WEEKLY IN-PERSON GROUP MEDITATION PRACTICE IS HELD EACH SUNDAY FROM 9AM-11AM AT THE
Historic Axe Factory building in Collinsville, Connecticut.
Mask wearing is now optional for attendees of our group events.
Zen practice can sometimes be misunderstood as a self-centered activity — depicting individuals engaged in meditation — seemingly setting themselves apart from every day relationships and community. While it is true that each person is responsible to make a great individual practice effort, the supportive power of Sangha Life, or “Together Action”, cannot be underestimated, or disregarded. In fact, as Buddha affirms, it is the “whole of the holy life” on the path of awakening. The word Sangha is not “membership” in the contemporary sense, but closer to kinship; a relationship of connection founded on a shared lineage of teaching, committed practice, ethical conduct, and service, and informed by sunyata — the inseparable, interdependent nature of reality.
Each week individuals from all walks of life come together for practice and support in the work of Great Awakening. Chanting, bowing, sitting, walking, listening, and learning — each one selflessly attending to WHAT IS with attention and intention.
NOTE: Watch WFSB Channel 3 news and WLHZ Facebook page for cancellation announcements.
Ven. Ananda said to the Buddha, “This is half of the holy life, lord: admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie.” [Buddha replied] “Don’t say that, Ananda. Don’t say that. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life. When one (monk) has admirable people as friends, companions, & comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the noble eightfold path. — Upaddha Sutta, Samyutta Nikaya 45:2
Since everything is interrelated, since all things depend one upon another, nothing is absolute, nothing is separate, but all are part of the one indivisible whole. — H.H. Thich Thien-An