RECOMMENDATIONS: WHERE TO LEARN MEDITATION
The central feature of Buddhism for an alt-type person is meditation. Meditation is a way of exploring our mind, our awareness, our imagination, our unconscious, and a way of understanding reality. lt is not necessary to belong to a meditation group, but it is helpful to get meditation instruction and guidance from someone who is experienced, and it helps sometimes to meditate in the energy of the group.
Though not as underground as before, Buddhist meditation is still far from a mainstream practice. The original U.S. Buddhists were mostly beatniks and later ex-hippies. Most Buddhist meditation groups are small, and the people that participate may share very little in terms of their tastes and lifestyle. The average age of participants is usually in their late 30's, but those under 30 who participate tend to be alternative in some way, and often are artistic.
Some groups are more "religious" in their trappings, some are more ornate and ritualistic, some are just "bare bones." Some are more goth aware than others. Like I said, any group is going to be valuable in terms of getting meditation instruction and support. However, the following ones, I believe, have the most alt-friendly teachers and/or sangha (sangha means the people that participate).
(Sorry, I am only familiar with Massachusetts groups)
Brookline, MA: The Shambhala Center
www.shambhalaboston.org/
Cambridge, MA: Cambridge Insight Meditation
www.cimc.info
Conway, MA: The Dzogchen Community
www.tsegyalgareast.org
Leominster, MA: Leominster Meditation
www.leominster-meditation.com
Worcester, MA: Insight Meditation Group at the Bancroft School of
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