Welcome to 481Dharma, an American Buddhist meditation group in Lexington, KY. We are a casual association that meets twice a week to converse and practice Vipassana meditation. Though this technique is Buddhist, it’s not necessary to consider oneself a Buddhist to participate. Nor is it necessary to ever become a Buddhist. This path is more akin to psychology and philosophy than religion, which allows people to fully benefit from its methods without having to abandon their beliefs or adopt new ones. Meditation is like gravity – it works no matter what kind of faith you have or don’t have.
Over 2500 years ago, in India, a former prince named Siddhartha Gautama discovered a process that led him out of suffering and into peace, happiness, and freedom. After this enlightenment, he became known as the Buddha, or “awakened one.” He spent the rest of his life teaching this non-sectarian process, called the Dharma, to anyone who wished to learn. His teachings were completely empirical and he expected his students to verify every step by their own experience. He specifically demanded they investigate each idea on their own and never take his word for anything.
481Dharma continues this tradition. The Buddha’s dying words to his students were to be lamps unto themselves. This means we need to use common sense and critical thinking to light our way. We must reject any aspect of the path that can’t be confirmed through careful examination. No one is going to do this for us. We have to rely on ourselves.
However, a community, or sangha, is a major source of strength on this journey. Being surrounded by like-minded people provides a source of focus and support. We would like to function as a modern sangha, full of spiritual rebels learning from each other and promoting enlightened existence.
The crux of the Buddha’s teachings is what’s known as the 4 Noble Truths and the 8 Fold Path. Together, these comprise the 1 Dharma that leads us to liberation. Hence the name, 481Dharma.
