INSIGHT NEWSLETTER

FALL WINTER Your Life is Your Practice:

2008/2009 Liberation in Every Moment An Interview with Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady IMS Schedules: The Retreat Center 2009 Narayan and Michael Liebenson Grady have been involved with IMS for more than The Forest Refuge 2009 thirty years. Michael sat the first Three-Month Retreat held at the center, and in 1978 Interviews with Teachers spent time as the organization’s bookkeeper. He and Narayan met at IMS. Over the decades they have practiced and studied with a broad range of Asian and Western IMS News & Developments teachers. Narayan first began teaching in 1985, and currently serves on the IMS BCBS Schedule: Board as a guiding teacher. Michael has been offering the Buddha’s teachings since Listing for 2009 1991. Both are guiding teachers at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, a thriving urban meditation community serving the greater Boston area.

Narayan and Michael, both of you Michael: Many of us believe that teach a course each summer at IMS’s awakening can only happen under Retreat Center titled “Your Life is Your certain conditions. We often think of Practice.” What is the significance of meditation and spiritual growth as this statement? taking place only in contemplative environments and on the cushion. Narayan: First, we have found that But this attitude limits our understanding certain attitudes of mind can greatly of spiritual practice, and separates it enhance our spiritual practice. “Your from the rest of our lives. So many life is your practice” is one such aspects of life then remain unexplored, approach. From this perspective, we and this leads to doubt in ourselves and understand that whatever conditions in the practice. we find ourselves in, if we are attentive to our reactions and responses, learning Narayan: Actually, opportunities for can occur. If we can train our minds to practice and insight frequently arise in do this with regularity, the meditative ordinary, everyday situations. If we can path of awakening unfolds of its see that life – as it unfolds in the present own accord. moment – provides all the necessary (continued on page 2)

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSIGHT MEDITATION SOCIETY more open and the eyes are soft, the mind tends to connect to the present moment with increasing ease. We’ve found that this particular practice supports the letting go of powerful and unconscious habits of mind. We can disentangle ourselves more rapidly from those thoughts, feelings and sensations that consistently propel us into the next moment. We can settle Michael and Narayan Liebenson Grady into the here and now without always (continued from page 1) attaching to some agenda of what material to awaken, we can then Narayan: Attitude alone, though, is not should or shouldn’t be happening. appreciate the importance of being enough. We also need to train ourselves We are then in a better position to mindful in any situation in which we to be attentive in a sustained and make wise and compassionate decisions. may find ourselves. Even the smallest openhearted way, with patience and event offers the potential for liberation perseverance. Setting aside time for Narayan: Another useful technique and can reveal the deepest and most formal meditation, whether at home involves working with awareness of body profound truths. or at a retreat center, is invaluable in touch-points. These are parts of the body encouraging a continuity of awareness. that come into contact with other objects Michael: If we can genuinely view life This is what gives our practice momentum. in the course of each day, such as the as containing the perfect conditions for bottoms of our feet as we move about, or practice – whatever those conditions Michael: Spending time quietly with the felt sense of sitting in a chair, or of may be – we won’t always be looking oneself, with the sole intention to our hands touching something. outside ourselves for peace and happiness . discover and learn about the nature Instead, we can develop a degree of of the mind, is a very powerful action. We simply bring our attention to a touch- confidence, knowing that each moment Time spent formally meditating helps point as often as we can remember. This is rich with possibility. If we are able to train the mind to wake up when it gets is useful in breaking our habitual mental bring a warm and loving attentiveness lost in habitual conditioning. and emotional patterns. Accessible practices to the here and now, our practice will like these serve us well in the midst of really flourish. Are there specific practice tools that everyday busyness and complexity. you recommend, as we go about our daily lives? Michael: Listening meditation can also be helpful. For those of us living in a INSIGHT Michael: There are many simple practices fast-paced urban environment, sounds NEWSLETTER that support the transformation of the of traffic or construction, or any of A twice-yearly publication of mind. These are easy to do at any time the myriad noises produced by people the Insight Meditation Society throughout the day and prevent us living in close proximity to one another 1230 Pleasant Street • Barre MA 01005 • USA from getting caught in patterns of can often be jarring and irritating. But www.dharma.org (978) 355-4378 • [email protected] preoccupation. Instead, they help us live if we can hold both the sound itself and with greater freedom and wakefulness. our reaction to it as objects of meditation Editors: Gyano Gibson & Daphne Slocombe Production: Daphne Slocombe & Marc Hamel – rather than as problems to be rid of Photos: Libby Vigeon (unless otherwise indicated) One practice is to relax the body, in favor of external silence – then we Design: Lux Productions particularly the eyes and face, whenever can begin to taste the freedom of the Printed in Canada on paper containing 50% recycled content using soy-based inks. we can remember. When the face is unconditioned.

www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 INSIGHT

Narayan: When we inwardly resist we are experiencing. If we can become “No.” Now it is up to each of us to inquire sounds that we don’t like, the result can more adept at being aware of our anger, and discover for ourselves whether it’s be agitation and aversion to what is fear or other challenging emotion, we can possible to end suffering in the middle of taking place. We become disconnected free ourselves from further suffering. changing and challenging conditions. from our environment. By learning to The innate intelligence of awareness relax the body and to simply receive opens us up to the possibility of wise Narayan : I am inspired by the aspiration sounds into our field of awareness, and appropriate action. to be a blessing instead of a problem. without attachment or contraction, As we face issues of survival on this we can more easily live in the present. Michael: As dharma practice matures, beautiful planet, and as we endeavor This is a pathway to greater spaciousness we begin to take greater responsibility to better care for it, self-knowing and and tranquility. for life’s difficulties. “Your life is your a deep intimacy with our conditioned practice” means learning to investigate minds play a crucial role. When we find Often in everyday life, we experience more deeply. It means learning to relate ourselves in any situation, we can always destructive emotions. How can we to the unfolding conditions of life check how we are relating to it. This is open to awareness when this happens? with compassionate understanding. how we realize the potential for lasting Any efforts we may make to effect transformation and inner liberation. Narayan: The first step is to take a real change become rooted in wisdom, moment to acknowledge that strong rather than in reactivity. feelings and reactivity are happening. To find out when Narayan and Michael will Instead of resisting painful emotions or What continues to inspire your own be teaching at IMS, please see pages 18-19 engaging in a struggle to avoid or get practice? or visit www.dharma.org. rid of them, we can pause and soften into the discomfort we are feeling. Michael: Driving in the city seems to teach me a lot! Sometimes when I’m Another step, this time of a more sitting in traffic and find myself caught investigative nature, is to ask ourselves, in a contracted state of mind, such as “Who is reacting?” This form of practice impatience, I take the time to look is not meant to encourage analysis around at other drivers. What I often or conceptual thinking but rather to observe is suffering. It is reflected in sustain inner observation and inquiry. body postures and facial expressions The Gift of Meditation It is a way of exploring how reactivity that convey sadness, confusion, rage, OFFER A RETREAT TO expresses itself and of understanding resignation, regret and loneliness. SOMEONE YOU LOVE the nature of the reactive mind. Very quickly, my impatience evaporates Questions like this can bring about and my sense of separation dissolves. IMS GIFT CERTIFICATES greater equanimity and deepen insight A feeling of connection with all of Support friends or family members to into the Buddha’s key teaching of the humanity arises in its place. At times participate in any IMS retreat for which essential emptiness of self. like this, I can recognize the situation they qualify. We will send a certificate that all beings share – that we are all for the value of the gift; it is valid for Reactivity and tension are often results subject to conditions that are beyond seven years from the date of issue and of clinging to some idea about how things our control. can be applied as full or partial payment are supposed to be. In relaxing the grip for a selected course. of our expectations and attachment to Faced with this lack of control, For more information, our agendas, a more balanced response the question I often ask myself is, email [email protected] can emerge, allowing us to better explore , “Does this mean we have to suffer?” or call (978) 355-4378 ext. 170 comprehend and let go of the suffering The Buddha’s answer was a resounding

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 3 Funding is also needed for special materials a more frequent basis. The goal of such as dharma books and art supplies. the e-newsletter is to help deepen our Please contact us if you wish to offer a collective sense of sangha , or community, donation for the purchase of these items. as we share the journey towards bringing greater wisdom and compassion into Keeping in Touch our world.

Last spring we launched Sangha Please keep us updated with your IMS NEWS News , our quarterly e-news bulletin. current email address so that you can This venture was inspired by requests receive Sangha News . Go to ‘Mailing List’ WORTH NOTING from yogis (retreatants) and friends of in the ‘About Us’ section of our website IMS to hear about items of interest on or email [email protected].

Renovations Ahead

Thanks to your generous contributions to our Spring Fund Drive, plans to renovate the areas beneath the IMS Retreat Center meditation hall are moving along. Most of the project will be carried out next January, in between retreats, and will be finished before the start of our 2009 Retreat Center season. When the improvements are completed, retreatants will find lighter, roomier spaces to support mindful movement practice.

Help Create the Magic

Would you like to be part of the team that makes something very special happen at IMS? We are looking for group leaders and volunteers to assist our operations during the 2009 Teen Retreat, July 5-9, and the Family Retreat, July 11-16. If you are an experienced meditator who has worked with teens or children and would like to help create the magic of these courses, or would simply enjoy volunteering in our Kitchen and Housekeeping departments for a few days, please let us know. You can call us at (978) 355-4378 or email [email protected].

