Meditation Opportunities
Thursday evenings at 1st Presbyterian
We will meet for meditation on all Thursdays in October and November (except Thanksgiving Day) from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. in the fellowship hall. Our format for the first hour is two 20-minute periods of sitting in silence with a 10 minute walking meditation in between. For the second hour, we are practicing group contemplative listening. We listen to a short reading from a contemplative author or poet, sit together for a period of silence, and share our reflections with the group. This is a wonderful way to practice deep listening to each other. All are welcome to join us at any time.
Tuesday evenings at Hei’s house
Hei has opened his house to those who would like to join him for meditation from 6:00pm – 6:30pm on Tuesdays. It is one half hour of sitting meditation.
Please call him at 899-4845 for directions and to let him know that you are coming so he can prepare a place for you. There will be no meditation October 18 and October 25.
October Retreat
Monterey Meditation Group Contemplative Prayer Retreat
A Presentation and Workshop by
Ruben L.F. Habito — Roshi
Friday Saturday
October 21, 2011 and October 22, 2011
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Monterey
501 El Dorado Street
Monterey, CA
Ruben Habito will explore Zen as engaged spirituality
in a retreat that will include zazen, talks, and discussion
Ruben L.F. Habito – a practicing Catholic and Jesuit priest, as well as an acknowledged Zen master and a professor in the Perkins School of Theology and Southern Methodist University—makes a clear case that Zen practice can deepen a Christian’s experience of God, further clarify the Gospel teachings of Jesus, and enable one to live a more joyful, compassionate, and socially engaged life.
Suggested Donation: $15 for Friday $40 for Saturday (lunch included)
$50 for both Friday and Saturday (lunch included)
- All levels of meditation experience are welcome.
- Bring your own cushion or bench if you have one. Chairs are available.
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YES! Please reserve a space for me at the Ruben Habito Retreat
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________ State _____ Zip ___________
Phone _________________________ E-mail _____________________________________
Send to Janet Hoffman at 25351 Markham Lane, Salinas, CA 93908 or
contact Janet at (831-484-1686) or hoffmanjms@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events
Ongoing Hei’s Tai Chi class at Oldemeyer Center
(Tu/Thur at 10:30 am)
November 19 MMG Retreat Day—Pema Chodron DVD
How to Turn Pain into Compassion
Summary of September’s Retreat Day
Last month Monterey Mediation Group gathered at Point Lobos for a Day in Nature. We were so fortunate! After a summer of grey, foggy days, we were treated to glorious sunshine! We hiked together around Whalers Cove and came upon a Great Blue Heron nesting in the trees. We paused and were silent. We also hiked down to the rocky beach and gazed out to the blue ocean. All the beauty made us hungry and we hiked back to the picnic area for a delicious potluck lunch. It was a lovely day.
In Closing
From Eckhart Tolle’s Stillness Speaks:
When walking or resting in nature, honor that realm by being there fully. Be still. Look. Listen. See how every animal and every plant is completely itself. Unlike humans, they have not split themselves in two. They do not live through mental images of themselves, so they do not need to be concerned with trying to protect and enhance those images. The deer is itself. The daffodil is itself.
Monterey Meditation Group 