Seattle Insight Meditation Society (SIMS) is a distinguished meditation center in Seattle. It is an all-volunteer Dharma community dedicated to imparting the Buddha’s teachings on wisdom and compassion to all seekers. SIMS encourages meditation and daily practice as tools for personal liberation and environmental stewardship.

The center specializes in Insight Meditation, a form of spiritual practice and tradition in the Theravadin Buddhist lineage. This method emphasizes 'clear seeing' or vipassana. It aims to cultivate mindfulness, equanimity, wisdom, and compassion. These qualities are seen as gateways to liberation and freedom.

SIMS's extensive activity roster includes weekly sittings with meditation and Dharma talks or discussions. It has ongoing practice groups, classes for both beginners and experienced students, non-residential meditation retreats, and social gatherings. These activities foster meditation practice and support community interaction and spiritual growth.

Key events at SIMS include the 'Weekly Sunday Morning Sit & Dharma Talk.' It focuses on the theme 'Teaching the Threes', which encompasses various Buddhist principles. There's also the 'Weekly Meditation & Dharma' on Monday nights, available both online and in person.

For morning practitioners, 'Weekly Tuesday Guided Meditation' sessions are offered via Zoom. The 'Thursday Night Sangha' provides a supportive group for meditation and discussion. And the 'Phillip Moffitt Friday Evening Talk' is a notable event that includes a weekend non-residential retreat. In addition, the 'Eastside Insight Meditation Group' meets on the first and third Thursdays. And special interest groups like the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC Sanghas cater to specific community members.

SIMS values affordability, diversity, and service as integral aspects of their mission. They offer teachings freely, regardless of financial capability. Service is emphasized as a living expression of the Dharma. In addition, SIMS advocates for environmental stewardship, recognizing the importance of caring for the planet.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://seattleinsight.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: webmaster@seattleinsight.org
  • Phone: (206) 659-5546
• Location: 4001 9th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105
  

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Diamond Way Buddhist Center Seattle is a unique meditation center part of the Diamond Way Buddhism network. This network comprises approximately 650 centers globally. It adheres to the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

The first center was established in 1972 in Copenhagen by Hannah and Ole Nydahl under the guidance of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Today, these centers operate under the guidance of the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje.

The emergence of Diamond Way Buddhism was influenced by the Chinese invasion of Tibet, which led to the spread of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. Many Westerners, including Hannah and Ole Nydahl, came into contact with Tibetan teachers during this time. They became students of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche and took refuge with the 16th Karmapa, later establishing meditation centers in the West at his request.

The Seattle Center, like others in the Diamond Way network, offers a non-monastic and Western approach to Buddhism. They are rooted in the oral transmission lineage from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, dating back 2500 years. This approach is an adaptation of the Karma Kagyu tradition to Western culture, without traditional Tibetan customs and organizational structures.

Ole Nydahl is one of the key figures in spreading Karma Kagyu Buddhism in the West. It describes Diamond Way as a lay tradition, suitable for people with jobs, partners, families, and responsibilities. This approach avoids the more ritualistic aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. It favors practices that bring freedom and independence.

The Seattle Center offers guided 16th Karmapa meditations on Sundays at 7:30 PM and Wednesdays at 8:00 PM. It is accompanied by introductory talks about the Diamond Way and Buddhism in general. These sessions are in-person, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

The most important practice in Diamond Way Buddhism is the identification with the teacher and sustaining the Mahamudra view. It is about integrating meditation experiences into daily life. Various standard Vajrayana meditation methods are used. Moreover practitioners receive guidance from more experienced members authorized to teach.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.diamondway.org/seattle
• Contact:
  • Email: seattle@diamondway.org
  • Phone: (206) 452-1985
• Location: 2114 Western Ave #6-10, Seattle, WA, 98121
  

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The Sri Chinmoy Centre in Seattle is a beacon of spiritual learning in the Pacific Northwest. Sri Chinmoy inspires the Centre. It offers a wide range of activities focusing on meditation, exercise, healthy living, and community service. These practices reflect Sri Chinmoy's belief in a balanced lifestyle for achieving peace, happiness, and fulfillment. Thousands have learned meditation at this center, gaining valuable skills for inner peace and personal growth.

