INSIGHT

NEWSLETTER

FALL WINTER

2006/2007

IMS Schedules: Practicing with Vedana: The Retreat Center 2007 The Forest Refuge 2007 The 2nd Foundation of Mindfulness An Interview with Christina Feldman

Teacher Interview In 1971, Christina Feldman began Buddhist meditation practice in northern India. She was 17 at the time, and had left her native Canada to travel and explore new IMS News horizons. Since then she has played a key role in bringing the Buddha’s teachings and Developments to the West, offering retreats at IMS and co-founding Gaia House in Devon, England. Married with two adult children, she introduced the Family Retreat at IMS in 1982, and the Women’s Retreat in 1984 – both popular mainstays of BCBS 2006/2007 our annual course calendar. Course Schedule Outline

Christina, what are the On his journey towards enlightenment, Buddha’s ‘Four Foundations we know that these ascetic practices of Mindfulness’? didn’t work; they did not bring about the freedom from suffering that he First, it’s helpful to describe the historical sought. One of the turning points of context of the Buddha’s teachings. his awakening was the understanding Siddhartha Gautama - the Buddha - that the very aspects of life he was came from a society rooted in the belief trying to overcome actually held the that life was an obstacle to overcome. key to liberation. He then turned The body, the mind and human rela- towards his body, his mind, his tionships were all to be transcended. feelings and towards everything So, once he started his spiritual search, that arose in his consciousness, it was natural for him to become an seeing them as the ground for his ascetic – he left his family and spent awakening. He understood that years subduing, starving and abusing insight and freedom are not separate his body. from the life we live.

(continued on page 2)

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSIGHT MEDITATION SOCIETY LIBBY VIGEON (continued from page 1) This was the beginning of the tone we have is analogous to that fun- core teachings he termed the Four damental set, before the show starts. Foundations of Mindfulness: the contemplation of the body, the What happens, however, is that we are contemplation of vedana (or feeling), overtaken by underlying tendencies. the contemplation of the mind and the If we have a pleasant experience, we contemplation of what leads to freedom of course want to keep it going; we want and what obstructs freedom. These more of it. And suddenly we’re off - teachings form the basis of insight the curtain is raised and the play has meditation practice. begun! We lose sight of the vital truth that all things change. We undermine What is contemplation of our capacity to find balance, to be with vedana? the full spectrum of vedana in our life.

Vedana is the Pali word for what is Similarly, with unpleasant vedana, usually translated as ‘feeling’ – it is the underlying tendencies of aversion, Christina Feldman essential feeling tone that comes with resistance, hatred or fear arise. When all experience. The Buddha further there’s an unpleasant body sensation, categorized this into pleasant, unpleasant an unpleasant thought or an unpleasant or neutral. For example, the laughter interaction with someone, we see how of a child may register as pleasant, quickly contraction and judgment come fingernails running down a chalkboard in. Once again, we lose balance. as unpleasant and the sound of the rain INSIGHT on our window as neutral. With the third feeling tone of neutrality, NEWSLETTER the underlying tendency is delusion. A twice-yearly publication of the Insight Vedana is something quite different We believe there’s something missing Meditation Society, a tax-exempt nonprofit from what we understand in the or incomplete. We tell ourselves that organization whose mission is to provide a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom from West as ‘emotion’ or ‘our feelings’. something is boring or unworthy of our the suffering of mind and heart. IMS offers In Buddhist teachings, emotion is a attention. Often, because of this sense meditation retreats rooted in the Theravada far more complex construction that of incompleteness, the neutral vedana Buddhist teachings of ethics, concentration includes not only feeling tones, but becomes a springboard for craving – and wisdom. These practices help develop awareness and compassion, giving rise to also thoughts, the body and the whole we want something more exciting or greater peace and happiness in the world. world of associations. more interesting to happen.

Editor: Gyano Gibson Production: Ahna Fender & Éowyn Ahlstrom How is awareness of vedana Vedana informs so many of our Cover Photo: Libby Vigeon helpful in our meditation moment-to-moment choices, decisions IMS Buddha Photos: Dawn Close & practice? and actions. It is such a powerful force Libby Vigeon Design: Lux Productions – we move toward the pleasant, avoid The basic feeling tone of pleasant, the unpleasant and simply disconnect Please address correspondence to: unpleasant or neutral regarding any or phase out the neutral. To experience IMS, 1230 Pleasant St. experience is not a problem in itself – true freedom, we need to understand Barre, MA 01005, USA Phone: (978) 355-4378 it is simply how it is. It is rather like our habits of craving, aversion and Email: ims@dharma.org a stage set for a theater production – disconnection. And to do this, we have Website: www.dharma.org there could be props to convey a terribly to become a little more attuned to the

Printed in Canada on 100% recycled sad scene, or something very dramatic, essential climate of feeling that is paper using soy-based inks or something exhilarating. The feeling present in all experience.

