INSIGHT NEWSLETTER

FALL WINTER Developing Samadhi :

2009/2010 Practicing Concentration An Interview with Marcia Rose & Pat Coffey IMS Schedules: The Retreat Center 2010 Teachers Marcia Rose and Pat Coffey have over 60 years’ meditation experience The Forest Refuge 2010 between them. Marcia has led retreats at IMS for 18 years; she is also the founder and Interviews with Teachers guiding teacher of The Mountain Hermitage in Taos, New Mexico. Pat began teaching in 1997; he is the founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville, IMS News & Developments Virginia and the Blue Ridge Prison Project. More recently, both have been drawn to the BCBS Schedule: concentration and insight practices offered by Burmese meditation master Pa Auk 2010 Listing Sayadaw and, in 2008, he authorized them to teach according to his method. Here they explore the topic of samadhi – meditative concentration – and its benefits.

Marcia & Pat, what is the Buddhist increasingly focused, clear, relaxed, understanding of concentration? serene and peaceful.

Marcia: In Buddhist practice, Pat: The word ‘concentration,’ although concentration is defined as a gathering a frequent translation of the Pali term together of the energy of the mind. samadhi , is a bit limited. When the mind is Usually, our minds wander randomly well established in samadhi, a rich range from one thing to another and this of mental factors simultaneously arise, potentially powerful energy is dispersed. including tranquility, equanimity, light - In order to harness and stabilize it, we ness, flexibility, faith and mindfulness. need to focus our attention on an object. The breath is often used as such an There’s also an ethical element, the sense object since it’s always with us and is of right and wrong, as well as honesty. readily available. For example, successful thieves have great concentration – they can really focus As we repeatedly attend to an object on the task at hand, but they certainly of concentration, the mind becomes don’t have samadhi.

(continued on page 2)

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSIGHT MEDITATION SOCIETY T K T I A V N A Z E L O L Y R N I R B E K O R

directly to the movement of the legs and feet, and the sensations taking place there.

Does attitude play a role in cultivating samadhi?

Marcia: Definitely! Relaxation, humor and interest are very helpful and in fact necessary in concentration practice. I would start with relaxation – it’s at the Marcia Rose Pat Coffey crux. This is because it prevents difficulties (continued from page 1) from arising as concentration deepens. Can you give some examples Or, we can develop samadhi by placing Trying too hard and striving to achieve of concentration practices? our attention on one specific aspect of the certain pleasant mind states can result in breath, such as a small spot under the tightness and suffering. We can lose a Pat: The collection of techniques that nostrils. In this case, we’re not paying flexibility of mind and a lightness of being. cultivate concentration can be sorted into attention to all the breath’s various two baskets. You’re either developing sensations, but instead simply resting the Pat: I love the paradox that the very samadhi through continuous mindfulness mind on that particular point as each in- deepest levels of samadhi described by of changing phenomena , or through breath and out-breath crosses back and the Buddha require a light, relaxed maintaining awareness on a single point forth. Imagine sawing a log. As the saw countenance toward the whole process. or object. moves back and forth, there are many We need to bring to it both a robust elements involved with that movement. energy yet also profound relaxedness. With the breath, we can pay attention to But in this case, we’re resting our attention If students approach concentration its many features, such as movement, solely on where the cut is happening. practice with curiosity and ease of vibration and pressure, and remain mindful heart, they will fare much better. What’s with the entire moment-to-moment flow Marcia: Practicing lovingkindness, helpful is an attitude of, “Hey, this is of experience as each breath unfolds. When compassion and other qualities known as interesting, let’s see what this practice we do that, we’re deepening concentration the Brahma Viharas , or ‘divine abodes,’ can is all about!” It’s simply unproductive through continuous mindfulness. also develop and deepen concentration. to attempt to force the mind into one If we’re repeating phrases, we can pay concentrated state or another. The Gift of Meditation attention to their meaning and visualize the beings that are receiving the good How does concentration OFFER A RETREAT TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE wishes we’re sending. We can also notice help insight to unfold? IMS GIFT CERTIFICATES the felt sense of each quality in itself. Support friends or family members to We can choose any one of these objects, or Marcia: In beginning a mindfulness- participate in any IMS retreat for which use all three of them at times. As we practice , based meditation practice our mind they qualify. We will send a certificate the mind becomes filled with samadhi. needs to learn to be at least somewhat for the value of the gift; it is valid for concentrated. To connect with our seven years from the date of issue Walking meditation can also contribute experience, to truly know what is and can be applied as full or partial to the deepening of concentration. It is coming in through the sense doors of payment for a selected course. often one of the first and easiest ways for the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue, For more information, people to develop samadhi. During a the touch, and the mind itself requires email registration@dharma.org period of somewhat slowed-down walking , focus and stability. A tranquil and steady or call (978) 355-4378 ext. 170 we simply bring a focused attention mind allows this kind of intimacy with

Page 2 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 INSIGHT

our experience and is absolutely Marcia: Within less than a week after past, or fantasizing, the whole mind- necessary for insight to arise. returning home from a three-month body system gets a rest. Research has concentration retreat, also with Pa Auk verified the healing benefits of basic The ability to stay focused develops over Sayadaw, my income taxes were due. mindfulness practice, which includes time. What happens is that we’re con - I have to admit that I dread tax the development of concentration, of necting with and concentrating on our preparation every year. Sure enough, samadhi. Studies show an increase in object one moment, but in the next, the old habits of mind went into full gear with the immune function as well as the mind has suddenly veered off somewhere . thoughts coming up such as, “There’s just ability to recover more quickly from We’ve lost touch with the immediacy of no way I can do this. I can’t think like this the emotional wear and tear of our direct experience and have become now, especially after my retreat.” suffering and loss. absorbed in fantasy or memory or planning . At that point we need to gather the attention But to my great surprise and delight, Marcia : Concentration practice, leading back again to the object. Every time we do when I eventually sat down at my desk to a mind more steeped in the qualities this, concentration gets stronger and the and began the work, I found the task of samadhi, helps infuse our everyday mind becomes a little bit brighter and clearer. amazingly easy. Completing my return activities with wisdom and lends an went more quickly than ever before. openheartedness and spaciousness to This cycle happens again and again, I was well focused, and simply did what our interactions. Contentment, joy throughout all the years of our practice. It’s needed to be done without resistance. and ease are more often and more like a graceful dance – concentration and It was actually almost fun! readily available. These beautiful and mindfulness continually interweaving back wholesome qualities profoundly reduce and forth with each other. Pat: When the mind is more relaxed, restlessness and agitation – destructive rested and unified through concentration emotions such as worry and regret How does samadhi benefit practice, we have a wonderful tool to help have nowhere to abide. our everyday lives? us live our lives. We can aim this integrated energy toward all kinds of exploration. Pat: Concentration is a very practical tool We can contemplate the big spiritual Marcia and Pat will lead a 5-day course, for living. Last year, while I was sitting a questions like the nature of suffering, Wise Concentration: Steadying the Mind long retreat of samadhi practice at the impermanence or the self, or the quality at IMS’s Retreat Center, December 18-23, Forest Refuge with Pa Auk Sayadaw, of love. Or, we can direct this clearer, 2009. Visit www.dharma.org for more the economy went through a meltdown. cohesive, malleable mind toward more information. When I got home, I had to deal with everyday questions like how to work with significant financial changes as well as a a troubled relationship, how to solve a difficult set of relational and emotional gnawing problem, or how to hit a ball! issues going on around me. But what I Whatever we’re dealing with, the gathered , INSIGHT noticed in myself was a pronounced tranquil mind is more likely to offer NEWSLETTER increase in equanimity. As I endeavored skillful insights into the challenges at A publication of to sort through everything and help where hand than a scattered, reactive mind. the Insight Meditation Society

I could, I was able to remain present with 1230 Pleasant Street • Barre MA 01005 • USA my own and others’ suffering in a much Can concentration practice www.dharma.org deeper way than before. As the ability to improve our health? (978) 355-4378 • [email protected] collect the mind’s energy increases, we can Editors: Gyano Gibson & Daphne Slocombe stay present in intense situations without Pat: Concentration reduces stress. Production: Daphne Slocombe & Marc Hamel Photos: Libby Vigeon (unless otherwise indicated) reacting or running away. We can make It’s restorative. When the mind is Design: Lux Productions more skillful choices and act constructively gathered into a concentrated state, Printed in Canada on paper containing with greater wisdom and compassion. and not off in the future, rehashing the 50% recycled content using soy-based inks.