Sri Chinmoy is the guiding light behind these centers. He was a spiritual leader, artist, musician, and athlete. Born in Bengal in 1931, he entered a spiritual community at 12 and attained enlightenment in his teens. He moved to New York in 1964, sharing his teachings and establishing meditation centers in 70 countries. His philosophy and teachings continue to inspire his students worldwide, even after his passing in 2007.

The Seattle Centre's classes are taught by experienced instructors. In particular, Nayak and Nandita Polissar began meditating in the early 1970s and established the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Seattle in 1974. Nayak is a medical researcher, and Nandita manages the Silence Heart Restaurant in Fremont. They have organized meditation classes and concerts in various parts of the world.

The Centre's introductory classes cover meditation essentials, breathing, relaxation, concentration techniques, heart center meditation, the power of mantra and music, and how to establish a daily practice. They offer 2-4 evening classes, weekend intensives, and follow-up classes for those interested in deepening their meditation practice.

In addition to meditation classes, the Centre manages a restaurant and laundromat. They organize races, concerts, and nature meditations to create a spiritual environment for the general public. A key event is the Self-Transcendence 2-mile race, a free race for runners and walkers at all levels. They are held on the first Saturday of every month in summer at Magnuson Park.

The Centre also hosts events like "Life-Wisdom," offering simple, practical solutions to life's challenges. These events, held at their Seattle location, cover topics such as lasting happiness, self-confidence, peace of mind, and a balanced life.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://us.srichinmoycentre.org/meditation-seattle
• Contact: +1 (352) 745-3623
• Location: 2730 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
  

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Kadampa Meditation Center Washington offers a serene and supportive environment for learning and practicing meditation. This center is a part of the New Kadampa Tradition. It emphasizes the importance of both meditation practice and the study of Buddhist teachings.

At the core of Kadampa Meditation Center’s teachings are the classes and programs based on the works of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. These teachings focus on cultivating a peaceful mind and heart, developing patience, increasing love and compassion, and applying Buddha’s wisdom to daily life. The center offers a variety of classes catering to different levels of experience and interest.

One of the key offerings is the Monday Evening Meditation Class. It is led by Gen Rinzin, the resident teacher. This class provides an introduction to meditation and Buddhist psychology. It covers topics such as overcoming anger, developing patience, and increasing love and compassion. The class is structured yet flexible, allowing attendees to join any session that suits their schedule.

The Sunday Morning Meditation Class offers teachings and meditations based on Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s book "How to Transform Your Life." This class, led by Gen Rinzin and guest teachers, emphasizes that true happiness comes from within and explores the power of compassion.

For those interested in a more in-depth study, the Foundation Program is an option. It involves the systematic study of six texts by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. It offers a deeper understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism. The program, taught by Rob Lutz, requires enrollment and regular attendance. It provides an opportunity for committed study and practice.

The center also hosts a Kids' Meditation Class concurrent with the Sunday Morning Meditation Class. This class, suitable for children aged 5 to 12, includes teachings on maintaining a peaceful mind and loving heart, short meditation sessions, and other activities. It provides an opportunity for children to learn meditation in a friendly and engaging environment.

Kadampa Meditation Center Washington also places emphasis on community and inclusivity. They offer 'Prayers for World Peace' sessions, where attendees learn to cherish others and contribute to establishing world peace through meditation and contemplation.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.meditateinseattle.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: info@meditateinseattle.org
  • Phone: (206) 526-9565
• Location: 6556 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
  

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Mindfulness Northwest has been a beacon of mindfulness and compassion education in the Pacific Northwest for over a decade. They offer in-person and live online training to individuals, communities, and organizations, with a focus on increasing resilience. They unlock joy and reduce stress-related illnesses.

Mindfulness Northwest’s core principle is simple yet profound: paying attention in the present moment with acceptance and kindness. Their programs provide structured guidance to translate this idea into action. They lead to benefits like increased resilience under stress, appreciation of life's positives, and a deeper connection with oneself.

A key offering of Mindfulness Northwest is the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. This 8-week program, available online and in person, is the gold standard for learning mindfulness. Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979, MBSR has been taken by over 25,000 people. It is renowned for its effectiveness in improving health and well-being. Its benefits include enhanced immune function, anxiety reduction, depression relapse prevention, and chronic pain management.

