The Art of Concentration

Although this study group is called the Art of Concentration, it could also be called "Cultivating Pleasure". It is aimed at meditators that have some experience calming the mind and want to use that space to cultivate joy, pleasure and contentment.

Why a study group?

In this modern day we are fortunate when it comes to meditation. Some of the best meditation teachers in the world have been recorded and are freely available online, so you can be taught by all of them.

That is why this course ended up being a study group—studying a beautiful retreat guided by Rob Burbea. You can find all the recordings of the course here: https://www.dharmaseed.org/retreats/1183

Flipped classroom

The group follows a flipped classroom structure, which means the following:

• You will listen or read the main teachings at home. (+/- 1.5 hours a week)

• The group gatherings are used for discussion and clarification. (1.5 hours a week)

A gathering will consist of the following:

• We meditate together.

• We discuss how last week's practice went.

• We discuss this week's material.

Entry requirements

• This study group is meant for people that have finished the Beginners' Course or have comparable meditation experience.

• You have a stable meditation practice of at least 20 minutes every day.

• During the study group we expect at least 30 minutes of daily practice. When you're participating in the course, you're committing to such a daily practice.

• A very open mind. Our Beginners' Course is designed for rationalists, this course absolutely isn't. The course is still incredibly valuable, it just doesn't speak the language that you might expect. We will make sure there are people present that speak both the language of Rob Burbea and that of rationalists.