Valley Insight Meditation Society-NH-Dhamma Reflections

Spiritual Friendship: A Relational Path

April 5, 2019

“I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One [the Buddha] was living among the Sakyans. Now there is a Sakyan town named Sakkara. There Ven. Ananda went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to the Blessed One, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, Ven. Ananda said…

We Croak: A Return to Joy

March 4, 2019

“If I were asked to recommend just one single meditation practice, I would probably opt for recollection of death. This is because of it transformative power.” ––Bhikkhu Analayo, Satipatthana: A Practice Manual In a March 14, 2018 interview on the “10% Happier Podcast,” Hansa Bergwall talked with Dan Harris about the new cell phone application…

A Glimmer of Hope in the Year of the Heart-Mind

February 12, 2019

On New Year’s Day 2019, a steady and committed group of us from the VIMS community once again sat together in the barn at 14 Green Street to silently welcome and begin our life in this new year. Staying with our annual tradition, we preceded our meditation with a reading of several different translations of…

A New Year’s Resolution Becomes a Community of Care

December 5, 2018

A caring awareness leads to life; Heedless avoidance is the path to death. Those who are aware are fully alive. While those who are heedless, Are as if already dead. The wise, being fully alive, Rejoice in a caring awareness And abide delighting In this capacity. Dhammapada vs. 21-22* On January 1, 2018, at the…

Great Joy: An Ability, a Capacity, a Responsibility, a Direct Experience

November 14, 2018

While in the midst of hate to dwell free from hating is happiness indeed. While in the midst of those who are troubled, to dwell untroubled is happiness indeed. While in the midst of those who are greedy, to dwell free from greed is happiness indeed. Verses 197-199 Dhammapada Sharon Salzberg, in her new book…

Micah Awards – 2018

October 12, 2018

Valley Insight’s 2018 Micah Award Honorees Ceremony, Sunday, October 28, 2 pm – 5 pm The United Valley Interfaith Project (UVIP) holds an annual fundraiser and its “Micah Awards” Ceremony to recognize and celebrate the important work being done in our regional community by volunteers who work for community involvement, social and economic justice. This…