How Brains Meditate: Neuroscience Meets Contemplative Spirituality
Wednesday, July 7, 7pm
How do the capacities of the human brain enable people to meditate? What lasting effects does meditation have on the brain? How do these anatomical and physiological changes impact the lives of meditators? Recent scientific investigation has begun to discover helpful answers to these compelling questions.
This talk presents exciting findings from recent studies of brain function and meditation, and offers a simple framework for understanding human nature revealed by these studies. Guided meditation will be offered to connect this emerging understanding with actual lived experience.
Dr. Grossenbacher is an international speaker on meditation and the brain, whose own research has been covered in the New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine and Discover Magazine. Associate Professor in the Contemplative Psychology Department at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, he teaches psychological courses on perception, cognition, statistics and research. Peter regularly provides meditation instruction, and also directs a program of research on meditation and contemplative spirituality.
A Day of Mindfulness
Silent Retreat, Saturday July 25
Offered by One Dharma Nashville
Please join us in a beautiful rural setting for a day of sitting and walking meditation. We will cultivate insight and lovingkindness through awakening our minds to the present moment.
This day long silent retreat will focus on mindfulness meditation. We will train our minds in present time awareness by bringing attention to the breath and sensations in the body, cultivating awareness of the pleasant and unpleasant states that arise. Through this practice we gradually understand the truth of the constantly changing nature of all things, and we learn to respond with compassion and friendliness to all that arises.
The hours for this retreat are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Led by Lisa Ernst, the retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators; it will include sitting and walking meditation, practice instructions, optional interviews and dharma talk. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own meditation cushion if you have one and two blankets or a zabuton. If you don't have a cushion, we will have a few extras. Chairs are also available.
Cost: $25, plus dana to the teacher. Scholarships are available. A deposit of $25 is due by Monday July 20. You may bring your deposit to the center during one of our meditation sessions, or mail a check made out to One Dharma Nashville to: 12South Dharma Center c/o One Dharma Nashville, 2301 12th Ave. South, Suite 202, Nashville, TN 37204. The location of this retreat, in west Bellevue, is about 25 minutes from downtown Nashville. Directions to the retreat site and additional information will be provided upon receipt of your deposit. Please email lisa@lisaernst.com with any questions.
New Practice Sessions
1st and 3rd Thursdays each month, 6:30-7:30pm
Offered by One Dharma Nashville
Thursday Practice Group is appropriate for people with all levels of meditation experience. Newcomers are encouraged and welcome to attend. The session consists of: 40 minutes of meditation with a bell at 20 minutes for those who wish to stretch their legs, followed by the Diamond Sutra chant and an open discussion about practice. Focus is on how to establish and maintain a strong daily practice, how to work with distractions and blocks to practice, and any other issues those attending would like to address. For your first time meditating with us, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for orientation. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact lisa@lisaernst.com.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki Study Series
1st and 3rd Saturdays each month, 9:00 – 10:00am
Offered by Nashville Zen Center
These Study Groups meet immediately following NZC's regular Saturday sitting/chanting service on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The format is that of extended dharma talks. We are currently studying Shohaku Okumura’s translation (any translation will do) of the Shobogenzo Zuimonki (sayings of Eihei Dogen Zenji, as recorded by Koun Ejo), which consists of brief instructions to monks. All are invited to join the NZC as we cover a Zen classic and enjoy coffee, tea and discussion. Email info@nashvillezencenter.org for details.
Dharma Study Group Series
Saturdays, July 11, 10-11:30am, Pema Chodron CD series on "Happiness"
Saturday, August 8, 10-11:30am, Dhammapada Chapter One "Twin Verses"
Saturday, August 22, 10-11:30am, Dhammapada Chapter Two "Heedfulness"
Offered by One Dharma Nashville
This Series is aimed at helping us learn how to incorporate Buddhist teachings and practices into our everyday lives. It also provides an opportunity for us to better know those of us who share an interest in Buddhism. We start with a short meditation and a reading, and then have an open, informal discussion for the remaining time. This is an open session, and everyone is welcome to attend. Some of our translations and references for the Dhammapada can be easily accessed online. Suggested websites are: http://www.buddhanet.net/dhammapada/ and http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/imc-dhammapada.html. Email rana_mukherji@yahoo.com for details.