24 Hour Contemplative Circle

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Wednesday, December 2, Noon – Thursday, December 3, Noon

Cosponsored by

Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion

 

 

What:
Come and engage in a contemplative practice while sitting, standing, or walking within the circle of cushions. In the spirit of an eternal flame, to keep the circle alive, at least one person must remain within the circle at any given moment throughout the 24 hour period. You can be that one person – come for part of an hour or much more beginning at noon on Wednesday, December 2nd and ending the next day! From 7-8pm on December 2nd all are invited to take part in DGCEC’s Community Meditation session with formal Tibetan Buddhist chants and silent meditation.

Why:
To illustrate the dynamic which happens between the contemplative life and the worldly. The inside of the circle and the outside of the circle have an interdependent relationship. Without the inside, there is a lack of perspective and the world is short of meaning or depth in wisdom. However, without the outside, the inside is not sustainable. Therefore we establish communities which function as support systems, enabling its members to engage in a contemplative practice.

Historical Precedent:
Traditionally the contemplative circle is a monastery, an ashram, a hermitage, or a retreat house. A person finds a place and withdraws into themselves to attain clarity on all matters pertaining to life and existence. These historical institutions were an integral part of a greater community where all members received some benefit. The contemplative circle emphasizes the importance of these institutions as places of spiritual refuge, accessible to all regardless of income, race, gender, sexual orientation, or marital status.

There are universal questions, which are dear to all humans, but not all of us have the opportunity to investigate these questions deeply. They are: What is the meaning of life? Who am I? Where am I coming from? Where am I going? What is a good life worthy of living?

We are a community, a social support system, the function of which is to support each other’s contemplation. By rotating in and out of the circle, we give value to contemplation because we believe that it’s where all useful action starts and we give each other the opportunity to partake in this practice.

For more information visit: www.contemplativecircle.com

email: [email protected].