Welcome to Aryaloka!

Aryaloka is a place dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhism. We are part of the Triratna Buddhist Community - an international network of public centers, communities and projects. Our mission is to create the best possible conditions in which to explore and practice the Buddhist path. We study and practice meditation and Buddhadharma in a spiritual community based on the ideals of compassion, generosity, and awareness.

Below you'll find information about featured and upcoming events, retreats, and news from our center. Hope to see you soon!

Vajra Bell – Spring 2012

Vajra Bell – Spring 2012

In this issue:

  • “On Pilgrimage in India: Travel Reflections on Finding Buddhism in a Faraway Land” by Mary Schaefer and Eric Wentworth
  • Anapanasati Retreat Planned with Dhammarati
  • Welcoming Kavyadrishti to the Triratna Buddhist Order
  • Council follows up on October survey results
  • Movie Review: “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring” by Daniel Bush
  • Contributing to the Vajra Bell
  • Online Insight: Triratna Community Launches Social Network
  • Featured books from Buddhaworks, the Aryaloka book... Read more

“Going Deeper” Series

“Going Deeper” Series

Dates: February 5 & June 3, 2012
Times: 9 am. to 1 p.m.


The Going Deeper series of workshops allow for a greater depth of practice and study than is possible at an evening class. They are intended to provide support and guidance for the newer members the Aryaloka community, although everyone is welcome to attend. Led by Arjava, these workshops explore topics through meditation, short presentations, and discussion, all in an atmosphere that encourages the deepening of friendship among participants. For the months of February and Ju... Read more

Drop-In Yoga Classes

Drop-In Yoga Classes

Start Date: Wednesdays: Beginning April 4, 2012 – Ongoing
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.


Ongoing Drop-In Yoga, All Levels: Wednesdays at Aryaloka (see above or below for times). This class uses simple vinyasa-style sequences, ujjayi breathing, and drishtis (gaze points) to deepen focus and concentration. Emphasis is placed on safe a... Read more

Series 2 – Death and Dying, the Buddhist Way

Series 2 – Death and Dying, the Buddhist Way

Dates: April 14, May 5, June 9, 2012
Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.


This series is a repeat of our popular offering from earlier this year (Jan. 8, Mar. 17, and April 28). In these three workshops we will be focusing on Death and Dying from a Buddhist perspective and within a Buddhist context. Each workshop will explore a different aspect of death and dying, ranging from the philosophical to the very practical. The format ... Read more

Gentle/Restorative Yoga – Drop-In

Gentle/Restorative Yoga – Drop-In

Date: Fridays: Beginning May 4, 2012 – Ongoing
Times: 4 to 5 p.m.


GENTLE/RESTORATIVE YOGA – DROP-IN CLASS – This class is ideal for people wanting a gentler approach or slower introduction to yoga. Gentle toning, stretching, and balancing poses will be taught, with emphasis placed on relaxation and the use of restorative poses to deepen the relaxation respo... Read more

Memorial Day Weekend Hike

Memorial Day Weekend Hike

Start Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012
End Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012

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Join us for a hike around Tower Hill Pond in Candia on Memorial Day weekend. This is a relatively easy hike, with gravel paths and mostly flat terrain around the pond’... Read more

Poetry Group – May

Poetry Group – May

Date: May 27, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully others, ... Read more

Council Cafe with Coffee, Cake, and Chocolate

Council Cafe with Coffee, Cake, and Chocolate

Date: May 31, 2012
Times: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.


A special invitation! Please join Aryaloka’s Council at 6:30 p.m. on  Thursday, May 31 for an informative and lively discussion about our beloved center. This is your chance to learn about the state of our center and sangha, ask questions of our Council members, hear about current programs, and envision what Aryaloka will become! We’ll begin with informal presentations, have a break for delicious refreshments, and then have a lively discussion. It promises to be a fun,... Read more

Shodo: The Way of the Brush – Arts Day

Shodo: The Way of the Brush – Arts Day

Start Date: Sunday, June 3, 2012
End Date: Sunday, June 3, 2012

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For those of you who missed our wonderful ink day last July and for those who want more time with brush, ink, and paper, do come. Dh. Kiranada will... Read more

