
What we’re about
Hi, welcome to our Meetup!
We are a not-for-profit organization, with the purpose of practicing meditation, and studying and discussing Buddhist teachings from diverse Buddhist traditions, in order to cultivate compassion, wisdom, a peaceful mind, and ethical living for the benefit of all individuals and communities.
We are a diverse group of practitioners and we welcome people from all walks of life to join us - of any religion or no religion, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, country of origin, socio-economic status, or practice experience from complete beginners to long-time meditators. Together, we benefit from learning from and with each other, and that learning experience is so much richer among diversity.
So, whether you are just curious about meditation or Buddhism, or if you are looking for a group of kindred spirit to practice, study and socialize together on a regular basis, you are most welcome to check us out.
While we use Chan/Zen ("Chan" is Chinese for "Zen") etiquette & approach during meditation - because that's what the current main facilitators are familiar with - we bring in teachings from all authentic Buddhist traditions during discussions to create a rich, diverse & open learning environment.
In addition to weekly gatherings, we also occasionally hold other special events as opportunities arise.
There is no cost to attend. However, donations in any amount would be very helpful and appreciated, to support our continual operation, so that we may sustain and grow - such as to cover our monthly rent, Meetup subscription fee, special events' costs, etc..
None of us receives any remuneration for our time and efforts - we do this simply out of a wish to benefit more people, as a way to pay forward what we ourselves have benefited, and for a chance to practice with fellow meditators.
Please join us - we would love to meet you!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Meditation + "Teacher's Corner" Dharma Learning (online & in-person)Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, Chicago, IL
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we read / watch / listen to a teacher's Dharma teachings following meditation, with this schedule (Central Time):
3:15 PM: Zoom link opens / Dojo door opens
3:30 PM: Slow Moving Meditation - to help settle our body & mind
3:40 PM: Sitting Meditation
~4:15 PM: "Teacher's Corner" Dharma Learning
~5:30 PM: Adjourn
You may join any or all segments of the evening.
Beginners welcome. No cost to attend. Donations at https://chicagomeditation.org/donate/ are welcome. Your generosity will support the continual operations and growth of this group, including the cost of our monthly rent and Meetup subscription fees.
We also meet on other Sundays with slightly different programs - see our event listing on Meetup for details.
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:: HOW TO JOIN US via ZOOM ::
Zoom link opens at 3:15 PM (CT) every Sunday.
Practice begins at 3:30 PM (CT).Zoom Link and information on preparing for an online meeting can be found on our website.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US IN-PERSON ::
VACCINATION REQUIRED. Please read our “COVID Safety Protocol” page for details on vaccination requirements and other etiquettes.
Please bring your vaccination card (or a photo of it) and show it to our volunteers before entering the building for the first time.
LOCATION: Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, 4512 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Alternatively, you may email hello@chicagomeditation.org to set up a private Zoom meeting to show your proof of vaccination ahead of time (we can also accommodate FaceTime calls or WhatsApp video chat).
More info on preparing for an in-person meeting can be found on our website.
- Meditation + Dharma Story + Tea (online & in-person)Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, Chicago, IL
On the 3rd Sunday of each month, we will have two shorter sitting periods with walking meditation in between. Afterwards, members take turns to tell a Dharma/Buddhist story and we chat about it informally over vegan snacks & tea with this schedule (Central Time):
3:15 PM: Door opens / Zoom link opens
3:30 PM: Slow Moving Meditation - to help settle our body & mind
3:45 PM: Sitting Meditation
~4:05 PM: Slow Walking Meditation
~4:15 PM: Sitting Meditation
~4:30 PM: Self Message
~4:40 PM: Make a Cup of Tea!
~4:45 PM: Dharma Story
~5:30 PM: Adjourn
You may join any or all segments of the evening.
Beginners welcome. No cost to attend. Donations at https://chicagomeditation.org/donate/ are welcome. Your generosity will support the continual operations and growth of this group, including the cost of our monthly rent and Meetup subscription fees.
