New material for two groups

August 2026 - lunar eclipse

The Buddhism: Meditation and Skillful Living group will meet on Tuesday, September 8th, from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, as the center locks its exterior doors promptly at 6:00 pm. Our session will begin with 30 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a short video interview with Jack Kornfield and an open discussion. Visit this link for more information: https://fsc.retreatportal.com/events/f?p=101:2:10301455744248::::PROGRAM_ID:10811

Jack Kornfield bio: https://jackkornfield.com/bio

Video:https://youtu.be/VusZp-sNtjw?si=9F79VhphGlkp7AYE

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The second and fourth Sunday meditation group led by Vanee Songsiridej will start a new book on September 13 - Ajahn Sumedho Volume 2 – Seeds of Understanding. This can be read online and/or  downloaded free of charge here. Donations can be sent in to the site or Abhayagiri Buddhist monastery. Please read the first chapter and bring what piques your interest and questions for discussion. For more information, email vsongsir@aol.com

Free from Dharma Lab

Dharma Lab presents

A Free Practice Hour

Wednesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. Online

Which meditation practices build which capacities — and how to find yours.

One guided hour with Dr. Richard Davidson & Dr. Cortland Dahl, the scientists who mapped the flourishing mind

Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 PM CT·Zoom

Save your seat — it’s free

Completely free · Everyone welcome

Thursdays - Born to Flourish

The meditation group that meets online every second and fourth Thursday is starting a new book on August 27.

We will be starting a new book on Thursday, August 27. It will be “Born to Flourish” by Drs. Richard Davidson and Cortland Dahl. This can be purchased at any bookstore. There is also a recording done by the authors.

The meeting will be held on Zoom on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 PM.

We will meditate for 30 minutes and have a check-in.

This will be followed by discussion of chapter 1. For the study and practice with this book, I would like to ask that everybody read the chapter, bring what perks your interest and would like to discuss it further in the meeting.

This is suitable for anyone who is interested in discussing this topic. The authors are experienced meditators and teachers and neuroscientists.

Please let me know if you are interested and would like to join us on zoom by sending a reply to this email.

Looking forward to studying and practicing with everyone.

Peace,

Vanee

Learn more, including how to join, at https://mindfulnesslacrossewisconsin.offeringtree.com/

Second Tuesday in August

The Buddhism: Meditation and Skillful Living group will meet on Tuesday, August 11th, from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm at the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in, as the center locks the exterior doors promptly at 6:00 pm.

The session will begin with 30 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a short YouTube video by Thich Nhat Hanh (link attached) and an open discussion.   https://youtu.be/R5eBgab1vMQ?si=e65P-NQpIzLnsuX-

Second Tuesdays in July

Here is more information about the July 14 meeting of the Second Tuesdays meditation group which meets from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early please.

The discussion this month will focus on an article from Lion's Roar, May 2026 titled: The Antidote to Greed, Hatred and Ignorance. We will focus on the third section - ignorance. Here is the link to the article: https://www.lionsroar.com/the-antidote-to-greed-hatred-ignorance/. Please read it ahead of the meeting, if you have a chance.

Second Tuesdays at FSC

Here is more information about the new Meditation Group at Franciscan Spirituality Center on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.

Each meeting we will meditate for 30 minutes and then have a discussion on a topic. You are each encouraged to suggest a topic or reading for future meetings.

We will be meeting this Tuesday, May 12th, please come 10-15 minutes early to settle in. 

The discussion this month will focus on an article from Lion's Roar, May 2026 titled: The Antidote to Greed, Hatred and Ignorance. We will focus on the first section on greed. Here is the link to the article: https://www.lionsroar.com/the-antidote-to-greed-hatred-ignorance/. Please read it ahead of the meeting, if you have a chance.

We look forward to seeing you and let us know if you have any questions.

Sharon Lukert

sharonlukert.com

Kevala Retreat in Chicago

Residential Retreat July 9-12

The Great Matter of Life and Death with Santikaro

Hosted by Insight Chicago Meditation Community at Portiuncula Center for Prayer, Frankfort, Illinois

Death is scary and we want to live. We seek happiness and avoid pain. These are basic polarities of our minds & bodies. Yet, we have far less control over them than we are comfortable with. Death and the myriad hints of it regularly poke through our comfort bubbles. Death rattles us. Still, we are alive, even if it feels, at times, like an uphill struggle. We are here, alive, in search of the best we can do. Buddha-Dhamma, the path of awakening, offers perspectives and practices for facing these simple truths. It fortifies us for when we are tempted to hide, escape, or despair.