Page 4 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 Offering Back Unconditional Love A Donor’s Story of Giving

Lorna Kelly was born and raised in England. Since arriving in the US in the ‘60s, she has made New York City her home. A fine arts auctioneer by profession, she became fascinated with the life of Christ, which led her into many incongruous and enriching adventures. Recently, she decided to include IMS in her MARC HAMELL will. Here she tells the story of her relationship to spiritual practice, I have returned to IMS many times spiritual support. Whether I earn $3 to IMS and to giving. since then, sitting weeklongs and the or $20,000, I set aside ten percent in a Three-Month course as well as under - different account. Then, at the end of the I regard myself as a Christian, yet taking personal retreats at the Forest year, I take that money and divide it IMS, a Buddhist center, has been Refuge. I always feel welcomed. I vividly among four recipients. IMS is one of them. my spiritual home for twenty-five remember one occasion when I walked years. This began when a friend along the path from the Retreat Center Including IMS in my estate planning invited me to go with her on a silent Annex and came in the back entrance was an extension of the tithing and part weekend retreat. I agreed, imagining of the main building to the dishwashing of my ongoing spiritual practice. It it would be with cloistered Christian area. As I opened that door, there arose warms my heart knowing that others monks or nuns. Instead, we came to an overpowering feeling of safety and will benefit from my assets. I’m not Barre for what turned out to be Ruth security, of being home. talking about huge amounts here – but Denison’s Labor Day course. when I sat down with my lawyer and IMS supports me in becoming whatever made my will, Rockefeller couldn’t My connection to the teachings was I’m supposed to become. I return again have felt any richer than I felt! immediate. When I first heard Ruth and again, bringing all my questions, describe insight meditation as moment- and each time I enter an atmosphere of I want to bequeath as much as I possibly by-moment-by-moment awareness, love and acceptance. I have the sense can to IMS, because it has supported me I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the buildings, the grounds, the spiritually for many years. What I give that this is what Jesus practiced on other retreatants, the staff and the to the center benefits so very many the cross. In Christian terminology, teachers – the whole of IMS – have people – what blesses one truly blesses all. that’s what broke the bonds of hell, extended unconditional love towards of delusion, and opened the gates of me, an equanimous love that makes me heaven. As I listened to Ruth’s words, feel incredibly privileged to be there. Please consider including IMS in your estate I thought, “That’s it, that’s what Jesus plans. For more information about giving did – and if that’s what helped him, I return that love through my contribu - options, from bequests to gifts of retirement I’m going to learn to do it too!” That tions. I tithe ten percent of any earnings assets, contact our Development office at was the beginning of my Buddhist that come across the threshold of my (978) 355-4378 ext. 230 or practice. Interestingly, this practice life. The basic idea of tithing is to offer [email protected]. If you have has actually deepened my fascination financial support to those organizations designated IMS as the beneficiary of a with Christ’s life. and teachers that have offered us legacy gift, we would love to hear from you.

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 5 INSIGHT

reactivity and closed-mindedness and to open to ourselves and others in new ways.

At the same time Sharon warns us against setting unrealistic goals, or of CAMBRIDGE trying to change by punishing ourselves . Rather, she encourages us to connect INSIGHT “to a bigger sense of possibility, to MEDITATION experience the power of fully engaging, CENTER of participating unstintingly in our lives.”

CIMC is a non-residential urban In fact, Sharon points out that the entry center for the teaching and point to a kinder life is compassion practice of insight meditation. toward ourselves. This too is a practice, CIMC’s programs are designed something we must choose again and to provide a strong foundation again, until the conditioned pattern of in formal meditation as well as harsh self-judgment gives way to a daily life practice. Our schedule more spacious generosity toward our includes daily sittings, weekly Book Review own limitations and suffering. Dharma talks, ongoing classes and practice groups, teacher The Kindness Handbook: The Kindness Handbook is both practical interviews, and a variety of A Practical Companion and visionary. When we begin to be truly weekend workshops and By Sharon Salzberg kind to ourselves, kindness will naturally meditation retreats. CIMC’s Sounds True, 2008 find expression in our interactions with guiding teachers are Narayan others, demonstrating the wide impact Liebenson Grady, Larry that small gestures of kindness can Rosenberg and Michael This latest title from Sharon Salzberg have on the world. As Sharon assures Liebenson Grady. begins with a radical proposal – that we approach the practice of kindness us, “we can beckon a day where our An open invitation is extended as “an enormous adventure of con - own happiness and the happiness of to all to stop by CIMC and sciousness.” This sets the tone for the others are seen as one, through the browse through the library or rest of the book, where we are taken power of kindness.” join in any of the public sittings on an illuminating exploration of the or Wednesday evening Dharma topic of kindness, from its nature and Reviewed by Daphne Slocombe talks. A growing number of practice to its transformative power. out-of-town yogis enroll in our weekend retreats. Contact us In The Kindness Handbook Sharon uses for a list of bed and breakfasts stories, poems, meditation exercises in the area. and teachings to revolutionize our understanding of lovingkindness. 331 Broadway While this is a quality often associated Cambridge MA 02139 with gentleness and softness, we are Office: (617) 441-9038 reminded that it also takes tremendous 24-hour information and fax line: (617) 491-5070 courage to live a life guided by the Website: www.cimc.info principle of kindness. It takes boldness to break out of our habitual mold of MARC HAMEL

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Examples of this kind of work include Deepening Practice Confidence curing blindness by providing cataract operations, developing projects to assist IMS senior teacher Kamala Masters those on low incomes, counseling former will offer practice guidance at the prisoners, or teaching inner-city children . Forest Refuge in September, 2009. Please mention this fund when you Here she discusses how a personal apply for a Forest Refuge stay, if you retreat at the center strengthens have done such work. confidence in our ability to sustain mindfulness. This, in turn, allows the IMS PROGRAM Welcoming Asian Sayadaws fruit of liberating wisdom to ripen.

HIGHLIGHTS In 2009, IMS will host two senior Asian Kamala, how does retreat structure meditation masters at the Forest Refuge. and schedule inform our practice? Burmese teacher Sayadaw U Tejaniya At the Forest Refuge... will be in residence May 24 – June 14. For many of us, when we start Exploring Freedom He began his Buddhist training as a meditating and come on our initial young teenager under the late Shwe retreats, showing up in the meditation A retreat at the Forest Refuge Oo Min Sayadaw. Twelve years ago, hall with a hundred other retreatants, facilitates the natural emergence of following life as a householder with a or yogis , gives us a lot of support to wisdom and compassion. Within a business career, he ordained as a monk. explore our minds. Together, we learn a tranquil and harmonious environment His earlier householder experience kind of discipline and begin to discover that includes private dormitory has given him rare insight into the what supports our individual practice accommodations, experienced insight challenges faced by lay practitioners. within this large container. We also meditators can follow their own learn perseverance. schedule, settle into greater depths Vietnamese monk Bhante Khippapanno of practice and strengthen faith and will offer the dharma for the month of July, But as meditation momentum grows, self-reliance. 2009. Also mentored by Shwe Oo Min we can experiment with less structure. Sayadaw, Bhante has a gentle teaching At the Forest Refuge, there are no Financial Assistance style that emphasizes a relaxed and open bells to bring us to the hall. Instead, awareness of the activities of the mind. we discern what best works for us. For those whose financial circumstances His instruction and talks will focus on We learn to determine for ourselves might otherwise prevent their partici - citta (mind) – the third of the Buddha’s when to break from one kind of practice , pation, a number of ‘You Choose’ fee Four Foundations of Mindfulness. like sitting, and move to another form. spaces are available for a Forest Refuge personal retreat of fourteen nights or Sayadaw U Tejaniya Bhante Khippapanno longer. Awards are made on a first- come, first-served basis and a minimum fee of $10 per night is required.

If your work in the US or overseas has helped transform the lives of economically disadvantaged people, you may be eligible for a full scholarship to practice at the Forest Refuge, thanks to its Fund in Support of Community Development Work.

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 AHNA FENDER MARC HAMELL

We learn to understand more about the We learn to be more accepting of how of confidence in our spiritual journey. constituents of this mind and body our practice is naturally unfolding. As a teacher, one of my aims is to energy field. How does it work during We learn not to push or strive, but to nurture this growing confidence, certain times of the day or during a keep a gentle continuity of awareness and to encourage yogis to respect particular time in our life? How can even through these difficult times. it for themselves. we apply this understanding and make best use of it on a personal retreat? Making use of energy when it’s available Through this confidence, we can more and learning from when it’s not are easily connect with a profound innate Can you give us some examples? both parts of the strengthening of wisdom. Whenever yogis express this confidence in our practice. wisdom in their own unique ways, We may start to notice that there are I am deeply moved. It’s not my wisdom . times when the mind is clearer and Why is this confidence so important? It’s not even the Buddha’s wisdom. more alert, and that our practice It’s the yogis’ own wisdom, and it can naturally rolls along. At those times, Confidence in our ability to be be tremendously empowering and we can sit for longer periods with a truly mindful brings a deepening freeing for them to experience the balance of concentration and energy commitment to steadiness in our flowering and fruit of their practice. supporting a continuity of mindfulness. practice. This allows the flowering of interest, energy and a fulfilling joy At the other end of the spectrum, we to simply be with the truth of whatever See our website and pages 16-17 for the may discover there are periods when is happening. Along with tranquility, Forest Refuge teaching schedule and further our minds are not as clear. Perhaps the concentration and equanimity, these information. Kamala also teaches each year body doesn’t have as much energy, give rise to the fruit of liberating at the Retreat Center with her husband, or there is a challenge with pain. insight. I have great respect for the role Steve Armstrong — see pages 18-19.

