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INSIGHT NEWSLETTER

FALL WINTER A Life:

2 0 1 0 / 2 0 1 1 The Extraordinary is Always Arising A Profile of Ruth Denison IMS Schedules: The Retreat Center 2011 Dharma elder Ruth Denison, who celebrates her 88th birthday this year, has led The Forest 2011 courses at IMS since it opened in 1976. She is one of three Westerners who received permission to teach from Burmese master Sayagi U Ba Khin, and she was the first Teacher Profile Buddhist teacher in the US to lead an all-women’s Buddhist retreat. IMS News & Developments Beloved by many for her unique teaching style, she reflects here on how she came to the Buddha’s teachings and developed her own way of communicating them to her BCBS Schedule: 2011 Listing students, so that they too can taste the extraordinary in their lives.

y connection to the dharma atmosphere available to us than the ordinary Mstarted early in childhood. I was way of being. I once read a woman’s born in East Prussia, where my father had description of how things looked to her a large flower nursery. To help the people after she became a nun and went to live in who came to work in the fields I would walk a monastery. It was powerful – it shifted along a row giving to the flowers. my awareness from the ordinary way of When I looked back and saw that the water life, the ordinary way of seeing things, to was unevenly distributed, I would think, the extraordinary that is always just right “This one will be very sad” – I animated there, if you allow yourself to stop. everything and could feel the life of each being. So I would go back and bring more Many years later when I visited the water to those young shoots that hadn’t renowned scholar monk Venerable gotten enough. There was always something in out of the ordinary in my relationship to (or Ceylon as it was then), I learned plants and to nature – I never felt separate. that the literal translation of the word () is “to stop.” My family was not especially religious, but as a child I made at night, and in You have to stop in order to become my teens I sensed that there was another aware of what you are doing.

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THENEWSLETTEROFTHEINSIGHTMEDITATIONSOCIETY ELIZABETH VIGEON

After the war I came to America, to have a deeper connection with my where I met my husband, who had students as I worked with them. been an ordained monk for nine years If there is confusion or anxiety arising in the Advaita Society. I went with him I can connect with them where they to Burma where I met U Ba Khin, who are, and can guide them, calling their would become my teacher. Right away to feet, hands, head, skin, he told me, “You haven’t come to a and so on, helping them to be in religion, you have come to a scientific touch with what is happening in the way by which you can come to yourself.” body. That’s my teaching style.

U Ba Khin translated the monastic One practice I have people do is to practice into a practice for householders. bring the awareness up to the head Ruth Denison To initiate my study I made a formal and feel the sensations of the life force, (continued from page 1) address to him, as the monastics do, then get concentrated and focus on “Please teach me the dharma.” From the sensations of the body’s aliveness. also learned to teach while I was still him I learned , mindfulness At first people often need to be guided, Ivery young. During World War II, of , to gather the mind, and but then they learn that when they are with the men all in the military, there then the jhanas, or states of concentration. caught up in something difficult, they was a great need for teachers. I was Over time I was able to become deeply can stop and reconnect with the experi- given a year of training and a year absorbed and concentrated, and when ence of the body right in that moment. of practice, and then I was assigned U Ba Khin saw this he said that now I This can shift us from the ordinary way to a village school with 120 students. was doing the real vipassana or insight of handling our lives, and open us to Teaching came naturally to me, and meditation practice. the extraordinary which is right there. I worked hard at it. I led classes eight to ten hours a day, everything from While I was in Burma I learned that You have three fabulous karmic effects reading to practical things like sewing retreats of seven to ten days were an or results from bringing your attention and gardening. Once a month I’d make effective way to root the dharma so to the body sensations. First you have a play from what we were reading, that lay people could develop a love for the physicists’ experience – as the old and we would perform for the mothers. it and see its karmic effect – the growth masters said, “My body is all light. It and goodness that come from its practice. doesn’t have substance.” This is , When the opportunity came, it was or no-self. When you go in closer to natural to me to teach courses for lay your aliveness and your energy you INSIGHT people at IMS. I knew what it could see phenomena constantly arising and NEWSLETTER mean for them. passing away. So then you realize the A publication of great natural law of existence – the Insight Meditation Society omething else that contributed to , anicca. By seeing these my particular way of teaching was two things, anatta and anicca, you are 1230 Pleasant Street • Barre MA 01005 • USA S www.dharma.org the study of Sensory Awareness, which brought face to face with the character- 978-355-4378 • [email protected] is a way of becoming more deeply con- istic of life without wisdom – dukkha. Editors: Gyano Gibson & Daphne Slocombe nected to the experience of the body. Production: Daphne Slocombe, Marc Hamel & This is not just a matter of the senses – Getting deeply in touch with the body’s Emily Carpenter through this practice you can know aliveness is such a beautiful practice. Cover photos: Elizabeth Vigeon yourself as a moving energy field. I had Two monks brought 15 Thai women Design: Lux Productions always known this intuitively, but after who were their guests to me, and said, Printed in Canada on paper containing 50% recycled content using soy-based inks. the course this awareness allowed me “Now show us how you teach them.”

P a g e 2 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 INSIGHT

So I spent two hours with them and afterwards one woman commented on how much her understanding of the teachings had been augmented by our work together.

The main feature of teaching the dharma, and of our practice, is awareness. In our ordinary lives we already have some attention and concentration – after all, even if you want to polish a floor nicely, you have to have con- Ruth Denison (center) teaching in the Retreat Center lower walking room, late 1970s. centration. But then with awareness you shift from this ordinary way of was a stillness in me. It was tangible. Even with my nurses and attendants being into the extraordinary – you I could have slipped away, but in that there in the hospital, I injected a little know what you are doing and you moment I knew the power of mind- of the other side of life, the extraordi- know that you know. fulness, and I had no fear of death. nary that is right here. And they would I noticed that I was noticing, but it leave me little notes, “Thank you for he teachings benefit us was even more refined than that – the sharing your mind.” Tthroughout our lives. knowing knew itself. And it was so precise. Nothing could interfere. I didn’t You see, wherever I am, I am always A few years ago I had a fall. I then want to die, but I had no conflict, no teaching. developed a fever and there was a resistance. I saw that this is the way – moment when I thought, “I won’t make to stay right here, sensing the life force. it.” I saw the hindrances, close, almost When the breath came, I wasn’t pulling Ruth Denison will offer her annual materialized. But I did not allow them it in or touching it. But I was being Labor Day Weekend at IMS’s Retreat to come any closer – I was very much totally for it. I offered myself to it. Center, September 2-5, 2011. See page 21 or aware of the meaning of “Stop.” There And eventually I healed. www.dharma.org for more information.

The Gift of Meditation

JILL SHEPHERD OFFER A RETREAT TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE

IMSGIFTCERTIFICATES Support friends or family members to participate in any IMS retreat for which they qualify. We will send a certificate for the value of the gift; it is valid for seven years from the date of issue and can be applied as full or partial payment for a selected course. For more information, email [email protected] or call 978-355-4378 ext. 170