Their retreats range from single to multi-day events. They offer opportunities for deeper engagement with mindfulness practices. These mostly silent retreats guide participants through sitting meditation, body scan, walking meditation, gentle mindful movement, and contemplative practices. Whether it's in person in Western Washington or online, these retreats provide a space to disconnect from technology and reconnect with natural cycles.

Mindfulness Northwest is committed to inclusivity and welcomes everyone regardless of race, religion, age, gender expression, or beliefs. Their supportive community celebrates diversity and works to make their spaces safe for all participants. They also offer specialized retreats for more experienced practitioners and encourage friends and couples to attend classes together while registering separately.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://mindfulnessnorthwest.com/
• Contact:
  • Email: office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com
  • Phone: (360) 830-6439 ext 0
• Location: 214 N. Commercial Street #103, Bellingham, WA 98225.

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The Shambhala Meditation Center of Seattle is a thriving community dedicated to studying and practicing meditation. This center offers a warm and welcoming approach to newcomers and experienced mindfulness-awareness meditation practitioners. The foundational practice at Shambhala is mindfulness-awareness meditation. It is an ancient method of self-discovery rooted in the belief that every human being can cultivate mental stability, clarity, and strength.

Regular offerings at Shambhala include Open Meditation sessions every Sunday morning and Thursday evening. There is also a Tuesday Evening Open House (online only). Additionally, they provide a monthly 'Learn to Meditate' program on Saturdays. These sessions are open to all, with beginning meditation instruction available for newcomers.

The center hosts a variety of featured programs and groups. They enhance the depth and breadth of meditation practice. These include Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), Buddhist study, Way of Shambhala classes, retreats, the Heart of Recovery group, the Death Cafe, the Contemplative Creativity Lab, and daily online Compassion for Ukraine: Tonglen sessions. Each program is tailored to cater to different aspects of personal and spiritual development.

Shambhala Seattle is part of the wider Shambhala Buddhist lineage. It includes teachings in traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Their classes and practice opportunities reflect this rich heritage and are accessible to anyone interested in exploring meditation and Buddhist teachings.

The center's history and philosophy underscore the importance of continuous growth and evolution as a community. Shambhala Meditation Center embraces the Shambhala vision and lineage.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://seattle.shambhala.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: seattle@shambhala.org
  • Phone: (206) 860-4060
• Location: 3107 East Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington 98112
  

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Three Treasures Sangha is a dedicated lay Zen group affiliated with the Diamond Sangha. This group's practice emphasizes experiencing life's immediate reality. It encourages participants to see and understand the world around them more profoundly. It is a welcoming space for all interested in practicing Zen, regardless of prior experience or background.

The Sangha's activities are rooted in the Japanese Zen tradition, which values simplicity. The core practice is individual sitting meditation (zazen), supplemented by recitation of texts (sutras) together. This combination of solitary meditation and group activities fosters both personal reflection and communal engagement. The Sangha hosts talks by teachers and offers private interviews. This comprehensive approach helps cultivate concentration and clarity of mind.

Three Treasures Sangha holds weekly and monthly Zen meditation sessions at Dharma Gate and organizes more intensive. Week-long silent retreats (Sesshins) twice each year. These sessions and retreats are open to everyone. They emphasize that one does not need to be Buddhist to practice meditation. This inclusivity reflects the Sangha's commitment to making Zen practice accessible to a broad audience.

Zen practice at Three Treasures Sangha focuses on coming face-to-face with oneself in a direct and intimate way. The teachers challenge participants' thinking while offering guidance and encouragement for their individual practice, whether it involves breath-counting, koan study, or just sitting (shikantaza). This approach allows practitioners to confront and understand themselves better, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://three-treasures-sangha.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: ttssangha@gmail.com
  • Phone: 206-395-5226
• Location: Dharma Gate Zendo, 1910 - 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144.
  

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Christina Malecka, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, offers a unique and personalized approach to therapy in downtown Seattle. With over 18 years of experience, she emphasizes the importance of in-person therapy. Her practice provides a warm and welcoming space, free from digital distractions. This setting includes a sunlit office adorned with books, artwork, and plants.