Page 8 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 At the Retreat Center... An exploration of love and wisdom as paths to profound acceptance and THE INSIGHT The 2009 Retreat Center schedule peace will be offered by Rebecca MEDITATION includes many short courses, such Bradshaw in another five-day retreat, as weekends and five-day retreats, April 24-29. This will be followed by COMMUNITY OF in addition to opportunities for longer Relaxed Openness: Embodying Presence , WASHINGTON practice periods. This allows those with May 2-10, taught by Yanai Postelnik, family and work commitments, for Myoshin Kelley and Patricia Genoud- IMCW offers training in whom extended practice time is rare, Feldman . Vipassana – or Insight – meditation the chance to experience the benefits and related Buddhist practices of meditation, silence and tranquility. A Two-Month Retreat , with one-month that awaken the heart and mind. partials, will replace the traditional We serve the entire Washington, Some highlights include a seven-day Three-Month Retreat in 2009. Dates DC metro area with programs retreat led by Phillip Moffitt that will are September 26 – November 21. that recognize our multicultural focus on the Twelve Insights of the Four Noble Truths , February 13-20. Howard community, and we welcome all Cohn and Sharda Rogell will teach See our website and pages 18-26 for with an open heart. a five-day course, The Buddha’s Way the full 2009 Retreat Center schedule to Happiness , April 10-15. and course information. In addition to our flagship Wed- nesday night class in Bethesda, MD, which is taught by Tara Brach, IMCW’s programs include weekly classes and sitting groups in Washington, DC; Takoma Park, MD; and northern Virginia. We also offer nonresidential weekend retreats and workshops, as well as a thriving community of peer-led Kalyana Mitta – or spiritual friends – groups. Longer residential retreats, held several times a year, are open to out-of- towners as well as DC-area residents.

IMCW extends a warm welcome to both newcomers and experienced meditators. There are many ways to participate in our community and deepen your practice. Please visit our website for a full schedule of classes, retreats and other activities.

Look for us at www.imcw.org or call us at (202) 986-2922

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 9 Insight Meditation Society The Retreat Center The Forest Refuge 1230 Pleasant Street (978) 355-4378 (978) 355-2063 Barre MA 01005, USA [email protected] Fax: (978) 355-4307 www.dharma.org [email protected] ABOUTIMS

The Insight Meditation Society first General Information a personalized program of meditation opened its doors in 1976. Its mission practice is created, designed to nurture is to provide a spiritual refuge for all Retreat Center courses are generally the highest aspiration for liberation. who seek freedom from the suffering designed for both new and experienced of mind and heart. It offers meditation students. Instruction in meditation and Support for a personal retreat includes retreats rooted in the Theravada Buddhist evening talks about the Buddha’s two individual interviews with a teachings of ethics, concentration and teachings are given daily. Individual teacher each week and twice-weekly wisdom. These practices help develop or group interviews with the teachers dharma talks in the meditation hall. awareness and compassion, giving take place at regular intervals. Silence Recordings of talks are also available. rise to greater peace and happiness in the world. is maintained in most retreats at all times, except during question and For those interested in practicing at the IMS operates two retreat facilities – the interview sessions. A typical daily Forest Refuge, there is an application Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge – schedule starts at 5am and ends at process. Guidelines and an application which are set on some 200 secluded 10pm. The entire day is spent in silent form are available from the office or wooded acres in the quiet countryside practice comprising alternate periods can be downloaded from our website. of central Massachusetts. of sitting and walking meditation, You may also apply online. as well as a one-hour work period. The Retreat Center offers a yearly All IMS meals are vegetarian. schedule of meditation retreats lasting At the Forest Refuge, retreats are based Accommodations at the Retreat Center from a weekend to two months. Most on one’s own schedule or a wish to work are simple single and double rooms; courses are open to both new and with a particular teacher (see the Teaching all spaces at the Forest Refuge are experienced meditators. Schedule on page 17), and space avail- single. Men and women do not share The Forest Refuge opened in 2003 ability. In consultation with the teachers, rooms. Camping is not available. and is specifically designed to support the practice of more experienced meditators. Its program encourages the exploration of sustained, longer-term personal retreats – a key component in the transmission of Buddhism from Asia to the West. Participants can stay for periods ranging from one week to a year or more.

A group of senior teachers provides regular guidance and direction to both programs, as well as teaching each year themselves. In addition, recognized insight meditation teachers from all over the world come to offer teachings.

P a g e 1 0 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2008/2009 INSIGHT

Evening Discourses During this time, you are expected to meditate in silence, observe the five When a Retreat Center course is in precepts and maintain a continuity of progress, anyone is welcome to attend practice. The sliding scale fee is $58-$105 the evening dharma talks; those with per day, depending on your means. For insight meditation experience are also self retreats of up to six days immediately welcome to attend group sittings. Some before or after a specific group course, restrictions apply. Please call the Retreat you can add the dates on your registration Center office for a daily schedule. form. For self retreats of longer than six days, please call the office for an Individual Retreat application form.

Self Retreat Work Retreat

If you have participated in a course at Work retreats provide a valuable the Retreat Center, you may schedule opportunity to explore the integration an individual self retreat between of mindfulness practice with work. courses. The length of stay may not The daily schedule combines periods exceed the longest period of teacher- of formal meditation and instruction led retreat that you have done at with five hours of work – in the center. silence – in either the Kitchen or Housekeeping department. Financial Information Participation is limited to experienced meditators with a high degree of self- Fees reliance. Since the work can be physically demanding, a moderate IMS course fees are on a sliding scale level of physical fitness is required. basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. At the At the Retreat Center, work retreats Retreat Center, there are four rates – usually coincide with the scheduled Sustaining, Mid, Base and Scholarship. courses. At the Forest Refuge, The Forest Refuge has three rates – a one-month commitment is ideal. Sustaining, Mid and Base, with some financial assistance available. A special application needs to be submitted; the only cost is a $35 Payment at the Base rate covers less non-refundable processing fee. than 50% of what is needed to run our Information and application centers. To balance our budget and to forms are available on our website. provide wise stewardship of our You can also contact our Registrar resources, donations must supplement about a Retreat Center work retreat any fee income received at this level. by calling (978) 355-4378 ext. 170 or emailing [email protected]. The Sustaining rate represents the For the Forest Refuge, call (978)355-2063 actual cost for IMS to operate our or email [email protected]. programs. Payment at this rate lets us MARC HAMEL F a l l • W i n t e r 2008/2009 MARC HAMEL www.dharma.org P a g e 1 1 INSIGHT

direct income from donations towards Financial Assistance For a Retreat Center scholarship, you helping those with lesser means to can apply online or check the relevant attend our retreats. If you can afford IMS provides financial assistance in box when completing the registration this level or higher, you assist our the form of scholarships and ‘You form on page 26. Please include the efforts to offer lower sliding-scale Choose’ fee options to those who are appropriate deposit. Forms can also be rates and ongoing financial subsidies. genuinely unable to afford the cost of downloaded from our website or a retreat. requested from the office. Regrettably, we have had to raise our fees for 2009, due to the rising costs of Due to limited resources, we recom - For the Forest Refuge, complete basic necessities such as fuel, insurance mend that you apply for assistance as the retreat application and indicate and food. early as possible. Awards are interest in receiving financial distributed on a first-come, first- assistance. We will contact you if Any amount paid above the Base rate served basis and are generally your retreat application is approved. is a tax-deductible donation. restricted to one per person, per year. We cannot guarantee that every application will result in an award; please be assured, however, that we will do our best to help you attend a retreat with us.

Dana

Dana is a Pali word that means generosity or giving freely. It is central to the 2,500-year-old tradition of Buddhism and has played a major role throughout IMS’s much shorter history.

Generosity is the first of the ten parami , or qualities of character, that the Buddha taught his students to cultivate. Such practice develops lovingkindness and compassion, deepens awareness of our interconnectedness and encourages non- attachment. Giving is said to benefit both the giver and the receiver – the giver practices sharing and letting go, and the recipient practices acceptance of what is presented. Offering a small favor, a kind thought, a meal, or funds to help sustain a meditation teacher or center is a sincere form of spiritual practice.

It is this spirit of generosity that guides all aspects of IMS.