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 3 JILL SHEPHERD

retreatants through the ride board We offer heartfelt thanks to all those on IMS’s website. If you’re coming to a who have generously supported this course and can give others a ride, we endeavor. encourage you to post your offer on the ride board. This form of generosity greatly Help Create the Magic benefits everyone attending our programs. Once again, we are seeking group Another way of reducing costs and leaders and volunteers to assist IMSNEWS environmental impact is to share a limo our operations during two unique or taxi from and to the airport or bus 2011 courses – the Teen Retreat, WORTHNOTING and train station. This can also be set June 24-28, and the Family Retreat, up through the ride board. June 30-July 5. If you are an experienced meditator who has worked Online Teachings Dining Room Improvements with teens or children and would like to help create the magic of these Accessing IMS’s online audio offerings A modest refurbishment of the IMS courses, or if you would simply enjoy allows you to get in touch with teachings Retreat Center dining area will begin in volunteering in our Kitchen and on meditation practice before you come January, 2011. With funds already raised Housekeeping departments for on retreat and after you return home. from our Spring Appeal for this project, a few days, please let us know. By clicking on “Teacher talks & we plan to relieve the congestion around You can call us at 978-355-4378 or ” on our homepage, you’ll the dishwashing area by constructing a email [email protected]. find links to various forms of audio dedicated dish station. As well, we will dharma from both the Retreat Center install environmentally sustainable floor- Funding is also needed for special and the Forest Refuge. You can down- ing to replace the worn and cracked tiles. materials such as dharma books and art load or stream any of the recent teacher If donations allow, we will also improve supplies. Please contact us if you wish talks listed on the Audio page, or auto- the noise level on opening and closing to contribute towards the purchase of matically receive new talks by subscrib- days with an acoustical ceiling treatment. these items. ing to a podcast. You’ll also find links to teachers’ guided meditations, selected Teacher Training Graduates In 2006, IMS and Spirit Rock Meditation Center picks and interviews from News, initiated a Teacher Training Program to prepare another generation of teachers qualified IMS’s quarterly e-newsletter. to share the Buddha’s teachings with anyone practicing meditation, both experienced and new. This summer, 22 trainees completed the four-year joint training. They now join Interest in our audio offerings has been a strong body of insight meditation teachers, all contributing to the depth and breadth growing in leaps and bounds – by this of the Western Buddhist sangha. fall, close to 100,000 dharma talks will have been downloaded or streamed from dharma.org since we launched WALT OPIE this feature in the spring of 2009.

Greener Transport

Participants in our retreats are discov- ering the advantages of ride sharing. When you register for a course you’ll receive a password to connect with fellow

P a g e 4 A Groundspring Conviction in the efficacy of agency through feeling more empowered in the for Social Justice is a vital prerequisite for action. world. It is crucial for the world we The Impact of Retreat Life This is something that you can see live in right now to have a diverse when you’re on retreat – if you put range of voices that are being heard in The silence and peace of retreat life in effort, there will be a shift, and the media, and that people learn how to often nourish strong commitment to your practice becomes more powerful. represent themselves. compassionate activism and ways I keep going back on retreat to get to embody the teachings. Two IMS grounded, to understand how meditators, Rafi Santo and Amber operates. The clearer I am, the more Bemak, are involved in social justice effective I’ll be at making change in JILL SHEPHERD work. They describe here how retreat a world that needs it. practice has informed and motivated their engagement in the world. Amber Bemak literally took her first steps as a baby during an IMS family course. Rafi Santo has attended a number Over the decades since, she has returned of retreats at IMS and helped found frequently to practice at either the Retreat the Young Adults Sangha at New York Center or the Forest Refuge. Currently she Insight Meditation Center. He is the is an independent filmmaker and teaches former Director of Integral Activism at video production and media literacy to the Interdependence Project and Senior teenagers internationally. Program Associate for Global Kids. Planned Giving Time on retreat has provided a When you look at what’s going on foundation for my work with urban “So with an unhesitant mind, in the world, it’s a challenge not to teens. The students gain concrete one should give where the gift be extremely angry and harrowed. video-making skills, as well as develop- bears great fruit.” The activists I know care passionately ing the ability to analyze and decon- about the issues they’re involved with, struct the media that we watch. At the – The Buddha but we’ve found that if you try to make same time that we’re focusing on film- Planned giving is a powerful way changes from a motivation of anger, making, I emphasize the importance of to ensure that meditation retreats if you’re fueled by reactivity, you’ll listening to and understanding each will continue to transform the lives burn out – quickly. Being on retreat other’s stories, which is based on the of our participants for generations helps me clarify my intention with Buddha’s teachings of compassion to come. We invite you to join a regard to activism. It’s important to me and kindness. growing community of supporters to be coming from a place of compassion. who have designated IMS in their I love my students and believe in them estate plans. There is a relationship between your – that’s the basis for my teaching style. For more information about quality of mind and the work you do If teens are really listened to and planned giving options, please visit in the world. If you’re speaking with believed in, they will be able to embody our website or contact our the CEOs of a company that is doing their best potential. They have a lot to Development Office. something destructive to the environ- say, and what they have to say is Call 978-355-4378 ext. 230 ment, you can bring awareness to that important. Finding a way to channel or email [email protected]. moment. It will change how you their thoughts and ideas through respond if you are able to put yourself creative expression has so far been Your generosity in their role and consider how things extremely beneficial for many of them, is deeply appreciated look to them. emotionally, creatively, and also

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 5 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] JILL SHEPHERD ABOUTIMS

The Insight Meditation Society first General Information All IMS meals are vegetarian. Accom- opened its doors in 1976. Its mission modations at the Retreat Center are is to provide a spiritual refuge for Retreat Center courses feature daily simple single and double rooms; all all who seek freedom of mind and instruction in meditation and evening spaces at the Forest Refuge are single. heart. It offers meditation retreats talks about the Buddha’s teachings. Men and women do not share rooms. rooted in the Buddhist Individual or group interviews with Camping is not available. teachings of ethics, concentration the teachers take place at regular and wisdom. These practices help intervals. Silence is maintained in develop awareness and compassion most retreats at all times, except during in ourselves, giving rise to greater question and interview sessions. A typical peace and happiness in the world. daily schedule starts at 5am and ends at 10pm. The entire day is spent in IMS operates two retreat facilities silent practice comprising alternate – the Retreat Center and the Forest periods of sitting and , Refuge – which are set on some 200 as well as a one-hour work-as-practice secluded wooded acres in the quiet period. countryside of central Massachusetts. At the Forest Refuge, retreats are The Retreat Center offers a yearly based on one’s own schedule or a schedule of meditation retreats lasting wish to work with a particular teacher from a weekend to three months. (see the Teaching Schedule on page 13), Most courses are open to both new and space availability. In consultation and experienced meditators. with the teachers, a personalized program of meditation practice is The Forest Refuge is specifically designed created, designed to nurture the to support the practice of more experienced highest aspiration for liberation. meditators. Its program encourages the exploration of sustained, longer-term Support for a personal retreat includes personal retreats – a key component in the transmission of Buddhism from Asia to two individual interviews with a the West. Participants can stay for periods teacher each week and twice-weekly ranging from one week to a year or more. dharma talks in the meditation hall. Recordings of talks are also available. A group of senior teachers provides regular guidance and direction to both For those interested in practicing at the programs, as well as teaching each year Forest Refuge, there is an application themselves. In addition, recognized process. Guidelines and forms are insight meditation teachers from all over available on our website where you can the world come to give teachings. apply online, or from the office. JILL SHEPHERD