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 3 recession, we have begun implementing Help Create the Magic a limited number of ‘You Choose’ fee slots for certain Retreat Center courses. Once again, we are seeking group If your situation meets these requirements , leaders and volunteers to assist our please check our online Retreat Center operations during two unique 2010 schedule on a regular basis for updates. courses – the Teen Retreat, June 24- 28, and the Family Retreat, July 1-6. Audio Offerings If you are an experienced meditator IMS NEWS who has worked with teens or children It is now possible to download, stream and would like to help create the magic WORTH NOTING or subscribe to podcasts of IMS teacher of these courses, or if you would simply talks directly from our website – simply enjoy volunteering in our Kitchen and click on the ‘Teacher talks & meditations ’ Housekeeping departments for a few Extra Assistance Efforts link on our homepage. Following the days, please let us know. You can call ancient Buddhist tradition of dana us at (978) 355-4378 or email In addition to the one-third of all IMS (generosity), these talks are freely [email protected]. retreatants who already receive some offered. Thank you to Dharma Seed form of financial aid each year, the for providing this service. Funding is also needed for special recession has resulted in an increased materials such as dharma books and number of requests coming in for Consider burning CDs as gifts for art supplies. Please contact us if financial assistance. friends and family, or for mindful you wish to contribute towards listening as you drive! the purchase of these items. Our annual Spring Appeal , usually dedicated to building improvements, L E M

raised funds instead this year to help A H C R

meet this need. Thanks to your A M generosity, we have been able to provide greater levels of support, making retreat time available to those who could not otherwise afford the cost.

For several years now, we have offered a scholarship rate at the Retreat Center of $30 a day. To stretch our various scholarship funds further, we have introduced a sliding scale scholarship fee structure, with the $30 daily rate as the base scholarship fee. For anyone wishing to apply for this form of assistance, you can now choose a rate that best suits your means. By paying at a higher level, you make more funds available for others.

And for those experiencing extreme economic hardship as a result of the

Page 4 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 Finding a Spiritual Home A Donor’s Story

Constance Sable was a professional cook until 1985, when she took a degree in accounting and financial planning. For the past ten years she has worked in the trusts and estates department of a law firm and volunteers at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. Here she tells what moved her to donate to IMS.

Throughout my life, volunteering The retreat turned out to be a terrific the value of even small contributions has given me tremendous satisfaction. experience. During interviews, the – every bit helps. I decided to join If someone is needed to put on an teachers would ask me if I had any IMS’s Sustaining the Sangha monthly event or to organize a group to do questions. I’d feel moved to tears and giving program. something, my hand goes up. I know simply say, “I’m just so happy to be here.” what a difference volunteers can make. In the course of my work as a paralegal , But until relatively recently, I didn’t One of the teachers at that initial I have learned what happens to the know how to take care of myself while course spoke about renunciation. property of someone who dies intestate, also giving to others. He said it wasn’t only about giving without making a will. I knew that I up the usual stuff, but also about didn’t want this to happen to my own Several years ago, I was struggling letting go of everything that stands estate. I don’t have a lot to leave, but I with a lot of stress. To feel good in the way of our spiritual practice. want it to go to organizations whose about myself, I’d taken on too much. I thought, “Yes, I can do that.” work I value. IMS is one of these. So I started looking online for information about Buddhist teachings I then made a decision to attend a Being on retreat and having time with and discovered IMS. I searched retreat each year. During the second the teachers is very meaningful for me. through the retreats being offered course, I began to ask, “Who am I I’m grateful that I’m in a position to and signed up for one. I didn’t know when I’m not volunteering?” The third contribute, whether through the the teachers, I didn’t understand year, I sat a metta (lovingkindness) Sustaining the Sangha program or the title, but it fit my schedule and retreat and found that sending metta through a bequest, to help ensure that I knew I wanted to give it a try. to myself helped balance the time IMS continues to be here, for others and energy I gave to others. My stress and for myself. When I first arrived at IMS levels have gone down. I immediately felt a sense of Please consider including IMS in your coming home. The grounds At some point, it became important to estate or monthly giving plans. For more reminded me of the woods give back to IMS. I realized that I information, contact our Development office and fields where I spent time would be able to offer a lot more by at (978) 355-4378 ext. 230 or as a child. And my yogi job was having an amount charged automatically [email protected]. in the kitchen, which was perfect to my credit card each month than for me – I was a professional waiting until the end of the year to If you have already designated IMS as the cook for many years and I love make an annual donation. Having beneficiary of a legacy gift, we would love to to feed people. worked with non-profits, I know hear from you.

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 5 D R E H P E H S L L I J

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] ABOUT IMS

The Insight Meditation Society first General Information opened its doors in 1976. Its mission is to provide a spiritual refuge for Retreat Center courses feature daily All IMS meals are vegetarian. Accom- all who seek freedom of mind and instruction in meditation and evening modations at the Retreat Center are heart. It offers meditation retreats talks about the Buddha’s teachings. simple single and double rooms; all rooted in the Theravada Buddhist Individual or group interviews with spaces at the Forest Refuge are single. teachings of ethics, concentration the teachers take place at regular Men and women do not share rooms. and wisdom. These practices help intervals. Silence is maintained in Camping is not available. 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 walking meditation , Refuge – which are set on some 200 as well as a one-hour work period. secluded wooded acres in the quiet countryside of central Massachusetts. At the Forest Refuge, retreats are based on one’s own schedule or a The Retreat Center offers a yearly wish to work with a particular teacher schedule of meditation retreats lasting (see the Teaching Schedule on page 13), from a weekend to three months. and space availability. In consultation Most courses are open to both new with the teachers, a personalized and experienced meditators. program of meditation practice is created, designed to nurture the The Forest Refuge is specifically designed highest aspiration for liberation. to support the practice of more experienced meditators. Its program encourages the Support for a personal retreat includes exploration of sustained, longer-term two individual interviews with a personal retreats – a key component in the transmission of Buddhism from Asia to teacher each week and twice-weekly the West. Participants can stay for periods dharma talks in the meditation hall. ranging from one week to a year or more. Recordings of talks are also available.