Page 2 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 How can we pay more we simply paid attention. We discover to the concept of ‘nothing is happening’. attention to the neutral state? that our attention awakens the world, If we dig a little deeper, we find that of in a very real way. It illuminates that course life is happening. We need to be We generally pay attention to the neu- which is there. We discover that this willing to be present in those moments tral state with great reluctance! We are quality of attentiveness doesn’t have an that are eventless. We can cultivate much more inclined towards experience agenda to maintain something pleasant tremendous sensitivity in investigating that is pleasant or unpleasant because it or get rid of something unpleasant. It is what is really occurring in boredom. offers excitement, drama, fascination rooted instead in interest and curiosity. and a sense of identity. If we meet some- It is sensitive and alive, and can give Most of what we encounter is discon- body we haven’t seen in a while, and us exactly what we spend so much nection. The places of separation in our they ask, “How are you?” mostly we time seeking in vain through intensity. life are the places we learn to connect. tell them all the dramatic occurrences That sense of aliveness abides within On the cushion or off the cushion, we in our life. We rarely say, “Oh, nothing our own hearts and is borne of the can be profoundly curious about all happened”, because it would make us attentiveness we nurture. those little moments when we say to appear uninteresting and worthless ourselves, “It’s not enough. Nothing is – nobody would want to know us. The nature of attention itself is actually happening. I’m not getting anywhere. pleasant. Understanding this can bring It’s boring.” We need to acknowledge The pleasant and unpleasant appear about a profound shift in our practice. this is simply a state of mind overlaying as events in our life; we tend to define As intensity addicts, we tend to believe an experience that is not characterized ourselves, inwardly and outwardly, that our aliveness is dependent on by intensity or events. If we can take in relationship to them: “I’m happy”, drama, on events, on experience. When away the aversion that overlays the “I’m sad”, “I’m angry”, or “I’m in love”. we’re bereft of those, we feel somehow neutral we discover that the neutral is These are all places where the sense of deflated. If we can learn to step back actually very close to peace and ease. ‘I’ can find form and meaning. from this, we will see that the vitality It’s a real doorway to resting in the we long for is not delivered by events eventless. The neutral, on the other hand, is a but rather by our capacity for connect- fascinating area for practice. It is very hard edness and presence in the world. This After decades of teaching, to make a project out of being neutral - the insight allows us to form a relationship what continues to inspire you? extremes of excitement or aversion aren’t to life that is rooted in compassion and encountered. It is much more difficult to generosity. We no longer expect life and As I teach, I am continually inspired construct a sense of self within the neutral the external world to deliver to us our by seeing so many new meditators - there is no benefit for ‘I’, ‘me’ or ‘mine’. sense of meaning, of identity, of excite- throughout the world coming into this ment. We are loosened from the bonds ancient practice and finding themselves If we really pay attention to our lives, of dependency and grasping, and can and their lives transformed by it. I have we find so much that initially seems find ease and rest in our own aware- the good fortune to visit cultures where quite neutral. For instance, if we look ness, in our own connection with life. the Buddha’s teachings have never around and notice elements of the room been before. Next year, I’ve been that we’re in – the walls, the curtains, The culmination of mindfulness is to invited to lead a retreat in Cuba the desk, the door - it becomes obvious explore what it means to have an eventless – it will be the first of its kind there. that much of life is not grabbing our mindfulness – that is the highest peace. attention through its intensity. It’s not On a more personal level, what continues shouting at us. Is boredom something we can to inspire me is an understanding that work with? deepening of practice is not something And yet, when we’re more attentive to that necessarily has a destination or end. the neutral, we observe that things Absolutely. Boredom is the classroom usually don’t stay neutral. This is because for awakening - it is a form of aversion

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 3 IMS News Worth Noting

2006: 30th Anniversary Year in Review

2006 has been a memorable year for At the Forest Refuge, the eminent About 2,500 retreat participants have IMS, rich with change. In January, Burmese meditation master Ven. Pa found spiritual refuge here this year— together with the Mind & Life Institute, Auk Sayadaw visited for the first time. many just discovering the power of we hosted the first Scientists Retreat, He led a two-month course in May and meditation, and many who’ve sat with with almost 100 researchers in the June dedicated to the development of us over the last three decades. mind sciences present for a week of strong concentration, or jhanas, as a in-depth practice. foundation for insight meditation. In addition to the inner changes occur- ring as we continue to practice, this year has also brought significant external shifts in the life of IMS. Our beloved Retreat Center meditation hall was renovated, a new executive director has been appointed and our 30th anniversary celebration, which brought together over 400 friends and members of the IMS sangha, took place on July 8th. Thanks to all of you for sharing this special time with us. MOLLY PAUKER MOLLY

Renowned meditation master Pa Auk Leading mind science researchers Sayadaw, with U Candima (R) and Massachusetts State Senator Stephen and authors address participants U Jagara (L), offered the dharma at Brewer presents IMS with a citation at the Scientists Retreat. the Forest Refuge in the spring. in recognition of our 30 years.

Page 4 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 IMS hosted a gathering of insight meditation teachers from around the Western world in July. The teachers meet periodically to share teaching experiences and discuss issues within the wider vipassana community.

