Regardless of your knowledge about Buddhism, this is a group for chatting about Buddhist beliefs and practices. Maybe you would like to recommend a book, or find out about a book you hadn't heard of before. Maybe you're wondering about the different Buddhist practice groups in Gainesville (there are more than one!). Or maybe you're curious about what Buddhists believe. Of course, if you have been practicing Buddhism already for 10,000 years (or only one week), you are also welcome. It would be g …

"The purpose of life is to be happy," says the Dalai Lama. Some people think this is a selfish attitude, but in Buddhism, everyone deserves to be happy, including ourselves.  Also, unless we are happy we can't really help others much, and Buddhism is all about helping people be happy and peaceful. According to Buddhism, the mind is both the cause of and the solution to most of our problems. Fortunately, through meditation, an ethical life, and the development of wisdom, we can train ourselves to …

We are a group of mindfulness-oriented folks with particular emphasis on meditation, supplemented by music (kirtan, chanting) and yoga. Many of our meetings take place at the new Gainesville Retreat Center, which we created as a means simply to build and connect with the mindfulness community. If you are sincere and serious about your meditation and mindfulness practice, we look forward to being connected with you!

There was no Zen Meetup Group in Orlando, so now there is! We will meet somewhere and practice zazen. Zazen is the mainstay of Zen practice - sitting zen. Also kinhin, which is when you walk around! :o) Afterward, sometimes we will go somewhere funny (like nature trails, to a pub, a restaurant, dancing, downtown, do-it-yourself workshop, etc.). Zazen is very simple to learn. All beings are flowers, blooming in a blooming universe. -Soen Nakagawa-

A meeting for people interested in learning about Buddhist meditation. These meetings will give participants a chance for in-depth practice of Vipassana (Insight) Meditation, including periods of both guided and silent meditation, along with instruction and discussion time. Topics will include: • Reducing stress through mindfulness • Developing concentration • Cultivating compassion & serenity Chairs are available. Participants who wish to sit on the floor are encouraged to bring a cushion. Sess …

Welcome. Spring Hill Meditation Group is not affiliated with any religion or meditation technique. It is open to all. We practice silent meditation periods, no guided meditations. However, on the cushion, people are welcome to practice any form of meditation they wish.  You can also bring an MP3 player and earphones to listen to music or a guided meditation, if that helps. Beginning meditation instruction will be provided if needed. Where: Gaya Jyoti Yoga 12560 Spring Hill Drive, near the corner …

A monthly meeting for people interested in Buddhism and/or meditation. Meetings are led by Rev. M. Sekiyo Sullivan, Sensei for Volusia Buddhist Fellowship and Bright Dawn Center for Oneness Buddhism. This is nonsectarian Buddhism, emphasizing the universal teachings of the Buddha rather than sectarian dogma or ritual. Meetings typically include a brief service with chanting or group readings, a dharma talk on a topic relating to Buddhism and everyday spirituality, and a meditation. Time is also …