Mindfulness Meditation in the tradition of Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh, has been meeting in the Unitarian Universalist Community Church since September 2001. Our practices are open to all – including the congregation and the wider community.
Most first Mondays from 5:30-6:15, we have Children/Family Meditation practice. On those evenings, childcare is available from 6:15-8:15 pm to support adult practice. We also have a recitation of the Five Mindfulness Trainings as part of our practice on the first Monday of each month.
Some words from our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh:
“What is most important is to find peace and share it with others.”
“Peace is all around us – in the world, and in nature – and within us – in our bodies and our spirits. Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed. It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.
“Mindfulness must be engaged. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. Otherwise, what is the use of seeing? We must be aware of the real problems in the world. Then, with mindfulness, we will know what to do. “
Other activities in addition to weekly practice:
- Days of Mindfulness— a full day of meditation practice, often offering practices that are not available during our weekly practice, sometimes led by a Dharma Teacher. Sometimes we travel together to Days of Mindfulness and/or retreats offered by other sanghas.
- A month long January Intensive – You are invited to join us and Buddhist communities around the world who have been practicing an intensive winter/rainy season retreat for centuries. The dark, quiet beginning of the new year is an ideal opportunity to commit to the deepening of our meditation practice without interrupting our regular lives. You might consider extending your meditation time, adding silent mindful meals into your week, or committing to focused Dharma study. There are two Saturday meditation and potluck lunch gatherings to begin and end the intensive. We share our intentions with each other and also have time for a dharma reading and discussion, before sharing some delicious vegetarian food.
- Weekend trip to Blue Cliff Monastery
- Quarterly gatherings of the Thich Nhat Hanh sanghas in Maine for a recitation of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings and Care Taking activities for the sanghas of Maine.
- Participate in gatherings of the wider Buddhist community in Portland for movies and a celebration of the Buddha's birthday.
The bell donated by the Peaceful Heart Sangha calls us to worship. Peaceful Heart Sangha offers Sunday Worship at least once/year.
Get Involved
Join us any time for our weekly meditation. If you would like an Introduction to Meditation, please contact Marty Soule.
You can join our Peaceful Heart Sangha mailing list or join other activities as announced in the Newsletter and the Sunday Announcements
Contact Information
Coordinator: Marty Soule