Q:  Do I have to start classes at the beginning of a series?

A:  No.  Each class can be taken on its own.  You can drop in anytime you wish.  The teacher will review meditation techniques and relevant concepts during each class, especially if there are newcomers.

Q:  I’ve never been to one of your classes.  What can I expect?

A:  Each class consists of two guided meditation periods, a brief talk on the class’s topic, and a question and discussion period.

Each class lasts for 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on discussion time and meditation time.  In the first part of the class, the teacher gives a brief introduction to the class’s topic.  Then, the teacher leads a relaxation and breathing meditation.  How long the breathing meditation lasts depends upon the class – for people more familiar with meditation, it might be for 20 minutes.  For people who are more at the beginning level of practice, the teacher might guide a 10 minute meditation.

In the middle period of the class, the teacher gives a brief talk on the class’s topic.  This might be a topic related to seated meditation practice, such as “How to avoid distracting thoughts”; or, it might be a topic intended to help us maintain a calm and peaceful mind during our daily life, such as “How to deal with angry people.”

After the talk, there is time for class discussion, a bit of socializing, then questions and answers with the teacher.

The last meditation period is at the end of the class.  The teacher will guide a 10 to 20 minute meditation based on the class’s topic and any helpful discussion points.  This final meditation is intended to leave us with specific techniques we can apply during the rest of the week.

Q:  I’m not a Buddhist but I want to study meditation.  Is it okay to come to class?

A:  Certainly.  All of the teachings at our classes are based on Buddha’s teachings – the meditation techniques, the stress-relieving tools, etc.  However, the emphasis in our classes is on taking these techniques and integrating them into your life in a way that is appropriate to you and that will be helpful for your development.

For those who are more interested in Buddhist practices, they can ask the teacher at the class for background reading and more in-depth teachings that would be appropriate for their interest level.

Q:  What should I wear to class?  Should I bring anything with me?

A:  You can wear any type of clothing.  While meditating, we emphasize keeping our back in alignment, which is easiest for most of us to do while seated in a chair.  So, you can wear your business clothes, casual clothes, gym clothes, whatever you would like.

You don’t need to bring anything with you to class.  If it is your first class, try arriving 10 minutes early so you can have plenty of time to park and settle in before class.