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Our teachers are carrying on the While maintaining our primary ancient Buddhist monastic tradition commitment to supporting your practice, of freely offering the teachings here in IMS may agree occasionally to requests the midst of contemporary Western from the media to visit us for reporting. culture. Most Retreat Center teachers Before any such request is granted, NEW receive no compensation for teaching journalists will be carefully screened YORK at IMS and must rely on the generosity to ascertain, as best we can, their ability of course participants. For those who to report fairly on our work, and with INSIGHT teach at the Forest Refuge, where minimal interference. New York Insight (NYI) was there are fewer retreatants staying for founded as a nonprofit center for longer periods, IMS offers a monthly Notice will be given of any media visit honorarium to augment donations. that occurs during a course. We will the practice of mindful awareness Your contributions help many teachers advise participants as far in advance as is (vipassana or insight meditation) . lead a life devoted to teaching both practically possible. We will respect the NYI provides a place where all at IMS and in other parts of the wishes of anyone who prefers not to be are welcome to begin or deepen world. Your gifts also allow teachers included, and work to minimize any meditation practice based on the to take time for their own practice, impact on our meditative environment liberation teachings of the Buddha . ensuring that their teachings are and on our retreatants. We appreciate Programs include evenings with continuously enriched. your understanding of our efforts to share the dharma in this way, and welcome any renowned meditation teachers, One of IMS’s deepest aspirations is suggestions or questions you may have. ongoing classes, daylong retreats to share the Buddha’s teachings with and weekend courses for the all who are interested, regardless of integration of meditation teachings their ability to pay. We rely on your in daily life. The events, except generous support to operate our where noted, are suitable for centers, to provide affordable rates beginning as well as experienced and to give financial assistance to a third of our retreatants. meditators. NYI welcomes the participation of all interested people. Whenever you are inspired to offer a donation, you join a community directly Our spacious and peaceful center engaged in alleviating suffering and is located in central Chelsea at: bringing greater wisdom and compassion to the world. 28 W 27th St, 10th Floor

May your practice be for the benefit of all. (between 6th Ave & Broadway) New York NY 10001 Media Visits Please check our website As the dharma takes root in our society, www.nyimc.org various media are expressing interest for event descriptions and in the work that we do at IMS. This presents our community with a valuable registration information, or call opportunity to introduce the teachings to (212) 213-4802 a wider audience.

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 13 IMS FACULTY 2009

Core Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for Kamala Masters began practicing in 1975. Pascal Auclair has practiced and studied Buddhism since over 30 years, including training as a Buddhist monk in Trained by Anagarika Munindra and Sayadaw 1997 and is currently part of the IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Thailand with Ajahn Buddhadasa. He began teaching in U Pandita, she offers the dharma in the US and Training Program. For several years he has taken an active 1984 and has led retreats worldwide. He is an IMS abroad. She is a co-founder and guiding teacher of role in the IMS Family, Teen and Three-Month retreats. guiding teacher and a governing teacher at Spirit Rock. the Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui and is currently developing Ho’omalamalama, a sanctuary- Rebecca Bradshaw is the guiding teacher of the Steve Armstrong, a co-founding teacher at the hermitage for long-term practice. Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, MA. She is Vipassana Metta Foundation's dhamma sanctuary- also a psychotherapist and the Buddhist Advisor at Mt hermitage on Maui, encourages development of all Holyoke College. Her teachings invite exploration of the Michele McDonald has taught insight meditation good human qualities. He offers a variety of Buddhist convergence of love and wisdom. around the world for 27 years, helping individuals mindfulness practices designed to strengthen an unshakeable sense of well-being. to find their own natural entry points into stillness Bhante Buddharakkhita was born and raised in and deep liberation. She is a co-founder of Vipassana Uganda. Meditating since 1993, he was ordained as Ruth Denison studied in Burma in the early 1960s Hawai'i as well as a leader in retreats for youth and a Theravada Buddhist monk in 2002. Now residing with the meditation master Sayagi U Ba Khin. She has Burma relief projects. at Bhavana Society in WV, he teaches worldwide and been teaching since 1973 and is founder of Dhamma in 2005 founded the Uganda Buddhist Centre. Dena, a desert retreat center in Joshua Tree, CA, Corrado Pensa teaches insight meditation in Italy and and The Center for Buddhism in the West in Germany. the US. Since 1987 he has been the guiding teacher of Rob Burbea has practiced and studied Buddhism since the Association for Mindfulness Meditation in Rome. He 1985. Teaching since 2004, he is currently the Gaia Christina Feldman is a co-founder of Gaia House in is also a professor of Eastern Philosophy at the University House Resident Teacher and a member of its Teacher England and an IMS guiding teacher. Following training of Rome and a former psychotherapist. Council. He is a co-founder of Sanghaseva, an organization in the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, she exploring the dharma through international service work. has taught meditation since 1976 and has an ongoing Larry Rosenberg practiced Zen in Korea and Japan commitment to the long-term retreat program at Gaia Hugh Byrne teaches with the Insight Meditation before coming to vipassana. He is the founding teacher Community of Washington, DC and is a co-founder of House. Her books include Compassion, Silence and of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center and the The Buddhist Path to Simplicity. the Washington Buddhist Peace Fellowship. He teaches author of Living in the Light of Death and Breath By classes on Buddhism and meditation for the Smithsonian Breath. Resident Associate Program. Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder and guiding teacher of IMS’s Retreat Center and Forest Refuge programs. , a co-founder of IMS and BCBS, He has been teaching vipassana and metta retreats Sharon Salzberg Sally Clough began practicing vipassana meditation in India in 1981. She moved to the Bay Area in 1988, worldwide since 1974 and in 1989 helped establish has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1971 and has and worked at Spirit Rock until 1994 in a number of BCBS. He is the author of A Heart Full of Peace, One been teaching worldwide since 1974. She is an IMS roles, including executive director. She began teaching in Dharma, The Experience of Insight and Insight Meditation. guiding teacher and author of The Kindness Handbook, Faith and Lovingkindness. 1996, and is one of the guiding teachers of Spirit Rock's Dedicated Practitioner Program. Myoshin Kelley began practice in 1975 and has worked with teachers in the Theravada and Tibetan Rodney Smith has been teaching insight meditation since 1984. He is a former Buddhist monk and worked Howard Cohn has been leading vipassana retreats Buddhist traditions. Her teaching style emphasizes a internationally since 1985. A psychotherapist and an relaxed, caring and attentive attitude combined with in hospice care for 17 years. The author of Lessons original member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, he joyful interest. She is teacher-in-residence at the From the Dying, he is the founding and guiding teacher brings joy and passion to his teaching with an emphasis Forest Refuge. for the Seattle Insight Meditation Society and an IMS on reawakening our intrinsic freedom. guiding teacher. Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Asia. Mark Coleman has taught retreats since 1997, He is a co-founder of IMS and Spirit Rock, and has Carol Wilson began insight meditation practice in following extensive training in several Buddhist traditions. taught meditation internationally since 1974. He holds 1971. She has studied with a variety of teachers in Asia He leads Wilderness Meditation courses, has a private a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the author of a and the West, including time as a Buddhist nun in practice in counseling and coaching, and is the author number of books, including The Wise Heart and Thailand. An IMS guiding teacher, she has been offering of Awake in the Wild. After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. vipassana and metta retreats around the world since 1986, including the IMS Three-Month course. Matthew Daniell, a Buddhist meditation and Michael Liebenson Grady has been practicing yoga practitioner since 1984, teaches vipassana and insight meditation since 1973. He is a guiding teacher ‘mindfulness yoga’, inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. Visiting Desikachar. He is a founder and the resident teacher at the Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport, MA. Narayan Liebenson Grady, an IMS guiding Fred von Allmen has studied and practiced under teacher, is also a guiding teacher at the Cambridge Tibetan and Theravada teachers since 1970 in Asia, Sky Dawson has practiced vipassana meditation since Insight Meditation Center where she has taught since Europe and the US. He has taught retreats worldwide for 1981 and completed the IMS Teacher Training Program 1985. She is the author of When Singing, Just Sing: 25 years. The author of several Buddhist books in in 2005. She lives in Western Australia where she teach- Life As Meditation and a regular contributor to German, he is a co-founder of the Meditation Center es the dharma. She also has extensive experience in Buddhadharma magazine. Beatenberg in the Swiss Alps. hospice and palliative care.

