Thank you for your interest in Show Me Dharma. This page describes what goes on here in our sangha.

 

What is Show Me Dharma?

Show Me Dharma (SMD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the study and practice of Insight Meditation available to mid-Missouri. We support and encourage the development of community based upon Theravada Buddhist ideals, teachings and practices.

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SMD is a Welcoming Community

All people are welcome to attend, regardless of religious preference. Please drop in at any time to explore the benefits of these teachings and practices. The teachings are freely offered. Our activities are supported by voluntary donations.  For more about giving, please see our generosity page (Show Me Dharma is a tax-exempt charitable organization).

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What is Insight Meditation?

Insight meditation (vipassana) is the practice of paying attention to our present-moment experience with kindness and without criticism.. By gently and continually directing our attention to what is happening now, we cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom.

 

Through the development of mindfulness one can reduce stress and anxiety, learning to detach from reactions, gain self understanding and improve one’s general well-being. Meditation is the training of attention. Getting better control of your attention is the foundation of changing your brain, and thus your life, for the better.

 

It is you saying to the world (and yourself): I'm going to step off the hamster wheel now. This time is for me. It is a way to center in being rather than doing (what a relief!). Incidentally, this is how we can affect change in the world. Being more available for ourselves, we have more to offer others.