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Teacher Talks The daily schedule combines periods resources, donations must supplement of formal meditation and instruction any fee income received at this level. When a Retreat Center course is in together with five hours of work-as- progress, anyone is welcome to attend practice – in silence – in either the The Sustaining rate represents the the evening talks about the teachings, Kitchen or Housekeeping department. actual cost for IMS to operate our known as dharma talks. Those with programs. Payment at this rate lets us insight meditation experience are also Participation is limited to experienced direct income from donations towards welcome to attend group sittings. Some meditators with a high degree of helping those with lesser means to restrictions apply – please call the Retreat self-reliance. Since the work can be attend our retreats. If you can afford Center office for a daily schedule. physically demanding, a moderate this level or higher, you assist our level of physical fitness is required. efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates Teacher talks given at both the Retreat and ongoing financial subsidies. Center and the Forest Refuge are also At the Retreat Center, work retreats available at IMS’s website for down- usually coincide with scheduled courses. Regrettably, we have had to increase loading, streaming or podcasting. At the Forest Refuge, they are scheduled our fees for 2011, due to rising costs. in calendar-month blocks. Any amount paid above the Base rate Individual Retreat is a tax-deductible donation. A special application needs to be Self Retreat submitted; the only cost is a $35 nonrefundable processing fee. If you have already participated in a course Information and application forms are CAMBRIDGE at the Retreat Center and want to build available on our website. If you have INSIGHT practice confidence, you can schedule an questions about a Retreat Center work individual self retreat between courses. retreat, please call 978-355-4378 ext. 175 MEDITATION Your length of stay may not exceed the or email [email protected]. CENTER For the Forest Refuge, call longest period of teacher-led retreat that CIMC is a non-residential urban you have done at the center. 978-355-2063 or email [email protected]. center for the teaching and practice of insight meditation. Our programs During this time, you are expected Financial Information are designed to provide a strong foundation in formal meditation to meditate in silence, observe the five as well as daily life practice. Our precepts and maintain a continuity Fees schedule includes daily sittings, of practice. The sliding scale fee is weekly Dharma talks, ongoing $63-$111 per day, depending on your IMS course fees are on a sliding scale practice groups, teacher interviews, community activities, and a variety basis that allows participants to pay means. For self retreats of up to six days of weekend workshops and medi- immediately before or after a specific according to individual means. At the tation retreats. CIMC’s guiding group course, you can add the dates Retreat Center, there are four rates – teachers are Narayan Liebenson on your registration form. For self Sustaining, Mid, Base and Scholarship. Grady, and Michael Liebenson Grady. retreats of longer than six days, please The Forest Refuge has three rates – An open invitation is extended to all. call the office for an application form. Sustaining, Mid and Base, with some financial assistance available. 331 Broadway Cambridge MA 02139 Work Retreat Office: 617-441-9038 Payment at the Base rate covers just Work retreats provide a valuable over 50% of what is needed to run our 24-hour information and fax line: 617-491-5070 opportunity to explore the integration centers. To balance our budget and to of mindfulness practice with work. provide wise stewardship of our www.cambridgeinsight.org

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 7 INSIGHT

Financial Assistance For Retreat Center financial aid, you Dana can apply online or check the relevant IMS provides financial assistance box when completing the registration Dana is a Pali word that means generosity in the form of scholarships and form on page 22. Please include the or giving freely, and has played a central ‘You Choose’ fee options to those appropriate deposit. Forms can also be role throughout Buddhism’s 2,500-year- who are genuinely unable to afford downloaded from our website or old history. The spirit of generosity the cost of a retreat. requested from the office. guides all aspects of IMS’s operations.

Due to limited resources, we recommend For the Forest Refuge, complete Generosity is the first of the ten parami, that you apply for assistance as early the retreat application and indicate or qualities of character, that the Buddha as possible. Awards are distributed interest in receiving financial taught his students to cultivate. Such on a first-come, first-served basis assistance. We will contact you if practice develops lovingkindness and and may be restricted to one per your retreat application is approved. compassion, deepens awareness of our person, per year. interconnectedness and encourages We cannot guarantee that every non-attachment. Giving is said to benefit application will result in an award; both the giver and the receiver – the NEW please be assured, however, that we giver practices sharing and letting go, YORK will do our best to help you attend a and the recipient practices acceptance of retreat with us. what is presented. a small favor, INSIGHT MEDITATION CENTER NYIMC provides a place where all are welcome to begin or deepen meditation practice based on the liberation teachings of the Buddha. Programs include evenings with renowned meditation teachers, ongoing classes, daylong retreats and weekend courses for the integration of meditation teachings in daily life. Events, except where noted, are suitable for beginning as well as experienced meditators.

Our spacious and peaceful center is located in central Chelsea at:

28 W 27th St, 10th Floor (between 6th Ave & Broadway) New York NY 10001

Please check our website www.nyimc.org for information, or call 212-213-4802 JILL SHEPHERD

P a g e 8 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 a kind thought, a meal, or funds to help sustain a meditation teacher or center is a sincere form of spiritual practice.

Our teachers are continuing the ancient Buddhist monastic tradition of freely offering the teachings here in the midst of contemporary Western culture. Most Retreat Center teachers receive no com- pensation for teaching at IMS and must rely on the generosity of course partici- pants for a sustainable income. At the Forest Refuge, where there are fewer retreatants staying for longer periods, JILL SHEPHERD IMS supplements teacher dana to pro- vide an adequate offering as needed. interest in the work that we do at INSIGHT Your contributions help many teachers IMS. This presents our community to lead a life devoted to teaching both at with a valuable opportunity to MEDITATION IMS and in other parts of the world. introduce the teachings to a COMMUNITYOF Your gifts also allow teachers to take wider audience. While maintaining WASHINGTON time for their own practice, ensuring our primary commitment to supporting that their teachings are continuously your practice, IMS may agree IMCW offers training in Vipassana enriched. occasionally to requests from (Insight) meditation and related the media to visit us for reporting. Buddhist practices that awaken the One of IMS’s deepest aspirations is to Before any such request is granted, heart and mind. We serve the entire Washington, DC metro area share the Buddha’s teachings with all journalists will be carefully with programs that recognize our who are interested, regardless of their screened to ascertain, as best multicultural community and we ability to pay. We count on your gener- we can, their ability to report welcome all with an open heart. ous support to operate our centers, to fairly on our work, and with provide affordable rates and to give minimal interference. In addition to our flagship Wednesday financial assistance to approximately a night class in Bethesda, MD, which third of our retreatants. Notice will be given of any media is taught by Brach, IMCW’s visit that occurs during a retreat. programs include weekly classes Whenever you are inspired to offer a We will advise participants as and sitting groups in DC, MD and donation, you join a community directly far in advance as is practically northern VA. We also offer work- engaged in alleviating suffering and possible. We will respect the shops, residential and nonresidential bringing greater wisdom and compas- wishes of anyone who prefers weekend retreats, as well as a thriving sion to the world. not to be included, and work to community of peer-led groups. minimize any impact on our Please visit our website for a full May your practice be for the benefit of all. meditative environment and on schedule of classes, retreats and our retreatants. We appreciate other activities. Media Visits your understanding of our efforts to share the dharma in this way, and Look for us at www.imcw.org As the dharma takes root in our welcome any suggestions or questions or call us at 202-986-2922 society, various media are expressing you may have.

