Weekly Online Meditation Classes

Mahasati Meditation

Join us for our Mahasati insight meditation practice and Dhamma discussion via Zoom on Monday evenings (US). The practice sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m. US Eastern Time, and are usually led by Michael Bresnan. There will be a 40-minute meditation practice, followed by a brief Dhamma reflection and discussion.

All are welcome. Please pre-register for this event (last-minute registration is OK).

Mahasati Insight meditation is a form of Vipassana meditation originating from Southeast Asia. The objective of Mahasati meditation is eliminating mental and emotional suffering through the clear seeing and understanding of the body and mind in the present moment. The practice is based on the teaching of the 20th-century Thai meditation master Luangpor Teean Jittasubho. It uses attention to the movement of the body to cultivate mindfulness of mental/emotional phenomena, both in formal practice and in daily life.

Michael Bresnan is a licensed psychologist practicing insight meditation for over 30 years. He studied for years with Mahasati masters, Luangpor Thong, Ajahn Da, and Ajahn Kamkian. He is the founder of the Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation in Redding, CT, and also Wenham Insight Meditation Center in Wenham, MA.

Mahasati does not require the adoption of any religious beliefs, and this offering is suitable for both new and experienced meditators.

  • 7:00 pm: Introduction to the meditation period

  • Silent meditation practice

  • 7:40 pm: Dhamma discussion period

Sutta Reading Group

Join us on Zoom, Tuesdays at 6pm, for our weekly Drop-In Sutta Reading Group facilitated by Max Johnson. Every week, we will read a different classic sutta (the oldest type of recorded Buddhist teaching), with an emphasis on reading to support our meditation practice.

  • Each week will be a stand-alone session that does not require any preparation or prior reading. Participants are welcome to drop in as infrequently or frequently as they like.

  • We will always read the texts on Zoom aloud together as a group. There will never be homework assigned or reading expected outside of the group (though participants are also free to further their reading between classes if they choose).

Those who prefer to just listen and follow along will not be required to read aloud. As we read, we will pause to discuss the text and share our questions and comments in order to learn from one another.

We will occasionally read non-sutta texts like commentaries, scriptures from different traditions, and articles written by modern practitioners. Participants will have opportunities to choose and bring texts/articles to the group so that we can all enrich our understanding of practice.

Reading ancient texts can boost a meditation practice, and can jumpstart a waning practice by inspiring energy, effort, and curiosity. Many have found the suttas to be interesting, accessible, fun, and relevant to our modern lives (maybe surprisingly so!) They have also been found to lead to the development of wisdom and the shedding away of stress.

No prior experience with the suttas is necessary. Everyone is welcome! — Beginners and experienced meditators are encouraged to attend.

Email max@cfmim.org if you have any questions.