P a g e 1 4 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2008/2009 Chas DiCapua , currently the IMS Resident Teacher, Ajahn Metta , born in Germany, received ordination Amita Schmidt , author of Dipa Ma: The Life and has offered meditation since 1998. He is interested in in 1996 at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in the UK. Legacy of a Buddhist Master , is a former Resident how each person can fully and uniquely manifest the She has recently completed a year-long retreat in Asia. Teacher at IMS. She currently combines the teaching of non- dharma. He teaches regularly at sitting groups and dual awareness with her foundation in Buddhist practice. centers close to IMS. Phillip Moffitt is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council and the founder of the Life Balance Gina Sharpe has studied and practiced Buddhism for Jean Esther has practiced vipassana meditation since Institute. He teaches vipassana meditation and is the over 30 years, across several traditions. She co-founded 1982 and has worked with the Teen Retreat since 1999. author of Dancing with Life , a book exploring the New York Insight in 1998 and is currently part of the She has a psychotherapy practice in Northampton, MA Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training Program. She has been and has been teaching meditation since 2001. teaching since 1994. Wes Nisker is a dharma teacher, author, radio Anushka Fernandopulle has practiced and studied commentator and performer. He is the founder and Ajahn Thanasanti , a native of CA and senior nun meditation in the US and Asia for most of her life. In addition co-editor of Inquiring Mind and a member of the Spirit at Chithurst Buddhist Monastery in the UK, received to retreat teaching, she is engaged with the arts, nature, Rock Teachers Council. His latest book is Crazy Wisdom ordination in 1991. Her international teaching focuses service work and progressive social justice movements. Saves the World Again! on awakening compassion and using nature as a support Patricia Genoud-Feldman has been practicing for meditation. Buddhist meditation (vipassana and Dzogchen) in Asia Annie Nugent has practiced since 1979 and was an and the West since 1984 and teaching vipassana IMS Resident Teacher, 1999-2003. Her teaching style Thanissara , a practitioner since 1975, was a nun for internationally since 1997. She is a co-founder and aims to reveal how all aspects of our lives can help us 12 years in the tradition of Ajahn Chah. She guides come to a clear and direct understanding of the Truth. Dharmagiri Hermitage in South Africa and an affiliated guiding teacher at the Meditation Centre Vimalakirti HIV/AIDS program. She recently completed an MA in in Geneva, Switzerland. Susan O’Brien has been practicing vipassana medita - Buddhist Psychotherapy. Trudy Goodman has practiced in the Zen and tion since 1980 and has studied with a variety of Asian Theravada traditions since 1974. She founded InsightLA and Western teachers. She began teaching in 1996 and Sayadaw U Tejaniya began his Buddhist training as and Growing Spirit (a family program) in Los Angeles. coordinates the Insight Meditation correspondence course. a young teenager in Burma under the late Shwe Oo Min She is the guiding teacher of the Institute for Meditation Sayadaw (1913-2002). Twelve years ago, following life and Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA. John Peacock , an academic and meditation teacher as a householder with a business career, he ordained as for 25 years, currently teaches Buddhist studies and a monk. He teaches meditation at Shwe Oo Min Ed Hauben , a long-term meditator and friend of IMS, Indian religions at the University of Bristol, UK. He is an Dhammasukha Tawya in Rangoon, Burma. has served on its board and assisted with the Teen and Associate Director of The Oxford Mindfulness Centre, Family retreats for the past 25 years. recognized by Oxford University. Arinna Weisman is a founding teacher of Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley in Easthampton, Deborah Ratner Helzer has practiced with Western Yanai Postelnik has been engaged in full-time dharma MA, and co-author of A Beginner’s Guide to Insight and Asian teachers in the Theravada tradition since practice and service for 19 years. Inspired by the Thai for - Meditation . Her practice and teaching have been 1995, including a year as a nun in Burma. She has been est tradition, he has taught internationally since 1992 infused with her life experiences as an environmental teaching in the Washington, DC area and assisting with and is the Dharma Director of Gaia House, England. and political activist. retreats around the country since 2001. Sharda Rogell has been meditating since 1976 and Kate Lila Wheeler began teaching meditation in the Bhante Khippapanno , ordained a Buddhist monk in teaching worldwide since 1987. She has been influenced mid-1980s and continues to practice with teachers in 1949, practiced vipassana in India and Burma with Dipa by several Buddhist and Hindu traditions. She is on the Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Writing is an Ma, Mahasi Sayadaw and Shwe Oo Min Sayadaw. He Teachers Council at Spirit Rock and is a student in the important part of her life; she has recently completed a founded Jetavana Vihara, Washington, DC, 1982, and Diamond Approach. second novel. Sakyamuni Meditation Center, CA, 1988. He helped establish Phuoc Son Meditation Center, Vietnam, 1994. Marcia Rose has practiced Buddhist meditation since Larry Yang , a longtime meditator, trained as a 1970. She is a guiding teacher in Taos, NM for The psychotherapist, has taught meditation since 1999 Kittisaro , a Rhodes Scholar, spent 15 years as a monk Mountain Hermitage and founded Taos Mountain and is a core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in the forest tradition of Ajahn Chah. He is a co-founder Sangha. She was IMS Resident Teacher, 1991-1995, in Oakland, CA. He has practiced in Southeast Asia of the Dharmagiri Hermitage in South Africa and teaches and now teaches in the US and internationally. and was a Buddhist monk in Thailand. worldwide. He recently completed a year self retreat. Maddy Klyne teaches classes and workshops as well Adrianne Ross , MD, has been involved with medita - Assisted by as special programs for young people at the Cambridge tion and healing since 1978 and has offered retreats in Insight Meditation Center, MA. Canada and the US since 1995. She also teaches MBSR Éowyn Ahlstrom is a certified yoga teacher and mas - to people with chronic pain and illness. sage therapist whose primary interest is in teaching Ajahn Kusalo has interest and experience in offering the awareness of and compassion for the body. She has teachings to families, having lived a householder life before Ajahn Santacitta , born in Austria, received ordination served on staff at IMS for several years, and is a dedicated ordaining in New Zealand in 1992. He is co-abbot at Tisarana, at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in the UK in 1998. dharma practitioner. a Buddhist monastery in Canada in the Thai forest tradition. Greg Scharf has practiced extensively since 1992 in Franz Moeckl has practiced and studied insight Heather Martin has practiced meditation for over 30 India, Thailand and in Burma, where he trained as a meditation, Tai Chi and Qigong for more than 25 years, years with Asian and Western teachers, and began teaching Buddhist monk. He is particularly interested in the role of including time as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He now in 2000. A midwife for 20 years, she lives in B.C., Canada. service in the path of awakening. teaches in the US, Europe and Asia.

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 15 T R E B L A U O L

The Forest Refuge

General Information Fees for 2009 are outlined in the box on the next page. For those who The Forest Refuge allows the cannot afford the entire cost, a exploration of a more independent limited number of ‘You Choose’ and less structured form of retreat life. fee spaces are available, allowing For experienced practitioners, its you to establish your own course peaceful and secluded environment rate based on your financial means. establishes the sense of harmony most A minimum of $10 per night conducive to sustained, long-term is required. personal retreat. Stays range from one week to a year or more. A deposit of approximately one- third of your total retreat cost is For those interested, there is an due once your application has been application process. Guidelines and approved. (The minimum deposit for an application form are available anyone on a ‘You Choose’ fee option on our website or from our office. is $50.) Deposits are accepted online, You can apply online, or mail or by mail, by phone or in person. fax a completed form to us. We will Please make your check or money contact you when your application order payable to IMS, or include has been reviewed. Visa or MasterCard information.

If there is no accommodation available Please contact us as soon as possible at the time you wish to come, we if you need to cancel. If you let us encourage you to keep your application know more than 60 days before your in process. You may want to change retreat begins, fees are: $100 (or full your dates, or we can put you on a wait deposit if less than this was paid). list, if your application is approved . There Your full deposit is forfeited if you are sometimes cancellations from those cancel 60 days or less before your already confirmed and spaces open up. starting date.

Page 16 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 INSIGHT

2009 FOREST REFUGE TEACHING SCHEDULE January 1 – January 15 Marcia Rose & Myoshin Kelley January 16 – January 21 Marcia Rose & Susan O’Brien January 22 – February 14 Susan O’Brien & Annie Nugent February 15 – March 31 Myoshin Kelley & Rebecca Bradshaw April 1 – April 30 Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley May 1 – May 23 Joseph Goldstein & Rob Burbea May 24 – June 14 Sayadaw U Tejaniya * June 15 – June 30 Patricia Genoud-Feldman & Annie Nugent July 1 – July 31 Bhante Khippapanno * August 1 – August 31 Annie Nugent & Sky Dawson September 1 – September 30 Kamala Masters & Sky Dawson October 1 – October 31 Marcia Rose & Myoshin Kelley November 1 – November 30 Carol Wilson & Myoshin Kelley December 1 – December 31 Myoshin Kelley & Annie Nugent

* Participants are expected to practice in the style offered by these monastic teachers; this may include observance of the eight monastic precepts. A self-sustaining practice is necessary to undertake a Forest Refuge retreat. The teaching schedule may change without notice. It is our intention that retreatants will have the opportunity to practice with a variety of experienced and well-qualified insight meditation teachers.

2009 SLIDING SCALE FEES (PER NIGHT)

LENGTH OF STAY SUSTAINING MID BASE

7-21 nights $105 $87 $69

22-30 nights $105 $82 $58 (effective from 1st night)

31-90 nights $105 $78 $51 (effective from 31st night)

More than 90 nights $105 $68 $30 (effective from 91st night) LOU ALBERT

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 17 2009 Retreat Center Schedule

