For Beginngers

The materials in this section are for beginners. Some are practice materials—like the booklet 52 practices. Some are about connecting a practice community—like the booklet, ‘Finding a Community.’ You might also find the podcasts on this website supportive. Eventually, having a teacher will the best support for a lifetime of practice. If you don’t have a teacher, there’s a booklet for that below!

  • finding a community

    You can practice alone, but having the support of a community antidotes loneliness and fosters joy and joyful discipline. How do you find a community that works for you? Start with the ideas in this booklet.

  • working with a teacher

    A dharma teacher can be a true ally in your spiritual awakening. This booklet explores the role of a dharma mentor and has suggestions for finding one.

  • 52 practices: learn by looking. know by seeing

    52 practices for mindful seeing. Good for adults, teens and kids. Print, store in a notebook and savor one exercise for a week for a whole year.

  • Shamatha meditations - booklet one

    20 Shamatha meditations, each with a brief basic Buddhist teaching and very concise instructions for the mediation. (Watch this site for audio recordings of these coming soon to our podcast page.) goes here

  • Starting Tranquility meditation

    Tranquility meditation (also known as Shamatha or Calm Abiding) is a great first mediation practice.

  • healing the broken heart

    Don’t waste the experience of a broken heart. Turn your broken heat into the fuel for cultivating compassion. Part of the Seamless Practice Series.

  • write your own practice reminders

    Gathas are verses. They can even be a word or two. Write them on cards and put them in places around your house to help you remember to practice.