Weekly Meditation Classes
AIT's weekly meditations classes are held online every Wednesday between 7:30pm and 9:00pm EST. Each class includes teachings and discussion on a selected topic, followed by a 30-minute meditation. Everyone is welcome (ages 12 and over). The majority of classes are taught by Lama Linda, with our associate and guest teachers leading some of the classes. Click here for Zoom login information. Classes are offered on the basis of Dāna, or "pay what you can".
Instructor: Lama Linda
Dates: February 12-March 19, 2025
This meditation series offers a gentle and heartfelt introduction to the foundational principles and practices of Theravāda Buddhism, inviting you to explore mindfulness, wisdom, and inner peace in a warm and supportive space. Together, we’ll delve into teachings like the Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts—guidelines for living with kindness, honesty, and integrity. These timeless principles, including the practice of mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna), provide a loving framework for fostering greater ease, compassion, and balance in daily life. Through guided meditations and group discussions, these classes welcome both beginners and those looking to deepen their connection to the classic direct teachings of the Buddha.
Guest Instructor: Sutra
Date: March 26, 2025
Vajrayana practitioners often complete their own personal retreats along with group retreats, either back-to-back or on separate occasions. Personal retreats allow us to focus on our own practice goals, meet the dharma very directly, face our fears, and experience deep quiet and solitude. A personal retreat requires planning, discipline, focus, intention, and support. We will discuss what is needed to plan and execute a successful retreat, as well as various challenges that may arise. The class will conclude with an Insight Meditation session.
Guest Instructor: Sutra
Date: April 2, 2025
What is a personal yidam? Vajrayana Buddhism is unique in recognizing various energy archetypes or signatures that exist in the universe and in ourselves. There are over 100 yidams, each of them very different from each other, and each one of us naturally expresses one of them more than any of the rest. We are encouraged to get to know our personal yidam deeply, and complete 1 million repetitions of its associated mantra as a way to move us quickly toward awakening. Join us to learn more about what a personal yidam is and why it’s important to us as Vajrayana practitioners, and to learn about some of the yidams which are represented in the AIT sangha. We will conclude by doing some White Tara practice together.
Guest Instructor: Edyta
Date: April 9
This class will explore the ten kinds of Equanimity (Upekkhā), as proposed by the 5th Century Buddhist scholar-monk of the Theravāda school in Sri Lanka. In Buddhist philosophy, equanimity (upekkhā) is recognised as one of the four brahma-vihāras also known as the four immeasurables (along with mettā, karuṇā, and muditā - also known as loving kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy). In the class we will explore equanimity in regard to how their different qualities may show up in our meditation practices. Drawing on Buddhist scholarship and personal notes gathered at Vajrayana retreats, this presentation will conclude with a meditation on equanimity and its attributes.
Guest Instructor: Bat Fung
Date: April 16
Why do we meditate? This class explores the purpose and transformative power of meditation, uncovering how it helps us see reality as it is and cultivate inner freedom. We will examine how meditation shifts our perception, quiets the restless mind, and deepens our awareness of the present moment. Whether you are new to meditation or seeking greater insight, this session offers practical wisdom on why we sit and what we awaken to.
Guest Instructor: Rasha
Date: April 23
This class will introduce the practice of Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep). While not a traditional Buddhist practice, this ancient modality offers profound benefits to the AIT Sangha, supporting deep rest, trauma processing, and a deeper connection with the body's subtle energy forms.
The session will begin with a brief introduction before transitioning into the Yoga Nidra practice itself. Please come prepared to lie down comfortably with proper support, including a mat, blankets, warm clothing, and cushioning for the back of your head.
Guest Instructor: Bodhi
Dates: April 30, May 7
Bodhi will lead two classes on Anapanasati, the ancient practice of mindfulness of breathing, based on the book "The Breath of Awakening: A Guide to Liberation Through Anapanasati Mindfulness of Breathing", a collection of discourses taught by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. Although this practice is typcially taught in-depth on 10-day retreats, Bodhi will provide an introduction to which will enable attendees to attempt the practice, do further reading, ask for guidance from their teacher, or potentially attend a retreat.
Class Login
Zoom online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87469872916?pwd=dW45sm68Mj6aOeNWT2TYvJk32Wo4OX.1
Meeting ID: 874 6987 2916
Password: 108108
