TOPIC: A primary goal of spiritual development involves the development of compassion for oneself and all life. This goal is a core element of all spiritual traditions around the world. This series of meetings will focus on Lojong practice; an ancient Tibetan training regimen involving 59 slogans, which are intended to be first studied and then, more importantly, applied as focal points for one’s daily spiritual development. Two primary resources are recommended for study as well as some optional reading. Peter will provide his notes that are his renderings of the reading he did from several sources. Also recommended is the book by Pema Chodron: “The Compassion Book-Teachings for Awakening the Heart”.

The Orlando Insight Meditation Group’s teacher, Peter Carlson, has been facilitating Intensive Study Groups for several years with the following format: Eight meetings, 90 minutes each to discuss an area of interest regarding Buddhist concepts and practices * Seminar format-Peter has individual interview with each member followed by a brief question and answer as time permits * Each group will begin when there are at least seven committed participants * Participants commit to meditate for 45 minutes daily using the slogan of choice. There will be no meditation during the meetings in order to maximize the opportunities to talk about the topics. * Meetings are held via Zoom (The Zoom format increases the opportunities for participation beyond the immediate Orlando area and saves driving time, gas and the environment!) * Two groups-Saturday from 3pm-4:30pm and Sunday from 3pm-4:30pm* (If number of participants warrants two groups. Please designate which day or days you can participate. Please understand the group you are assigned may be designated based on numbers between the groups. It is helpful if you can accept either day. If there are not enough participants, one day will be designated.) * Voluntary donation of $160 to the Orlando Insight Meditation Group via check or PayPal; the funds are used to support scholarships and to keep costs low for annual one-week residential retreats.The teacher takes no fee. If this amount is not workable for your budget, a lesser amount is acceptable. Donations should be made using the donate button to the right. Checks can be made out to Orlando Insight Meditation Group and sent to Peter Carlson at 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789.

This is not group therapy, but because it is intended to be about how one lives, not philosophy, it is requested that what is discussed in the meetings remain confidential.

For more information and/or to sign up, please email Peter at Peter@OrlandoInsightMeditation.org. Please also indicate your phone number so that Peter can contact you in case a meeting has to be cancelled.

Please respond as soon as possible. The target start date to begin is mid-May. It is understood that there may be times when your schedule requires you to miss a meeting, so don’t let that prevent you from committing. Once the start dates are finalized, an email will be provided describing the sequence of readings in the book recommended during the eight weeks.