Wednesday, December 2, Noon – Thursday, December 3, Noon
Cosponsored by
Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion
What: Come and engage in a contemplative practice while sitting, standing, or walking within the circle of cushions. In the spirit of an eternal flame, to keep the circle alive, at least one person must remain within the circle at any given moment throughout the 24 hour period.
You can be that one person - come for part of an hour or much more beginning at noon on Wednesday, December 2nd and ending the next day! And from 7-8pm on December 2nd all are invited to take part in DGCEC's Community Meditation session with formal Tibetan Buddhist chants and silent meditation.
The 24 Hour Contemplative Circle Schedule
Noon 24 Hour Circle Begins: Introduction to Contemplative Circle, what it represents, and the role of community in personal practice.
12:15-3:00pm Silent Meditation
3:00-4:30pm Introduction to Mindfulness: Sitting, Standing, and Walking. Nikita Krivoshey will give a brief overview of mindfulness practice, followed by an invitation to practice 20 minutes of sitting, 20 minutes of standing, 20 minutes of walking, and 20 minutes of sitting again.
4:30-7:00pm Silent Meditation
7:00-8:00pm Take part in DGCEC's Community Meditation session with formal Tibetan Buddhist chants and silent meditation.
8:00pm - 8:00am 12 Hours of Silent Meditation
8:00-9:30am Introduction to Mindfulness: Sitting, Standing, and Walking. This will be an opportunity to get some guidance on how to practice mindfulness in the three major postures.
9:30-11:45am Silent Meditation
11:45-12:00pm Closing of the 24 Hour Contemplative Circle. Any comments, questions, suggestions will be welcomed at this time.
Why: To illustrate the dynamic which happens between the contemplative life and the worldly. The inside of the circle and the outside of the circle have an interdependent relationship. Without the inside, there is a lack of perspective and the world is short of meaning or depth in wisdom. However, without the outside, the inside is not sustainable. Therefore we establish communities which function as support systems, enabling its members to engage in a contemplative practice.
Historical Precedent: Traditionally the contemplative circle is a monastery, an ashram, a hermitage, or a retreat house. A person finds a place and withdraws into themselves to attain clarity on all matters pertaining to life and existence. These historical institutions were an integral part of a greater community where all members received some benefit. The contemplative circle emphasizes the importance of these institutions as places of spiritual refuge, accessible to all regardless of income, race, gender, sexual orientation, or marital status.
There are universal questions, which are dear to all humans, but not all of us have the opportunity to investigate these questions deeply. They are: What is the meaning of life? Who am I? Where am I coming from? Where am I going? What is a good life worthy of living?
We are a community, a social support system, the function of which is to support each other’s contemplation. By rotating in and out of the circle, we give value to contemplation because we believe that it's where all useful action starts and we give each other the opportunity to partake in this practice.
For more information visit: www.contemplativecircle.com or email nkrivosh@gmail.com.
