When I first started looking for a meditation teacher, i found the lots of places charge big bucks to teach a wide variety of techniques. Some guru or other will sell you your own personal mantra. Every teacher I looked at didn't feel right to me — there was much about the commercial side that felt somehow wrong. In Buddhism, the concept of dana, free giving, is often used in relation to the gift we give a teacher who has given us the gift of the teaching. Where I eventually went to do my first meditation course, the spirit of free giving was clearly in place. I went because I was told that the course was free — ten days food and board. And that when it was over, I could choose to give something back or not, give a little or a lot, but it was not to be considered payment for what I learned, but a gift to the next person who came. That worked for me. And it has worked to make the people I learned from a worldwide organization that continues to grow.
It is true that many teachers abuse the concept of dana. Brad Warner in his book Sit Down and Shut Up mentions one teacher who took skydiving lessons and a luxury cruise from his students under the guise of dana. And we all know the gurus in Mercedes. Not that there is anything wrong with a Mercedes or skydiving lessons. It's about attachment. Walking the talk.
All this is a long introduction to the fact that October 22nd thru 29th, MeditateNYC is offereing free instruction in this ancient practice in venues throughout the city, taught by well respected people. Free.
And it all starts on October 21st from 1pm to 6pm at the Synod House of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (Amsterdam Ave. and 110th St.). The location alone should tell you that this is for all people, of any faith or background. And because the teachers will be from many different Buddhist traditions, the techniques taught will either be silent meditation, movement meditation, chanting meditation or even using music. For more information, and to find out where the many teachings will take place during that week, go to MeditateNYC.org
Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama is in town this weekend teaching from an obscure sutra at Radio City Music Hall. Hearing him will be my Shabbat observance this week, after I have attended to the prime action of spiritual self care — taking care of my body — by doing my Pilates workout with my trainer at the New York Health and Racquet Club.
Comments