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 9 IMS FACULTY 2011

Core Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for Narayan Liebenson Grady is a guiding teacher of Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia has offered Theravada over 30 years, including training as a Buddhist monk in IMS and the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center and a Buddhist teachings across the US since 1990. She is a Thailand with . He began teaching in regular contributor to Buddhadharma magazine. Her student of the disciples of and Ajahn Sumedho 1984 and has led retreats worldwide. He is an IMS training includes over 30 years in the Theravada tradition and a Lay Buddhist Minister in association with Abhayagiri as well as in Chan with the late Master Sheng Yen. guiding teacher and a governing teacher at Spirit Rock. Buddhist Monastery in CA. She served as IMS Resident Teacher, 1996-1999. Kamala Masters began practicing in 1975. Steve Armstrong, a co-founding teacher of the Trained by Anagarika Munindra and U , Vipassana Metta Foundation’s dhamma sanctuary she offers the dharma in the US and abroad. She is a Sally Clough Armstrong began teaching insight on Maui shares the Buddha’s teachings on human co-founder and guiding teacher of the Vipassana meditation in 1996. She helped to found the Sharpham development and liberation of mind. Out of compassion Metta Foundation on Maui and is currently developing meditation community in England and has also served at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in several roles, including for future generations he plants trees and directs the Ho’omalamalama, a sanctuary-hermitage for long-term executive director. She is one of the guiding teachers of Burma Schools Project. practice. Spirit Rock’s Dedicated Practitioner Program. Michele McDonald has taught insight meditation studied in Burma in the early 1960s Ruth Denison around the world for 29 years, helping individuals to Pascal Auclair enjoys sharing the Buddha’s teachings with the meditation master Sayagi U Ba Khin. She has find their own natural entry points into stillness and deep with all curious people. In 2010 he graduated from the been teaching since 1973 and is founder of Dhamma liberation. She is a co-founder of Vipassana Hawai’i as well IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training Program and now as a leader of retreats for youth and Burma relief projects. Dena, a desert retreat center in Joshua Tree, CA, and teaches at these two centers. He is also a co-founder of The Center for in Germany. Larry Rosenberg studied with J. Krishnamurti and True North Insight Meditation Centre in Canada. practiced before coming to vipassana meditation. Christina Feldman is an IMS guiding teacher and co- The founding teacher of Cambridge Insight Meditation James Baraz has practiced meditation since 1974, founder of Gaia House in England. She has taught medi- Center and a former IMS guiding teacher, he is the taught since 1980 and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock tation since 1976 and has recently been involved in the author of Living in the Light of Death and Breath by Breath. Meditation Center. He leads an online meditation course, dialogue between cognitive therapies and Buddhist prac- Awakening Joy, and has written a book by the same name. tice. Her books include Compassion and The Buddhist , a co-founder of IMS and BCBS, has Path to Simplicity. practiced since 1971 and has been Rebecca Bradshaw is the guiding teacher of teaching worldwide since 1974. She is an IMS guiding the Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, MA. teacher and author of Faith, Lovingkindness and Real is a co-founder and guiding teacher She leads vipassana retreats in the US and abroad Joseph Goldstein Happiness. of IMS’s Retreat Center and Forest Refuge programs. and also works as a psychotherapist. Her teachings He has been teaching vipassana and metta retreats Rodney Smith has taught insight meditation since invite exploration of the convergence of love and wisdom. worldwide since 1974 and in 1989 helped establish 1984. He is a former Buddhist monk and worked in BCBS. The author of A Heart Full of Peace, One Dharma hospice care for 17 years. The author of Lessons Buddharakkhita was born in Uganda. and other publications, he is on sabbatical in 2011. From the Dying and Stepping out of Self-Deception, Meditating since 1993, he was ordained as a Theravada he founded and guides Seattle Insight Meditation Buddhist monk in 2002. Founder of the Uganda Buddhist Society. He is also an IMS guiding teacher. Myoshin Kelley began meditation practice in 1975. Centre, he teaches worldwide. He is a Spiritual Director Studying with teachers in both the Theravada and of Flowering Lotus in Magnolia, MS, and author of was ordained in Thailand in 1976. He Planting Dhamma Seeds. Tibetan Buddhist traditions, she has offered retreats has been closely associated with Ajahn Sumedho for 30 worldwide since 1995. Her teaching style emphasizes years, and is currently abbot of Cittaviveka Buddhist has over 30 years of meditation experi- a relaxed, caring and attentive attitude combined with Monastery in Chithurst, England. He has taught at IMS Pat Coffey ence, including intensive retreat practice under the guid- joyful interest. since 1989. ance of Pa Auk Sayadaw. He teaches internationally and founded the Insight Meditation Community of trained as a Buddhist monk in Asia. Carol Wilson has been practicing insight meditation since 1971 with a variety of teachers, including Charlottesville, VA and the Blue Ridge Prison Project. He is a co-founder of IMS and Spirit Rock, and has Sayadaw and Ashin U Tejaniya, as well as taught meditation internationally since 1974. He holds spending a year as a nun in Thailand. An IMS guiding Howard Cohn has been leading vipassana retreats a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the author of a teacher, she has been offering retreats worldwide since internationally since 1985. A psychotherapist and an number of books, including The Wise Heart and 1986, including the annual IMS Three-Month course. original member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, he After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. brings joy and passion to his teaching with an emphasis Visiting on reawakening our natural freedom. Michael Liebenson Grady has practiced insight meditation since 1973. He also trained with the late Fred von Allmen has studied and practiced under Tibetan and Theravada teachers since 1970 in Asia, Mark Coleman has taught retreats since 1997, Master Sheng Yen in the Chan tradition which emphasizes Europe and the US. He has taught retreats worldwide following extensive training in several Buddhist traditions. that each moment of your life is a practice opportunity. for 25 years. The author of several Buddhist books in He leads Wilderness Meditation courses, has a private Michael is currently a guiding teacher at the Cambridge German, he is a co-founder of the Meditation Center practice in counseling and coaching, and is the author of Insight Meditation Center. Beatenberg in the Swiss Alps. Awake in the Wild.

P a g e 1 0 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 Matthew Daniell, a Buddhist meditation and Maddy Klyne teaches retreats, practice groups and Greg Scharf has been meditating since 1992 and practitioner since 1984, teaches vipassana and beginners’ workshops, as well as programs for young teaching since 2007. He has studied with Asian and Mindfulness Yoga, inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. people at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, MA. Western teachers and trained as a monk in Burma. His Desikachar. He is a founder and the guiding teacher at teaching emphasizes the confluence of love and wisdom the Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport, MA. Ajahn Kusalo enjoys sharing his dharma experience on the path to liberation. Sky Dawson has practiced vipassana meditation since with families, having lived a life before ordaining 1981, and also has extensive experience in hospice and in in 1992. He is co-abbot of Tisarana Amita Schmidt, author of : The Life and palliative care. She has taught at IMS for several years Buddhist Monastery in Canada in the . Legacy of a Buddhist Master, is a former IMS Resident and is now the Teacher-in-Residence at the Forest Refuge. Teacher. She has a private practice in psychotherapy and spiritual counseling. Dori Langevin, Psy.D., has studied and practiced Chas DiCapua, currently the IMS Resident Teacher, insight meditation since 1997 and completed the has offered meditation since 2001. He is interested in Martina Schneider has studied and practiced vipassana IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training Program in 2010. how the personal and universal can be used towards meditation since 1996 in the US, and Burma, She is especially interested in the interface between awakening. He teaches regularly at IMS and at other where she was ordained as a nun. She has worked with Buddhist practice and addiction recovery. centers in the Northeast. the homeless, counseled people who are incarcerated, and been a hospice volunteer. Jean Esther has practiced vipassana meditation Jesse Maceo Vega-Frey’s meditation teaching aims since 1982. She teaches regularly at the Insight to inspire the determination, faith and skills necessary Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley and Smith College. Richard Shankman has been meditating since to realize the deepest freedom. He is co-founder of The Buddha’s teachings on love and wisdom underlie 1970. He teaches nationally and is the author of her practice of psychotherapy in Northampton, MA. The Stone House, a center for spiritual life and social The Experience of . He is a co-founder of the justice in Mebane, NC. Sati Center for and of Mindful Schools, Patricia Genoud-Feldman has been practicing bringing mindfulness training into low-income schools. Buddhist meditation (vipassana and ) in Annie Nugent has practiced since 1979 and was an Asia and the West since 1984 and teaching vipassana IMS Resident Teacher, 1999-2003. Her teaching style Gina Sharpe has studied and practiced Buddhism for internationally since 1997. She is a co-founder and aims to reveal how all aspects of our lives can help us over 30 years, across several traditions. She has been guiding teacher at the Meditation Centre come to a clear and direct understanding of the Truth. teaching since 1994 and co-founded New York Insight in Geneva, . Meditation Center in 1998. Andrea Fella has practiced insight meditation since Susan O’Brien has been practicing vipassana 1996, studying with both Western and Asian teachers. meditation since 1980 and has studied with a variety Bob Stahl, Ph.D., is a long-time insight meditator With an emphasis on clarity and practicality, she teaches of Asian and Western teachers. She began teaching who lived in a Burmese Buddhist monastery in the at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA, in 1996 and coordinates the Insight Meditation forest tradition of Taungpulu Sayadaw for over eight and nationally. correspondence course. years. He currently directs MBSR programs in three San Francisco Bay Area medical centers. Trudy Goodman has practiced Zen and vipassana with Pa Auk Sayadaw is the abbot of Pa Auk Forest Asian and Western teachers since 1974. She founded Thanissara, a practitioner since 1975, was a Buddhist InsightLA in Los Angeles, co-founded the Institute for Monastery in Burma. He has spent his life promoting nun for 12 years and teaches internationally. She is a Meditation and Psychotherapy in Boston, and serves the teachings of the Buddha through study, practice and director of Dharmagiri Hermitage and Outreach in South both as guiding teacher. realization. He teaches worldwide and is the author of Africa and has an MA in Buddhist Psychotherapy Practice. The Workings of Kamma and Knowing and Seeing. Ed Hauben, a long-term meditator and friend of IMS for over 30 years, has served on its Board and assisted Lila Kate Wheeler attended her first vipassana has practiced insight meditation for with the teen and family retreats since the 1980s. Yanai Postelnik retreat in 1977 and completed the IMS/Spirit Rock over 20 years and has been teaching internationally teacher training program in 2010. In addition to Ajahn Jayanto entered the monastic community since 1992. He is inspired by the Thai forest tradition teaching retreats, she writes fiction, travel journalism in 1989, training under Ajahn Sumedho and others and the natural world, and is a guiding teacher of Gaia and spiritual essays. in the Ajahn Chah forest monasteries in the UK and House, England. Thailand. He currently lives at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England. Assisted by Deborah Ratner Helzer has practiced with Western and Asian teachers in the Theravada tradition since Kittisaro, a Rhodes Scholar, spent 15 years as a monk Éowyn Ahlstrom is a long-time student of yoga and in the Forest Sangha. A director of Dharmagiri Hermitage 1995, including a year as a nun in Burma. She has been meditation. She is a certified yoga teacher and and Outreach in South Africa, he has completed two teaching in the Washington, DC area and around the therapist. Her retreat yoga classes encourage mindful year-long self retreats and teaches worldwide. country since 2001. movement and compassion for the body.

