FAQs.How many Teens attend the group typically?
10-15 have been the recent turnouts. What is the breakdown between young men and young women? About 50:50. Do I need to bring anything? Cushions/pillows, benches, chairs are all provided. If you have a favorite cushion from home, you're welcome to bring it. Otherwise, just bring yourself. Can I come if I'm in 8th grade or started high school at an earlier age? Sure, if you want. We also offer a group for Middle Schoolers, FYI. What grades/years in High School are the Teens in the group? It's spread fairly evenly between the different years- but will vary slightly from gathering to gathering. The Teens are from high schools as far as Fremont, SF, and San Jose. Is there a charge or a fee for the group? No, Buddhist teachings including mindfulness were originally offered in the spirit of dana (translation: generosity). IMC operates in the spirit of dana by volunteer support and donations, with no paid staff. If you are moved to make a donation, there are donation boxes at the front door. However, dana includes but is not limited to financial support; it also includes volunteer support, simply coming to receive teachings thereby supporting the culture, yourself, and sharing the fruits of practice with people in your life, and much more... Some buddhist terms that you might occassionally hear: Sangha - the community that is supporting eachother's practice Dharma - Either dharma (in sanskrit) or dhamma (in pali), which has numerous meanings but the two most general are: 1) dharma meaning things as they are, phenomena, truth or 2) Dharma with a capital "D" meaning teachings of the Buddha. Buddha - refers to Gotama Buddha, who lived in present day northern India and Nepal about 3,000 years ago. |