Dates Length Course Title Teachers

Feb 1-Feb 8 7 days Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat Sharon Salzberg, Mark Coleman & Gina Sharpe Feb 13-Feb 20 7 days The Twelve Insights of the Four Noble Truths Phillip Moffitt, Adrianne Ross & Hugh Byrne Feb 20-Feb 22 2 days Wisdom and Compassion: Insight Meditation Weekend Annie Nugent & Deborah Ratner Helzer Feb 27-Mar 4 5 days Insight Meditation Retreat Larry Rosenberg & Michael Liebenson Grady Mar 6-Mar 15 9 days The Heart of Wisdom: Monastic Retreat Ajahns Thanasanti, Metta & Santacitta Mar 20-Mar 27 7 days 25 th Anniversary of the Women’s Retreat Christina Feldman, Narayan Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Mar 27-Mar 29 2 days A Taste of Freedom: Insight Meditation Weekend Christina Feldman Apr 3-Apr 10 7 days Living Freedom: Insight Meditation Retreat Carol Wilson & Rodney Smith Apr 10-Apr 15 5 days The Buddha’s Way to Happiness: Insight Meditation Retreat Howard Cohn & Sharda Rogell Apr 17-Apr 19 2 days Insight Meditation Weekend for New Students Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Apr 24-Apr 29 5 days Love and Wisdom: Insight Meditation Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Greg Scharf with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga ) May 2-May 10 8 days Relaxed Openness: Embodying Presence Yanai Postelnik, Myoshin Kelley & Patricia Genoud-Feldman with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga ) May 15-May 24 9 days Insight Meditation Retreat Jack Kornfield, Wes Nisker, Trudy Goodman, Kate Lila Wheeler & Chas DiCapua May 29-Jun 5 7 days Loving Friendliness: Metta Retreat Michele McDonald, Rebecca Bradshaw, Patricia Genoud-Feldman & Greg Scharf with Franz Moeckl (Qigong ) Jun 5-Jun 14 9 days Liberation of Mind and Heart: Insight Meditation Retreat As above May 29 -Jun 14 16 days Metta & Insight Meditation Retreat As above Jun 16-Jun 21 5 days People of Color Retreat ^ Sharon Salzberg, Larry Yang & Bhante Buddharakkhita Jun 26-Jul 3 7 days Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students Larry Rosenberg, Corrado Pensa & Matthew Daniell Jul 5-Jul 9 4 days Teen Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Chas DiCapua with Jean Esther & Ed Hauben Jul 11-Jul 16 5 days Family Retreat** Ajahn Kusalo, Deborah Ratner Helzer & Pascal Auclair Lottery course. Registration due by February 13, 2009. Jul 18-Jul 26 8 days Mindfulness, Insight, Liberation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman, Fred von Allmen & Yanai Postelnik Jul 29-Aug 5 7 days Investigating Life: Insight Meditation Retreat for 18-32 Year Olds Rebecca Bradshaw, Chas DiCapua, Amita Schmidt & Anushka Fernandopulle Aug 7-Aug 9 2 days Insight and the Art of Equanimity: Weekend Retreat Steve Armstrong & Kamala Masters Aug 7-Aug 16 9 days Insight and the Art of Equanimity As above Aug 21-Aug 28 7 days Your Life is Your Practice: Insight Meditation Retreat Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Aug 29-Sep 3 5 days The Seven Factors of Awakening: Study and Practice Retreat Christina Feldman & John Peacock Sep 4-Sep 7 3 days Labor Day Weekend Ruth Denison & Arinna Weisman Sep 10-Sep 13 3 days Caring for the Caregivers: Sharon Salzberg & Susan O’Brien with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga ) Insight Meditation Retreat for Home Health and Hospice Workers Sep 17-Sep 20 3 days Insight Meditation Weekend for Scientists Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg & Susan O’Brien Sep 26-Nov 21 56 days Two-Month Retreat Joseph Goldstein Sep 26-Oct 24 28 days Part 1 Carol Wilson, Guy Armstrong, Sally Clough & Sharda Rogell Oct 24-Nov 21 28 days Part 2 Rebecca Bradshaw, Patricia Genoud-Feldman, Annie Nugent & Pascal Auclair Nov 27-Nov 29 2 days Living an Awakened Life: Insight Meditation Weekend Sharda Rogell Dec 11-Dec 16 5 days Wings of Awakening: Cultivating the Five Spiritual Faculties Thanissara & Kittisaro Dec 18-Dec 23 5 days Metta (Lovingkindness) and Upekkha (Equanimity) Retreat Marcia Rose Dec 28-Jan 6, 2010 9 days Resolutions of the Heart: New Year’s Retreat Rodney Smith, Yanai Postelnik & Heather Martin with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga )

Please see the following pages for retreat descriptions and registration information. * Fees for most Retreat Center courses do not include payments to the teachers. There is an opportunity to offer donations for the teachings and for IMS at the end of each retreat. + Schola rshi ps are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. • ‘You Choose’ means that you can establish your own course fee, based on your financial means. A minimum of $10 per day is requi red. ^ Free bus trans portation is offered between New York City and IMS on a first-come, first-served basis for this retreat. ** Please refer to page 23 for additional Family Retreat information. ° Proceeds will benefit IMS and the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. Nursing contact hours will be offered.

Page 18 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 1230 Pleasant St. • Barre, MA 01005 (978) 355-4378 • rc @dharma.org

Code Deposit Sliding Scale Fees* Sustaining Mid Base Scholarship + SS $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 PM $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 WAN $100 $210 $195 $175 $60 LR1 $125 $525 $425 $320 $150 MR $50 $945 $735 You Choose • N/A WOM $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 WCF $100 $210 $195 $175 $60 CW $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 HC $125 $525 $425 $320 $150 WNS $100 $210 $195 $175 $60 RB $125 $525 $425 $320 $150 YMP $175 $840 $650 $460 $240

JK $175 $945 $735 $520 $270 SHARE THE BENEFITS MM1 $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 OF PRACTICE MM2 $175 $945 $735 $520 $270 Offer Financial Assistance MM3 $175 $1,680 $1,305 $925 $480 POC $50 $525 $425 You Choose • N/A LR2 $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 Each year, generous contributions TR $265 $420 $350 $280 $120 support the practice of many FAM (Adult) $175 $585 $530 $425 $150 participants in our programs – (Child) $280 $295 $270 $200 $150 from a new student attending CF1 $175 $840 $650 $460 $240 YA $50 $735 $570 You Choose • N/A an initial weekend retreat to an WSK $100 $210 $195 $175 $60 experienced practitioner spending SK $175 $945 $735 $520 $270 a year or more in silence. Please NMLG $175 $735 $570 $405 $210 consider joining the community CF2 $125 $525 $425 $320 $150 of donors who help make IMS WRD $125 $315 $270 $225 $90 BHH Full Fee Benefit Retrea t ° retreats possible for those who Flat Rate: $600 cannot afford the entire cost. WS $125 $315 $270 $225 $90 2MO $750 $5,880 $4,380 $2,880 $1,680 IMS is committed to offering PT1 $375 $2,940 $2,190 $1,440 $840 financial assistance – in the form PT2 $375 $2,940 $2,190 $1,440 $840 WSR $100 $210 $195 $175 $60 of ‘You Choose’ fee spaces or TK $125 $525 $425 $320 $150 scholarships – to retreatants as MU $125 $525 $425 $320 $150 needed, and we appreciate your NY $175 $945 $735 $520 $270 support of that commitment.

Contributions can be sent to: IMS, Attn: Donations 1230 Pleasant Street Barre MA 01005 To donate online, visit our website.

PHOTOS AT LEFT: Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org JOHN HOLLAND, MARC HAMEL, LIBBY VIGEON, AHNA FENDER of practice allows us to meet life’s challenges with greater ease of heart and balance of mind.

Wisdom and Compassion: Insight Meditation Weekend

Insight meditation practice leads us to realize the essential nature of the mind. This understanding allows us to meet experience with a deepening wisdom and compassion – the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. This weekend The Retreat Center retreat, open to both new and experi - COURSE DESCRIPTIONS enced meditators, aims to strengthen these qualities, enabling us to embrace everything in life as food for freedom. Insight Meditation Metta The Heart of Wisdom: Insight Meditation ( vipassana in Pali, Metta is the Pali word for friendship or Monastic Retreat the language of the original Buddhist lovingkindness. It is taught as a meditation teachings) is the simple and direct that cultivates our natural capacity for Each year, the ordained sangha from practice of moment-to-moment an open and loving heart. With its roots the Forest tradition offers a monastic mindfulness. Through careful and in practices said to have been taught by retreat at IMS. Nuns will lead the 2009 sustained observation, we experience the Buddha himself, metta is traditionally course, focusing on the Buddha’s Four for ourselves the ever-changing flow of offered along with meditations that Foundations of Mindfulness as a path the mind/body process. This awareness enrich compassion, joy in the happiness to awakening. The retreat will support leads us to accept more fully the pleasure of others and equanimity. These practices the opening of the heart, the experience and pain, fear and joy, sadness and lead to the development of concentration , of emptiness and the deepening of happiness that life inevitably brings. fearlessness, happiness and a greater wisdom and compassion. As insight deepens, we develop greater ability to love. equanimity and peace in the face of This course includes daily insight change, and wisdom and compassion The Twelve Insights of meditation practice, devotional chanting increasingly become the guiding the Four Noble Truths and optional periods of mindful movement principles of our lives. (qigong ). The retreat is held within the In the Samyutta Nikaya , the Buddha context of the eight precepts, which The Buddha first taught vipassana over describes Twelve Insights that progres - includes abstaining from eating after noon. 2,500 years ago. The various methods sively lead us to a full understanding of this practice have been well preserved and integration of the Four Noble 25th Anniversary of in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism . Truths. This retreat will offer an the Women’s Retreat IMS retreats are all rooted in this ancient in-depth exploration of these insights, and well-mapped path to awakening, through silent meditation, talks about This year we celebrate the 25 th gathering and draw on the full spectrum of this the teachings, interviews and optional for the annual Women’s Retreat at IMS tradition’s lineages. periods of mindful movement. This time – a milestone in establishing the lineage

Page 20 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 INSIGHT

of women in Western Buddhist practice. foundation for what he later described provide a good introduction for new In the classical context of silence and as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble students as well as an opportunity to sustained insight meditation practice, Eightfold Path. This retreat will follow deepen insight for experienced meditators. a powerful sense of community has the Buddha’s path of mindfulness, been created that supports our capacity concentration and lovingkindness, Relaxed Openness: for deepening wisdom and compassion. illustrating how each of us can move Embodying Presence There are daily talks, instructions, from attachment to freedom, from guided lovingkindness practice and confusion to clarity and from tension This insight meditation retreat will meetings with the teachers. to ease. guide us towards strengthening qualities of mind that include receptivity, gentle A Taste of Freedom: Sitting and walking in silence, and continuity of energy, heartfulness and Insight Meditation Weekend investigating the flow of experience radiant clarity. Rather than emphasizing moment by moment, we can relinquish technique, we will learn to cultivate This course will explore the taste of the causes of suffering and reclaim our wise attitudes of practice that foster a freedom that is the heart of insight natural happiness. steadfast trust in ourselves and in the meditation. The Buddha spoke of this naturally-emerging wisdom of our in his teachings known as the Four Insight Meditation Weekend hearts. Suitable for beginners and Foundations of Mindfulness. Suitable for New Students experienced meditators, the course for both beginning and experienced will also include an optional daily meditators, the retreat will offer talks, This introductory weekend is designed session of mindful yoga. time for questions and a sustained for those who are new to insight schedule of silent meditation practice. meditation, as well as for those who may have a meditation practice but Christina Feldman will be assisted by who have not yet attended this kind of Chas DiCapua for this weekend retreat. retreat. A continuity of mindfulness will be emphasized in a supportive and Living Freedom: silent atmosphere. Sitting and walking Insight Meditation Retreat periods will be shorter than the standard IMS course format and the schedule The whole of the Buddha’s teaching can will also include talks and periods be seen as showing us ways to live with of discussion. more ease and joy, freeing ourselves from the constraints of unhappiness. Love and Wisdom: Throughout this retreat, talks about the Insight Meditation Retreat teachings and meditation instructions will emphasize the theme of liberation Meditation helps us bring kindness and help us nurture a living experience and awareness to each moment of life’s of freedom. experience, connecting us with true freedom. This five-day course will The Buddha’s Way to Happiness : explore both love and wisdom as paths Insight Meditation Retreat to profound acceptance and peace. It will include daily guided lovingkindness The Buddha was called ‘the Happy practice to warm our hearts and after - One.’ His life and practice provided the noon yoga to relax our bodies, and will