We also meet on other Sundays with slightly different programs - see our event listing on Meetup for details.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US via ZOOM ::
Zoom link opens at 3:15 PM (CT) every Sunday.
Practice begins at 3:30 PM (CT).Zoom Link and info on how to prepare for an online meeting can be found on our website.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US IN-PERSON ::
VACCINATION REQUIRED. Please read our “COVID Safety Protocol” page for details on vaccination requirements and other etiquettes.
Please bring your vaccination card (or a photo of it) and show it to our volunteers before entering the building for the first time.
LOCATION: Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, 4512 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Alternatively, you may email hello@chicagomeditation.org to set up a private Zoom meeting to show your proof of vaccination ahead of time (we can also accommodate FaceTime calls or WhatsApp video chat).
More info on preparing for an in-person meeting can be found on our website.
- Meditation Mini-Retreat (online & in-person)Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, Chicago, IL
On the 4th Sunday of each month, we do a mini-retreat with this schedule (Central Time):
3:15 PM: Zoom link opens / Dojo door opens
3:30 PM: Slow Moving Meditation - to help settle our body & mind
3:50 PM: Sitting Meditation
4:25 PM: Walking Meditation (you may continue sitting if you wish)
~4:45 PM: Sitting Meditation
~5:10 PM: Self-Massage
~5:30 PM: Adjourn
You may join any or all segments of the evening.
Beginners welcome. No cost to attend. Donations at https://chicagomeditation.org/donate/ are welcome. Your generosity will help support the continual operations and growth of this group, including the cost of our monthly rent and Meetup subscription fees.
We also meet on other Sundays with slightly different programs - see our event listing on Meetup for details.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US via ZOOM ::
Zoom link opens at 3:15 PM (CT) every Sunday.
Practice begins at 3:30 PM (CT).Zoom link and info on how to prepare for an online meeting can be found on our website.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US IN-PERSON ::
VACCINATION REQUIRED. Please read our “COVID Safety Protocol” page for details on vaccination requirements and other etiquettes.
Please bring your vaccination card (or a photo of it) and show it to our volunteers before entering the building for the first time.
LOCATION: Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, 4512 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Alternatively, you may email hello@chicagomeditation.org to set up a private Zoom meeting to show your proof of vaccination ahead of time (we can also accommodate FaceTime calls or WhatsApp video chat).
More info on preparing for an in-person meeting can be found on our website.
- Meditation + Dharma Sharing (online & in-person)Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, Chicago, IL
On the 1st Sunday of each month, we do some Dharma Sharing where members take turns to present a Dharma topic and lead a discussion, with this schedule (Central Time):
3:15 PM: Zoom link opens / Dojo door opens
3:30 PM: Slow Moving Meditation - to help settle our body & mind
3:40 PM: Sitting Meditation
~4:15 PM: Dharma Sharing & discussion
~5:30 PM: Adjourn
You may join any or all segments of the evening.
Beginners welcome. No cost to attend. Donations at https://chicagomeditation.org/donate/ are welcome. Your generosity will support the continuing operations and growth of this group, including the cost of our monthly rent and Meetup subscription fees.
We also meet on other Sundays with slightly different programs - see our event listing on Meetup for details.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US via ZOOM ::
Zoom link opens at 3:15 PM (CT) every Sunday.
Practice begins at 3:30 PM (CT).Zoom Link and information on preparing for an online meeting can be found on our website.
===================================================
:: HOW TO JOIN US IN-PERSON ::
VACCINATION + BOOSTER REQUIRED. Please read our “COVID Safety Protocol” page for details on vaccination requirements and other etiquettes.
Please bring your vaccination card (or a photo of it) and show it to our volunteers before entering the building for the first time.
LOCATION: Kiku Matsu Aikido Dojo, 4512 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Alternatively, you may email hello@chicagomeditation.org to set up a private Zoom meeting to show your proof of vaccination ahead of time (we can also accommodate FaceTime calls or WhatsApp video chat).
More info on preparing for an in-person meeting can be found on our website.