed and a lengthy bibilography is provided. The goal is both to inform and to immerse participants in meditation and to encourage the development of a regular, daily practice.

This course is suitable for distance learning. If you live far from our base in Waterbury, Vermont, contact us and we will make arrangements for you to take the course in the distance learning format.

Note: All our Winter term courses build in a snow day. If inclement weather should force the cancellation of a class session, the make up day will be on Saturday, Feb 25th.