Applying the Middle Way: Isolation Versus Retreat


We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation.

Dear Sangha,

This Saturday, May 16, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet for meditation, small group discussion and a dhamma talk by Lee Barbera titled, “Retreats and Isolation", Are they different and how so? When to use one over the other. ​

In the Itivuttaka, section 45; On living in seclusion - patisallana suttam, the Buddha said “ Monks, live devoting to seclusion and delighting in seclusion, practice inward mental stillness and do not neglect meditation and practice insight meditation. Maintain diligence in empty dwelling places.”


Click here to read the text of the ItivuttakaItv 45 Patisallāna Sutta

Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below:

In Person and Online FREE Retreat, May 30

"This Insight Dialogue retreat will hold the context of the Four Noble Truths."

Not believing in anything I just sit,
listening to my breathing
After thirty years
It still goes in and out.

Albert Coelho

Polling on our Newsletter Share Your Opinion HERE

We would like to know how we can improve the newsletter. Thank you for taking a moment to click on any of the response links. You may click on more than one of the voting links on the left.

Welcome All New Sign Ups

In the first quarter of 2026, 11 people have joined our list.

Each week, about around 100 people read our news. We will occasionally use a simple poll to learn more about our readers. Thank you for reading!


Resources from "The Eightfold Path - Part 3: Samadhi"

Continue your studying from this session with these links:

Mindfulness and the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Gaylon Ferguson:
https://www.lionsroar.com/mindfulness-eightfold-path/

The Noble Eightfold Path: Meaning and Practice by Walpola Sri Rahula:
https://tricycle.org/magazine/noble-eightfold-path/

The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering by Bhikkhu Bodhi: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html

Spirit Rock Practice Guide: The Noble Eightfold Path:
https://www.spiritrock.org/practice-guides/the-noble-eightfold-path

  • Tuere Sala Blog Posts:

The Eightfold Path - Right Effort:
https://www.tueresala.org/blog/the-eightfold-path-right-effort

The Eightfold Path - Right Mindfulness:
https://www.tueresala.org/blog/the-eightfold-path-right-mindfulness

The Eightfold Path - Right Concentration:
https://www.tueresala.org/blog/the-eightfold-path-right-concentration

ECI Weekday Morning Sits

  • Community meditation
  • Monday through Friday, 7:30–8:30am

Sangha NOTES

Dana

Dana, the practice of generosity, supports teachers in continuing practice and the lineage of Buddhist teachings. If you benefit from these practices and from this community, please consider supporting us. Dana is currently used to support our website, arrange visiting dhamma teachers, help to feed the New Haven community in need, and support the New Haven Free Public Library in gratitude for their generosity in providing our Saturday meeting space.

The easiest way to contribute is through this link where you can make a donation via Venmo or with a credit or debit card (via PayPal, no account required). Alternatively, if you want to send a check, please address it to:

Elm Community Insight
PO Box 6195
40 Putnam Ave
Hamden, CT 06517

Volunteering

We are seeking volunteers to assist with future Saturday Sangha meetings, including setting up, greeting visitors, and providing technical support at the Library. One way to help is to arrive early at the Library (~10:10 am) to help set up the room for Saturday Sangha. Thank you!

Community Resources

Annette Szczesiul is the Sangha's Goodwill Ambassador: if have a need for concrete support (e.g., dog care, food, furniture moving) or emotional support (e.g., going through a hard time, would appreciate check-ins or visits), please reach out to her for coordination at annettesaid22@gmail.com.

For supportive telephone conversation, warm lines are another resource. These phone lines are staffed by people with expertise in providing mutual aid. A list of Connecticut's warm lines is available here.

Our Community

Find more information about us, learn more about community meditation resources, or subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website at: elmcommunityinsight.org

40 Putnam Ave, PO Box 6195, Hamden, CT 06517
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Elm Community Insight

Join our Theravada community. YOU are welcome here.

Read more from Elm Community Insight

We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation. Dear Sangha, This Saturday, July 18, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet for meditation, small group discussion and a dhamma talk by Joy Burns titled, “Practicing practice, as best we’re able.” Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below: Join us online Kuan-Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Ceremony...

Ancient tree with sprawling branches in a vibrant green park.

We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation. Dear Sangha, This Saturday, July 11, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet for a Simple Sit meditation. Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below: Join us online The body is the tree of enlightenment, The mind like a clear mirror stand; Time and gain wipe it diligently, Don’t let it gather dust. -...

We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation. Dear Sangha,This Saturday, July 4, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet ONLINE ONLY for meditation with Lee. Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below: Join us online It is too clear and so it is hard to see. A dunce once searched for a fire with a lighted lantern. Had he known what fire was, He...