We offer ongoing meditation classes in the samatha tradition as taught through the Samatha Foundation of North America and the Samatha Trust of the UK.

 

When are classes?
Beginners meet on the first Sunday of each month at 5pm Central, both in-person and online. There will be a brief introduction to the practice. After the introduction, we will all sit together for about 30 minutes. After that we will have a brief chat about the practice. Expect the intro, sit, and chat to last up to 90 minutes in total. If you cannot stay the whole time, please be courteous and let me know ahead of time and then leave so as to not disturb others. After your first Beginner’s session, you are welcome to attend weekly to continue learning and practicing.
Where are classes?
In-person class meets at Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center (6961 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626). Try to arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to settle before we begin. Street parking only. The 22 bus drops you off right next to the center. The Morse Red line stop is only a few blocks away. Cushions are available for everyone. If you have a cushion or bench of your own that you prefer, please feel free to bring it. If not, no worries–we will support you in finding comfortable ways to sit.
If you are joining by Zoom, feel free to log in anytime after 4:45pm central. Email Kyren (k.epperson@cultureofsafetychi.com) for more information and for a Zoom link.

 

What is samatha meditation?

Samatha meditation has its roots in Buddhist practice. Many discussions will center around teachings from Buddhism which directly support our meditation practice. There may occasionally be some chanting in Pali as well. Identifying as Buddhist is neither a requirement, nor expected. All are welcome, whatever your religious beliefs.

Samatha means calm. Through this practice, we aim to move the mind into calm and stillness while remaining alert and awake. By placing mindfulness on the breath, we cultivate the arising of joy and concentration. By practicing over time, the chattering, unruly mind settles down and we begin to understand more about the mental habits that keep us from happiness, freedom, and understanding. We can become kinder to ourselves and others; we can develop minds at once open to change and rooted in ethics; we can become more curious about the world around us.

All regular classes are free of charge, always.  Donations are warmly accepted and go back into supporting the practice.

 

Giving:

The practice is always freely given. There is no charge for the practice, nor will there ever be. We encourage generosity (dana). If you are so inspired, there will be a bowl present to donate to the Chicago Samatha fund, and the Samatha Foundation of North America, which supports local practice weeks and weekends, especially for those who couldn’t otherwise afford it and pays for purchase of cushions and other supplies.