Ajahn Candasiri (L), and Sister Cittapala, nuns from Amaravati Ajahn Sucitto, also from Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Buddhist Monastery, offered the 2006 Monastic Retreat. at our 30th anniversary celebration on July 8th.

Dharma divas, “The Dharmettes,” performed their Buddhist- Old friends reunited. themed renditions of ‘60s hits at our anniversary party. ALL PHOTOS BY LIBBY VIGEON UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 5 ae6 Page

STANLEY SAGOV STANLEY SAGOV LIBBY VIGEON Abiding in stillness. in Abiding teachings. Buddha’s the in take Retreatants Family young Two Two yogis (retreat participants) aglow after the People of Color Retreat. Color of People the after aglow participants) (retreat

LIBBY VIGEON www.dharma.org of theseitems. in becominga2007benefactorforany Please contactusifyou’reinterested and artsuppliesfortheseretreats. special materialssuchasdharmabooks Additionally, fundingisneededfor [email protected]. us at(978)355-4378oremail magic ofthesecourses,pleasecall and wouldliketohelpcreatethe who hasworkedwithteensorchildren If youareanexperiencedmeditator Family Retreat,July24-29. 2007 Teen Retreat,June30-July4and IMS islookingforgroupleadersthe And havingalotoffun,toboot? spiritual growthofthenextgeneration? Are youinterestedinsupportingthe Assistance Teen andFamilyRetreat Fall • Winter 2006/2007

JOUI TURANDOT Fall

LIBBY VIGEON LIBBY VIGEON new. to old From transformation. our 30thanniversaryandhonorthe sittings onJuly8,2006tocommemorate people attendedeachoftwopacked altar, plannedfor2007.About200 stage willbetheconstructionofanew the hallandanarchedceiling.Thefinal curved wallsatthefrontandbackof to replacetheoldwoodpaneling, new oakflooring,freshlypaintedwalls of oursupporters.Renovationsinclude year, thankstothegenerosityofmany undergone agrandtransformationthis The RetreatCentermeditationhallhas The PowerofTransformation • Winter 2006/2007 and toachievelong-termsustainability. their effortstoimprovequality, togrow assisted hundredsoforganizationsin hospice sectors.Inthiscapacityhehas cializes inservingthehomehealthand Associates, aconsultingfirmthatspe- became afoundingpartnerofFazzi in non-profitleadership.In1995he position withawealthofexperience from 2001-2006,andcomestothe children. HeservedontheIMSboard with hiswifeRosemaryandtheirtwo in theAmherst,MAareasince1968 Born inBrooklyn,NY, Bobhaslived the departureofDianneHorgan. executive directorsinceMay, following generations. Hehasservedasinterim ensuring theirsustainabilityforfuture Retreat CenterandtheForestRefuge, stewardship ofourtwoprograms,the responsibilities thatincludethewise time basisinJanuary, 2007,with Directors, hewillbeginonafull- director. AppointedbytheBoardof is theorganization’s newexecutive retreatant andformerboardmember Bob Agoglia,along-timeIMS New ExecutiveDirector An HonortoServe: www.dharma.org Bob Agoglia Bob

LIBBY VIGEON poem Oliver’s questionattheend ofher “I haveoftenreflectedonMary teachers, aswellyogis. all ourstaff,volunteersand peace intheirlives.Thisincludes give risetogreaterawarenessand how somanypeople’s experienceshere Bob, “becauseIhaveseenfirsthand grow evenmore.Butithas,”explained imagine thatmyloveforIMScould for over25years.Soitwashardto “IMS hasbeenmyspiritualhome next executivedirector.” I love:toservethedharmaasIMS’s know tofollowmyheartanddowhat and preciouslife?’Inresponse,Inow it youplantodowithyouronewild Summer Day, ‘Tell me,whatis Page 7

LIBBY VIGEON Soup for Supper

The IMS Retreat Center has started offering a more substantial evening tea during most courses. A nourishing soup, made by our dedicated Kitchen staff is now served, together with bread and butter, fruit and herb teas. Our intention is to provide a full daily nutritional vegetarian meal plan that supports the practice environment. The Insight Meditation Community of Washington

IMCW offers training in Vipassana – or Insight – meditation and related Buddhist practices that awaken the heart and mind. We serve the entire DC metro area. In addition to our flagship Wednesday night class in Bethesda, IMCW’s programs include weekly classes and sitting groups in Washington; Takoma Park and northern Virginia. We also offer nonresidential weekend retreats and workshops, as well as a thriving community of peer-led Kalyana Mitta – or spiritual friends – groups. Longer residential retreats, held several times a year, are open to out-of-towners as well as DC-area residents. IMCW is guided by founder and senior teacher, Tara Brach, in addition to a Teachers Council and Board of Directors.