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 1 1 MARC HAMEL GREG SCHARF GREG SCHARF EMILY CARPENTER

The Forest Refuge

Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw

General Information Fees for 2011, outlined at right, are more than 60 days before your retreat effective January 1. For those who begins, fees are $100, or full deposit if A personal retreat at the Forest Refuge cannot afford the entire cost, a limited less than this was paid. Your full facilitates the natural emergence of number of ‘You Choose’ fee slots and deposit is forfeited if you cancel 60 wisdom and compassion. Within a scholarships are available. Conditions days or less before your starting date. tranquil and harmonious environment apply – please see our website or that includes private dormitory contact the office for further information. Pa Auk Sayadaw Returns accommodations, experienced insight meditators can follow their own schedule, A deposit of approximately one- Continuing the tradition of inviting settle into greater depths of practice and third of your total retreat cost is Asian teachers, the Forest Refuge is strengthen faith and self-reliance. Stays due once your application has been honored once again to host revered range from one week to a year or more. approved. Deposits are accepted Burmese meditation master Ven. online, by mail, by phone or in person. Pa Auk Sayadaw for four months, For those interested, there is an Please make your check or money July – October, 2011. This will be application process. Guidelines and an order payable to IMS, or include Visa a structured retreat, with Sayadaw’s application form are available on our or MasterCard information. teachings focusing on the development website or from our office. You can apply of the jhanas (states of strong online, or mail or fax a completed form Please contact us as soon as possible if concentration) as a foundation for to us. We will contact you when your you need to cancel. If you let us know insight meditation practice. application has been reviewed.

If there is no accommodation available at

the time you wish to come, we encourage EMILY CARPENTER you to keep your application in process. You may want to change your dates, or we can put you on a wait list, if your application is approved. There are sometimes cancellations from those already confirmed and spaces open up.

P a g e 1 2 INSIGHT

2011 FOREST REFUGE TEACHING SCHEDULE January 1 – January 31 + Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia & Sky Dawson February 1 – February 28 Annie Nugent & Sky Dawson March 1 – March 31 Susan O’Brien & Sky Dawson April 1 – April 30 Myoshin Kelley & Greg Scharf May 1 – May 31 Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia & Sky Dawson June 1 – June 30 Annie Nugent & Sky Dawson July 1 – October 31* Pa Auk Sayadaw November 1 – November 30 Carol Wilson & Sky Dawson December 1 – December 31 Rebecca Bradshaw & Sky Dawson

+ Arrivals and departures will not be possible January 12-21.

* Participants are expected to follow Sayadaw's schedule and instructions, which include observance of the eight monastic precepts. Special deposit requirements and cancellation fees apply for this retreat. Please see website for more information. A self-sustaining practice is necessary to undertake a Forest Refuge retreat. JILL SHEPHERD JILL SHEPHERD 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.

2011 SLIDING SCALE FEES (PERNIGHT)

LENGTH OF STAY SUSTAINING MID BASE

7-21 nights $111 $93 $75

22-30 nights $111 $88 $63 (effective from 1st night)

31-90 nights $111 $84 $56 (effective from 31st night)

More than 90 nights $111 $72 $33 (effective from 91st night)

Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax-deductible donation. JILL SHEPHERD JILL SHEPHERD

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 1 3 2011 Retreat Center Schedule

Dates Length Course Title Teachers

Jan 8-Jan 11 3 days Insight Meditation Retreat for Scientists and Educators Sharon Salzberg & Gina Sharpe with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Jan 26-Jan 30 4 days The Buddha’s Way to Happiness: Insight Meditation Retreat Howard Cohn & Lila Kate Wheeler with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Feb 4-Feb 11 7 days Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat Sharon Salzberg, Gina Sharpe & Mark Coleman with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Feb 11-Feb 13 2 days Finding Joy and Inner Calm in Challenging Times: Pat Coffey & Gina Sharpe Insight Meditation Weekend Feb 18-Feb 23 5 days The Art of Mindful Living: Insight Meditation Retreat Larry Rosenberg & Michael Liebenson Grady Feb 25-Feb 27 2 days Resting the Weary Heart and Mind: Insight Meditation Weekend Maddy Klyne & Chas DiCapua Mar 4-Mar 13 9 days The Mysterious Way of the Heart: Thanissara & Kittisaro Where Wisdom and Compassion Meet Mar 18-Mar 25 7 days Insight Meditation and the Heart Rodney Smith & Narayan Liebenson Grady Mar 25-Mar 27 2 days Insight Meditation Weekend for New Students Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Apr 1-Apr 6 5 days The Freedom That Includes Everything: Insight Meditation Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Chas DiCapua with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Apr 8-Apr 17 9 days Awareness Pure and Simple: Insight Meditation Retreat Carol Wilson & Steve Armstrong Apr 21-Apr 24 3 days A Resilient Heart: Insight Meditation Weekend Sharon Salzberg & Susan O’Brien with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Apr 29-May 8 9 days Holistic Awareness: Monastic Retreat Ajahn Sucitto & Ajahn Jayanto May 13-May 20 7 days Steadying the Mind, Opening to Insight Richard Shankman & Bob Stahl May 20-May 22 2 days The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Insight Meditation Weekend Mark Coleman with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) May 27-Jun 3 7 days Loving Friendliness: Metta Retreat Michele McDonald, Rebecca Bradshaw, Greg Scharf & Jesse Maceo Vega-Frey with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Jun 3-Jun 12 9 days Liberation of Mind and Heart: Insight Meditation Retreat As above May 27-Jun 12 16 days Metta & Insight Meditation Retreat As above Jun 14-Jun 19 5 days Insight Meditation Retreat Jack Kornfield, Trudy Goodman, Gina Sharpe, Pat Coffey & Martina Schneider Jun 24-Jun 28 4 days Teen Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Chas DiCapua with Jean Esther & Ed Hauben Jun 30-Jul 5 5 days Family Retreat ^ Deborah Ratner Helzer, Ajahn Kusalo & Dori Langevin Lottery course. Registration due by February 11, 2011. Jul 8-Jul 16 8 days Mindfulness, Insight, Liberation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman, Fred von Allmen & Yanai Postelnik Jul 17-Jul 24 7 days The Art of Mindful Living: Larry Rosenberg & Matthew Daniell Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students Jul 27-Aug 3 7 days Investigating Life: Insight Meditation Retreat for 18-32 Year Olds Rebecca Bradshaw, Chas DiCapua, Amita Schmidt, Pascal Auclair & Jesse Maceo Vega-Frey Aug 5-Aug 14 9 days Insight and the Art of Equanimity Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters & Deborah Ratner Helzer Aug 19-Aug 26 7 days Your Life is Your Practice: Insight Meditation Retreat Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Aug 27-Sep 2 6 days People of Color Retreat °° Sharon Salzberg, Gina Sharpe & Bhante Buddharakkhita Sep 2-Sep 5 3 days Labor Day Weekend Ruth Denison Sep 10-Oct 22 42 days Part 1 Carol Wilson, Guy Armstrong, James Baraz, Sally Clough Armstrong & Andrea Fella Oct 22-Dec 3 42 days Part 2 Myoshin Kelley, Rebecca Bradshaw, Patricia Genoud-Feldman, Annie Nugent & Greg Scharf Sep 10-Dec 3 84 days Three-Month Retreat As above Dec 9-Dec 16 7 days Women in Meditation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman, Narayan Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Dec 16-Dec 18 2 days Cultivating a Wise Heart: Insight Meditation Weekend Annie Nugent Dec 28-Jan 6, 2012 9 days Embodying the Heart of Wisdom: New Year’s Retreat Yanai Postelnik & Myoshin Kelley Please see pages 16-22 for retreat descriptions and registration information. * Fees for most Retreat Center courses do not include compensation for the teachings. There is an opportunity to offer donations to the teachers and to IMS at the end of each retreat. + Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Paying a Scholarship rate above the listed amount helps IMS offer financial assistance to more people. ++ For shorter retreats, payment in full is required on registering. • ‘You Choose’ means that you can establish your own course fee, based on your financial means. A minimum of $15 per day is required. °° For the People of Color Retreat, we offer free bus transportation between New York City and IMS on a first-come, first-served basis. ^ Please refer to pages 19-20 for additional Family Retreat information. Code Deposit Sliding Scale Fees* Sustaining Mid Base Scholarship+ WSE $240++ $335 $290 $240 $95 HC $180 $445 $375 $305 $125 SS $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 WPG $190++ $220 $205 $190 $65

