Your Busy Mind Is Not the Problem
Join us for a morning of guided meditation led by Chang Ji Fashi, a Buddhist monastic and teacher in the Chan/Zen tradition.
You don't need to have a quiet mind to meditate. In fact, having a quiet mind really limits the potential of your meditation, because meditation isn't just about sitting in a still, calm, empty place. It's a path for gaining insight into the nature of the mind—insight into the nature of reality.
Coming to the End of Wanting
A common hurdle in meditation and spiritual growth: how our natural desire to achieve something through practice—like personal improvement, existential relief, or blissful experiences—can actually block our progress.
True spiritual growth is about letting go, not acquiring more. This can be difficult to accept because it challenges some deeply ingrained ways we relate to life.
When we let go of our attachment to the separate self, we can begin to discover who and what we really are, which is so much bigger, so much deeper, so much more extraordinary than we could have imagined.
About the Teacher
Chang Ji Fashi is a nun in the Chan Buddhist lineage of Dharma Drum Mountain. She served as International Affairs Special Assistant to the late Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen and as Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association’s representative to the United Nations. Her international work has brought together young adults and multifaith leaders around global citizenship, social development, sustainability, and climate change. She leads meditation retreats and teaches contemplative action and Master Sheng Yen’s approach to Spiritual Environmentalism.
Arrival & Check-in
Doors open at 10:00 AM.
Please plan to arrive by 10:15 AM, allowing 15–20 minutes to check in and get settled.
The event begins promptly at 10:30 AM. Arriving early helps us begin together in a quiet and settled space.
Preparing for the Program
Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone arrive on time and remain for the full program. Late arrivals and early departures can be disruptive to the group’s practice.
Please silence your phone and watch to support the quality of your practice and that of everyone in the room.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to sit and move easily. Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented lotions.
What to Bring
A water bottle or travel thermos to help us reduce waste.
A light jacket or wrap in case the meditation hall is cool.
Your personal meditation cushion or bench, if you prefer. Cushions and chairs are available at the center.
An open mind.
Cost
Suggested donation: $25.
All of our events are offered free of charge. If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation.