Brooks Center for Spirituality
Book Groups
Book-Discussion Groups at Brooks meet year round exploring a wide variety of topics in spiritual psychology. Join an existing group when its members are about to begin a new title, or propose a new topic and we at Brooks will find others who want to read along that line. Groups normally agree to meet every two weeks and to read about thirty pages per week.
Each discussion group is limited to 10 people. If more than 10 are interested in a particular topic, a second discussion group is formed when there are at least 5 (which can mean a period of waiting). Suggested minimum donation per group meeting, which is tax deductible, is $5 per person to help defray costs of advertising, group communications, website upkeep, tea and coffee, etc.
To join a group or to suggest a topic for a group, email us at brookscenterforspirituality.org or call 303-759-5985. For latest happenings in existing groups, check Meetup Denver under the group topic or contact us in one of the same ways.
Topics of groups already formed (but open to new members) include:
Advaita Vedanta - Groups meet the first three Saturday mornings and the fourth Friday evening of each month. One group, reading I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj, meets the first and third Saturday mornings from 10:30am to 12:30noon; the other, reading assorted writers in Advaita, meets the second Saturday morning from 10:30 to 12:30pm but the fourth Friday evening, from 6:30 to *;30pm. For location and directions email us at brookscenterforspirituality@gmail.com or phone 303-759-5985. This second group over time will read and contemplate together the texts of some comparatively recent figures in this ancient tradition-- Ramakrishna and Ramana Maharshi, for example, as well as even more contemporary writers such as Jean Klein and Rupert Spiria--but intends ultimately to read older texts in the lineage, going all the way back to the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras.
New Thought: Authors and Topics - First meeting Friday, July 29, at 7pm. For location and directions email us at brookscenterforspirituality@gmail.com or phone 303-759-5985. This group will read books by the founders of Divine Science, Unity, and Religious Science, as well as by related figures such as Emma Curtis Hopkins andH. B. Jeffery. We will also read more recent books by living or recently deceased New Thought authors.
Japanese Psychology - currently reading The Art of Taking Action: Lessons
from Japanese Psychology by Gregg Krech (ToDo Institute, 2014).Many people think of Eastern religion as only focusing on contemplative practices such as meditation and self-reflection. Using Morita Therapy, Kaizen and Naikan, Gregg Krech, author and 25-year teacher of Japanese psychology, combines these three Zen and Shin Buddhist principles to show the other side of Eastern wisdom: Attention, Acceptance, Purpose and Action. Filled with practical information and surprising insights, "The Art of Taking Action" is a solid introduction to Japanese psychology. Join us as we explore and learn how to use it to move our lives forward.
Now forming:
Buddhism: Authors and Topics - group currently forming to read Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chödrön (Shambhala, available in a variety of editions and formats). See details below.
Wish you could ease the tensions of our world?
And, at the same time your own?
Find out how by joining a new book discussion group reading, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chödrön.
This classic book has lately become more relevant than ever. The world today is in urgent need of compassionate living from all of us! The wonderful thing is, we can learn together how to manage our own difficult emotions more skillfully and join hearts and hands to share compassionate living with others.
Pema Chödrön reminds us that, “Each of us has everything we need to be compassionate and loving”. We’ll explore the various practices explained in her book and incorporate them into our own lives. We’ll learn the powerful practice of Tonglen, by which to take in our own suffering and that of others and send it out transformed into healing love and compassion for all. As our own hearts heal, we’ll find it easier to open out in compassionate expression toward others.
Start Where You Are is written in a down-to-earth, humorous style. Participants in this group will need to commit to reading at least two chapters a week and attending the weekly Zoom meetings on a fairly regular basis. Come prepared to discuss the contents of each chapter and share how the practices you have learned are affecting your life.
Book group host is Cindy Walker. “I have been on the spiritual journey for over 30 years and have practiced various forms of meditation over the years. I am currently the Board President for Brooks Center for Spirituality. If you are interested in joining the group or have questions, please email me at cwalkerbailey7@gmail.com. We will meet via Zoom! Our first meeting is tentatively set for March 24th @ 6:00 PM, MST. To receive the Zoom link, use the registration page. The suggested donation is $80 for 8 classes.”