The Mindfulness Meditation Centre
The Mindfulness Meditation Center (MMC) is a group that provides support and instruction for those interested in developing their own mindfulness practice. This practice enables us to become aware of our habits of thinking and reacting and the ways in which we create our own identity.
For those who have practiced in other Buddhist traditions before and come with certain expectations, Thich Nhat Hanh represents a unified Buddhism where the southern and northern schools, Zen and Vipassana come together, and are infused by his special quality of intimacy and closeness. His practice of moment to moment mindfulness, attention to ordinary tasks, seeing poetry in everyday events, transformation and healing must be accepted on its own terms as an extraordinary contribution by a modern master.
About MMC
In 2006-7, the Mindfulness Meditation Centre begins its 10 year of continuous operation. During this time weekly Sangha meetings have been held in Pointe-Claire and in Montreal. The Montreal group currently meets at Padua, a centre for contemporary spirituality at 1950 St. Antoine Street West (metro Georges Vanier). The Pointe-Claire Sangha has been meeting all along at 43 De Breslay Street, in the Village area of Pointe-Claire. More can be found on these weekly meetings under Weekly Programs.
The MMC is registered as a Non-Profit Corporation in Québec, and as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency. We will soon be able to give receipts for membership contributions and other donations. Membership costs are 75 dollars for a half year, or 150 dollars for a whole year. The half-year membership is defined as either before the New Year, or after the New Year. Members attend all weekly programs without cost and have free access to our lending library. But more importantly, with their contributions they make our programs possible, and help others enjoy discovering mindfulness practice.
Joseph Emet founded the centre, and presently coordinates and guides its activities. He has been entrusted with the Lamp Transmission as a Dharmacharya (Dharma Teacher) on January 15, 2003 by Thich Nhat Hanh in Plum Village. He has been a Fulbright Scholar, holds a Doctorate from Boston University, and has been certified in Reality Therapy counseling. He has edited the Basket of Plums book of mindfulness songs, and produced a CD with the same title, both distributed by Parallax Press (see about Joseph Emet).
For many people, the essence of MMC is in the joy of sharing the practice of mindfulness— in the intimate and revealing conversations that take place during our meetings. Teachings are of course also available from books. For many people, the deficit is not in the teachings, but in the application of the teachings to everyday life. Teachings from books can remain general and distant. They only come to life when they are used — in our approach to workplace conflicts, to family life, and to simple tasks such as meal preparation and eating. This is most often the topic of our sharing and discussion that is part of every meeting.
– www.mindfulnessmeditationcentre.org