Learn more and register here.

New meditation group starting

A new monthly meditation group is starting soon. It will be hosted by Franciscan Spirituality Center and led by Frank Mauss and Robert Lynn.

Here are the details from Robert:

The first session will be held at the Franciscan Spirituality Center on Tuesday April 21 from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.

We will begin with a period of silent meditation.

Following meditation, I invite you to share your reflections on the following:

Buddhism is not monolithic. There are several schools and traditions of Buddhism.

What are some of the foundational tenets that are pan-Buddhist, that are most commonly shared across the wide spectrum of schools and traditions?

Beginning May 12, 2026, the Center will host our group on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:15 p.m. 

A suggested $5 free-will donation to benefit the Franciscan Center is encouraged.

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Please email champa_c-at-hotmail.com to be put on contact list.

Restarting this resource

Over the next couple of months we will be updating this resource to help those interested in practicing Buddhist mindfulness and meditation connect with our community.

If you know of a group that is not listed here or have links to add, please email ministerofbeans at gmail.

October 23 in La Crosse

October 23 +++  Bridges UMC at King & 8th (see important details below)

Inner Kindness & Healing 

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 12)

  

This Wednesday will conclude our yearlong series on "Many Approaches to Meditation." Let's review and wrap-up what we've covered and what's been learned. Here are some questions to ponder:

* Which specific meditation practices stand out in your experience?

* How did you benefit and learn from them?

* What is your bread & butter, foundation meditation?

* What have you learned about sati (mindfulness) this year?


* What have you learned about samadhi (collectedness,unification, concentration) this year?


* What have you discovered regarding insight?


* Are there specific areas of meditation practice that you want to focus on in the months ahead?

Please come ready for an open, friendly, creative discussion on the questions and and others that you wish to bring.

For location and related information, please go here. Bridges UMC is scheduled to move a few blocks in November and we will move with them. Please stay tuned.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. Liberation Park in turn makes donations to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us.

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

La Crosse meditation - October 20

We are looking forward to hosting this month's meditation group next Sunday, October 20th from 10:30 - Noon. See address and details here.

This month's reading is a chapter from Pema Chodron's first book, The Wisdom of No Escape. Hope you enjoy!

Please email if you are planning to attend and note whether you prefer a chair or a cushion so we can set up the shrine room with your needs in mind.

Happy Fall!

Oct. 9 - Kevala in La Crosse

October 9 +++  Bridges UMC at King & 8th(see important details below)

Inner Kindness & Healing 

 

(the Diversity of Meditation Styles & Approaches 11)

  

Meditation can be fun and creative, as well as healing. This Wednesday, Santikaro will offer a special application of metta (loving kindness) meditation that supports physical and emotional healing. I won't give away the secrets via email, so please come and give it a try in person.

We all have needs for nurturing and healing. Meditation includes forms that can bring smiles to our hearts and care for our bodies.

In line with our explorations throughout 2019, this particular practice will be both beneficial in its own ways and help us better understand the broad and profound inner territory that meditation covers. Discussing a particular practice is a means to clarify the meditative skills that we cultivate, thereby enhancing our ability to meditate skillfully with changing life circumstances and needs.

Please join us this Wed for a fun meditative approach that can be employed whenever needed, and sometimes just to be good to yourself.

For location  and related information, please go here.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. Liberation Park in turn makes donations to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us.

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

Next sessions:  October 23rd 2019.

10/26 - Day of Mindfulness

October 5 Singing Bowls

From Franciscan Spirituality Center:

October 5, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., San Damiano's Chapel at Viterbo University

The Franciscan Spirituality Center is pleased to collaborate with Tom Roberts and Viterbo University Campus Ministry to offer A Singing Bowls Experience: A Celebration of St. Francis Week. This event will be the culmination of St. Francis Week, a week of activities designed to honor the playful spirit of St. Francis and to celebrate our Franciscan heritage. Join us for an evening of Taize-style prayer, paired with the beautiful sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, choirs and hymns. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey in a gathered community that shares varied faith traditions.

