In the Theravaden Buddhist tradition Metta holds a special place as a balance to the focused mental practice of Vipassana. Metta is heart centered. It is the practice of consciously cultivating thoughts of loving kindness towards an ever widening circle of beings; self, those you admire, friends, strangers, those you have difficulties with, and all beings in general. At the same time Metta is a deep concentration practice. This one day workshop will consist of instruction, seated and walking practice, and some Buddhist philosophy to put the practice into context. In keeping with the Theravaden tradition there will be no direct charge for this workshop. Participants may give Dana to support the teaching of Buddha Dharma.

Barry Gillespie was introduced to formal meditation practice in 1978, through the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram. After taking a combined Ashtanga and Vipassana retreat in 1999 he began exploring Theravaden Buddhist practice, sitting many long retreats at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA. His teaching arises out of his desire to share what he has learned with others.