IMCW extends a warm welcome to both newcomers and experienced meditators. There are many ways to participate in our community and deepen your practice. Please visit our website for a full schedule of classes, retreats and other activities. Look for us at www.imcw.org or call us at (202) 986-2922

BOTH PHOTOS BY LIBBY VIGEON

Page 8 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 Bowing Before the Buddha years, while I practiced and lived my here for many years to come. Please Planned Giving as Generosity Practice life as mindfully as I could, IMS has consider joining the community of been supporting the practice of many people who want IMS to span Recently, IMS received a call from thousands of people. I recognize how generations. Mike Edelman, asking for our tax- precious it is to practice more intensely identification number. Mike had in a retreat setting such as IMS and decided to include us in his estate how it can deepen our understanding. For more information about ways plan. During the conversation, to include IMS in your estate plan, he agreed to share the story of how What moved you to include IMS from bequests to giving through he came to put IMS in his will. His in your estate plan? retirement assets, contact Éowyn account is a heart-warming example Ahlstrom, Development Manager, of the important role planned giving I wanted to first express my love at (978) 355-4378 ext. 230 or can play in our practice of generosity. and deep gratitude for what IMS [email protected]. If you have has meant, not only to me, but to the already included IMS in your estate First, can you describe yourself countless people on the path to liberation. plan, we would love to hear from you. a little, to give our readers a And, I want to do my humble part to sense of who you are and what assure its work continues so that all is important to you? who seek freedom will have refuge.

After 29 years as an electrician, I am After my mother died and my back now retired at 54 due to a back injury. injury intensified, I couldn’t work for After a career of go-go-go, at times a long time. My savings dwindled and from before sunrise until after dark, I had no income, so I sold my house the transition to "not doing" has been and car. During that time, it was only challenging. Even so, I soon realized with the help of public assistance and one of the unintended side effects of the love and kindness of a few people my injury is the ability to practice more that I survived. At some point in this fully. And, fortunately, the injury has period, I realized just how happy I only minor impact on my ability to was – free of nearly all of life's meditate. I am now trying to get a pressures. There was a lightness to sense of how I can continue my own everything. I knew that this was all practice more skillfully and at the same leading me to more intensive practice. time find some worthy cause that fits my ability and wish to help others. Since then my circumstances have changed, but I learned a lot from What about IMS do you having little. Now, I want to devote most appreciate? some of what I do have to supporting the practice of others. By including I bow before the Buddha. I bow before IMS in my will, I can be sure to

all sincere practitioners including achieve this wish. LIBBY VIGEON Joseph (Goldstein), Sharon (Salzberg) and Jack (Kornfield). I also feel a IMS is grateful to Mike Edelman and to connection and a deep appreciation all those who include us in their estate for each and every person who, in their plans. Planned giving is a powerful own way, has influenced my life since way to help make certain that the I first came to IMS in 1977. Over the Buddha’s teachings will be offered

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 9 IMS Program Highlights TOP PHOTO: AHNA FENDER

Freedom with Support where participants will be introduced Full Scholarship Opportunity Experience a Personal Retreat at to the basic tools of satipatthana (the the Forest Refuge Four Establishments of Mindfulness). Over $100,000 has been donated to With well-established and developed the Forest Refuge Fund in Support of The Forest Refuge allows the mindfulness and a concentrated mind, Community Development Work. This exploration of a more independent intuitive insight unfolds stage-by- fund provides full scholarships to and less structured form of retreat stage in a very systematic manner. reward and rejuvenate individuals life. Within a tranquil and harmonious Satipatthana meditation in the tradi- who have been working in the US or environment that includes private tion of the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw overseas to help transform the lives of dorm accommodations, retreatants brings benefits ranging from the economically disadvantaged people. can follow their own schedule, settle purification of the mind to the attain- into greater depths of practice and ment of nibbana (or freedom from Some examples of this kind of work strengthen faith and self-reliance. suffering). Retreatants will be supported include curing blindness by providing This supports the natural unfolding and guided in their meditation through otherwise unavailable cataract opera- of the teachings. frequent interviews and discourses. tions, involvement in low-income development in the US or abroad For experienced meditators who In 2008, renowned Burmese meditation as counselors to ex-inmates, or as may be tentative about undertaking master Pa Auk Sayadaw will return. teachers in the inner city. a personal retreat, it can be helpful He will offer the dharma for four to begin a stay at IMS with a Retreat months, July – October, with a focus If you have done such work, please Center course. On its closing day, on the development of jhanas (states mention this fund when you apply for simply move through the woods of strong concentration). These become a Forest Refuge retreat. and continue to practice at the a foundation for insight meditation Forest Refuge. practice. Registration for this structured See our website and page 17 for the retreat will open later in 2007. Forest Refuge teaching schedule and Throughout March, 2007, Rodney further information. Smith will be in residence for the first January Practice – Choose Your Fee time, together with Myoshin Kelley. In April, Joseph Goldstein returns from In the spirit of generosity (dana), his sabbatical to teach, also with Myoshin. you can establish your own fee for a personal retreat at the Forest Refuge Respected meditation teacher during January, 2007, based on your Sayadaw U Vivekananda - a Western financial means. This allows those monk who taught with Sayadaw with fewer resources to practice U Pandita on two previous occasions with us, while those who can afford at the Forest Refuge - will offer a to pay more help make this possible. Satipatthana Retreat in June, 2007. Any donations to support practice are This will be a structured course, greatly appreciated.