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 21 INSIGHT

Loving Friendliness: Metta Retreat

This metta retreat will provide the support needed to touch the wordless depths of our own heart. There, we can experience its essential boundlessness and our capacity to love and embody kindness. Teachings and practices on compassion, joy in the happiness of others and equanimity will also be offered.

MARC HAMEL An optional period of mindful qigong will take place each day to deepen our An optional period of mindful qigong Insight Meditation Retreat for ability to soften, relax and connect with will take place each day to deepen our Experienced Students our bodies. ability to soften, relax and connect with our bodies. The core of insight meditation is the Liberation of Mind and Heart: practice of mindfulness, that quality of Insight Meditation Retreat People of Color Retreat awareness that sees without judgment. Sitting and walking meditation, the first This course will explore the Buddha’s This insight meditation course, steps in formal practice, become the teachings on liberation of mind and co-sponsored by IMS and New York foundation and continuous inspiration heart. Through learning to connect with Insight, creates a space of ease and for meeting all aspects of life with a our mind/body process with interest support for people of color to meditate greater openness and willingness to and acceptance, we develop greater together and cultivate inner freedom. learn. The ordinary activities of retreat understanding and compassion, thereby It provides an in-depth experience of life become a part of the practice extending our ability to meet life’s the Buddha’s teachings on mindful because the challenges they offer help changes with graceful ease and serenity. awareness, illuminating a path toward us develop the art of mindful living. With guidance from the teachers, healing and greater happiness. Those participants will be encouraged to without previous meditation experience An optional period of Mindfulness Yoga develop trust in their own practice. are encouraged to participate. will be offered each day.

Dharma Seed Our wish is to make this retreat Participants are required to have sat accessible to anyone who would like at least two meditation retreats lasting Stream or download to attend. We offer a ‘You Choose’ five days or longer in any Buddhist an extensive range of fee option, charging a minimum of tradition. Please document this when teachings and guided meditations just $10 per day. Those who can registering. vipassana from the Buddhist contribute more, however, help (insight) tradition ensure that the community of POC Teen Retreat www.dharmaseed.org meditators continues to flourish. Free bus transportation is provided on This retreat is specifically for teens, Or call (800) 969-7333 a first-come, first-served basis between aged 14-19. It offers beginning meditation for CDs and tapes New York City and IMS. instruction, half-hour sitting and walking

Page 22 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 periods, facilitated discussion groups, registered for the last two years without getting Investigating Life: meditative arts and free time. This allows a place are automatically confirmed – please Insight Meditation Retreat young adults to develop and value their notify us if this is the case, prior to the lottery for 18-32 Year Olds natural spirituality within a supportive deadline. The balance of places will be drawn environment. Extensive supervision is by lottery from all remaining registrations; This retreat specifically addresses the provided. those not selected, as well as any late practice needs of new and experienced registrations will be put on a wait list. meditators in the challenging years of Family Retreat early adulthood. The format includes Mindfulness, Insight, Liberation: daily meditation instruction, group and This course for families is an invitation Insight Meditation Retreat individual interviews, opportunities for to free our hearts and liberate our questions and discussion as well as minds in the very midst of our lives, This insight meditation retreat will afternoon yoga sessions. The course will roles and relationships. Based on the explore the Four Foundations of end with a day of activities centered on teachings of the Buddha, the retreat Mindfulness, as taught in the supporting community and integrating will balance the formality of ritual and Satipatthana discourse given by the the practice into our daily lives. ceremony with the humor and playful - Buddha. It is a profound teaching that ness to be found in everyday activities. encourages us to place the path of Insight and the Art of Equanimity Through meditation practice, dharma freedom and compassion into the teachings and discussions, and family classroom of our lives, nurturing a heart In insight meditation, we practice gatherings, we will explore the unfolding that is receptive and unshakeable. Each moment-to-moment observation of of wisdom, joy and compassion. day will offer a sustained schedule of our experiences through an open, formal meditation practice (both insight precise and accepting awareness. A program for children over two years and lovingkindness), meetings with In the practice of equanimity, we old is included; it is staffed by volunteers the teachers, talks and instructions, develop a non-reactive and engaged who coordinate age-appropriate activities . all within an environment of silence. mind. Together, these two practices A parent or friend needs to stay with any child under two years old at all times. MARC HAMEL

Each family unit pays an additional fee for the children’s program. This is on a sliding scale basis, ranging from $50 to $150. Please specify the name, full date of birth and gender of all children when you register.

Due to the popularity of this retreat and our wish to support continuity for regulars as well as accessibility for new participants, all applications received by February 13, 2009 will be processed as follows: half of available spaces will be given to families who have attended three out of the past five years, or two out of the last three years, by lottery from all qualifying registrations. Families who have

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 23 INSIGHT

provide a stable foundation for Ruth will be joined in teaching approach to introspection can inform investigating attitudes that condition by Arinna Weisman, and will be research. The three-day retreat will be understanding. Momentum in insight celebrating her 87 th birthday conducted in silence, except for some practice and the art of equanimity during this time. discussion towards the end about various foster clarity and confidence from research projects. The practices taught are which we can live with wisdom and Caring for the Caregivers: nonsectarian and do not require adopting compassion. This course is suitable for Insight Meditation Retreat for Buddhism as a religion or dogma. beginners and experienced meditators; Home Health & Hospice Workers a warm welcome is extended to all. Please document your scientific This retreat is an invitation for leaders affiliation when registering. Two retreat options are available – and caregivers in the home care and participants can select either the hospice sectors to receive an in-depth Two-Month Retreat weekend course or the full nine days. training in meditation. This practice can develop a balance of mind that helps to This two-month course, including its The Seven Factors of Awakening: center and sustain us in our work with one-month partials, is a special time for Study and Practice Retreat people who are sick and dying. practice. Because of its extended length Through guided meditations, Q&A and ongoing guidance, it is an opportunity The Buddha describes the development sessions, periods of silence (including for students to deepen the powers of of seven qualities of mind – mindfulness , during meals), talks on cultivating concentration, wisdom and compassion. investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, equanimity in the face of daily suffering , Based on the meditation instructions of concentration and equanimity – as the and optional daily yoga, we will move Mahasi Sayadaw and supplemented by direct path to freedom. Cultivated and towards deeper care for ourselves and a range of skillful means, this retreat will brought to maturity, they liberate the more compassionate care for others. encourage a balanced attitude of relaxation heart from all suffering. This retreat will and alertness, and the continuity of include extended periods of teaching about The course will benefit the missions of practice based on the Buddha’s Four these qualities and small discussion groups, both IMS and the Home Care Alliance Foundations of Mindfulness. in addition to silent, sustained practice. of Massachusetts. It is also sponsored by Fazzi Associates. Nursing contact Prerequisite is two retreats of a week Labor Day Weekend hours will be offered. or more with a recognized insight meditation teacher, or special permission . Ruth Denison is a vipassana Please document your home health or hos - Please document this experience, dharma elder whose style of teaching pice employer affiliation when registering. including teachers’ names, dates and is unique in the IMS schedule. lengths of courses when registering. Her body-focused teachings invite Insight Meditation Weekend You will also need to submit a students to drop below the level of for Scientists questionnaire when signing up – your concept into the direct experience of course participation cannot be confirmed life. In addition to sitting and walking This course is designed for scientists – until this is received and approved. meditation, Ruth spontaneously neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, guides the moment-to-moment psychologists and others who study Special cancellation fees and deadlines apply. development of awareness in the mind. It is open to academics and pro - 2MO and Part 1: up to July 26, $100; movement, chanting and playful fessionals working in the broad area of the afterwards, $350 for 2MO and $250 for Part 1. celebration. While the retreat is mind sciences. Its goals are to help Part 2: up to August 24, $100; afterwards, $250. held in noble silence, continuous researchers in this field experience in- Please note that these amounts will apply meditation instruction will be given depth training in meditation and to explore even if you wish to move from any part of during her teaching periods. ways in which a rigorous and systematic the course to another.