Women's Going for Refuge Retreat: Steps Along the Path

Women's Going for Refuge Retreat: Steps Along the Path

Start Date: Friday, June 8, 2012
End Date: Sunday, June 10, 2012

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This is a retreat for women in the ordination process. It is a time for us to be together for study, meditation, devoti... Read more

Men's Practice Day – June

Men's Practice Day – June

Start Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012
End Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012

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Aryaloka Men’s Practice Days are an opportunity for men in the sangha to spend time together in meditation and discussion around aspects of the Dharma. O... Read more

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Loving-kindness (June)

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Loving-kindness (June)

Start Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012
End Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012

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These Saturday or Sunday workshops are intensive introductions to meditation. Basic ways to set ... Read more

Poetry Group – June

Poetry Group – June

Date: June 17, 2012
Times: 4-6 p.m.


Come join others in the sangha for an ongoing monthly poetry group at Aryaloka. Read what you’ve written, what you’ve been struck by that someone else has written, or just listen.  These evenings are free – donations toward the maintenance of Aryaloka are appreciated.

“I’m not writing just for myself. I’m writing to give myself, and hopefully o... Read more

Intensive Noble Silence Retreat – Summer 2012

Intensive Noble Silence Retreat – Summer 2012

Start Date: Friday, June 22, 2012
End Date: Monday, July 2, 2012

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The intention of this intensive retreat is to create an atmosphere conducive to extended meditation with the... Read more

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – July

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – July

Start Date: Thursday, July 26, 2012
End Date: Sunday, July 29, 2012

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Embrace your authentic self in a supportive and transformational environment through the practice of Kripalu yoga, the Metta Bhavana (development of... Read more

Retreat – Walk Your Talk, Know Your Truth: Living Authentically With Buddhist Practice

Retreat – Walk Your Talk, Know Your Truth: Living Authentically With Buddhist Practice

Start Date: Friday, August 10, 2012
End Date: Sunday, August 12, 2012

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Amala and Sheila invite newcomers (and others just getting comfortable with what the Buddhist tradition has to offer)... Read more

Eating a Vegetarian Diet Mindfully

Eating a Vegetarian Diet Mindfully

Start Date: Saturday, August 18, 2012
End Date: Saturday, August 18, 2012

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Join Megrette Fletcher M.Ed., RD, CDE as she explores how eating a vegetarian diet can become part of our daily mindfulness ... Read more

Living in the Realm of the Bodhisattva: A Devotional and Mythic Approach to the Spiritual Life

Living in the Realm of the Bodhisattva: A Devotional and Mythic Approach to the Spiritual Life

Start Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012
End Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012

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We are rational beings who are deeply satisfied when ... Read more

A Mindfulness Practice – Yoga and Buddhism (Sept.)

A Mindfulness Practice – Yoga and Buddhism (Sept.)

Start Date: Friday, September 21, 2012
End Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012

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Yoga and Buddhism may be described as complex spiritual traditions, each teaching us about ourselves and our way in the world. Both traditions, while drawing... Read more

The Four Brahma Viharas

The Four Brahma Viharas

Start Date: Friday, September 28, 2012
End Date: Sunday, September 30, 2012

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If you enjoy the Metta Bhavana or Loving-kindness Meditation and would like to broaden your meditation experience in this area, the Brahma-Viharas meditation practices are the n... Read more

Anapanasati Retreat With Dhammarati

Anapanasati Retreat With Dhammarati

Start Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012
End Date: Saturday, October 20, 2012

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The Anapanasati Sutta, one of the most detailed meditation instructions in the Pali Canon, takes us step by step from a simp... Read more

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – November

Open Heart, Quiet Mind Yoga and Meditation Retreat – November

Start Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012
End Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012

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Embrace your authentic self in a supportive and transformational environment through the practice of Kripalu yoga, the Metta Bhavana (dev... Read more

Vajrasattva: The Joy of Purification

Vajrasattva: The Joy of Purification

Start Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012
End Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012

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Enter the mythic realm  to explore and experience the purifying nectar of Vajrasattva – the Buddha “beyond space and time!”Â... Read more

The Wisdom of the Body

The Wisdom of the Body

Start Date: Friday, December 7, 2012
End Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012

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In meditation, the body and posture are not mere preliminaries. Mindfulness is all about opening up our awareness. And how else would we do tha... Read more