We gather weekly at 6 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays at 123 S. Center Street for meditation, chanting, Dhamma talks and discussions. The overarching purpose of our practice is to help us achieve a clear, direct state of mind and being in which dukkha can find no place to take root. Since this state does not depend on anything outside ourselves, no place or date is any more “religious” than any other. Times and locations of our gatherings are a matter of convenience, tradition and need.

We practice silent sitting meditation, and sometimes walking meditation. Anyone who practices any form of meditation is welcome to come sit and walk with us.  While at the vihara we also practice constant mindfulness of our physical state, our mental and emotional functioning and of our social and physical surroundings. We practice chanting in the Pali language, both as a prelude to sitting meditation, as an accompaniment to walking meditation, and as an activity which builds community through a sense of shared experience.  Many people find chanting to be calming and soothing as well.

Chanting and recitation can be found in Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and many other traditions. Chanting together often produces a sense of participation in a long and active tradition as well as a sense of belonging to a specific group.

From time to time we share a meal after practice as well.

So, please, come join us. Again, the days are Sundays and Thursdays, and the time is at 6 p.m. The location is 123 S. Center Street.  If you need directions to the vihara, or if you need us to wait a few minutes for a late arrival, please call at 712 281-3787.  In fact, it is a good idea to call ahead as sometimes we are out of town.