A group of senior teachers provides For those interested in practicing at the regular guidance and direction to both Forest Refuge, there is an application programs, as well as teaching each year process. Guidelines and an application themselves. In addition, recognized form are available from the office or insight meditation teachers from all over can be downloaded from our website. the world come to give teachings. You can also apply online. PASCAL AUCLAIR

Page 6 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 INSIGHT

Teacher Talks Participation is limited to experienced from donations towards helping those meditators with a high degree of with lesser means to attend our retreats. When a Retreat Center course is in self-reliance. Since the work can be If you can afford this level or higher, you progress, anyone is welcome to attend physically demanding, a moderate assist our efforts to offer lower sliding- the evening talks about the teachings, level of physical fitness is required. scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies. known as dharma talks; those with insight meditation experience are also At the Retreat Center, work retreats Regrettably, we have had to modestly welcome to attend group sittings. Some usually coincide with scheduled courses . increase some of our fees for 2010, due restrictions apply – please call the Retreat At the Forest Refuge, a one-month to rising costs. However, the minimum Center office for a daily schedule. commitment is ideal. rates for scholarships and the ‘You Choose’ option remain unchanged. Individual Retreat A special application needs to be submitted; the only cost is a $35 non- Any amount paid above the Base rate Self Retreat refundable processing fee. Information is a tax-deductible donation. and application forms are available on If you have already participated in a course our website. If you have questions at the Retreat Center and want to build about a Retreat Center work retreat, NEW practice confidence, you can schedule an please call (978) 355-4378 ext. 175 or YORK individual self retreat between courses. email [email protected]. For the INSIGHT Your length of stay may not exceed the Forest Refuge, call (978) 355-2063 or longest period of teacher-led retreat that email [email protected]. MEDITATION you have done at the center. CENTER Financial Information NYIMC provides a place where all During this time, you are expected are welcome to begin or deepen Fees to meditate in silence, observe the five meditation practice based on the precepts and maintain a continuity liberation teachings of the Buddha. of practice. The sliding scale fee is IMS course fees are on a sliding scale Programs include evenings with $60-$108 per day, depending on your basis that allows participants to pay renowned meditation teachers, means. For self retreats of up to six days according to individual means. At the ongoing classes, daylong retreats immediately before or after a specific Retreat Center, there are four rates – and weekend courses for the group course, you can add the dates Sustaining, Mid, Base and Scholarship. integration of meditation teachings in daily life. Events, except where on your registration form. For self The Forest Refuge has three rates – noted, are suitable for beginning retreats of longer than six days, please Sustaining, Mid and Base, with some as well as experienced meditators. call the office for an application form. financial assistance available. Our spacious and peaceful center Work Retreat Payment at the Base rate covers less is located in central Chelsea at: than 50% of what is needed to run our Work retreats provide a valuable centers. To balance our budget and to 28 W 27th St, 10th Floor opportunity to explore the integration provide wise stewardship of our (between 6th Ave & Broadway) of mindfulness practice with work. resources, donations must supplement New York NY 10001 The daily schedule combines periods any fee income received at this level. Please check our website of formal meditation and instruction www.nyimc.org together with five hours of work – The Sustaining rate represents the actual for information, or call in silence – in either the Kitchen cost for IMS to operate our programs. (212) 213-4802 or Housekeeping department. Payment at this rate lets us direct income

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 7 INSIGHT

Financial Assistance For a Retreat Center scholarship, 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 role throughout Buddhism’s 2,500-year- who are genuinely unable to afford be 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 are generally restricted to one your retreat application is approved. compassion, deepens awareness of our per 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 INSIGHT please be assured, however, that we giver practices sharing and letting go, MEDITATION will do our best to help you attend and the recipient practices acceptance of COMMUNITY OF a retreat with us. what is presented. Offering a small favor , WASHINGTON

IMCW offers training in Vipassana (Insight) meditation and related Buddhist practices that awaken the heart and mind. We serve the entire Washington, DC metro area with programs that recognize our multicultural community and we welcome all with an open heart.

In addition to our flagship Wednesday night class in Bethesda, MD, which is taught by Tara Brach, IMCW’s programs include weekly classes and sitting groups in DC, MD and northern VA. We also offer work - shops, residential and nonresidential weekend retreats, as well as a thriving community of peer-led groups.

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 MARC HAMEL

Page 8 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 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 compensation for teaching at IMS, and must rely on the generosity of course participants for a sustainable income. At the Forest Refuge, where there are fewer retreatants staying for STANLEY SAGOV longer periods, IMS offers its teachers a monthly honorarium. Your contributions interest in the work that we do at help many teachers to lead a life IMS. This presents our community devoted to teaching both at IMS and with a valuable opportunity to CAMBRIDGE in other parts of the world. Your gifts introduce the teachings to a INSIGHT also allow teachers to take time for wider audience. While maintaining their own practice, ensuring that their our primary commitment to supporting MEDITATION teachings are continuously enriched. your practice, IMS may agree CENTER occasionally to requests from CIMC is a non-residential urban One of IMS’s deepest aspirations the media to visit us for reporting. center for the teaching and practice is to share the Buddha’s teachings Before any such request is granted, of insight meditation. Our programs with all who are interested, regardless journalists will be carefully are designed to provide a strong of their ability to pay. We count screened to ascertain, as best foundation in formal meditation on your generous support to operate we can, their ability to report as well as daily life practice. Our our centers , to provide affordable fairly on our work, and with schedule includes daily sittings, rates and to give financial minimal interference. weekly Dharma talks, ongoing assistance to approximately a classes and practice groups, teacher interviews, and a variety of third of our retreatants. Notice will be given of any media weekend workshops and meditation visit that occurs during a retreat. retreats. CIMC’s guiding teachers Whenever you are inspired to offer We will advise participants as are Narayan Liebenson Grady, a donation, you join a community far in advance as is practically Larry Rosenberg and Michael directly engaged in alleviating possible. We will respect the Liebenson Grady. suffering and bringing greater wisdom wishes of anyone who prefers An open invitation is extended to all. and compassion to the world. not to be included, and work to minimize any impact on our 331 Broadway May your practice be for the benefit of all. meditative environment and on Cambridge MA 02139 our retreatants. We appreciate Office: (617) 441-9038 Media Visits your understanding of our efforts 24-hour information and fax line: to share the dharma in this way, and (617) 491-5070 As the dharma takes root in our welcome any suggestions or questions Website: www.cimc.info society, various media are expressing you may have.

