Guidelines for Newcomers

The Louisville Vipassana Community welcomes those who come in good faith to practice insight meditation, to support and be supported by like-minded persons. Because the experience can be challenging to those unaccustomed to the practice of meditation, we offer a few guidelines to make this time more valuable and workable for all. We meet Monday evenings at Clifton Unitarian Church, 2231 Payne Street.

Basic Instruction Session

The group meets Monday evenings at Clifton Unitarian Church, 2231 Payne Street, just one block east of the Clifton Center. All newcomers are asked to attend a basic instruction session, offered each Monday from 6-6:30 p.m., at least once before joining the group for the regular silent sitting.

Maintaining the Sacred Space

All who attend are encouraged to arrive by 6:15 in order to find a place to sit and settle in. Leaving shoes outside the door and turning off cell phones are essential to helping maintain sacred space for practice. Also, because the integrity of the group is so vital to practice, it is expected that those who attend will remain for the duration of the evening.

The Practice Format

A forty-five minute sitting begins at 6:30. No instruction is offered during this time. Since the silence is both precious and necessary for practice, persons attending take care of personal needs prior to sitting periods in order to avoid leaving and entering during the sitting. The long sitting is followed by walking practice and a dharma talk; we close with a brief metta (lovingkindness) meditation. Those wishing to do so may stay for a brief period for questions, with the evening ending by 8:30.

Beyond Monday Evenings

Nurturing an atmosphere of safety and trust is essential for the functioning of the group. It is important to recognize that a meditation group is not intended to provide personal counseling or work on specific interpersonal issues. From time to time, however, we do set aside time outside of regular practice socializing, such as dessert and tea, a group hike, potluck supper or a movie.

Thank you for your interest! We welcome you to the sangha and hope your time with us will serve you well.