Insight Atlanta - Vipassana Meditation Community
Welcome to Insight Atlanta's Mindfulness Web Site
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About Us
At a foundational level, we are a diverse group of people sharing the common interest of practicing vipassana (insight or mindfulness) meditation. Our sittings consist of 3 parts:
1. 30 minute sitting meditation
2. 15 minute walking meditation
3. 30-45 minute discussion / dharma talk
Insight Atlanta is student led and teacher supported. We have a non-resident teacher, Chas DiCapua, from Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, who gives dharma talks monthly via Skype and teleconferencing. The value in being student led is that each of us has the opportunity to suggest ideas, offer teachings from others through recordings and writings, and offer our own experience of the teachings as it relates to knowing suffering and the end of suffering. The value of being teacher supported is that our practice is nurtured by someone who is well practiced and trained in the dharma, committed to teaching, and is endorsed by a community of dharma teachers. We utilize a community decision-making process for determining what we will study and how we will practice together.
Our meditation time is followed by dharma presentations or book discussions grounded in the Theravadan Buddhist foundation but we are not limited solely to one tradition because we come from many traditions. The discussion/dharma talk is optional so that those who want to leave after meditation are welcome to do so. Although we hope to have the attendance and input from everyone during this time, we understand some people are only interested in group meditation or there may be certain days where other obligations require you to leave early.
The discussion/dharma talk is optional such that those that want to leave after meditation are welcome to do so. Although we hope to have the attendance and input from everyone during this time, we understand some people are only interested in group meditation or there may be certain days where other obligations require you to leave early.
The Insight Atlanta meditation group requires no fees, annual dues or any other financial obligation to attend. Giving of time and/or money to the group's needs is entirely optional and we strive to alleviate any pressure to give or attend on a regular basis. Your commitment is completely voluntary and we do not ask anyone to 'convert,' 'take an oath,' or become a 'member' to be a part of the group.
The core system of beliefs and the form of meditation practice within Insight Atlanta is rooted in Buddhism and stems from the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama). We are not, however, a group that emphasizes chants, prostrations, or other forms of traditional practices. Although we respect these forms of commitment and formality, they are not practiced as a part of our weekly sittings.