Christina specializes in counseling adults and adolescents who often feel marginalized or 'othered' by dominant culture, societal norms, or family biases. She works with clients who experience as outsiders for various reasons. It includes lifestyle choices, societal oppression, or family and societal biases. Her approach is tailored to each client's unique experiences and needs. It focuses on their strengths and possibilities rather than deficits or pathology. This personalized approach ensures that therapy is relevant and effective for each individual.

Her practice is also informed by an anti-oppression lens. It reflects her passion for social change at both macro and micro levels. Christina believes in the transformative power of therapy as a form of micro-social change. This perspective integrates individual growth with broader societal impacts. That highlights the interconnection between personal healing and collective well-being.

Christina Malecka's office is located at 1904 Third Avenue, Suite 1017, Seattle, WA 98101. She offers a free initial 20-minute consultation to all potential clients and maintains flexible hours, including some evenings. For those interested in her services, she can be contacted at 206.414.8251 or via email at christina@christinamalecka.com.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.christinamalecka.com/
• Contact:
  • Email: christina@christinamalecka.com
  • Phone: 206.414.8251
• Location: 1904 Third Avenue, Suite 1017, Seattle, WA 98101.
  

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The Seattle Meditation Center is a hub for meditation and spiritual growth. The center holds meditation classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. They cater to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Their approach to meditation emphasizes inner peace as a pathway to world peace, welcoming individuals from all religious backgrounds to participate in their meditation sessions.

A key aspect of the center’s practice is Dhammakaya meditation. This technique begins with relaxing the body and focusing the mind on the center of the body, just above the navel. Practitioners visualize a bright object, like a crystal ball or the sun, at this center point and use the mantra "Sam-ma-A-ra-hang" to aid concentration. This method aims to cultivate real peace, joy, wisdom, and improved quality of life.

The Seattle Meditation Center is guided by experienced monks who have renounced worldly pursuits to commit to spiritual practice. It includes meditation, for decades. These teaching monks assist participants in simplifying meditation. That makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the class. Their guidance is based on various Buddhist meditation methods that have developed over 25 centuries, providing a rich and diverse spiritual experience.

Special events at the center include the celebration of Asalha Puja Day, also known as Dharma Day. It is a significant holy day for Buddhists. This day, usually in July, commemorates the establishment of Buddhism and the first sermon given by Buddha. It is a time of celebration and reflection on the foundational aspects of Buddhism, cherished among Buddhist communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.seattlemeditationcenter.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: seattle072@yahoo.com, smcinfo2018@gmail.com
  • Phone: (425) 608-0096, (425) 344-3291, (206) 636-7430, (206) 529-7315
• Location: 21910 44th Avenue West, Mountlake Terrace, Washington, U.S.A. 98043
  

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Art of Living Seattle is integral to The Art of Living Foundation, which Sri Sri Sri Shankar founded. This global initiative is recognized for its humanitarian, spiritual, and meditation teachings. It plays a significant role in inspiring people worldwide.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is renowned as a humanitarian, spiritual leader, and meditation teacher. He dedicated his life to creating a violence-free, stress-free society through service initiatives and guided humanitarian projects.

At Art of Living Seattle, the focus is on empowering individuals and communities through various courses and activities. One of the foundation's primary techniques is SKY Breath Meditation. It is an evidence-based practice proven to clear stress and boost energy.

This technique has been the subject of over 100 independent, peer-reviewed studies. It includes research conducted at Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Arizona. The courses combine ancient traditions with scientific backing, providing breath work, meditation, and yoga guided by certified instructors.

The center offers free introductions to SKY Breath Meditation. Participants learn powerful breathing techniques to quiet the mind and make meditation easy. These sessions are designed to be an hour-long experiential stress-buster. They explore the laws that govern the mind and their impact on happiness. Participants get to experience energizing breathing techniques and relaxing meditation.

For SKY Breath Meditation course graduates, the center offers Short SKY Meetups every Saturday at 8 AM, Sunday at 8 AM, and Sunday at 5 PM. These sessions are tailored for those who have completed the initial training and wish to deepen their practice in a community setting.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/seattle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtofLivingSeattle/
• Contact:
  • Email: seattle@us.artofliving.org
  • Phone: 425-405-0466
• Location: Madhu Rajanna P O Box 3434Bellevue, Washington, 98009-3434