Page 24 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 INSIGHT

Living an Awakened Life: Metta (Lovingkindness) and allowing us to relate to all that comes Insight Meditation Weekend Upekkha (Equanimity) Retreat and goes within and around us with greater understanding and ease. This course is an opportunity to This retreat begins with the teachings practice a way of being that embraces and practice of metta , bringing a focus Resolutions of the Heart: the path of wisdom and compassion. and steadiness to our heart and mind. New Year’s Retreat Centered in dynamic present aliveness As we open to a more accepting, with a grounded awareness in our expansive and loving heart, fearlessness The New Year is an opportunity for bodies and minds, we will connect and self-confidence are strengthened both reflection and establishing intention . directly with a living field of awakening and our fundamental interconnectedness Before deciding the direction our lives through our mind and five senses. with all life is revealed. With metta as our should take in the future, it is helpful to This allows for a spontaneous, skillful ground, the course will gradually take thoroughly investigate where we are and open-hearted relationship with us towards the teachings and practice now. This insight meditation retreat will the moment-to-moment changing flow of upekkha . This brings a clear-seeing gently explore the terrain of our lives of life’s experience. acceptance and balance of mind, with compassion and wisdom.

Through sitting and walking meditation, “In giving a meal, the donor gives five things to the recipient. as well as talks about the Buddha’s Which five? He or she gives life, beauty, happiness, teachings and group interviews, old and new students alike are invited strength and quick-wittedness.” – The Buddha to explore what it means to live an awakened life. All are welcome.

Sharda Rogell will be assisted by Chas Offer DiCapua for this weekend retreat.

Wings of Awakening: a Meal Cultivating the Five Spiritual Faculties Help us to continue a tradition that has flourished since the time of the Buddha – the offering of meals to spiritual practitioners. Donating toward the cost of a meal is a direct way to support IMS. On the day of your gift, your generosity will nourish each The Buddha highlighted five spiritual meditator, each teacher and all the staff members who serve the IMS community. faculties that need to be developed for awakening to manifest: trust, persistence , You have the The Retreat The Forest IMS mindfulness, concentration and wisdom. choice of funding Center Refuge As these qualities mature, their power an individual meal Breakfast $145 $95 $50 or a group of meals, carries us inexorably to the goal of Lunch $220 $140 $80 at both our centers nibbana , the timeless freedom from or just at one, Tea $85 $60 $25 suffering that is always present. This as outlined at right: Entire Day $450 $295 $155 retreat will explore and cultivate these faculties, using the body and mind as If you or your group of friends would like to offer Meal Dana, we will acknowledge your gift – if you wish – by inscribing your name(s) and dedication on the menu the ground of practice. Within an board for a particular day or meal. The date chosen often celebrates a birthday, atmosphere of silent contemplation, honors someone who has died or commemorates another of life’s milestones. daily instruction, meditation, chanting, To make a meal donation online, visit our website. To receive additional information or to request discussion and optional qigong will that a Meal Dana form be sent to you, please contact the IMS Development office – be offered. call (978) 355-4378 ext. 230 or email [email protected]

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 We deeply appreciate your generosity ¡ Retreat Center Registration Mail your completed form to IMS, 1230 Pleasant Street, Barre MA 01005, USA Or register online at www.dharma.org

Course Code ______Visit Dates: From ______To ______Deposit $______Name ______Sliding Scale Amount you will pay $ ______Address ______Have you been to IMS before? YES K NO K City ______State ______Country ______Zi p______Check K if new address. Old address ______Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______Email ______M K F K Year of Birth ______Do you smoke? ______Do you snore? _____ Can you offer a ride? YES K NO K Please indicate any physical disabilities or special needs to assist us in assigning your room. ______

Retreat Experience (for LR2, PT1, PT2 & 2MO courses). Please list teacher names, dates, course length and locations. (attach extra pages if necessary) ______I wish to apply for a scholarship: I wish to receive my confirmation packet K Please send me an application form K by email K I have downloaded the form already K by postal mail Do you wish to receive our mailings? Do you wish to be on our emailing list? YES K NO K YES K NO K May we share your address with similar organizations? May we share your email address with similar organizations? YES K NO K YES K NO K

I am including $______as a donation to IMS.

I am paying by K K K My check is enclosed for $ ______

Credit Card # 3-Digit Verification Code

Expiration Date ______/______Exact Name on Credit Card ______Total amount to charge Credit Card $______Cardholder Signature ______¡

Information • All retreats require a deposit on • All participants are expected to stay • Please contact us as soon as possible registering. Deposit and fee amounts for the duration of the retreat. The full if you need to cancel. Fees are: $50 if you are listed beside each course on the Retreat course fee will be charged, regardless cancel four or more weeks before a course Center schedule (see pages 18-19). of length of stay. begins; your full deposit is forfeited Our sliding scale fee structure allows • If a course is full, you will be placed after that. (For any retreat with a you to pay according to your means. on a wait list. If an opening occurs, ‘You Choose’ rate option, cancellation • Any amount paid above the Base rate you will be confirmed into the course fees are $25/$50.) The cancellation policy is a tax-deductible donation. and notified. If you do not accept, for the Two-Month Retreat is more stringent • We will advise you of your course a cancellation fee will apply. If no – see page 24 for details. status within two weeks of receiving opening occurs, your deposit will • All cancellation fees support our your registration. be refunded. Scholarship Funds.

Page 26 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2008/2009 149 Lockwood Road Barre MA 01005 Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (978) 355-2347 [email protected] ...for the integration of scholarly understanding and meditative insight... www.dharma.org/bcbs

The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS) offers a variety of opportunities for investigating the teachings of the Buddha: lectures, classes, workshops, retreats and independent study programs. While rooted in the classical Buddhist tradition, the BCBS mission calls for the study of all schools of Buddhism and discussions with other traditions. The emphasis is on the interrelationship between study and practice, and on exploring the relevance of classical teachings to contemporary life.

2009 Schedule

Jan 10 Buddhist Art Ellison Findly Jan 16 – 19 Mindfulness & Psychotherapy Program Paul Fulton, Bill & Susan Morgan, et al. Jan 22 – 25 Working with Addiction Paul Simons & Gregory Bivens Jan 30 – Feb 1 Mindfulness for Educators Claire Stanley Feb 15 – 20 Buddhist Psychology Andrew Olendzki & Taraniya Ambrosia Feb 21 Suffering, Joy & the Meaning of Life Phillip Moffitt Feb 27 – Mar 1 The Ten Perfections Ajahn Thanissaro Mar 7 Mindful Parenting for Professionals Susan Greenland The Insight Journal is a free BCBS Mar 8 Mindful Parenting for Parents Susan Greenland publication, containing articles of lasting Mar 15 – 20 Abhidhamma: Buddhist Psychology Andrew Olendzki interest on the integration of scholarly Mar 21 Self, No-Self & the Unconscious Bill Waldron understanding with meditative insight. Mar 27 – 29 Lotus Sutra Roshi Pat O’Hara If you would like to receive your Apr 3 –5 How to Become a Bodhisattva Jan Willis free subscription to Insight Journal , Apr 14 – 19 Mindfulness for Mental Health Professionals Bill & Susan Morgan, Jack Engler, Ron Siegel please call or email us. Apr 24 – 26 Understanding Practice & Liberation Mu Soeng May 2 Zen & Brain Transformation James Austin May 3 Buddhism & Cognitive Science Rajesh Kasturirangan Year-Long Study Program May 10 Buddhist Activism: At Home & in Asia Ellison Findly May 15 – 17 Putting Your Practice into Words Paul Fleischman Jun 13 – 20 Bhavana Program Andrew Olendzki & Taraniya Ambrosia BCBS offers a one-year program Jul 17 – 26 Dependent Origination & Jhana Leigh Brasington integrating meditation practice with Sep 6 – 11 Desire in Buddhist Thought & Practice John Peacock the study of Buddhist thought. Sep 12 Compassion Beyond Fatigue John Makransky The Integrated Study and Practice Sep 25 – 27 Interdependence of Personal David Loy Program’s curriculum is structured on & Social Transformation readings from a sourcebook, mentoring Oct 2 –6 Buddhism, Agnosticism & Atheism Martine & Stephen Batchelor Oct 17 Mind at Ease Joseph Goldstein and several on-campus study-retreats. Oct 18 – 23 Buddhist Psychology Andrew Olendzki & Taraniya Ambrosia The first two courses for the next Oct 30 – Nov 1 Dharma Contemplation: Bhava Gregory Kramer program will be June 5-10 and Nov 2 –8 Insight Dialogue Gregory Kramer October 9-14, 2009 , followed by Nov 13 – 15 Patanjali, Yoga Sutra & Insight Practice Chip Hartranft two more in 2010. There is a single Dec 4 –9 Brahma Viharas DaeJa Napier application process for the entire Dec 11 – 13 Restlessness, Narcissism, Ignorance Mu Soeng program. Please visit the BCBS website For full course descriptions and registration information, please request our catalog by emailing for details. [email protected] or visiting www.dharma.org/bcbs .

Fall • Winter 2008/2009 www.dharma.org Page 27 Non -profit Org. U.S. Postage INSIGHT NEWSLETTER PAID Insight Meditation Society Permit No.2 Worcester, MA 1230 Pleasant Street Barre MA 01005

If you would prefer to read this newsletter online, please email [email protected] and we will stop sending you the print version. L E M A H C R A M : S O T O H P

Work at IMS and cultivate awakening IMS is more than just a workplace. We offer: • a friendly and caring environment • fair pay and great benefits • meditation resources and support • a way to combine practice with service to others

For current openings and further information see www.dharma.org/ims

Please contact Human Resources • (978) 355-4378 ext. 335 • [email protected]