Sitting meditation is an act of civilisation. These days we are so busy, we don’t even have time to breathe. To take a moment to sit in stillness and cultivate peace, joy and compassion – that’s far more precious than money.
— Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master
Wild Geese Sangha
Wild Geese Sangha is a group of women and men who meet regularly in Edinburgh. There are sittings, day or half day events, and retreats at different times of the week and year, and in various venues.
Sitting at Dawn
Sitting At Dawn is an opportunity to sit quietly with others on Friday mornings at the Edinburgh Yoga Room, 5 Forth Street (off Broughton Street) Edinburgh EH1 3JX from 7:15am to 8.45am. £5. This includes
getting comfortable
the lighting of the candle and offering of the incense
two short chantings (in English) which state our aim (to connect ourselves to others who meditate and to thank our family, friends and teachers)
a reading from the writings of Thich Naht Hanh (a couple of minutes)
silent sitting for 40 minutes
30 minutes of breakfast (some in silence to appreciate the food we are sharing) and chatting.
meditation
You are welcome to come along - there is no need to book or to commit ti a course - and we are friendly. It is a perfect end to the week!
My own experience of meditation
Once a week I get up very early to sit with others and we do that throughout the seasons. Sometimes it's dark, and sometimes I walk along the cycle path in the bright Spring morning and listen to the birds sing as I make my way there. It is supportive to be together and encourages me to keep up my practice which is always beneficial.
Mindfulness is our inherent capacity of healing and renewal. It is the basis for transforming ourselves and creating a more harmonious family and society.— Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master
About Thich Nhat Hanh and link to Plum Village Retreat Centre (France)Related blog Sanandi-jacq muses