LR1 $180 $555 $450 $345 $160 WCM $190++ $220 $205 $190 $65 TK $180 $1,000 $780 $560 $285

RN $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 WNS $190++ $220 $205 $190 $65 RB $180 $555 $450 $345 $160 CS $180 $1,000 $780 $560 $285 WSS $240++ $335 $290 $240 $95 MR $135 $1,000 $780 You Choose • N/A SHARETHEBENEFITS RS $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 WMC $190++ $220 $205 $190 $65 OFPRACTICE MM1 $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 Offer Financial Assistance MM2 $180 $1,000 $780 $560 $285 MM3 $180 $1,780 $1,395 $1,005 $505 Each year, generous contributions JK $180 $555 $450 $345 $160 support the practice of many TR $305 $445 $375 $305 $125 participants in our programs – FAM (Adult) $180 $625 $545 $460 $160 from a new student attending (Child) $280 $315 $265 $215 $160 CF $180 $890 $695 $500 $250 an initial weekend retreat to an LR2 $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 experienced practitioner spending a year or more in silence. Please YA $105 $780 $610 You Choose • N/A consider joining the community of donors who help make IMS SK $180 $1,000 $780 $560 $285 retreats possible for those who NMLG $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 cannot afford the entire cost. POC $90 $670 $525 You Choose • N/A WRD $240++ $335 $290 $240 $95 PT1 $375 $4,675 $3,510 $2,340 $1,325 IMS is committed to offering PT2 $375 $4,675 $3,510 $2,340 $1,325 financial assistance – in the form of ‘You Choose’ fee spaces or 3MO $750 $9,340 $7,010 $4,675 $2,645 scholarships – to retreatants as WOM $180 $780 $610 $435 $220 needed, and we appreciate your WAN $190++ $220 $205 $190 $65 support of that commitment. NY $180 $1,000 $780 $560 $285 Contributions can be sent to: IMS, Attn: Donations 1230 Pleasant Street Barre MA 01005 To donate online, visit our website.

PHOTO ABOVE: ELIZABETH VIGEON F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org PHOTOS AT LEFT: JILL SHEPHERD AND EMILY CARPENTER MARC HAMEL

In the company of researchers, educators, therapists and others involved in the broad areas of the mind and social sciences, participants will have an opportunity to develop the qualities of wisdom and compassion, through in-depth instruction in mindfulness practice. Conforming to the spirit of empirical science, this is simply a means of training our minds to become more keenly concentrated and aware. Although drawn from the Buddhist meditative tradition, The Retreat Center the teachings do not in any way COURSEDESCRIPTIONS require an adherence to Buddhism or a rejection of personal faith.

Insight Meditation Metta Held mostly within a context of silence and simplicity, the course will include Insight Meditation (vipassana in Pali, Metta is the Pali word for friendship or discussion groups towards the end. An the language of the original Buddhist lovingkindness. It is taught as a meditation optional daily period of yoga will teachings) is the simple and direct that cultivates our natural capacity for be offered. CEs are available. practice of moment-to-moment an open and loving heart. With its roots mindfulness. Through careful and in practices said to have been taught by The Buddha’s Way to sustained observation, we experience the Buddha himself, metta is traditionally Happiness: for ourselves the ever-changing flow of offered along with meditations that Insight Meditation Retreat the mind/body process. This awareness enrich compassion, joy in the happiness leads us to accept more fully the pleasure of others and equanimity. These practices The Buddha was called ‘the Happy and , fear and joy, sadness and lead to the development of concentration, One.’ His life and practice provided the happiness that life inevitably brings. fearlessness, happiness and a greater foundation for what he later described As insight deepens, we develop greater ability to love. as the and the Noble equanimity and peace in the face of Eightfold Path. This retreat will follow change, and wisdom and compassion Insight Meditation Retreat the Buddha’s path of mindfulness, increasingly become the guiding for Scientists and Educators concentration and lovingkindness, principles of our lives. illustrating how each of us can move from Recent studies have demonstrated attachment to freedom, from confusion to The Buddha first taught vipassana over the positive influence that wisdom clarity and from tension to ease. 2,500 years ago. The various methods and compassion can have on our lives of this practice have been well preserved and in our society. These qualities Sitting and walking in silence, and in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. form a foundation for emotional investigating the flow of experience IMS retreats are all rooted in this ancient intelligence and balance of mind to moment by moment, we can relinquish and well-mapped path to awakening, arise, allowing humanity – in all its the causes of suffering and reclaim our and draw on the full spectrum of this diversity – to live and work together natural happiness. An optional daily tradition’s lineages. in greater harmony. period of yoga will be offered.

P a g e 1 6 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 INSIGHT

Finding Joy and Inner Calm Resting the Weary Heart with patterns of self. As structures of in Challenging Times: and Mind: Insight Meditation the self are gently released from grasping Insight Meditation Weekend Weekend and aversion, our heart knows the emptiness and peace of its original Regardless of the conditions in one’s life, Life is a stream of constantly changing nature. Authentic, compassionate it is possible to experience increasing joy experiences and events. Some of these response and intuitive understanding arise, and greater internal peace. This weekend we tend to embrace and some we push and the non-dual nature of emptiness course, suitable for both beginning and away. This weekend course will help us and appearance is recognized. seasoned meditators, will explore the to connect with the utter simplicity of perspective and practices that allow the present moment. Through this Pali chanting and recitation will and support inner radiance to prevail. connection we can open to an inner be included in the course’s daily schedule. spaciousness that is refreshing and heal- An optional early-morning bowing The Art of Mindful Living: ing, enabling us to live our lives with more practice centered on Kuan Insight Meditation Retreat balance, ease, kindness and wisdom. Yin and optional periods of will This retreat is suitable for both beginning also be offered. The core of insight meditation is the and experienced meditators. practice of mindfulness, that quality of Insight Meditation and awareness that sees without judgment. The Mysterious Way of the the Heart Sitting and walking meditation, the first Heart: Where Wisdom and steps in formal practice, become the Compassion Meet The way of meditation is the way of the foundation and continuous inspiration heart. This retreat, open to both new and for meeting all aspects of life with a This retreat focuses on the embodiment experienced meditators, will focus on the greater openness and willingness to of wisdom and compassion. Through path of the heart, and how awareness learn. The ordinary activities of retreat the cultivation of samadhi (a gathering gives access to the joys and sorrows of life become a part of the practice of our heart, mind and body energies), life with ever increasing sensitivity, because the challenges they offer help we establish a healing foundation for stability and love. An optional daily period us develop the art of mindful living. insight into our mistaken identification of yoga will be offered. The teachers will be assisted by Ron Denhardt.