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 9 IMS FACULTY 2010

Core Ajahn Amaro began his training in Thailand in 1978 Narayan Liebenson Grady is a guiding teacher of Pascal Auclair has practiced meditation since 1997 with Ajahn Chah. He was a senior monk at Amaravati IMS and the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center and a and is finishing the 4-year IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Buddhist Monastery in England, and now is the co-abbot regular contributor to Buddhadharma magazine. Her Training Program. He enjoys sharing the Buddha’s at Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood Valley, CA, a branch training includes over 30 years in the Theravada tradition teachings with all curious people, and especially monastery in the forest meditation tradition. as well as in Chan with the late Master Sheng Yen. delights in witnessing their liberating insights. is the founder and senior teacher of the Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for Kamala Masters began practicing in 1975. Tara Brach Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC. She over 30 years, including training as a Buddhist monk Trained by Anagarika Munindra and Sayadaw U Pandita, she offers the dharma in the US and abroad. She is a has practiced meditation since 1975 and leads Buddhist in Thailand with Ajahn Buddhadasa. He began teaching co-founder and guiding teacher of the Vipassana Metta meditation retreats throughout North America. She is a in 1984 and has led retreats worldwide. He is an IMS Foundation on Maui and is currently developing clinical psychologist and the author of Radical Acceptance . guiding teacher and a governing teacher at Spirit Rock. Ho’omalamalama, a sanctuary-hermitage for long-term practice. Rebecca Bradshaw is a senior teacher at the Steve Armstrong , a co-founding teacher at the Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, MA. Vipassana Metta Foundation’s dhamma sanctuary- Michele McDonald has taught insight meditation She is also a psychotherapist and the Buddhist Advisor hermitage on Maui, encourages development of all around the world for 29 years, helping individuals to at Mt Holyoke College. Her teachings invite exploration good human qualities. He offers a variety of Buddhist find their own natural entry points into stillness and deep of the convergence of love and wisdom. mindfulness practices designed to strengthen an liberation. She is a co-founder of Vipassana Hawai’i as well is the founding teacher of San Francisco unshakeable sense of well-being. as a leader of retreats for youth and Burma relief projects. Eugene Cash Insight. He is a Spirit Rock teacher where he co-founded Larry Rosenberg practiced Zen in Korea and and leads the Dedicated Practitioners Program. He also Ruth Denison studied in Burma in the early 1960s teaches the Diamond Approach ® in the Bay Area with with the meditation master Sayagi U Ba Khin. She has Japan before coming to vipassana. He is the founding teacher of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center A.H. Almaas. been teaching since 1973 and is founder of Dhamma and the author of Living in the Light of Death and Dena, a desert retreat center in Joshua Tree, CA, and Breath by Breath . Sally Clough Armstrong began practicing vipassana The Center for Buddhism in the West in Germany. meditation in India in 1981. She moved to the Bay Area in 1988, and worked at Spirit Rock until 1994 in a Sharon Salzberg , a co-founder of IMS and BCBS, Christina Feldman is an IMS guiding teacher and has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1971 and has number of roles, including executive director. She began co-founder of Gaia House in England. She has taught been teaching worldwide since 1974. She is an IMS teaching in 1996, and is one of the guiding teachers of Spirit Rock’s Dedicated Practitioner Program. meditation since 1976 and has recently been involved in guiding teacher and author of The Kindness Handbook , the dialogue between cognitive therapies and Buddhist Faith and Lovingkindness . Pat Coffey has over 30 years of meditation practice. Her books include Compassion and The Buddhist experience, including intensive retreat practice under Path to Simplicity. Rodney Smith has been teaching insight meditation the guidance of Pa Auk Sayadaw. He teaches nationally since 1984. He is a former Buddhist monk and worked and founded the Insight Meditation Community of Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder and guiding teacher in hospice care for 17 years. The author of Lessons Charlottesville, VA and the Blue Ridge Prison Project. of IMS’s Retreat Center and Forest Refuge programs. From the Dying , he is the founding and guiding teacher He has been teaching vipassana and metta retreats for the Seattle Insight Meditation Society and an IMS Howard Cohn has been leading vipassana retreats guiding teacher. worldwide since 1974 and in 1989 helped establish internationally since 1985. A psychotherapist and an original member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, he BCBS. He is the author of A Heart Full of Peace , One Carol Wilson has been practicing meditation since Dharma , The Experience of Insight and Insight Meditation . brings joy and passion to his teaching with an emphasis 1971 with a variety of renowned teachers, including on reawakening our natural freedom. Sayadaw U Pandita and Ashin U Tejaniya. An IMS Myoshin Kelley began meditation practice in 1975. guiding teacher, she has been offering retreats worldwide Mark Coleman has taught retreats since 1997, Studying with teachers in both the Theravada and Tibetan since 1986, including the annual IMS Three-Month course. following extensive training in several Buddhist traditions. Buddhist traditions, she has offered retreats worldwide He leads Wilderness Meditation courses, has a private since 1995. Her teaching style emphasizes a relaxed, Visiting practice in counseling and coaching, and is the author caring and attentive attitude combined with joyful interest. of Awake in the Wild . Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia has offered Theravada Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Asia. Buddhist teachings across the US since 1990. Matthew Daniell , a Buddhist meditation and yoga He is a co-founder of IMS and Spirit Rock, and has She is a student of the disciples of Ajahn Chah and practitioner since 1984, teaches vipassana and taught meditation internationally since 1974. He holds Ajahn Sumedho and a Lay Buddhist Minister in Mindfulness Yoga, inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. association with Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in CA. a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the author of a Desikachar. He is a founder and the resident teacher at She served as IMS Resident Teacher, 1996-1999. the Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport, MA. number of books, including The Wise Heart and After the Ecstasy, the Laundry . Ven. Ariya Ñani was born in Switzerland, and Sky Dawson has practiced vipassana meditation since ordained with Sayadaw U Janaka in Burma in 1992. 1981 and completed the IMS Teacher Training Program Michael Liebenson Grady has been practicing She leads retreats worldwide, and currently lives at in 2005. She lives in Western Australia where she insight meditation since 1973. He is a guiding teacher Sayadaw U Indaka’s center where she teaches and teaches the dharma. She also has extensive experience at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. translates for foreign meditators. in hospice and palliative care.

Page 10 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 Chas DiCapua , currently the IMS Resident Teacher, Catherine McGee has practiced and studied Buddhist Amita Schmidt , author of Dipa Ma: The Life has offered meditation since 1998. He is interested in meditation since 1992, and has taught at Gaia House in and Legacy of a Buddhist Master , is a former how each person can fully and uniquely manifest the England and internationally since 1997. She is also a Resident Teacher at IMS. She currently combines dharma. He teaches regularly at sitting groups and student of the Diamond Approach of A.H. Almaas. the teaching of non-dual awareness with her foundation centers close to IMS. in Buddhist practice. Phillip Moffitt is a member of the Spirit Rock Mark Epstein , M.D., has practiced insight meditation Teachers Council and the founder of the Life Balance Richard Shankman has been meditating since since meeting IMS founders in 1974. He is a psychiatrist Institute. He teaches vipassana meditation and is the 1970. He teaches nationally and is the author of and author of a number of books about the interface of author of Dancing with Life , a book exploring the The Experience of Samadhi . He is a co-founder of the Buddhism and psychotherapy, including Thoughts without Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. Sati Center for Buddhist Studies and of Mindful Schools, a Thinker and Going to Pieces without Falling Apart . bringing mindfulness training into low-income schools. Jean Esther has practiced vipassana meditation Annie Nugent has practiced since 1979 and was an IMS Resident Teacher, 1999-2003. Her teaching style Gina Sharpe has studied and practiced Buddhism for since 1982. She teaches regularly at the Insight over 30 years, across several traditions. She co-founded Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley and Smith College. aims to reveal how all aspects of our lives can help us New York Insight in 1998, and has been teaching The Buddha’s teachings on love and wisdom underlie come to a clear and direct understanding of the Truth. her practice of psychotherapy in Northampton, MA. since 1994. Susan O’Brien has been practicing vipassana Anushka Fernandopulle has practiced and studied meditation since 1980 and has studied with a variety Bob Stahl , Ph.D., is a long-time insight meditator meditation in the US and Asia for most of her life. In addition of Asian and Western teachers. She began teaching who lived in a Burmese Buddhist monastery in the to retreat teaching, she is engaged with the arts, nature, in 1996 and coordinates the Insight Meditation forest tradition of Taungpulu Sayadaw for over eight service work and progressive social justice movements. correspondence course. years. He currently directs MBSR programs in five San Francisco Bay Area medical centers. Patricia Genoud-Feldman has been practicing Sayadaw U Pandita is one of the foremost living Buddhist meditation (vipassana and Dzogchen) masters of insight meditation and has guided many IMS Thanissara , a practitioner since 1975, was a Buddhist in Asia and the West since 1984 and teaching teachers in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The author nun for 12 years and teaches internationally. She is a vipassana internationally since 1997. She is a of several books, including In This Very Life , he continues director of Dharmagiri Hermitage & Outreach in South co-founder and guiding teacher at the Meditation to offer the dharma in Burma and worldwide. Africa and has an MA in Buddhist Psychotherapy Practice. Centre Vimalakirti in Geneva, Switzerland. Sayadaw U Vivekananda has trained under Yanai Postelnik has been practicing insight has practiced Zen and Vipassana Sayadaw U Pandita since 1988. He has taught Trudy Goodman meditation for 20 years. He has been teaching with Asian and Western teachers since 1974. Trudy internationally since 1998, guiding meditators in internationally since 1992, and is inspired by the Thai founded InsightLA in Los Angeles, co-founded the English, Burmese, German and French. He is the forest tradition and the natural world. He is the Dharma Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy in Boston, resident teacher at Panditarama Lumbini International and serves both as Guiding Teacher. Director of Gaia House, England. Vipassana Meditation Center in Nepal.