Note: This event takes place at San Damiano Chapel on the campus of Viterbo University. The time includes fellowship afterward.

Registration is recommended but not required.

Freewill offerings appreciated. 

Tom Roberts
Tom Roberts is a retired psychotherapist and hypnotherapist. He has more than 40 years of experience in clinical psychotherapy and has been a practicing Zen Buddhist for nearly 50 years. In 1992, he received lay Buddhist vows from Thich Nhat Hanh. Based in La Crosse, Tom presents at training sessions, workshops and retreats throughout the country. He is the author of "The Mindfulness Workbook: A Beginner’s Guide to Overcoming Fear and Embracing Compassion."

Shambala meditation series

Sept. 15 - Resting in the River

Frank and I are planning to host our monthly meditation group this Sunday, September 15th from 10:30 - Noon at our home, 1832 22nd Street South, La Crosse.

Please find the reading below and let us know if you plan to attend, and your preference for a cushion or a chair.

Hope to see you then - Sharon

https://www.lionsroar.com/resting-in-the-river/?mc_cid=cfa2f17e1c&mc_eid=bb214d70f2

Sept.11 La Crosse Session

September 11 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th

(see important details below)

Meditation, Talk & Conversation

  

We continue to meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. This Wednesday we will meet for our usual 40 minute sitting, followed by a Dhamma talk (recorded) and friendly conversation concerning life & practice.

As this date is a significant anniversary in our country's history, and our society is currently riven with us vs them behaviors, perhaps we can reflect on how our meditation practice fosters empathy, thoughtful speech, and rediscovering our shared humanity midst polarizing forces.

Our on-going series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here. Please note that Bridges UMC will be moving a few blocks west, probably in October, and we will move with them.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. Liberation Park in turn makes donations to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us.

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

Next sessions:  September 25th and October 9th & 23rd, 2019.

August 28 in La Crosse

August 28 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th
(see important details below)

Meditation, Talk & Conversation

We continue to meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. This Wednesday we will meet for our usual 40 minute sitting, followed by a Dhamma talk (recorded) and friendly conversation concerning life & practice.

Our on-going series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. Liberation Park in turn makes donations to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us.

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

Next sessions:  September 11th and 25th, 2019.

September Retreat - Living with Change

Franciscan Spirituality Center:

Living Beautifully With Uncertainty and Change
September 14 (Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Presenter: Sharon Lukert
Investment: $65, includes lunch
Registration deadline: September 1

Based on celebrated author Pema Chödrön’s book of the same name, this retreat will focus on the three commitments presented in Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change:  do no harm, take care of each other and embrace the world just as it is. Using guided meditation, self-reflection and the wise advice of this beloved teacher, we will explore how following these three commitments can open our hearts and minds, moving us toward compassion for ourselves and others. Our day will include periods of meditation, time for self-reflection and group discussion.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Sharon Lukert is a staff chaplain and ACPE associate certified educator at Gundersen Health System. She has been a practicing Buddhist within a Tibetan lineage, studying under Pema Chödrön for more than 25 years. Sharon is a meditation instructor and facilitator for workshops and study groups focused on Buddhism, meditation, death and dying education, and bereavement support.

Please click here to register.

Kevala meditation July 24

La Crosse Wednesday evening meditation:

July 24, 2019

July 24 --  Bridges UMC at King & 8th

Meditation, Talk & Conversation

We continue to meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. This Wednesday we will meet for our usual 40 minute sitting, followed by a Dhamma talk by Santikaro and friendly conversation concerning life and practice. This will be "requests night": Santi will speak on a topic requested by any of our regulars. Or, if no requests arrive, he will speak about "Heat, Coolness, and Dhamma."

Our on-going series explores a broad range of meditation styles and practices once a month. This series supports an expanded repertoire of meditation skills and serves as a basis for on-going discussions concerning the nature, purpose, and potential of meditation practice. For an outline of the series, please follow this link:

http://www.liberationpark.org/study/pdf/many_kinds_meditation.pdf

For location  and related information, please go here.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. Liberation Park in turn makes donations to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us.

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

Next sessions:  August 14th and 28th, 2019