Insight Meditation Weekend

EMILY CARPENTER for New Students

This introductory weekend is designed for those who are new to insight meditation, as well as for those who may have a meditation practice but who have not yet attended this kind of retreat. A continuity of mindfulness will be emphasized in a supportive and silent atmosphere. Sitting and walking periods will be shorter than the standard IMS course format and the schedule will also include talks and periods of discussion.

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 1 7 INSIGHT

The Freedom That Includes Awareness Pure and Simple: Holistic Awareness: Everything: Insight Meditation Insight Meditation Retreat Monastic Retreat Retreat “The mind is not yours, but you are Western nuns and monks from the The Buddha’s teachings offer us a way responsible for it.” With this paradoxical Thai Buddhist monastic tradition to open to the wide range of joy and statement, introduces teach each year at the Retreat sorrow that is part of our human life. us to the possibility of seeing deeply Center. The 2011 course will focus This retreat will encourage a kindness- habituated patterns with less reactivity on Holistic Awareness – accessing an infused awareness of our experience as and living with a greater sense of awareness that supports and balances it arises in each moment. Extensive well-being. When steady awareness the body, heart and mind. Retreatants guidance will be provided in how to observes the naturally-occurring are asked to observe the eight monastic meet challenges of body, heart and mind experiences of the body, mind and precepts (which include abstaining with compassionate presence. In doing mental activity, intuitive wisdom from eating after noon each day) and so, we can discover true freedom without spontaneously arises. to participate fully in the daily routine rejecting any aspect of ourselves. Our of sitting, standing and walking mindfulness practice will be supported This retreat offers teachings and meditation. Each day, group practice by periods of lovingkindness (metta) instructions integrated from will begin with an offering of flowers, meditation and optional daily yoga. complementary Buddhist meditative light (in the form of candles) and traditions. These include recognizing fragrance (incense), as well as chanting obstructive mental habits, developing to the Triple Gem. skillful attitudes, and cultivating awareness of mind leading to wise Steadying the Mind, understanding. Suitable for beginning Opening to Insight as well as experienced students, this course will also feature a slightly Concentration is often taught as a modified schedule and format from separate practice from insight ELIZABETH VIGEON other IMS retreats. meditation. This retreat, however, Offer a Meal will integrate concentration, A Resilient Heart: mindfulness and insight into a single Help us to continue a tradition that Insight Meditation Weekend meditative path, using mindfulness of has flourished in Asia since the time breathing as the foundational practice. of the Buddha – the offering of meals This weekend is an opportunity to to spiritual practitioners. Donating rediscover the resiliency of the human Practicing in this way, the mind toward the cost of a meal is a direct spirit. Especially in the face of daily becomes more collected and centered, way to support the IMS community. challenges, balance of heart and mind leading to deep states of concentration, You can select a date for your gift is key to sustaining ourselves. peace, clarity and calm abiding. that might celebrate a birthday, honor At the same time, awareness opens someone who has died or commemorate To cultivate this equanimity, three naturally into mindfulness of the another of life’s milestones. essential meditative skills are needed body and states of the heart and the – concentration, mindfulness and mind, revealing the Four Foundations Please visit our website for more compassion. This course will guide us of Mindfulness. information. in developing these skills and move us Thank you for your support towards deeper care, both for ourselves This retreat is suitable for both beginning and for others. and seasoned meditators.

P a g e 1 8 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Insight Meditation Weekend

What exactly is mindfulness? How do we cultivate it so we bring a kind, caring attention to all that we do and all that we are? Participants in this weekend course will gain an experiential understanding of how this quality can transform our lives. Through sitting and walking meditations, talks and discussions, we can develop our EMILY CARPENTER awareness and see the causes of both suffering and happiness. We can discover Liberation of Mind and Heart: within a supportive environ- how mindfulness directly contributes Insight Meditation Retreat ment. Extensive supervision is provided. to a genuine sense of well-being, joy, non-reactivity and ultimately profound This course will explore the Buddha’s Family Retreat freedom and peace. teachings on liberation of mind and heart. Through learning to connect This course for families is an invitation This is an excellent retreat for anyone with our mind/body process with to free our hearts and minds in the very relatively new to mindfulness meditation interest and acceptance, we develop midst of our roles and relationships. as well as for those wishing to refresh greater understanding and compassion, Guided by the teachings of the Buddha, and deepen their understanding of this thereby extending our ability to meet we learn to nurture an attitude of essential Buddhist practice. Optional life’s changes with graceful ease kindness, care and attention in all periods of mindfulness yoga will also and serenity. With guidance from activities, from traditional rituals in the be offered. the teachers, participants will be hall to spontaneous play with friends. encouraged to develop trust in their Through meditation, dharma teachings, Loving Friendliness: own practice. discussions and community gatherings Metta Retreat we explore the unfolding of wisdom, An optional period of joy and compassion. The teachers will This metta retreat will provide the support will take place each day to deepen our be assisted by Ofosu Jones-Quartey needed to touch into the wordless depths ability to soften, relax and connect for this retreat. of our own heart. There, we can with our bodies. experience its essential boundlessness A program for children aged 2-13 and our capacity to love and embody Teen Retreat years is included; it is staffed by kindness. Teachings and practices volunteers who coordinate age- on compassion, joy in the happiness This retreat is specifically for teens, appropriate activities. A parent or of others and equanimity will also aged 14-19. It offers beginning friend needs to stay with any child be offered. meditation instruction, half-hour under two years old at all times. sitting and walking periods, facilitated Regrettably, this retreat is not open An optional period of mindful yoga will discussion groups, meditative arts to teens aged 14 or older unless take place each day to deepen our ability and free time. This allows young adults they are invited to serve as Young to soften, relax and connect with our bodies. to develop and value their natural Adult Helpers.

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 1 9 INSIGHT

Each family unit pays an additional remaining registrations; those not selected, Investigating Life: Insight fee for the children’s program. This as well as any late registrations will be put Meditation Retreat for is on a sliding scale basis, ranging on a wait list. 18-32 Year Olds from $60 to $175. Please specify the name, full date of birth and gender of Mindfulness, Insight, Liberation: This retreat specifically addresses the all children when you register. Insight Meditation Retreat practice needs of new and experienced meditators in the challenging years of For those with allergies, please This insight meditation retreat will early adulthood. The format includes note that IMS serves peanut butter explore the Four Foundations of daily meditation instruction, group at some meals. Mindfulness, as taught in the and individual interviews, opportunities discourse given by the for questions and discussion as well Due to the popularity of this retreat and our Buddha. It is a profound teaching that as afternoon yoga sessions. The course wish to support continuity for regulars as encourages us to place the path of freedom will end with a day of activities well as accessibility for new participants, all and compassion into the classroom of centered on supporting community applications received by February 11, 2011 our lives, nurturing a heart that is and integrating the practice into will be processed as follows: half of available receptive and unshakeable. Each day our daily lives. spaces will be given to families who have will offer a sustained schedule of formal attended three out of the past five years, or meditation practice (both insight and Insight and the Art two out of the last three years, by lottery lovingkindness), meetings with the of Equanimity from all qualifying registrations. Families teachers, talks and instructions, all who have registered for the last two years within an environment of silence. In insight meditation, we practice without getting a place are automatically moment-to-moment observation of our confirmed – please notify us if this is the The Art of Mindful Living: experiences through an open, precise case, prior to the lottery deadline. The balance Insight Meditation Retreat and accepting awareness. In the of places will be drawn by lottery from all for Experienced Students practice of equanimity, we develop a non-reactive and engaged mind. The core of insight meditation is Together, these two practices provide the practice of mindfulness, that a stable foundation for investigating quality of awareness that sees attitudes that condition understanding. without judgment. Sitting and Momentum in insight practice and the walking meditation, the first steps art of equanimity foster clarity and in formal practice, become the confidence from which we can live foundation and continuous inspiration with wisdom and compassion. This for meeting all aspects of life with a course is suitable for beginners and greater openness and willingness to experienced meditators; a warm learn. The ordinary activities of retreat welcome is extended to all. life become a part of the practice because the challenges they offer help People of Color Retreat us develop the art of mindful living. This insight meditation course, Participants are required to have sat co-sponsored by IMS and New York at least one meditation retreat lasting Insight Meditation Center, creates a a week or longer in any Buddhist space of ease and support for people of tradition. Please document this color to meditate together and cultivate

