Common Ground Meditation Center

Amazing. That is all I can say. Check it out. It is only a mile from my house that I’ve lived in for 5 years. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before. Mark is wonderful, you feel welcomed, and it really makes you think.

I came here with a CG devotee who convinced me to take the Intro to Meditation course with Mark. Two sessions in and I am kicking myself for not checking this place out sooner. The building has a natural and simple feel that welcomes you immediately. The services they offer are free but they rely on the generosity of visitors. I appreciate the accessibility to all types of people.
The classes are in depth but accessible and Mark is a wonderful instructor. He is sharing wisdom that can be adopted by anyone of any spiritual practice. The sense of community here is great. I plan on getting more involved in my practice here at Common Ground!

I am really digging Common Ground. I have been a few times now for their yoga classes. It is a very inclusive session, people are friendly and accommodating and the instructors do a really nice job of talking not only about yoga but the bigger practice and focus on meditation and community.
Their organization as as whole is one of inclusion and belonging. They are very welcoming. The yoga nad dharma classes are free — donations of money/​time/​help are encouraged and as explained — donate what you feel comfortable with, this should not feel forced — it should be done in kind.
Anywho, I really like this place. I feel comfortable attending and enjoy it is helping me explore my spiritual practice of yoga, meditation and community.

Approachable and kind people. Peaceful space. I have started meditating in the last year and was completely intimidated when I visited for the first time during an open meditation. But sure enough, someone approached me with a smile, explained where the bathroom was and how things are normally done, and then left me alone. No one’s pushy or judgy. And I always feel better when I leave.

I absolutely adore this hidden gem for regaining your Zen! I’ve been to other Buddhist Meditation centers in Minneapolis and have felt somewhat intimidated. This place and it’s participants are so approachable and its philosophy entirely undogmatic. I go to the Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. Dharma talks. If you’re a Mama or Papa you can even bring your 1 – 8 year old to be part of the kids group while you get your Buddha on. The space is small, spare, and perfectly relaxing. Sit on a chair or cushion and choose to donate whatever amount you’re comfortable with for all activities.
They have any number of special issue groups, retreats, yoga, T’ai Chi, and even a program for teenagers. Mark is insightful without being at all preachy or superior. I LOVE that after the talk, participants ask questions regarding real world challenges they are facing in terms of integrating their practice into their daily lives. Somehow it manages to make that day’s talk clearly applicable to everday life without feeling as though anyone is engaging in ‘T.M.I.’ or some sort of New Agey therapy group.
I float out feeling much lighter and calmer!

If I could give this a six, I would.
This is the ‘home’ of my spiritual practice. It is a Theravada Buddhist center, specializing in the Vipassana (insight meditation) methodology. This is not all that is offered there, however. It also introduces qi gong, Himalayan hatha yoga, and the twelve steps program, for all you angry people out there. What this center is not, is the typical, new-​age power yoga that works a beautiful spiritual lineage into a Western materialistic straitjacket. I find the conversion quite amusing.
Mark, the teacher there, is unbelievably amazing. He has a gift of being both very wise, genuinely kind, and educational, and quite social adroit, comical, and charismatic. I find myself laughing so hard that I want to pet him on the head during his dharma talks. And one of these days I will. I won’t tell you when. But I will. I’m serious. I will. I’m not lying. I will. Okay then.
If you are at all interested in learning about the practice, then I recommend attending one of their introductory courses. Otherwise, if you are already experienced, then go to a Wednesday or Sunday sit and dharma talk and grab me by the hand so we can communally pet Mark’s head until he screams «Leave me alone!»