Ed Hauben , a long-term meditator and friend of IMS Ajahn Punnadhammo is the abbot of Arrow River Pamela Weiss is a meditation teacher and executive for over 30 years, has served on its board and assisted Forest Hermitage in northern Ontario. He has studied and coach. She has practiced Buddhism for over 20 years, with the Teen and Family retreats since the 1980s. practiced Buddhism since 1979, and was ordained in including several years of Zen monastic training. She is Thailand in the forest tradition of Ajahn Chah in 1992. currently part of the IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training Kittisaro , a Rhodes Scholar, spent 15 years as a monk Program. in the Forest Sangha. A director of Dharmagiri Hermitage Deborah Ratner Helzer has practiced with Western & Outreach in South Africa, he has completed two and Asian teachers in the Theravada tradition since Lila Kate Wheeler has practiced Dharma since 1977 year-long self retreats and teaches worldwide. 1995, including a year as a nun in Burma. She has been in Asia and the West, and began teaching meditation in teaching in the Washington, DC area and assisting with the mid-1980s. A writer of fiction and journalism, she is Maddy Klyne teaches classes and workshops as well retreats around the country since 2001. as special programs for young people at the Cambridge completing her second novel about Buddhists in the US. Insight Meditation Center, MA. Marcia Rose has practiced Buddhist meditation since Larry Yang , a longtime meditator, trained as a 1970. She is the guiding teacher for The Mountain psychotherapist, has taught meditation since 1999 Ajahn Kusalo has interest and experience in offering Hermitage in Taos, NM and was IMS Resident Teacher from the teachings to families, having lived a householder life and is a core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in before ordaining in New Zealand in 1992. He is co-abbot 1991-1995. Marcia’s US and international teaching is Oakland, CA. He has practiced in Southeast Asia and at Tisarana, a Buddhist monastery in Canada in the Thai rooted in the Pa Auk Forest Monastery and Mahasi lineages. was a Buddhist monk in Thailand. forest tradition. Greg Scharf has been meditating since 1992. He has Assisted by Dori Langevin , Psy.D., has studied and practiced studied with a variety of teachers both in Asia and the insight meditation since 1997 and will complete the West, and trained as a Buddhist monk in Burma. He is Éowyn Ahlstrom is a long-time student of yoga and IMS/Spirit Rock Teacher Training Program in 2010. particularly interested in the role of service in the path of meditation. She is a certified yoga teacher and massage She is especially interested in the interface between awakening. Greg has been teaching residential retreats therapist. Her retreat yoga classes encourage mindful mindfulness practice and addiction recovery. since 2007. movement and compassion for the body.

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 11 L E M A H C R A M

The Forest Refuge

General Information Fees for 2010, outlined at right, 2010 Program Highlights are effective January 1. For those A personal retreat at the Forest Refuge who cannot afford the entire cost, Continuing the tradition of inviting facilitates the natural emergence of a limited number of ‘You Choose’ Asian teachers, the Forest Refuge is wisdom and compassion. Within a fee spaces are available, allowing honored once again to host revered tranquil and harmonious environment you to establish your own course Burmese meditation master Sayadaw that includes private dormitory rate based on your financial means. U Pandita for the month of June, accommodations, experienced insight A minimum of $10 per night is 2010. Together with Sayadaw U meditators can follow their own schedule, required. Vivekananda , he will guide a settle into greater depths of practice and structured retreat, based on the strengthen faith and self-reliance. Stays A deposit of approximately one-third practice methods of Mahasi Sayadaw. range from one week to a year or more. of your total retreat cost is due once your application has been approved. A lottery will be conducted for this For those interested, there is an (The minimum deposit for anyone special course. If interested, please application process. Guidelines and an on a ‘You Choose’ fee option is $50.) commit to the entire month of practice application form are available on our Deposits are accepted online, and ensure that your application website or from our office. You can apply by mail, by phone or in person. reaches us by October 15, 2009. online, or mail or fax a completed form Please make your check or money to us. We will contact you when your order payable to IMS, or include In September, 2010, Phillip Moffitt application has been reviewed. Visa or MasterCard information. will teach at the Forest Refuge for the first time, together with Myoshin If there is no accommodation available at Please contact us as soon as possible Kelley . And in October, Ven. Ariya the time you wish to come, we encourage if you need to cancel. If you let us Ñani will return to offer the dharma you to keep your application in process. know more than 60 days before with Marcia Rose . Ordained as a nun You may want to change your dates, your retreat begins, fees are: $100 17 years ago, Ariya Ñani’s teachings or we can put you on a wait list, if your (or full deposit if less than this was emphasize “a continuity of awareness application is approved. There are paid). Your full deposit is forfeited if – a steady flow of mindfulness – sometimes cancellations from those you cancel 60 days or less before your throughout the day, throughout all the already confirmed and spaces open up. starting date. different body postures and activities.”

Page 12 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 INSIGHT

2010 FOREST REFUGE TEACHING SCHEDULE January 1 – January 31 + Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia & Annie Nugent February 1 – February 28 Rebecca Bradshaw & Sky Dawson March 1 – March 31 Kamala Masters & Sky Dawson April 1 – April 30 Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley May 1 – May 31 Joseph Goldstein & Greg Scharf June 1 – June 30 * Sayadaw U Pandita & Sayadaw U Vivekananda July 1 – July 31 Patricia Genoud-Feldman & Susan O’Brien August 1 – August 31 Annie Nugent & Pascal Auclair September 1 – September 30 Myoshin Kelley & Phillip Moffitt October 1 – October 31 Ven. Ariya Ñani & Marcia Rose November 1 – November 30 Susan O’Brien & Sky Dawson December 1 – December 31 Myoshin Kelley & Sky Dawson

+ Arrivals and departures will not be possible January 18 – 24.

* Lottery course – application due by October 15, 2009. Participants are expected to follow the Sayadaws’ schedule and instructions, which include observance of the 8 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.

2010 SLIDING SCALE FEES (PER NIGHT)

LENGTH OF STAY SUSTAINING MID BASE

7-21 nights $108 $90 $71

22-30 nights $108 $84 $60 (effective from 1st night)

31-90 nights $108 $81 $53 (effective from 31st night)

More than 90 nights $108 $70 $31 (effective from 91st night) JILL SHEPHERD

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 13 2010 Retreat Center Schedule

Dates Length Course Title Teachers

Jan 8-Jan 15 7 days Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat for Scientists and Educators Sharon Salzberg, Guy Armstrong, Sally Clough Armstrong & Mark Coleman Jan 29-Feb 3 5 days Uncovering the First Foundation of Mindfulness: Insight Meditation Retreat Richard Shankman & Bob Stahl Feb 7-Feb 14 7 days Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat Sharon Salzberg, Mark Coleman, Gina Sharpe & Lila Kate Wheeler with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Feb 19-Feb 24 5 days The Art of Mindful Living: Insight Meditation Retreat Larry Rosenberg & Michael Liebenson Grady Feb 25-Feb 28 3 days True Refuge: Realizing and Embodying Loving Presence Tara Brach & Pat Coffey Mar 5-Mar 14 9 days The Mysterious Way of the Heart: Where Wisdom and Compassion Meet Thanissara & Kittisaro Mar 19-Mar 26 7 days Women in Meditation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman, Narayan Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Mar 26-Mar 28 2 days The Power of Mindfulness: Insight Meditation Weekend Christina Feldman & Chas DiCapua Mar 31-Apr 4 4 days The Buddha’s Way to Happiness: Insight Meditation Retreat Howard Cohn & Lila Kate Wheeler Apr 8-Apr 11 3 days The Platform of Joy: A Benefit Weekend Sharon Salzberg & Mark Epstein with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga)

