REGULAR EVENTS
Our Regular Events
Tue 7 - 9 PM
Tuesday Sit and Reflection
On Tuesdays we meet in person at Ekoji (3411 Grove Ave, Richmond); 7 – 9 PM. You can also attend via Zoom. Please send us an email for the Zoom link at info@imcrva.org.
Most nights the schedule will be:
7:00-7:40 Sitting Meditation
7:40-8:00 Walking Meditation
8:00-9:00 Dharma Teaching/Discussion (Teacher or Recording)
One of our teachers will regularly lead the evening sit and Dharma talk. On the evenings that no teacher is present the service will be peer led and a Dharma Talk recording will be played. For more information, and which evenings are peer-led and which ones teacher-led, see the calendar.
Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to join. For those new to IMCR we offer an online orientation on this website. Additionally, beginning meditators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Vipassana (Insight) meditation through the series of videos on this page.
The Tuesday Sit and Reflection is offered on the basis of dana, or generosity. We suggest a donation between $5 and $25. Those able to donate at the higher end support those giving at the lower end, and those not able to make a donation. Donations are not required. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their ability to give. You can find more information about the practice of dana, generosity, and how to donate on our donation page.
Fri 5:45 - 7:30 PM
Friday Sit and Book Reading
On Fridays we meet in person at Ekoji (3411 Grove Ave, Richmond); 5:45 – 7:30 PM. You can also attend via Zoom, please send us an email for the Zoom link (info@imcrva.org).
Most nights the schedule will be:
5:45-6:25 Sitting Meditation
6:25-6:45 Walking Meditation
6:45-7:30 Book Reading (There is no need to read in advance, we’ll read the book together during the evening.)
One of our teachers will regularly lead the evening sit an book reading. On the evenings that no teacher is present the service will be peer led. For more information, and which evenings are peer-led and which ones teacher-led, see the calendar.
Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to join. For those new to IMCR we offer an online orientation on this website. Additionally, beginning meditators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Vipassana (Insight) meditation through the series of videos on this page.
Special Friday sits:
- Every last Friday of the month: The Buddha spoke about the importance of having “spiritual friends” and a flourishing community. Therefore, every last Friday of the month we will have a community gathering. Those who wish, may stay after our regular practice for about an hour (7:30-8:30). There will be some light food – please bring extra if you need a hearty dinner. Family and friends are welcome to join.
- Every second Friday of the month: Temple cleaning. After the regular sit we clean the temple as a community.
- On occasion we have an “extended sit” from 5:45 – 9:00 PM. Usually the rest of the schedule is that we meditate from 7:30 until 8:45 PM (sitting and/or walking), and we end with a brief sharing from 8:45 – 9:00 PM. A teacher will regularly join us for the extended sits, and may offer a sutta to study together (suttas are the discourses of the Buddha). There is the opportunity to leave at the normal time (7:30 PM). Extended sits are announced in the title of the calendar item.
Sat 5:30 - 10 AM
Saturday Morning Sit - Ekoji-Wide Community Event
Practical Information
Saturdays: Second Saturday of the Month
Time: 5:30 – 10:00 AM
Location: Ekoji, 3411 Grove Ave. (Google Maps). You can also attend via Zoom. Please send us an email for the Zoom link at info@imcrva.org.
Description
This monthly event is a wonderful opportunity to practice meditation in silence, followed by a time for sharing and building connections with members from various traditions and backgrounds. This is an Ekoji-wide community event, and meditators from all Ekoji groups are welcome. These mornings are usually peer led and in silence. Occasionally a teacher will guide the morning. In the calendar you can find which Saturdays are teacher led and which ones are peer led.
Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to join. For those new to IMCR we offer an online orientation. Additionally, beginning meditators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Vipassana (Insight) meditation through the series of videos on this page.
Schedule
5:30 AM to 6:30 AM: Meditation
6:30 AM to 6:45 AM: Break (Silence)
6:45 AM to 7:45 AM: Meditation
7:45 AM to 8:00 AM: Break (Silence)
8:00 AM to 9:15 AM: Meditation
9:15 AM to 10:00 AM: Tea & Light Snack, Sharing, Clean up
You are welcome to come late or leave early. We just ask that you time your comings and goings with the breaks.
Sun (timing varies)
Sunday Unplug
Practical Information
When: First Sunday of the Month
First session: 9:00 – 10:00 am on Zoom (Please send us an email for the Zoom link at info@imcrva.org.)
Second session: 3:00 – 4:30 pm at Ekoji, 3411 Grove Ave. (Google Maps). You can also attend via Zoom
Registration: not needed, drop-in
Description
- What kind of rest would be most supportive, e.g. whether to read anything, whether to maintain noble silence.
- Number and kind sitting periods.
- If time in nature would be supportive.
Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to join. For those new to IMCR we offer an online orientation. Additionally, beginning meditators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Vipassana (Insight) meditation through the series of videos on this page.
Sat 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Ekoji Engaged Buddhism Group
Practical Information
Saturdays: Second Saturday of the Month
Time: 6:30 – 7:45 PM
Location: Ekoji, 3411 Grove Ave. (Google Maps). You can also attend via Zoom. Please send us an email for the Zoom link at info@imcrva.org.
Description
The Ekoji Engaged Buddhism group brings mindful practice into compassionate action, encouraging members to apply the Buddha’s teachings to social, environmental, and community concerns. Through reflection, dialogue, and service, the group supports one another in responding to suffering with wisdom, nonviolence, and care, while remaining grounded in meditation and ethical living. We meet every second Saturday of the month, 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Ekoji. Email us for more information.