PRACTICE GUIDELINES

As Centre of Gravity has grown, Michael has developed some guidelines for students interested in initiating, establishing or deepening a practice:

INITIATING

• Attend Tuesday evening classes.
• Read Michael’s writings, listen to Centre of Gravity audio talks on-line and explore other authors on the subject such as David Loy, Stephen Batchelor, Robert Aitken, and Chip Hartranft.

ESTABLISHING

MEDITATION

• Commit to a daily sitting of 30 or 45 minutes based on what we our practicing at Centre of Gravity or what you have learned from teachers here.
• Attend the weekly meditation sessions and dharma talks at Centre of Gravity.
• Participate in a one-day sitting with any of the groups related to Centre of Gravity, such as the clinicians’ programs and Dharma Salon (an umbrella for evening discussions, practice days and retreats).

YOGA

• Practice Yoga postures and pranayama four days a week based on what is being taught on Tuesday evenings.

DEEPENING

• Attend at least one silent meditation retreat and one workshop per year with Michael Stone.
• Attend at least one retreat or course with visiting teachers such as Norman Feldman, Martine Batchelor, Stephen Batchelor, and Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara.
• Make time to volunteer. There are many tasks that help support this community and also enable you to meet others. The volunteer co-ordinator can be reached at: nicole@centreofgravity.org

COMMIT TO THE ETHICS & PRECEPTS

Being Mindful of the interdependence of Oneness and Diversity, and wishing to actualize my vows, I engage in the practices of:

• Ahimsa: Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is. This is the precept of Non-Killing.
• Satya: Listening and speaking from the heart. This is the precept of Being Honest.
• Asteya: Being satisfied with what I have. This is the precept of Non-Stealing.
• Brahmacharya: Encountering all creations with respect and dignity. This is the precept of The Wise Use of Energy.
• Aparigraha: Using all of the ingredients of my life. This is the precept of Not Being Greedy.
• Vidya: Cultivating a mind that sees clearly. This is the precept of Seeing Clearly.

We strive to follow these guidelines to the very best of our ability. Sitting meditation and long-term Yoga practice may mean facing pain, sadness, inner conflicts, meaninglessness, and simple boredom. Even these guidelines may give rise to resentment, a fear of making mistakes, or pride at following rules perfectly. Our practice encourages us to watch all these reactions as they arise: physically, as they manifest in the tensions of our body; and mentally, as we navigate our preconceptions of how we want each moment of our life to proceed. The Tuesday evening asana and meditation community, as well as longer retreats, are a place to fully practice living your life just as it is.

“The heart of this practice is realizing samadhi. Samadhi is not a place or a state or trait. Samadhi is an integrity that is more than being true to yourself. It is effectively integrating one’s self in one’s social, economic, cultural, familial and ecological contexts. At this level, integrity is the ground in which self and culture mutually arise for maximum benefit. For others and ourselves. For love. This is flourishing.”

Centre of Gravity has developed a flexible and supportive infrastructure for its community of practitioners. Support is provided on an individual and community basis.

SUPPORT

COMMUNITY

Sangha is a recognition of interdependence and an ethos and exercise of acceptance. It means having confidence in the practice of others. When we get to know people in community and we see how the practice reaches into their lives, it may motivate us to apply it in our own.

The defining feature of this particular community has always been friendship, diversity and dedication. People attend from all walks of life and the focus this community brings helps us stay centered on the path and enthusiastic about our study, even when we are going through difficulty and doubt. A non-hierarchical and thoughtful approach to supporting community has been a defining characteristic of Centre of Gravity and one that has allowed us to grow while at the same time keeping our practice and learning environment collaborative.

Meeting others and practicing with them, and attending events in the larger Buddhist community are good ways to cultivate interconnectedness. Again, we encourage you to explore Dharma Salon events or the clinicians’ programs.

INDIVIDUAL

It is suggested that practitioners meet with Michael and/or other teachers at least three times a year. Meeting with Michael offers the opportunity to present the state of your practice for comment and instruction. It is a chance to ask questions and discuss difficulties. The self-consciousness, uncertainty, anxiety, and other emotional reactions that attend self-revelation are all tools and opportunities for our study. This is not a replacement for psychotherapy but it is a time to ensure that your practice is active and agile and that it is truly reaching into all corners of your life.

Meetings to support your practice can also happen with the following people:

• Angela Ross
• Ronit Jinich
• Simone Moir
• Pat Smith
• Monica Burr