Apr 15-Apr 18 3 days The Wisdom of Letting Go: Insight Meditation Weekend Annie Nugent & Sky Dawson Apr 20-Apr 25 5 days The Power of Presence: Insight Meditation Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Pascal Auclair with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Apr 30-May 9 9 days Monastic Retreat Ajahn Amaro, Ajahn Punnadhammo & Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia May 14-May 23 9 days Insight Meditation Retreat Jack Kornfield, Trudy Goodman, Gina Sharpe, Lila Kate Wheeler & Chas DiCapua May 28-Jun 4 7 days Loving Friendliness: Metta Retreat Michele McDonald, Rebecca Bradshaw & Greg Scharf with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Jun 4-Jun 13 9 days Liberation of Mind and Heart: Insight Meditation Retreat As above May 28-Jun 13 16 days Metta & Insight Meditation Retreat As above Jun 14-Jun 20 6 days People of Color Retreat °° ^ Joseph Goldstein, Gina Sharpe & Larry Yang Jun 24-Jun 28 4 days Teen Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Chas DiCapua with Jean Esther & Ed Hauben Jul 1-Jul 6 5 days Family Retreat** Ajahn Kusalo, Pascal Auclair, Deborah Ratner Helzer & Dori Langevin Lottery course. Registration due by February 12, 2010. Jul 9-Jul 16 7 days The Art of Mindful Living: Larry Rosenberg & Matthew Daniell Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students Jul 18-Jul 25 7 days Mindfulness, Insight, Liberation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman & Rodney Smith Jul 28-Aug 4 7 days Investigating Life: Insight Meditation Retreat for 18-32 Year Olds ^ Rebecca Bradshaw, Chas DiCapua, Amita Schmidt, Anushka Fernandopulle & Pascal Auclair Aug 6-Aug 15 9 days Insight and the Art of Equanimity Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters & Sky Dawson Aug 20-Aug 27 7 days Your Life is Your Practice: Insight Meditation Retreat Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Aug 27-Aug 29 2 days Your Life is Your Practice: Insight Meditation Weekend Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady Sep 3-Sep 6 3 days Labor Day Weekend Ruth Denison Sep 11-Dec 4 84 days Three-Month Retreat Joseph Goldstein Sep 11-Oct 23 42 days Part 1 Carol Wilson, Guy Armstrong, Sally Clough Armstrong & Sky Dawson Oct 23-Dec 4 42 days Part 2 Rebecca Bradshaw, Patricia Genoud-Feldman, Annie Nugent & Greg Scharf Dec 10-Dec 17 7 days Insight Meditation and the Heart Rodney Smith & Narayan Liebenson Grady with Éowyn Ahlstrom (Yoga) Dec 17-Dec 19 2 days Meditating with a Light Heart: Insight Meditation Weekend Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia Dec 28-Jan 6, 2011 9 days Embodying the Heart of Wisdom: New Year’s Retreat Yanai Postelnik, Eugene Cash, Catherine McGee & Pamela Weiss 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. + Schola rshi ps are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Paying a Schola rship rate above the listed amount helps IMS offer financial assistance to more people. ++ For weekend retreats , payment in full is required on registering. ° Proceeds will benefit IMS. • ‘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. °° For the People of Color Retreat , we offer free bus transportation between New York City and IMS on a first-come, first-served basis. ^ This retreat is supported in part by a grant from the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation For American Buddhism. ** Please refer to page 19 for additional Family Retreat information. Code Deposit Sliding Scale Fees* Sustaining Mid Base Scholarship + MSE $180 $755 $580 $405 $210 RS $180 $540 $435 $330 $150 SS $180 $755 $585 $415 $210

LR1 $180 $540 $435 $330 $150 WTB $230 ++ $325 $280 $230 $90 TK $180 $970 $755 $535 $270 WOM $180 $755 $585 $415 $210

WCF $180 ++ $215 $200 $180 $60 HC $180 $430 $360 $290 $120 WB Full Fee Benefit Retrea t ° Flat Rate: $600 WAN $230 ++ $325 $280 $230 $90 RB $180 $540 $435 $330 $150 MR $50 $970 $755 You Choose • N/A SHARE THE BENEFITS JK $180 $970 $755 $535 $270 OF PRACTICE MM1 $180 $755 $585 $415 $210 Offer Financial Assistance MM2 $180 $970 $755 $535 $270 MM3 $180 $1,730 $1,345 $955 $480 Each year, generous contributions POC $50 $650 $515 You Choose • N/A TR $290 $430 $360 $290 $120 support the practice of many FAM (Adult) $180 $605 $545 $440 $150 participants in our programs – (Child) $280 $305 $280 $205 $150 from a new student attending LR2 $180 $755 $585 $415 $210 an initial weekend retreat to an experienced practitioner spending CF $180 $755 $585 $415 $210 a year or more in silence. Please YA $50 $755 $585 You Choose • N/A consider joining the community SK $180 $970 $755 $535 $270 of donors who help make IMS NMLG $180 $755 $585 $415 $210 retreats possible for those who cannot afford the entire cost. WNM $180 ++ $215 $200 $180 $60 WRD $230 ++ $325 $280 $230 $90 3MO $750 $9,070 $6,655 $4,450 $2,520 IMS is committed to offering PT1 $375 $4,540 $3,385 $2,230 $1,260 financial assistance – in the form PT2 $375 $4,540 $3,385 $2,230 $1,260 of ‘You Choose’ fee spaces or RN $180 $755 $585 $415 $210 scholarships – to retreatants as WT $180 ++ $215 $200 $180 $60 needed, and we appreciate your NY $180 $970 $755 $535 $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.

PHOTO ABOVE: JILL SHEPHERD Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org PHOTOS AT LEFT: MARC HAMEL & JOHN HOLLAND compassion can have on our lives and in our society. These qualities form a foundation for empathy and emotional intelligence to arise, allowing humanity – in all its diversity – to live and work together in greater harmony.

Participants will receive an in-depth M O

R training in metta meditation. Conforming T S L H

A to the spirit of empirical science, it is N Y

W simply a means of training our minds O É to become more keenly concentrated and aware while cultivating our innate The Retreat Center capacity for an open and loving heart. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Although drawn from the Buddhist meditative tradition, the practices taught do not in any way require an Insight Meditation Metta adherence to Buddhism or a rejection of personal faith. Insight Meditation ( vipassana in Pali, Metta is the Pali word for friendship or the language of the original Buddhist lovingkindness. It is taught as a meditation Please document your professional teachings) is the simple and direct that cultivates our natural capacity for affiliation when registering. 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 Uncovering the First sustained observation, we experience the Buddha himself, metta is traditionally Foundation of Mindfulness: 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 Mindfulness of the body is the first and pain, fear and joy, sadness and lead to the development of concentration , of the Buddha’s teachings known happiness that life inevitably brings. fearlessness, happiness and a greater as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness . As insight deepens, we develop greater ability to love. This retreat will explore its six distinct equanimity and peace in the face of groups of practices – the breath, the change, and wisdom and compassion Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat four postures of the body, mindfulness increasingly become the guiding for Scientists & Educators of all activities, the 32 parts of the principles of our lives. body, the four material elements and This retreat is an opportunity to nine cemetery meditations. The Buddha first taught vipassana over advance the study of the human 2,500 years ago. The various methods mind, in the company of researchers, Many meditators are familiar with of this practice have been well preserved educators, therapists and others the first three practices. The last three, in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism . involved in the broad areas of the however, are rarely taught in the IMS retreats are all rooted in this ancient mind and social sciences. West. Participants in this course will and well-mapped path to awakening, gain a systematic and comprehensive and draw on the full spectrum of this Recent studies have demonstrated exposure to the entire range of these tradition’s lineages. the positive influence that love and body practices.

