Come be in community with others from UChicago in silence, in spiritual practice, in study, and in fun.
Spiritual Life Program Request
Are you a Resident Assistant who wants to bring your house together, a staff or faculty member that would like for us to facilitate a workshop we offer? If you would like to bring one of our many programs (meditation, yoga, community circle) to your community (house, student group, student cohorts), please submit a request here.
Autumn 2024
Spiritual Practice
NEW! 6-Week Series Meditation Workshop
(Starting October 17th) Thursdays | 4 pm to 6 pm | Rockefeller
6-session experiential workshop adapted from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Class will focus on effective ways to develop mindfulness through various types of meditation and informal practices. Participants will learn to bring greater awareness, care, and clarity into all areas of their lives. Registration Required. For UChicago Students Only.
Samatha Meditation
(Starting October 14th) Mondays | 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm | Ida Noyes 034
Samatha means calm. Samatha meditation is a practice in the Buddhist tradition which cultivates calm concentration in preparation for insight to arise; this is a structured system of meditation practice which takes several weeks to learn. Classes include instruction and half-hour sitting practice, followed by a dhamma discussion.
Gentle Yoga
Tuesdays | 5:30 to 6:30 pm | Rockefeller
Focus is on stretching gently and breathing deeply. Connecting poses into a fluid series, we pause in each posture long enough to reconnect to the body and breath, creating a moving meditation. All experiences are welcome. Bring yoga mat.
Mindful Breath
Tuesdays | 6 to 7:15 pm | Ida Noyes 034
Focus on supporting community and learn the art of living in harmony with one another and with the earth. The sessions include 30 minutes sitting and 10 minutes walking meditation, followed by sharing and discussion. All are welcome.
Chan/Zen Meditation
Wednesdays | 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm | Rockefeller
UChicago’s Buddhist Association’s weekly meditation. Half hour of sitting meditation, followed by an optional dharma teaching.
Programs
Valarie Kaur on Tour: Revolutionary Love Is The Call Of Our Times
Wednesday, October 9th | 6 pm | Rockefeller Chapel
Join visionary civil rights leader Valarie Kaur is an immersive experience of storytelling, music, song, ancestra wisdom, and community-building. We invite you into a space for soulful introspection, deep listening, and courageous action. Valarie and fellow artists tell stories of how their ancestors survived seemingly apocalyptic times. Together, we explore how each of us can walk the path of love, healing, and justice. Featuring raag-based kirtan by celebrated Sikh women artists Jasvir Kaur Rababan and Nirinjan Kaur Khalsa. And renowned trumpeter and artists Sonny Singh performing from his new album Sage Warrior, accompanied by Qais Essar or Shahjehan Khan. Chai will be served. Books available for purchase.
Stay tuned for information on upcoming programs:
- Core Values Workshop Series
- Exploring Life’s Questions
- Speed-Faithing
Music
Tea and Pipes
Tuesdays | 4 pm | Rockefeller Chapel
Hear University organist, Thomas Weisflog, guests, and student organ scholars play iconic music on the magnificent E.M. Skinner organ. Free–including the tea!
Carillon Tower Tours
Tuesdays–Fridays | 11:30 am & 4:30 pm | Rockefeller Chapel
100 tons of bells. 100 tons of fun. Enter via the entrance facing the Midway and meet at the Rockefeller front reception. Tours last 45–60 minutes. Subject to weather and special events.