LOU ALBERT

Page 10 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 At the Retreat Center…

Investigating Life, our annual retreat for 18-32 year olds will be offered in the spring of 2007, March 18-25. This popular course, taught by Rebecca Bradshaw, Marvin Belzer and Chas DiCapua, specifically addresses the practice needs of both new and expe- rienced meditators in early adulthood.

Bhante Gunaratana will offer an in-depth LIBBY VIGEON exploration of the jhanas (deep states of tranquil concentration), April 13-22. This course is for experienced meditators. A variety of weekend retreats will be The Three-Month Retreat, led by offered throughout the year, including Joseph Goldstein and a team of Michele McDonald returns to IMS, two courses especially for students senior teachers, also returns in the teaching a metta (lovingkindness) new to meditation, May 25-28 and fall of 2007, beginning September 20. retreat, June 1-8, followed by an September 14-16. insight meditation course, June 8-17. More information is on pages 18-24.

(Generosity) “In giving a meal, Meal Dana the donor gives five things Help us to continue a tradition that has flourished in Asia since the time to the recipient. Which five? of the Buddha – the offering of meals to spiritual practitioners. Donating He/she gives life, beauty, toward the cost of a meal is a direct way to support the IMS community. On the day of your gift, your generosity will nourish each meditator who happiness, strength practices here, each teacher who shares the dharma and all the staff and quick-wittedness.” members who serve IMS. Retreat Forest – The Buddha IMS Center Refuge You have the choice of funding an Breakfast $120 $80 $40 individual meal or a group of meals, Lunch $180 $115 $65 at both our programs or just at one, Tea $65 $50 $15 as outlined at right: Entire Day $350 $230 $120

If you or your group of friends would like to offer Meal Dana, we will acknowledge your gift – if you wish – by inscribing your name(s) and dedication on the menu board for a particular day or meal. The date chosen for this often celebrates a birthday, honors someone who has died or commemorates another of life’s milestones.

If you would like to make a meal donation online, visit our website. To receive additional information or to request that a Meal Dana form be sent to you, please contact the IMS Kitchen Manager – call (978) 355-2063, ext. 13 or email [email protected].

We deeply appreciate your generosity LIBBY VIGEON

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 11 About IMS

Insight Meditation Society RETREAT CENTER FOREST REFUGE 1230 Pleasant St. (978) 355-4378; [email protected] (978) 355-2063; [email protected] Barre, MA 01005, USA Office hours: daily, 10am-12 noon & 3-5pm Fax: (978) 355-4307 www.dharma.org (except Sun. & Tues.) Office hours: Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm

The Insight Meditation Society first opened General Information For those interested in practicing its doors in 1976. Its mission is to provide at the Forest Refuge, there is an a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom Retreat Center courses are designed application process. Guidelines from the suffering of mind and heart. for both new and experienced medita- and an application form are available It offers meditation retreats rooted in the tors. Instruction in meditation and from the office or can be downloaded Theravada Buddhist teachings of ethics, evening talks about the Buddha’s from our website. You may also concentration and wisdom. These practices teachings are given daily. Individual apply online. help develop awareness and compassion, or group interviews with the teachers giving rise to greater peace and happiness All IMS meals are vegetarian. in the world. take place at regular intervals. Silence is maintained in most retreats at all Accommodations at the Retreat Center IMS operates two retreat facilities – the times, except during question and are simple single and double rooms; all Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge – interview periods. A typical daily spaces at the Forest Refuge are single. which are set on some 200 secluded schedule starts at 5am and ends at Men and women do not share rooms. wooded acres in the quiet country of 10pm. The entire day is spent in silent Camping is not available. central Massachusetts. practice comprising alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation, as Evening Discourses The Retreat Center offers a yearly schedule well as a one-hour work period. of meditation retreats lasting in duration When a Retreat Center course is from a weekend to three months. Most At the Forest Refuge, retreats are in progress, anyone is welcome to courses run for 7-9 days. based either on one’s own schedule, a attend the evening dharma talks; The Forest Refuge program began in wish to work with a particular teacher those with insight meditation 2003. For experienced insight meditation (see the Teacher Schedule on page 17), experience are also welcome to practitioners, its peaceful and secluded and availability. In consultation with attend group sittings. Some restric- environment establishes the sense of the teachers, a personalized program tions apply. Please call the Retreat harmony most conducive to sustained, of meditation practice is created, Center office for a daily schedule. long-term personal retreat. Retreatants can designed to nurture the highest practice for periods ranging from one week aspiration for liberation. Individual Retreats to stays of a year or more. Support for a personal retreat includes Self-Retreat A group of senior teachers provides regular two individual interviews with a guidance and direction to both programs, as well as teaching each year themselves. teacher each week and twice-weekly If you have participated in a course at In addition, recognized insight meditation dharma talks in the meditation hall. the Retreat Center, you may schedule teachers from all over the world come to Tapes are also available on evenings an individual self-retreat between offer teachings. without talks. courses. The length of stay may not