Page 16 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 INSIGHT

The Art of Mindful Living: the emptiness and peace of its original The Power of Mindfulness: Insight Meditation Retreat nature. Authentic, compassionate Insight Meditation Weekend response and intuitive understanding The core of insight meditation is arise, and the non-dual nature of Learning to be present wholeheartedly, the practice of mindfulness, that emptiness and appearance is recognized . with kindness and mindfulness, is a quality of awareness that sees without gateway to the deepest understanding judgment. Sitting and walking Pali chanting and mantra recitation that transforms our minds and lives. meditation, the first steps in formal will be included in the course’s daily Suitable for both beginning and practice, become the foundation and schedule. An optional early-morning experienced meditation students, continuous inspiration for meeting all bowing practice centered on this weekend will offer talks about aspects of life with a greater openness Bodhisattva Kuan Yin and optional the Buddha’s teachings, instructions and willingness to learn. The ordinary periods of qigong will also be offered. for practice and times for questions. activities of retreat life become a part of the practice because the challenges Women in Meditation: The Buddha’s Way to they offer help us develop the art Insight Meditation Retreat Happiness: Insight Meditation of mindful living. Retreat In the classical context of silence and True Refuge: Realizing and sustained insight meditation practice, The Buddha was called ‘the Happy One.’ Embodying Loving Presence women have gathered together on this His life and practice provided the annual retreat for more than 25 years, foundation for what he later described Our suffering is rooted in not realizing creating a powerful sense of community as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble who we are. This retreat explores how that supports our capacity for deepening Eightfold Path. This retreat will follow the practices of unconditional presence wisdom and compassion. There are daily the Buddha’s path of mindfulness, and compassion can awaken us from talks, instructions, guided lovingkindness concentration and lovingkindness, the trance of separate self and free us practice and meetings with the teachers. illustrating how each of us can move from to live from the love and awareness D N A L

that is our essence. L O H N H O The teachers will be assisted by J Jonathan Foust for this weekend.

The Mysterious Way of the Heart: Where Wisdom and Compassion Meet

This retreat focuses on the embodiment of wisdom and compassion. Through the cultivation of samadhi (a gathering of our heart, mind and body energies), we establish a healing foundation for insight into our mistaken identification with patterns of self. As structures of the self are gently released from grasping and aversion, our heart knows

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 17 INSIGHT

attachment to freedom, from confusion to Middle Path. The Buddha called it ‘the Retreatants are asked to observe the clarity and from tension to ease. way to enlightenment.’ This retreat, eight monastic precepts (which include celebrating Buddhist practice but also abstaining from eating after noon each Sitting and walking in silence, and drawing on the wisdom of contemporary day) and to participate fully in the investigating the flow of experience psychotherapy, will create opportunities daily routine of sitting, standing and moment by moment, we can relinquish to experience this joy for ourselves and walking meditation. Each day, group the causes of suffering and reclaim our to use it to deepen our understanding. practice will begin with an offering of natural happiness. flowers, light (in the form of candles) This insight meditation course, suitable and fragrance (incense), as well as The Platform of Joy: for both beginners and experienced chanting to the Triple Gem. A Benefit Weekend meditators, is offered as a benefit to support IMS’s mission. Periods of Loving Friendliness: Within longing, behind addiction, optional daily yoga will be included. Metta Retreat beneath rage and under confusion lies a joy accessible to all. Uncovered by The Wisdom of Letting Go: This metta retreat will provide the the Buddha during a period of self- Insight Meditation Weekend support needed to touch into the investigation preceding his awakening, wordless depths of our own heart. this joy became the wellspring of his Insight meditation is an opportunity There, we can experience its essential psychology and the foundation of his to understand how suffering and its boundlessness and our capacity to love causes manifest. With this understanding , and embody kindness. Teachings and we can experience life from a place of practices on compassion, joy in the authentic wisdom and learn to let go of happiness of others and equanimity the burdens we carry. This brings an will also be offered. increasing sense of ease and well being into all aspects of our lives. An optional period of mindful yoga will take place each day to deepen our The Power of Presence: ability to soften, relax and connect with Insight Meditation Retreat our bodies.

Offer a Meal As mindfulness deepens, wholehearted The teachers will be assisted by Jesse presence is cultivated, giving us the Maceo Vega-Frey for this course. Help us to continue a tradition that opportunity to discover for ourselves has flourished in Asia since the time of the Buddha – the offering of meals what leads to happiness and peace. Liberation of Mind and Heart: to spiritual practitioners. Donating This five-day course, open to both Insight Meditation Retreat toward the cost of a meal is a direct new and experienced meditators, will way to support the IMS community. include daily guided lovingkindness This course will explore the Buddha’s You can select a date for your gift practice to warm our hearts and teachings on liberation of mind and that might celebrate a birthday, honor afternoon yoga to relax our bodies. heart. Through learning to connect someone who has died or commemorate with our mind/body process with another of life’s milestones. Monastic Retreat interest and acceptance, we develop Please visit our website for more greater understanding and compassion, information. Western nuns and monks from the thereby extending our ability to meet Thank you for your support Thai Buddhist monastic tradition teach life’s changes with graceful ease and each year at the Retreat Center. serenity. With guidance from the

Page 18 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 INSIGHT

teachers, participants will be encouraged to develop trust in their own practice.

An optional period of mindful yoga will take place each day to deepen our ability to soften, relax and connect with our bodies.

The teachers will be assisted by Jesse Maceo Vega-Frey for this course.

People of Color Retreat

This insight meditation course, co-sponsored by IMS and Teen Retreat by volunteers who coordinate age- New York Insight, creates a appropriate activities. A parent or space of ease and support for This retreat is specifically for teens, aged friend needs to stay with any child people of color to meditate together 14-19. It offers beginning meditation under two years old at all times. and cultivate inner freedom. instruction, half-hour sitting and It provides an in-depth experience walking periods, facilitated discussion Each family unit pays an additional of the Buddha’s teachings on groups, meditative arts and free time. fee for the children’s program. mindful awareness, illuminating This allows young adults to develop This is on a sliding scale basis, a path toward healing and greater and value their natural spirituality ranging from $55 to $165. happiness. Those without previous within a supportive environment. Please specify the name, full date meditation experience are encouraged Extensive supervision is provided. of birth and gender of all children to participate. when you register. Family Retreat Our wish is to make this retreat Due to the popularity of this retreat and our accessible to anyone who would This course for families is an invitation wish to support continuity for regulars as well like to attend. We offer a ‘You to free our hearts and liberate our as accessibility for new participants, all Choose’ fee option, charging a minds in the very midst of our lives, applications received by February 12, 2010 minimum of just $10 per day. roles and relationships. Based on the will be processed as follows: half of available Those who can contribute more, teachings of the Buddha, the retreat spaces will be given to families who have however, help ensure that the will balance the formality of ritual and attended three out of the past five years, or community of POC meditators ceremony with the humor and playful - two out of the last three years, by lottery from continues to flourish. Free bus ness to be found in everyday activities. all qualifying registrations. Families who transportation is provided on a Through meditation practice, dharma have registered for the last two years without first-come, first-served basis teachings and discussions, and family getting a place are automatically confirmed – between New York City and IMS. gatherings, we will explore the unfolding please notify us if this is the case, prior to the of wisdom, joy and compassion. lottery deadline. The balance of places will be This retreat is supported in part by drawn by lottery from all remaining registra - a grant from the Frederick P. Lenz A program for children over two tions ; those not selected, as well as any late Foundation For American Buddhism. years old is included; it is staffed registrations will be put on a wait list.