CHRIS TALBOT when registering. inner freedom. It provides an in-depth

P a g e 2 0 CHRIS TALBOT www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 Dharma Seed

Listen online or download teachings experience of the Buddha’s teachings concentration, wisdom and compassion. and guided meditations on mindful awareness, illuminating a path Based on the meditation instructions of given at IMS and toward healing and greater happiness. and supplemented by Those without previous meditation a range of skillful means, this retreat other dharma centers. experience are encouraged to participate. will encourage a balanced attitude of relaxation and alertness, and the continuity Freely offered at Our wish is to make this retreat of practice based on the Buddha’s Four www.dharmaseed.org

accessible to anyone who would like Foundations of Mindfulness. JILL SHEPHERD to attend. We offer a ‘You Choose’ fee option, charging a minimum of just $15 Every participant will be offered a Cultivating a Wise Heart: per day. Those who can contribute private room. Insight Meditation Weekend more, however, help ensure that the community of POC meditators continues Prerequisite is two retreats of a week Life presents us with the challenge of to flourish. Free bus transportation is or more with a recognized insight med- living from a place of wisdom and its provided on a first-come, first-served basis itation teacher, or special permission. resulting true happiness, rather than between New York City and IMS. Please document this experience, from delusion and its corresponding including teachers’ names, dates and suffering. Insight meditation leads us Labor Day Weekend length of courses when registering. towards that wisdom. By simply You will also need to submit a question- observing our bodies and minds, we Ruth Denison is a vipassana dharma naire when signing up – your course begin to know experience as it presents elder whose style of teaching is unique participation cannot be confirmed until itself. As understanding deepens, we can in the IMS schedule. Her body-focused this is received and approved. live life with a wiser and more loving teachings invite students to drop below heart. This retreat aims to strengthen the level of concept into the direct Special cancellation fees and deadlines apply. our understanding, enabling us to use experience of life. In addition to 3MO and Part 1: up to July 16, 2011, $100; everything in life as food for freedom. sitting and walking meditation, Ruth afterwards, $350 for 3MO and $250 for Part 1. spontaneously guides the moment-to- Part 2: up to August 27, 2011, $100; afterwards, Embodying the Heart of moment development of awareness in $250. Please note that these amounts will Wisdom: New Year’s Retreat movement, chanting and playful apply even if you wish to move from any celebration. While the retreat is held part of the course to another. The Buddha’s teachings offer a path- in noble silence, continuous meditation way to discover , freedom instruction will be given during her Women in Meditation: and the compassionate heart. Through teaching periods. Insight Meditation Retreat understanding the way things are, we can come to know what it means to Ruth will be assisted by Jain Hein, and In the classical context of silence and awaken in the midst of our life, to be will be celebrating her 89th birthday sustained insight meditation practice, deeply connected to our experience, during this time. women have gathered together on this and yet not bound by it. annual retreat for more than 25 years, Three-Month Retreat creating a powerful sense of community This retreat will focus on cultivating a that supports our capacity for deepening quality of conscious presence that This three-month course, including its wisdom and compassion. There are embraces our heart, mind and body six-week partials, is a special time for daily talks, instructions, guided loving- with acceptance and wisdom. Insight practice. Because of its extended length kindness practice and meetings with meditation practice will be supported by and ongoing guidance, it is an opportunity the teachers. An optional period of instructions, lovingkindness meditation for students to deepen the powers of yoga will be offered each day. and regular meetings with the teachers.

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 2 1 ¡ Retreat Center Registration Mail your completed form to IMS, 1230 Pleasant Street, Barre MA 01005, USA To register online and for ride sharing information, please visit 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 ______Zip______Check K if new address. Old address ______Phone ______Cell ______Email ______M K F K Year of birth ______Do you smoke? ______Do you snore? _____ Please indicate any physical disabilities or special needs to assist us in assigning your room. ______

Retreat experience (for LR2, 3MO, PT1 & PT2 courses). Please list teacher names, dates, course length and locations. (Attach extra paper if necessary.) ______I wish to apply for financial assistance 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 if registering. Deposit and fee amounts for the duration of the retreat. The full 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 14-15). of length of stay. begins. Your full deposit is forfeited after Our sliding scale fee structure allows • If a course is full, you will be placed that. (For weekend retreats, cancellation fees are $50/$125. For courses 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 Three-Month Retreat is more stringent • We will advise you of your course a cancellation fee will apply. If no – see page 21 for details. status within two weeks of receiving opening occurs, your deposit will • All cancellation fees support our your registration. be refunded. Scholarship Funds.

P a g e 2 2 www.dharma.org F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 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 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.

2011 Schedule Jan 7-9 Self & Our Unconscious Construction of Reality Bill Waldron Jan 14-16 Living in the Home & Beyond Christopher Ives Jan 21-23 Natural & Brain Evolution Rick Hanson Jan 28-30 Buddhist Understanding of Teaching & Learning Claire Stanley & Jack Millett Feb 4-9 Program: An Exploration of Experience Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia Feb 11-16 Course for ISPP Participants Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia The Insight Journal is a free BCBS Feb 19 Zen Teaching of No-Thought: the Platform Peter Gregory publication, containing articles of lasting Feb 25-27 Metaphor, Meaning & Change: Finding Mindfulness Arnold Kozak interest on the integration of scholarly Mar 3-6 Mindfulness & Psychotherapy (by application) Paul Fulton & Kate Lila Wheeler understanding with meditative insight. Mar 11-13 Expressing the Inexpressible in Zen Poetry Roshi Pat O’Hara If you would like to be added to our Mar 18-21 Recognizing the Dhamma Ajahn Thanissaro mailing list, please call or email us. Mar 25-27 Four Heavenly Abodes (for Helping Professionals) Rebecca Bradshaw & Jean Esther Apr 8-17 Paticca-samuppada & Jhana Leigh Brasington Apr 22-24 Right : Seeing According to Dhamma Ajahn Punnadhammo Integrated Study & Apr 30 Making Friends with the Thinking Mind Myoshin Kelley Practice Program May 1 Paradoxes of Meditative Effort Jake Davis May 1-6 Study & Meditation for College-aged Students Andrew Olendzki & Claire Stanley BCBS offers a one-year program May 6-8 Mindfulness & Children Susan Greenland that integrates meditation practice (for Classroom/Healthcare Professionals) with study of Buddhist thought, May 13-15 Mindfulness: Its Friends & Relatives Ajahn Sucitto allowing experienced vipassana May 20-22 Samadhi & Jhana in Buddhist Meditation Richard Shankman May 27-29 Emptiness & Form: Exploring the Mu Soeng meditators to explore the Buddha’s Jun 3-8 Course for ISPP Participants Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia teachings and their relationship Jun 12-17 Essentials of Buddhist Psychology Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia to practice. Jun 19-24 Secular Dharma: Meditation & Study Retreat Stephen Batchelor & Admission to the program is by Jun 26-Jul 3 Unity of Love & Wisdom in Dzogchen Practice application only. The 2010-2011 Jul 22-24 Open Heart, Steady Hands: Buddhist Caregiving Willa Miller & Chris Berlin ISPP is closed. For information

about future programs, please For full course descriptions and registration information, please request our catalog by email us at [email protected]. emailing [email protected] or visiting www.dharma.org/bcbs.

F a l l • W i n t e r 2010/2011 www.dharma.org P a g e 2 3 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage INSIGHTNEWSLETTER 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. PHOTOS: EMILY CARPENTER

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