Frequently Asked Questions
A: Please make every effort to arrive in time to get settled prior to the start of the practice. On Sundays we start at 11:00. It is best to arrive by 10:50 so you have time to walk to the center and get yourself settled. On Tuesdays please arrive by 6:50. If you arrive after the practice has started, please feel free to join us. When you enter, please do so mindfully. On Mondays, feel free to step inside any time after 6:00, sit with us for as long as you feel comfortable, and leave at any time.
A: Bring a meditation cushion and zabuton or a blanket for under you if you sit on the floor. There are a limited number of cushions available. If you do not have a cushion feel free to use any of the ones provided. You will find them by the door as you enter the space. We have folding chairs if you prefer a chair over a cushion. If you would like, you can also bring your own chair.
A: On Mondays we begin meditating at 6:00 and sit for an hour, but you are free to enter and leave at any time. A bell will ring at 6:20, 6:40, and 7:00 to mark the time. There is no Dharma talk or rituals, simply sitting meditation.
On Tuesdays we begin the meditation practice after ringing the bell 3 times. We start with a 20 minute sitting meditation. After sitting meditation there is a short break then Dana Marsh gives a Dharma talk.
On Sundays we begin the practice at 11:00 with 20 -30 minutes of meditation. We may recite the Heart Sutra, chant a mantra, or practice metta meditation. You will be provided with a practice booklet and be guided through the meditations. We then take a short break and come back for a Dharma talk given by Dana Marsh. Please be seated when you hear the bells. There are no rituals involved in this practice. It is suitable for everyone.
A: Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome. If you have any questions please contact
boisesangha@gmail.com
A: If you would like to talk with Dana about your practice one on one, please give your name to the volunteer who manages interviews on Sundays and Tuesdays.. The interviews are 10 minutes in length. At 9 minutes the volunteer will knock on the door indicating you have 1 minute remaining. At that time please try to wrap up your conversation so the next person may visit with Dana. If you anticipate you will need more than 10 minutes, please contact
boisesangha@gmail.com to make those arrangements.
Q: Is there a cost to attend the weekly practices?
A: There is no fee for attending the weekly practices. The sangha is supported by your generosity. The teachings are given freely since they are considered priceless. We need your donations tp cover rental space, advertising, and overhead. To continue to offer the dharma, support from the sangha is needed, please give what you can afford. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Feel free to park in the hotel parking lots, they are located behind the hotel on 12th St and Grove. You may also park in any of the meters. The meters are free after 6:00 pm and on Sundays all day. There are several entrances to the hotel, the closest entrance to the elevator that will take you to the 3rd floor is on 11th St. You would park in a meter and enter the east entrance that faces 11th Street. When you park in the hotel parking lot you will enter through the breezeway and into the lobby, then follow the hallway east to the elevator.
Once you exit the elevator follow the hallway around to the back to Suite 329. Please enter, take off your shoes and place them on the shelf in the back of the room.
Q: What are the guidelines for the practice?
A: We only follow a few of the traditional guidelines for our practices - Upon entering the practice space please remove your shoes. In addition, when sitting on the floor please refrain from pointing the soles of your feet towards the altar.
For Additional Details about the practice click here.