Page 12 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 exceed the longest period of teacher-led Forest Refuge, call (978) 355-2063 You can apply online for a scholar- retreat that you have done at the center. or email [email protected]. ship at the Retreat Center, or check the relevant box when completing the During this time, you are expected to Financial Information registration form on page 25. Include meditate in silence, observe the five the appropriate deposit. Forms can precepts and maintain a continuity Fees also be downloaded from our website of practice. The sliding scale fee is or requested from the office. $55-$70 per day, depending on your IMS course fees are on a sliding scale means. For self-retreats of up to six basis that allows participants to pay in For the Forest Refuge, complete the days immediately before or after a accordance with individual means. At retreat application and indicate interest specific group course, you can put the Retreat Center, there are four rates – in receiving scholarship information. the dates on your registration form. Sponsor, Mid, Low and Scholarship. A scholarship form will be sent to you, For self-retreats of longer than six The Forest Refuge has three rates – if your retreat application is approved. days, please call the office for an Sponsor, Mid and Low, with some Scholarship support is not available application form. scholarship support available. for a one-week stay.

Work Retreat If you can afford the Mid level or higher, We cannot guarantee that every you help to make it possible for others application will result in a scholarship Work retreats provide an opportunity to with lesser financial means to attend. award; please be assured, however, explore the integration of mindfulness that we will do our best to help you practice with work. The daily schedule Regrettably, we have had to raise our attend a retreat with us. combines periods of formal meditation fees for 2007 by a very modest amount, and instruction with five hours of work due to the rising costs of basic necessities - in silence - in either the Kitchen or such as fuel, insurance and food. Housekeeping department. Any amount paid above the Low rate Participation is limited to experienced is a tax-deductible donation.

meditators and requires a high degree AHNA FENDER of self-reliance. Since the work can be Scholarships physically demanding, a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Our Scholarship funds assist those who are genuinely unable to afford At the Retreat Center, the timing of work the cost of a retreat. Each request is retreats usually corresponds with the carefully assessed in terms of financial schedule of teacher-led courses. At the need, previous history and funds Forest Refuge, a one-month commitment available. is ideal. Due to limited resources, we A special application needs to be recommend that you apply for a submitted; the cost is a $35 scholarship as early as possible. nonrefundable processing fee. Awards are distributed on a first Information and application forms are come, first served basis and are available on our website. You can also generally restricted to one scholar- contact Human Resources about a ship per person, per year. (Please Retreat Center work retreat by calling note that applications for the Three- (978) 355-4378 ext. 335 or emailing Month Retreat need to be received [email protected]. For the by June 1, 2007.)

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 13 Dana letting go, and the recipient practices acceptance of what is presented. Dana, a Pali word that means generosity Offering a small favor, a kind thought, or giving freely, is central both to the a meal, or funds to help sustain a 2,500 year-old tradition of Buddhism meditation teacher or center can be a and to IMS’ much shorter history. sincere form of spiritual practice. Of this quality the Buddha said, “If beings knew as I know the benefit of generosity, they There are many opportunities to practice would not let an opportunity go by without dana by offering donations to IMS sharing.” teachers and to the organization itself. We hope you will lend your support In this spirit, it is our wish to share the to our efforts to make the Buddha’s Buddha's teachings with all who are teachings accessible to those who wish Cambridge Insight interested, regardless of means. IMS to attend our programs. charges course fees that cover only Meditation Center about 50% of our operating costs; we Media Visits CIMC is a non-residential urban rely on past and future donations for the center for the teaching and practice rest. This year, in celebration of our 30th As the dharma takes root in our society, of insight meditation. anniversary, we offered a large number various media are expressing interest in the CIMC’s programs are designed to of spaces at both our centers without work that we do at IMS. This presents our provide a strong foundation in regard to retreatants’ ability to pay. community with a valuable opportunity to formal meditation as well as daily introduce the teachings to a wider audience. practice. Our schedule includes daily At the same time, IMS teachers are sittings, weekly Dharma talks, courageously adapting the ancient While maintaining our primary commit- ongoing classes and practice groups, monastic tradition of freely offering the ment to supporting practice, IMS may teacher interviews, and a variety teachings to lay life in contemporary agree occasionally to requests from media of weekend workshops and Western culture. Retreat Center teachers to visit us for reporting. Before any such meditation retreats. receive no salary, relying entirely on the request is granted, the journalists will be generosity of course participants for carefully screened to assure, as best we An open invitation is extended to their compensation. For those who can, their ability to report fairly on our all to stop by CIMC and browse teach at the Forest Refuge, where fewer work with minimal interference. through the library or join in any retreatants stay for longer periods, IMS of the public sittings or Wednesday offers teachers a monthly honorarium. Notice of any media visit that occurs evening Dharma talks. A growing This is intended to augment contributions during a course will be given. We will number of out-of-town yogis have from participants, to provide a sustainable advise retreatants as far in advance as enrolled in our weekend income. IMS pays for teachers’ travel is practically possible. We will respect retreats. Contact us for a list of bed expenses, accommodations and meals the wishes of any yogi who prefers not and breakfasts in the area. while they are in residence at either to be included and work to minimize any center. impact on our meditative environment 331 Broadway and on yogis. We appreciate your Cambridge, MA 02139 Dana also plays an important role in the understanding of our efforts to share Office: (617) 441-9038 spiritual life of a dharma practitioner. the dharma in this way and welcome 24-hour information and Generosity is the first of the ten paramis, any suggestions or questions you fax line: (617) 491-5070 or qualities of character, that the Buddha may have. taught his students to cultivate. Giving Website: www.cimc.info is said to benefit both the giver and the receiver - the person who gives practices

