- The group is open to everyone.
- The practices secular Buddhism.
- Our official working language is English.
- We explore various Buddhist traditions, meditations and creatively engage with scientific findings on meditation.
- Standard and recommended meeting structure is: 20 min meditation, 60 min discussion and 15 min meditation. Other facilitators may adjust the structure to fit their needs. Each session should not be longer than 2 hours (including meditation and discussion).
- Member can volunteer and contribute their time in a number of ways in supporting the activities of this group:
- Every regular member (the member who attends at least 6 meetups a year) of the group is encouraged to facilitate a meeting and suggest a discussion topic following the commonly agreed rules (see below).
- To facilitate a meetup, send an email no later than a week before the planned meeting with a discussion title, description and other practicalities (e.g. reading material, questions, location of the meetup etc.) for the approval. You should also send the date, location and time for your meeting.
- Each facilitator should follow "Guidelines for facilitator" (see below).
- A regular group member who feels comfortable to teach meditation can do so.
- A regular member can apply to become a member of organizing committee.
- Everyone can suggest a theme to be discussed or to be added to the idea bank.
- All member are encouraged to help facilitator to help in cleaning the premises after the meetup.
- Before each meeting, a door is open for 15 min after the meeting starts. Then the door will be closed for the 20 min meditation and reopened for the discussion.
- All personal things that are discussed during the meeting must not be shared or discussed outside this group.
- We share our experience, but none is superior.
- In the meetings, the group participants practice mindful discussions and ethical behavior.
- The group accepts voluntary donations to support organization and running costs of the events.
Rules last updated 14 March 2016 by Silvija Budaviciute
© 2016 Helsinki Meditation Group