Mindfulness Based Meditation Practice

“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.” Rumi.


BASIC PROGRAM

There are many approaches to contemplation and numerous ways to access a transformation of consciousness. Whether we use breath awareness, chanting, walking, object observation, or dancing, contemplative practice allows us to detach or dis-identify from cognitive thinking and amplify our awareness. We learn to use a different operative system to perceive the world. Whatever the approach, the process requires silence.

In the Christian tradition we often call this silent wordless prayer; in Buddhist tradition it may be called samadhi, vipassana, mahamudra or dzogchen; and in the secular context mindfulness meditation. In any language or tradition, it all starts with calming silence. At Lime Rock we integrate elements of different traditions into a Christian Zen context.

While various approaches are designed to reduce the distractions, a Zen format was adopted because it offers a practice style that allows tremendous flexibility. Zen emerges from Buddhism and has deep roots going back 2,500 years to India. In itself it is not a religion but a “way’ an approach to the spiritual path. The sessions are led by three experienced meditation practitioners with established lineage connections to their traditions. The contemplative traditions of Christianity and Buddhism recognize that various and different skillful means are needed to assist as many people as possible on the common journey through life.

Mediation is not an exotic practice. It is simply being still and being aware rather than doing. It can be seen as a way to achieve calm. Practitioners are asked to commit to the discipline of a regular routine beginning with a breath awareness exercise. Other practices are introduced from time to time to help expand the participants repertoire. Individuals may choose Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Somatic (Yogic) Mediation Exercises, Maitri or Tonglen as part of their regular routine.



BENEFITS

There is a growing body of scientific literature that identifies numerous health benefits to mindfulness based meditation practices. These contributions to personal growth and health include:

  • Skillfully reducing distraction and increasing focus.

  • Stress management and stress reduction.

  • Positively impacting emotional regulatory mechanisms.

  • Increased capacity to tolerate uncomfortable emotions.

  • Developing habitual positive social responses.

  • Disrupting the repetition of maladaptive behavior.

  • Becoming more anchored and centered.


GUIDING TEACHERS

The Meditation sessions are under the leadership three experienced practitioners. The Rev. Eugene Dyszlewski, is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Church. Authorized to practice and to teach Mahamudra and Dzogchen, he has studied under Dr. Daniel P. Brown,Lama Geshe Sonam Gurung and His Holiness, 34th Menri Trizin, Lungtok Dawa Dhargye Rinpoche.

Fr. Kevin Jiun Hunt, O.C.S.O., Roshi, is a monk of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. He is a Catholic priest and a Trappist monk of over fifty years. Certified as a Zen teacher after more than thirty years of practice by Robert Jinsen Kennedy, S.J., Roshi, a Jesuit priest and Zen teacher. Fr. Hunt was installed as a Zen Teacher or sensei in the White Plum Asanga of the Soto tradition.

Cynthia Kin Ryu Taberner, Roshi received Dharma Transmission on July 15, 2017 from her teacher, Kevin Jiun Hunt, OCSO, Roshi. Fr. Kevin was a student of Robert Jinsen Kennedy, SJ, Roshi, a Jesuit priest and Zen teacher. Kin Ryu was Fr. Kevin’s first Dharma Heir. She received the Precepts at her Jukai ceremony in 2010. She studied and practiced vipassana for many years until she was introduced to Zen meditation. She then sat at a Zen Temple until finding her teacher at the Spencer Trappist Abbey. Fr. Kevin, Roshi and Sensei teach at Day Star Zendo in Wrentham, Massachusetts.

Rev. Gene Dyszlewski is an ordained minister in both the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Church. He currently serves as pastor at Lime Rock Church and holds a position as Community Minister at First Unitarian Church Providence. Prior to his service in ministry, he worked as a licensed professional counselor serving in numerous mental health treatment settings. Rev. Dyszlewski is trained and experienced in Christian Monastic Contemplation. In addition, he has studied Mahamudra and Dzogchen under Dr. Daniel P. Brown, Lama Geshe Sonam Gurung and His Holiness, 34th Menri Trizin, Lungtok Dawa Dhargye Rinpoche.  

AFTERTHOUGHT

If you can’t actually remove the noise and turmoil from daily life, meditation helps mitigate the impact. If meditation is new to you, or if you wish to get back on track with your practice, we would love to have you sit with us. There is no cost associated with this program. We appreciate the blessing of your presence.

Soul receives from soul that knowledge, therefore not by book nor from tongue. If knowledge of mysteries come after emptiness of mind, that is illumination of heart.
–Rumi.

 

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