Page 14 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 IMS Faculty 2007

Core Visiting

Ajahn Amaro began his training in Thailand in 1978 Michael Liebenson Grady has been practicing insight Fred von Allmen has studied and practiced with Ajahn Chah. He was a senior monk at Amaravati meditation since 1973. He is a guiding teacher at the under Tibetan and Theravada teachers since 1970 Buddhist Monastery in England, and now resides at Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. in Asia, Europe and the US. He has taught retreats Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood Valley, CA, a branch worldwide for 20 years. The author of several monastery in the forest meditation tradition. Narayan Liebenson Grady, an IMS guiding teacher, is Buddhist books in German, he is also the co- also a guiding teacher at the Cambridge Insight founder of the Meditation Center Beatenberg in the Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for Meditation Center where she has taught since 1985. She Swiss Alps. over 30 years, including training as a Buddhist monk in is the author of When Singing, Just Sing: Life As Thailand with Ajahn Buddhadasa. He began teaching in Meditation and a regular contributor to Buddhadharma Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia has offered Theravada 1984 and has led retreats worldwide. He is an IMS guid- magazine. Buddhist teachings across the US since 1990. She is a ing teacher and part of Spirit Rock’s Teachers Council. student of the disciples of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Kamala Masters began practicing in 1975. Trained by Sumedho and a Lay Buddhist Minister in association with Steve Armstrong, a co-founding teacher at the Anagarika Munindra and Sayadaw U Pandita, she offers Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in CA. She served as IMS Vipassana Metta Foundation’s dhamma sanctuary-her- the dharma in the US and abroad. She is co-founder and Resident Teacher, 1996-1999. mitage on Maui, encourages spiritual development guiding teacher of the Vipassana Metta Foundation on through cultivating insightful awareness and liberating Maui and is currently developing Ho’omalamalama, Ven. Ariya Ñani was born in Switzerland and ordained understanding of the core teachings of the Buddha in all a sanctuary-hermitage for long-term practice. with Sayadaw U Janaka in Burma in 1992, after many life activities. years of Buddhist practice. Based at Sayadaw’s forest Michele McDonald has practiced vipassana meditation center of Chanmyay Yeiktha, she translates and assists Ruth Denison studied in Burma in the early 1960s with since 1975 and has been teaching at IMS and worldwide foreign meditators, as well as teaching vipassana and the meditation master Sayagi U Ba Khin. She has been since 1982. She has a deep interest in preserving the metta retreats in Australia and Europe. teaching since 1973 and is founder of Dhamma Dena, a ancient teachings and in finding ways of expression that desert retreat center in Joshua Tree, CA, and The Center make them more accessible and authentic in our time. Marvin Belzer has practiced vipassana since 1982, for Buddhism in the West in Germany. studying primarily with Sayadaw U Pandita since 1986. Corrado Pensa teaches insight meditation in Italy and He teaches philosophy at Bowling Green University. Christina Feldman is a co-founder of Gaia House in the US. Since 1987 he has been the guiding teacher of England and an IMS guiding teacher. Following training the Association for Mindfulness Meditation in Rome. He is Tara Brach is the founder and senior teacher of in the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, she also a professor of Eastern Philosophy at the University of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC. has taught meditation since 1976 and has an ongoing Rome and a former psychotherapist. She has practiced meditation since 1975 and commitment to the long-term retreat program at Gaia leads Buddhist meditation retreats throughout House. Her books include Compassion, Silence and Larry Rosenberg practiced Zen in Korea and Japan North America. Tara is the author of Radical The Buddhist Path to Simplicity. before coming to vipassana. He is a guiding teacher of Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center and the author a Buddha. Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder and guiding teacher of Living in the Light of Death and Breath By Breath. of IMS’s Retreat Center and Forest Refuge programs. He Rebecca Bradshaw has been practicing vipassana has been teaching vipassana and metta retreats world- Sharon Salzberg, a co-founder of IMS and BCBS, has meditation since 1983 and teaching since 1993. She is a wide since 1974 and in 1989 helped establish BCBS. He practiced Buddhist meditation since 1971 and has been psychotherapist, the guiding teacher of the Insight is the author of One Dharma, The Experience of Insight teaching worldwide since 1974. She is an IMS guiding Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, MA, and the and Insight Meditation. teacher and author of The Force of Kindness, Faith and Buddhist Advisor at Mt Holyoke College. Lovingkindness. Myoshin Kelley began practice in 1975 and has Rob Burbea has practiced and studied Buddhism since worked with masters in the Theravada and Tibetan Rodney Smith has been teaching insight meditation since 1985. Teaching since 2004, he is currently the Buddhist traditions. Her own teaching emphasizes sim- 1984. He is a former Buddhist monk and worked in hospice Gaia House Resident Teacher and a member of its plicity, lovingkindness and cultivating a joyful interest. care for 16 years. The author of Lessons From the Dying, he Teacher Council. He is a co-founder of Sanghaseva, an She is teacher-in-residence at the Forest Refuge. is the founding and guiding teacher for the Seattle Insight organization exploring the dharma through international Meditation Society and an IMS guiding teacher. service work. Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Asia. He is a co-founder of IMS and Spirit Rock, and has taught Carol Wilson began meditation practice in 1971. She Grove Burnett, a co-founder and senior teacher of the meditation internationally since 1974. He holds a Ph.D. has studied with a variety of teachers, including practice Vallecitos Mountain Refuge in NM has practiced and in clinical psychology and is the author of a number of as a Buddhist nun in Thailand. An IMS guiding teacher, trained in the Buddhist tradition for the last 25 years. books, including A Path with Heart and After the Ecstasy, she has been offering retreats around the world, includ- He is also an environmental lawyer and has litigated the Laundry. ing the IMS 3-Month course, since 1986. important environmental cases in the Southwest.

