Common Ground Meditation Center

Statement of Purpose

With practice, mindfulness reveals deep wisdom, compassion, and freedom. Common Ground is an independent center founded on the teachings of the Buddha. This Center follows in the spirit of Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and is part of the greater insight meditation, or vipassana, community in the West. Common Ground welcomes skillful means from all Buddhist traditions as well as other spiritual traditions dedicated to wisdom and compassion.

Supporting Common Ground

Continuing a tradition from the Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia, all programs at Common Ground are offered free of charge in the spirit of generosity. Common Ground has adopted the practice of generosity as both a spiritual practice for the community and a practical way to meet the financial needs of the center. As a spiritual practice, generosity invites us to explore the effects of giving and receiving freely. There is no right way to practice generosity, except to bring greater awareness to the
process of giving and receiving. Mindfulness provides the necessary space needed to recognize and act on our intentions. Only by listening can we discover an appropriate level of support. This way of supporting each other is meant to be a source of joy and connection, and an essential step in awakening the heart of freedom.

Programs offered at Common Ground

The Buddha taught that mindfulness is the way to go beyond habits of distraction and grapsing. To walk this path of wisdom amd compassion, we need the support of a community that shares this intention. Available at Common Ground to both experienced and beginning meditators are classes; weekly, community and youth practice groups; retreats; workshops; guest teacher talks; and yoga and qigong. Below is a brief description of some of the programs offed at Common Ground. Please visit our website for complete and detailed program offerings.

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation…includes an exploration of the intention behind mindfulness mediation practice, instructions for working with common obstacles, and an overview of the practices of loving-kindness.

Buddhist Studies Program…is designed for experienced meditation practitioners to deepen understanding through the study and application of the teachings of the Buddha.

Weekly Practice Groups…provide on-going instruction and teachings that help illuminate the simple and sometimes challenging practice of mindfulness.

Open Meditation Sessions…are available on a drop-in basis for anyone wishing to practice silent sitting or walking meditation.

Metta Practice Group…is a monthly practice group for people interested in developing the heart by training in the four beautiful emotions of loving-kindness (metta), compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

Retreat Practice…is an essential part of the path of awakening. Half day, full day and residential retreats are offered each quarter.

These offerings are possible because of the generosity of people like you who wish to support the Center. The generosity of your practice and financial support make Common Ground Meditation Center a great resource for us all.

~ Practicing together in the footsteps of the Buddha ~