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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. |
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Dear Sangha,
This Saturday, September 29, due to anticipated flooding conditions, we will meet for a Simple Sit online only at 10:30 am. Following the sit, Dave McCoy will lead a discussion on Healing the Divide; Dealing with Toxicity.
Join us online by clicking below:
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When We Listen for the Passing of Time
There was always a song playing in the days of our youth, yet most of us were appropriately too busy dancing to it. But for me, there were moments when I stopped and listened. Something told me that these experiences were worth remembering. I sensed the inherent magic of that freedom, when the pursuit of joy ruled my days. But then the clock would always start again. Time passed, kittens grew, apples fell and ripened on the ground. The sleeping lamb becomes a sheep and slowly awakens, waiting for us with a cup of grown up tea.
Words and Art from Paul Bond, Paulbondart.com
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Interested in Meeting as Parents?
An invite from Catherine Banson
A few parents will be gathering virtually on Thursday October 1, 2026 from 7:30-8:30 to meditate, get to know each other a little better, and discuss ways we can support ourselves with the Buddhadharma, practices and spiritual friendship in the very challenging task of raising children in this world! No matter if you have a baby or are helping to raise your grandchildren (or anything in between!), you are welcome to join us. Please click the button to leave your name and email to get more information.
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Our very lives are a testament to the fact that reincarnation cannot be contested. As many Eastern philosophers have suggested for centuries, reincarnation refers to the traditional rebirth that occurs after death — but beyond a mere theory about the afterlife, it encompasses the transformations that occur indefinitely throughout the course of our individual lives.
Every moment that we are alive, we are exposed to new and unfamiliar situations that force us to reckon with the fragility of our identities. We are compelled to change — to reconstruct ourselves — in the pursuit of personal growth.
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"More than people sitting silently together."
This fall, we are debuting “Sangha Spotlight”, a new, ongoing series that will feature some personal stories from the backgrounds of different members and friends to ECI. It is our hope that we will inspire others to extend their practice and bring their own unique elements forward in our community.
This week, we are starting with our new president, John Burditt. Thank you for time well spent, John!
Mia Aisin, Co-Editor
A Unique Relationship with Religion
John was born and raised as a Christian, but he eventually began to question religious authority, faith without evidence, and the idea of a higher power. “I'm thinking, you know, well, what's faith without any evidence whatsoever that any of it's true?” He started to explore meditation and Buddhist practices, seeing the teachings as a practical guide for how to live his life. John appreciates how Buddhism is not based on blind acceptance of beliefs; individuals can examine teachings for themselves rather than simply accepting them because an authority says they are true. Rather than focusing on supernatural beliefs, he emphasizes the practical side of Buddhist teachings: quieting and concentrating the mind, living ethically, practicing compassion, and learning to accept things that are out of one’s control. Dr. Herbert Benson’s book The Relaxation Response has had a profound impact on John, as it outlines the importance of meditation as a tool for living a calmer and quieter life. In John’s personal life, he has discovered that after attending meditation retreats, stressful situations seemed less overwhelming and he could respond more calmly and thoughtfully. He believes that Buddhist values can play a strong role in improving one’s life and the world in which they live.
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teachings for themselves rather than simply accepting them because an authority says they are true. Rather than focusing on supernatural beliefs, he emphasizes the practical side of Buddhist teachings: quieting and concentrating the mind, living ethically, practicing compassion, and learning to accept things that are out of one’s control. Dr. Herbert Benson’s book The Relaxation Response has had a profound impact on John, as it outlines the importance of meditation as a tool for living a calmer and quieter life. In John’s personal life, he has discovered that after attending meditation retreats, stressful situations seemed less overwhelming and he could respond more calmly and thoughtfully. He believes that Buddhist values can play a strong role in improving one’s life and the world in which they live.
Religious diversity and inclusion
John doesn’t see Buddhism as a label people have to put on themselves or a box they have to fit in. Rather, he believes Buddhist teachings are for everyone to explore in order to achieve greater mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace. Although ECI is a Theravada community, John emphasizes that people from other sects of Buddhism, people from other religions, and non-religious people are all welcome. He sees meditation, compassion, wisdom, and ethical behavior as values that can overlap with many religious traditions. He says about his religious journey: “But I didn't reject teachings in Christianity. I thought they were valuable teachers.” He stresses that Buddhism can co-exist with other religions, and he is proud that ECI has become a place where people can benefit from Theravada Buddhist teachings without having to abandon other religious beliefs or adopt a Buddhist identity.
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ECI Online Sits
Sunday Sit at 7:30 am
- Community meditation
- Sunday, 7:30–8:30am
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Weekday Morning Sit
- Community meditation
- Monday through Friday,
7:30–8:30am
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C
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October: Sat Sit Schedule
Online & In person Simple Sit with John: Oct 3
Online Only Simple Sit with Annette: Oct 10
Dhamma Talk with Lee: Oct 17
Daylong Retreat Oct 24 with DaRa & Joy
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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
Melanie Stengel 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 by clicking here: SanghaGoodwillAmbassador.
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
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