Lotus in the Desert Sangha offers practice in Vipassana (insight) meditation. Vipassana is a Pali term that means clear seeing. The practice includes systematic mindfulness meditation techniques that direct our attention to the true nature of reality and to the development of penetrating insight and wisdom. New and experienced meditators are equally welcome, as are one-time visitors. Weekly meetings are held at:

Sahara West Library
9600 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
Map

Meetings are every Sunday afternoon, other than when the library is closed for major holidays. You can also find our meetings and events on our Meetup page.

Schedule

3:30 pm:	Doors Open
3:45 - 4:15 pm:	Mindful Movement
4:20 - 4:50 pm:	Sitting Meditation
4:50 - 5:20 pm:	Dharma Talk and Discussion
5:20 - 5:30 pm:	Announcements and Closing

Participants may come for the whole meeting or any portion that fits their schedule. Meditators can bring their own cushions or benches; chairs are available in the room. There is no cost to attend. Those new to Vipassana Meditation may want to read Basic Meditation Instructions by Sayadaw U Pandita as an example of how to enter this meditative path.

Vipassana Meditation

The core teachings behind Vipassana Meditation go back to the ancient Theravadan Buddhist traditions of 2,500 years ago and revolve around seeing things just as they are. Through systematic training in meditation, we create a space that allows us to see ourselves and our circumstances with clarity and wisdom. Meditators typically start by focusing on their breath. As they become more experienced, they begin to allow their attention to rest on other bodily sensations, or on the presence of emotions or thoughts. Though the practice of meditation is simple within itself, it builds into a powerful tool for learning to be present and engaged through the inevitable ups and downs in life.

The Vipassana practices direct our attention to the realization of insight through contemplation and investigation of three specific characteristics:

1. Anicca:   The impermanence or changing nature of things.
2. Dukkha: The unsatisfactory or unreliable nature of things.
3. Anatta:  The emptiness of all conditioned things.

In Vipassana Meditation, we focus our awareness on the ever-changing present moment. Through seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching and thinking, we cultivate the capacity to perceive the truth of anicca, dukkha and anatta in all experience. This practice helps develop wisdom and compassion, giving rise to greater peace and happiness.

Extended Practice / Retreats

Weekend Retreats

Non-residential weekend retreats are scheduled biannually. They are generally held in the spring and fall on a Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday. An experienced Vipassana teacher is brought in to lead each retreat. These retreats are a valuable yet inexpensive tool to help deepen one's meditation practice. They also serve as an excellent introduction for beginners new to meditation. Click here for information on our next retreat.

Our History

Lotus in the Desert Sangha began meeting in 1996 to offer support for people interested in furthering their meditation practice. Originally, teachings for the Sangha came from a wide variety of Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions. However, over time, Sangha members became interested primarily in the traditional Vipassana practice as offered by the two major Vipassana retreat centers in the United States: Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock in California. Other than for retreats, fees have never been charged for Sangha activities. Rather, Sangha expenses are paid for through dana (donation).

Now in its second decade, Lotus in the Desert has developed a mentor relationship with Spirit Rock teacher Richard Shankman (online dharma talks), who leads one of our two weekend retreats each year. The weekly meditation meetings are led by experienced Sangha members under his guidance. The Sangha has developed a library of meditation tapes and books which members may borrow at no charge. An email newsletter, The Sangha Linette, keeps members updated concerning activities of both the sangha and other groups of interest. To sign-up, visit the Contact page.

For more information, please contact us at: