Metta Lecture and Retreat
Posted Jan 30, 2010 by PaulThe Buffalo Mindfulness Community is sponsoring a Loving-Kindness (Metta) Meditation lecture and one day retreat with Spring Rain Sangha teachers Philip Starkman and Randy Baker (Philip Starkman is pictured below). These Dharma teachings will take place at the Hindu Cultural Society (small building) which is located at 1595 North French Road Getzville, NY. The evening lecture will be on Fri, Feb 26 and the day long retreat on Sat, Feb 27. Both events are free and open to the public. To register or for more details email info@buffalodharma.org or call 400-5899.
Friday, February 26
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) – a public talk on Loving-Kindness (Metta) Meditation. Metta will be described in the context of the four divine abodes (Brahmaviharas) of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity.
These ancient meditation practices can lead to tranquility, an opening of the heart, emotional balance, and a direct experience of the interconnectedness of life. Entering wholeheartedly into the practice of Metta can foster a direct experience of immeasurable, unconditional love. The connection between Metta and Mindfulness (Vipassana) meditation will also be explored.
Saturday, February 27
9:30 am to 5:00 pm (doors open at 9:00 am) – a day of meditation focusing on cultivating Metta and the other Brahmaviharas of compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. A simple vegetarian lunch will be provided.
Dana: Spring Rain teachers’ follow the time-honored practice of offering the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) without cost. Since the Dharma is priceless, no monetary value can be placed upon it. Your generosity (dana) by free-will donations will assist us in continuing to offer the teachings in the Buffalo area.
To register or for more information please call 716-400-5899 or email info@buffalodharma.org
Philip Starkman has over 40 years of experience in many forms of meditation. Twelve of those years were spent training in Asia. Aside from his teaching activities, he is also a psychotherapist in private practice in Toronto. In 2000 Philip founded the Mindfulness meditation group Spring Rain Sangha. He now shares teaching responsibilities with Jim Bedard and Randy Baker.
Randy Baker began practicing Zen meditation in 1977 as a student of Roshi Philip Kapleau of the Rochester Zen Center. After practicing Zen for 20 years, Randy began working with well-known Western Vipassana teachers, and he continues to do so. Today, Randy offers a clear and direct approach to the meditation practices of mindfulness and lovingkindness.