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 19 Participants are required to have sat Insight and the Art of at least one meditation retreat lasting Equanimity a week or longer in any Buddhist tradition. Please document this In insight meditation, we practice when registering. moment-to-moment observation of our experiences through an open, Mindfulness, Insight, Liberation : precise and accepting awareness. Insight Meditation Retreat In the practice of equanimity, we develop a non-reactive and engaged This insight meditation retreat will mind. Together, these two practices explore the Four Foundations of provide a stable foundation for Mindfulness, as taught in the investigating attitudes that condition Satipatthana discourse given by the understanding. Momentum in insight Buddha. It is a profound teaching practice and the art of equanimity that encourages us to place the path of foster clarity and confidence from freedom and compassion into the which we can live with wisdom and classroom of our lives, nurturing a compassion. This course is suitable for heart that is receptive and unshakeable. beginners and experienced meditators ; Each day will offer a sustained schedule a warm welcome is extended to all. of formal meditation practice (both insight and lovingkindness), meetings Labor Day Weekend with the teachers, talks and instructions , all within an environment of silence. Ruth Denison is a vipassana dharma elder whose style of teaching is unique The teachers will be assisted by in the IMS schedule. Her body-focused MARC HAMEL Will Kabat-Zinn for this course. teachings invite students to drop below the level of concept into the direct The Art of Mindful Living: Investigating Life: experience of life. In addition to sitting and Insight Meditation Retreat Insight Meditation Retreat walking meditation, Ruth spontaneously for Experienced Students for 18-32 Year Olds guides the moment-to-moment development of awareness in movement, chanting and The core of insight meditation is the This retreat specifically addresses the playful celebration. While the retreat practice of mindfulness, that quality of practice needs of new and experienced is held in noble silence, continuous awareness that sees without judgment. meditators in the challenging years of meditation instruction will be given Sitting and walking meditation, the first early adulthood. The format includes during her teaching periods. steps in formal practice, become the daily meditation instruction, group and foundation and continuous inspiration individual interviews, opportunities for Ruth will be assisted by Jain Hein, for meeting all aspects of life with a questions and discussion as well as and will be celebrating her greater openness and willingness to afternoon yoga sessions. The course 88 th birthday during this time. learn. The ordinary activities of retreat will end with a day of activities centered life become a part of the practice on supporting community and integrating Three-Month Retreat because the challenges they offer help the practice into our daily lives. This us develop the art of mindful living. retreat is supported in part by a grant This three-month course, including its An optional period of Mindfulness from the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation six-week partials, is a special time for Yoga will be offered each day. For American Buddhism. practice. Because of its extended length

Page 20 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 JILL SHEPHERD

and ongoing guidance, it is an opportunity Insight Meditation Embodying the Heart of for students to deepen the powers of and the Heart Wisdom: New Year’s Retreat concentration, wisdom and compassion. Based on the meditation instructions The way of meditation is the way of the The Buddha’s teachings offer a pathway of Mahasi Sayadaw and supplemented heart. This retreat, open to both new to discover inner peace, freedom and by a range of skillful means, this retreat and experienced meditators, will focus the compassionate heart. Through will encourage a balanced attitude on the path of the heart, and how understanding the way things are, of relaxation and alertness, and the awareness gives access to the joys and we can come to know what it means continuity of practice based on the sorrows of life with ever increasing to awaken in the midst of our life, to be Buddha’s Four Foundations of sensitivity, stability and love. deeply connected to our experience, Mindfulness. and yet not bound by it. An optional daily period of yoga will Every participant will be offered a be offered. This retreat will focus on cultivating private room. a quality of conscious presence that Meditating with a Light Heart: embraces our heart, mind and body Prerequisite is two retreats of a week Insight Meditation Weekend with acceptance and wisdom. Insight or more with a recognized insight meditation practice will be supported meditation teacher, or special This weekend retreat, suitable for both by instructions, lovingkindness permission. Please document this beginning and experienced meditators, meditation and regular meetings experience, including teachers’ will be an opportunity to develop with the teachers. names, dates and length of courses awareness, wellbeing and tranquility when registering. You will also need within a silent and supportive to submit a questionnaire when environment. Instructions and Dharma Seed signing up – your course participation reflections on the Buddha’s teachings cannot be confirmed until this is will focus on inspiring relaxation and Listen online received and approved. a softening of the heart and mind. or download teachings Participants will practice mindfulness and guided meditations Special cancellation fees and deadlines apply. meditation while sitting and walking, 3MO and Part 1: up to July 18, $100; as well as throughout all daily activities . given at IMS and afterwards, $350 for 3MO and $250 for Part 1. Optional periods of gentle yoga will other dharma centers. Part 2: up to August 29, $100; afterwards, be offered. Freely offered at $250. Please note that these amounts will apply even if you wish to move from any Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia will be assisted www.dharmaseed.org part of the course to another. by Doreen Schweizer for this course.

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 21 ¡ 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 ______Zi p______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 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 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.

Page 22 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2009/2010 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.

2010 Schedule

Jan 8-10 Buddhist Psychology & Therapy in Action David and Caroline Brazier Jan 17-22 Abhidhamma: Classical Buddhist Psychology Andrew Olendzki Jan 29-31 Mindfulness for Educators Claire Stanley and Jack Millett Feb 4-7 Mindfulness & Psychotherapy (by application) Paul Fulton, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia Feb 20-27 Seven Factors of Awakening Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia Mar 5-10 Becoming & the End of Becoming Ajaan Thanissaro (ASPP/ISPP prior students) The Insight Journal is a free BCBS Mar 12-15 Exploring Dependent Co-Arising Ajaan Thanissaro publication, containing articles of lasting Mar 19-21 Self & No-Self in Buddhism & Neuroscience Rick Hanson, Bill Waldron interest on the integration of scholarly Apr 3 Metaphors, Meaning, Language & Mindfulness Arnie Kozak understanding with meditative insight. Apr 9-11 Mindfulness & Children (for Professionals Susan Kaiser Greenland in the Classroom & Healthcare) If you would like to be added to our Apr 17 Meditating Self-lessly toward Insight-Wisdom James Austin mailing list, please call or email us. Apr 18 How to do Buddhist Ethics Christopher Ives Apr 23-25 Universal Wisdom of the Householder Roshi Pat O’Hara Apr 30-May 2 Entering into the Bodhisattva Path Jan Willis May 7-9 Working with Addiction: Paul Simons Integrated Study & Spiritual Self-Schema Therapy Practice Program May 14-16 Upekkha: Being at Peace in the World Ajahn Amaro May 19-23 Insight Dialogue for Psychotherapists Gregory Kramer & Jan Surrey BCBS offers a one-year program that Jun 13-18 Buddhist Psychology Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia integrates meditation practice with Jun 26-Jul 3 Unity of Love & Wisdom in Dzogchen Practice John Makransky study of Buddhist thought, allowing Jul 9-14 Awareness & the Structure of Experience John Peacock experienced vipassana meditators to Jul 16-25 Jhanas & Wisdom Practices Leigh Brasington Sep 4 Insights from the Four Noble Truths Phillip Moffitt explore the Buddha’s teachings and Sep 5 Daylong Joseph Goldstein their relationship to practice. Sep 24-26 Brahmaviharas for Psychotherapists Rebecca Bradshaw Admission to the program is by Oct 1-3 Knowing Persons in their Deepest Goodness John Makransky application only. The current course, Oct 16-23 Ignorance & Wisdom Andrew Olendzki, Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia June 2009 to June 2010, is full. Oct 24-28 Dependent Arising (ASPP/ISPP prior students) Christina Feldman The deadline for the 2010-2011 Oct 31 Thinking About the Buddha’s Inner Life Mark Epstein & Joseph Goldstein: Dialogue program is June 2010, with a start Nov 5-14 Dependent Arising: Insight Dialogue Gregory Kramer date in September 2010.

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

Fall • Winter 2009/2010 www.dharma.org Page 23 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. N O E G I V Y B B I L & L E M A H C R A M : S O T O H P

Work at IMS in service of 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

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