Membership in the International Association for Silent Meditation
Membership Benefits
Membership
By applying for membership in the International Association for Silent Meditation, you become a friend of silence. As a member, you can enjoy the following benefits: participation in programs for mindful living, joining the wisdom reading circle, volunteering in the Silence Academy for the benefit of all. On your path of practice, you can develop step by step: to a disciple of silence, to a monk/nun of silence, to a master of silence, to a sage of silence.
Path of Practice & Stages of Practice
The community offers a graduated path of practice, tailored to different life stages and teachings.
Disciples of Joy Tongxi Group
Goal — To explore the true nature of life and build a life of wisdom. Course orientation: Developing a positive life attitude and value system to mature into a wise, healthy, happy, and loving person.
Learning Modules
“Tea and Zen Practice”, “The Seven Forms of Silent Tea”, “From Ordering Things to Ordering the Mind”, etc.
“Happiness through Mental Cultivation”, “The Five Great Questions of Life”, “The Return to Essence”, “In the Age of AI – Where is Humanity Heading?”, “Re-evaluating Values, Exploring Humanity’s Path”
“The Ten Elements of Mindfulness”, “Eight Forms of Silent Sitting Meditation”, “Seven Forms of Mindful Breathing”, “Mindfulness Practice – Body Scan”, “Practical Health Course – Mindful Baduanjin”, etc.
“Approaching the Buddha, Understanding the Dharma”, “Handbook for Refuge Practice”
Monks/Nuns of Silence Tongxiu Group
Goal — To understand the core teachings of the Dharma, establish a graduated practice, and recognize the dynamics of samsara and liberation.
Main Teachings
“Summary of Lamrim”, “The Hundred Dharmas”, “Discernment of the Factors to be Overcome”
Practical Focus
Through meditation with clear awareness, resolve inner conflicts and move towards awakening.
Masters of Silence Advanced Tongxiu Group
Goal — To delve into the practice of the Bodhisattva path, transcending duality.
Main Teachings
“Bodhicaryavatara”, “The Yogic Bodhisattva Vows”
Sages of Silence Tongde Group
Goal — To bring wisdom and compassion to perfection, realizing selfless action.
Main Teachings
“Distinguishing the Middle from Extremes”, “Thirty Verses on Consciousness”, “The Diamond Sutra”, “The Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch”, etc.
Each stage is connected to a specific practice goal, a set of contents, a form of practice, and a guideline. The contents encompass core aspects of the Dharma such as refuge, arousing Bodhicitta, ethical conduct, right view, Samatha and Vipassanā. The teaching is genuine, the path clear, step by step everything integrates into a coherent system.
The learning format includes teachings, text study, group practice, meditation, group exchange, practical exercises, guided reflection – thus the practice becomes a living part of your being.