Unitarian Universalist
Buddhist Fellowship of Fayetteville
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Unitarian Universalist
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NEWS AND EVENTS
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Many Unitarian Universalists have long recognized the relationship between Buddhist religious beliefs and practices and our own UU principles and purposes. In fact, the seven statements of UU affirmation and promotion -- the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part -- are as powerful a motive force in today's Western Buddhism as they are in modern Unitarian Universalism. (For more on the joining of Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism, see the article: The Growing Appeal of Buddhism within Unitarian Universalism.)
The Fayetteville chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship offers meditation and discussion sessions every Tuesday evening at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville, located at 901 West Cleveland Street in Fayetteville. These sessions are open to any and all who feel an "affinity with both Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism". Our discussions and meditation practice draw most often from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition; but the group is officially non-sectarian, and other traditions are welcomed, respected, and often represented in our practice.
We meet each Tuesday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville (901 W. Cleveland Street.) The Tuesday evening sessions combine meditation and discussion, with each session led by rotating group leaders. A 10 minute informal check-in period is followed by 20 minutes of meditation. The last 30 minutes consist of a group discussion of a topic or reading selected by the meeting leader.
Except for occasional quided meditations and special programs (which are announced through our low-volume mailing list), the weekly meditation is silent and self-guided. The meeting leader signals the beginning and end of the meditation period, but otherwise there is no guidance or structure, giving participants the opportunity to practice in the way that's most meaningful to them.
Discussion topics are diverse. In addition to regular discussion of Buddhist sutras, concepts, and philosophy, recent discussions have focused on the individual meditation experience, applying Buddhist thought to the Terry Schiavo case and other social issues, and Taoist philosophy. Inspiration is drawn from Tibetan and other Buddhist traditions, as well as from non-Buddhist spiritual traditions. Our discussions are not teachings, but are friendly, open, and informal group explorations into a wide variety of topical areas.
The Fellowship has plenty of straight-backed chairs suitable for sitting-upright meditation. If you prefer the kneeling, lotus, or cross-legged positions, please feel free to bring your own cushion, zafu, or bench.
Absolutely not! Most of our regular attendees do not consider themselves to be Buddhist at all; and several of our regulars are not affiliated with Unitarian Universalism. Both Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism place a stong value on welcoming and respecting all spiritual traditions. If you share the value of religious tolerance and pluralism, recognize the benefits of a regular group meditation practice, and have at least a passing interest in eastern religions in general and Buddhism in particular, you should feel quite comfortable and welcome here.
Meditation experience is certainly very helpful, but not essential. If you have no experience with meditation, please take a look at our Basic Meditation Primer, and let us know before the meeting if you have any questions or concerns.. We also recommend that you visit Wildmind Buddhist Meditation for "a wealth of free information on meditation techniques that you can work through at your own pace. This information includes many guided meditations in RealAudio format that will lead you through the process of calming your mind." The Wildmind site is an excellent online resource for beginning meditators who do not have access to a qualified meditation instructor.
Attendance generally ranges between 6 - 12 participants.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer childcare. Children are always loved and welcomed at our meetings; but, for the benefit of the group, we do ask that parents take steps to minimize or remove any excessive noise or distractions -- especially during the 20-minute silent meditation period.
You're invited to join us on Tuesday evenings! Please feel free to attend any of our sessions. Meetings begin promptly at 7:00 pm each Tuesday. For more information, send us an e-mail and/or subscribe to our low-volume mailing list below to receive weekly reminders, notices of cancellations or special events, etc.
There are a number of active groups offering a wide variety of meditation and contemplation opportunities in the Northwest Arkansas area. For a complete listing of those groups, visit the Buddhism in Northwest Arkansas web site, located at www.nwabuddhist.info.
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In affiliation with
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville
901 West Cleveland Street
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701