Mid America Dharma News
Offering Insight Meditation to the Heartland | Spring 2021
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WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE…
The day after Congressman John Lewis died, I read a story from his memoir, Walking with the Wind, that stirred my heart so deeply that it still lives within me even now as I write
Meet Bart van Melik
Excerpts from an interview published by Insight Meditation Society In an interview with IMS, Bart tells about his personal journey as a meditation student and teacher. Bart was asked how he discovered insight meditation: “From
Studying the Suttas
When I first began exploring Insight Meditation it was fairly simple. I just tried to practice the way my teachers told me to practice. But after I had practiced for a few years I began
Where on the Dial
Is it listed in the TV Guide between I and Thou Embedded in Google’s algorithm Accessed in a choked request to Alexa or Siri or God? It must nest Between the right hand in the left
Mid America Dharma’s Newest Board Member Introduces Herself
I was honored to be welcomed to the board of Mid-America Dharma in the Fall of 2020. My interest in Insight Meditation and Buddhism began around 2015 and I sought out retreat opportunities, but it
Dana for Our Sangha
Mid America Dharma operates through the generosity of our volunteers and the financial gifts of our supporters, which help to cover our operating expenses, support our teachers and scholarship fund.
In the Pali language, generosity is called dana. Generosity is part of a 2600 year old tradition of supporting the Buddha’s teachings, Dharma teachers, and sangha through gifts. The practice of dana is more than just providing financial support. It allows each of us to explore the experiences of giving and receiving.
Mid America Dharma is very grateful for all the support we receive. If you are interested in giving dana to Mid America Dharma, you may donate online here or mail your gift by check to:
Mid America Dharma
c/o Carl Wingo
11900 N. Dripping Springs Rd.
Columbia, MO 65202
If you are donating by check, please designate in the memo line which of the following funds you would like your donation to support.
- MAD Operating Support
- MAD Scholarship Fund
- MAD Teachers
Retreat Basics: The Five Precepts
We ask everyone participating in our retreats to make a commitment to follow the Five Ethical Precepts, a foundation for our practice.
The precepts create the community of harmony and safety necessary for our work of turning inward. The self restraint we show by following the precepts is essential to settle the mind.
Through this we develop confidence in our work and ability to do the practice. Following the precepts bestows a sense of happiness with our own goodness.
Upcoming Events
- Bridget Rolens Retreat April 30- May 2, 2021
- Sutta Study Summer Semester May – August, 2021
- Tuere Sala Retreat – St. Louis or Online – Sept. 3-5, 2021
- Bart van Melik Online Retreat Oct. 15-17, 2021
Please watch our website and your email for further announcements about these events.