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 15 Hugh Byrne teaches with the Insight Meditation Trudy Goodman has practiced since 1974 and taught Marcia Rose has practiced Buddhist meditation since Community of Washington and is a co-founder of the since 1983. She founded Insight LA, Growing Spirit, and 1970. She is a guiding teacher in Taos, NM for The Washington Buddhist Peace Fellowship. He teaches class- the Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. She is the Mountain Hermitage and founded Taos Mountain es on Buddhism and meditation for the Smithsonian guiding teacher of the Institute for Meditation and Sangha. She was IMS resident teacher from 1991-1995 Resident Associate Program. Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA. and now teaches in the US and internationally.

Eugene Cash is the founding teacher of the Insight Bhante Gunaratana has been a Buddhist monk for Gina Sharpe has studied and practiced Buddhism for Meditation Community of San Francisco. He is a Spirit over 50 years, and is the founder of Bhavana Society in many years, across several traditions. She is a graduate Rock teacher and leads retreats internationally. He is rural West Virginia. He is the author of a number of of the first Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders pro- also the co-founder and teacher of the Diamond books, including Mindfulness in Plain English and his gram, and a co-founder of New York Insight Meditation Approach San Francisco. autobiography Journey to Mindfulness. Center. She has been teaching since 1994.

Sally Clough began practicing vipassana meditation in Ed Hauben, a long-term meditator and friend of IMS, Doreen Schweizer, the guiding teacher for Valley India in 1981. Since moving to the Bay Area in 1988, she has served on its board and assisted with the Family and Insight Meditation Society in NH, has practiced yoga and has served at Spirit Rock in a number of roles. She began Teen retreats for the past 25 years. meditation since 1969. She is a graduate of Spirit Rock’s teaching in 1996, and is one of the guiding teachers of Community Dharma Leaders program. Spirit Rock's Dedicated Practitioner Program. Maddy Klyne, a long-time vipassana practitioner, teaches beginners’ classes and workshops for adults and Sayadaw U Vivekananda has trained under Ven. Mark Coleman has taught retreats since 1997, young people at CIMC. Sayadaw U Pandita since 1988. He has taught interna- following extensive training in several Buddhist tionally since 1998, guiding meditators in English, traditions. He leads Wilderness Meditation courses, Dori Langevin, Psy.D., has studied and practiced vipas- Burmese, German and French. He is the resident teacher has a private practice in counseling and is the author sana meditation since 1997 and teaches for the Insight at Panditarama Lumbini International Vipassana of Awake in the Wild, to be published in December, Meditation Community of Washington in DC. Meditation Center, Lumbini, Nepal. 2006. Heather Martin has practiced meditation for over Julie Wester has practiced vipassana meditation since Matthew Daniell, a Buddhist meditation and yoga 30 years with Asian and Western teachers, and began 1973 and has taught since 1985. Trained by Ruth practitioner since 1984, teaches ‘mindfulness yoga’, teaching in 2000. A midwife for 20 years, she lives in Denison in the U Ba Khin tradition, her teaching incorpo- based on the Viniyoga tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is B.C., Canada. rates sensory exploration and guided movement medita- a founder and the resident teacher at the Insight tion. She is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. Meditation Center of Newburyport, MA. Catherine McGee has been teaching insight meditation since 1997 both at Gaia House in England and interna- Larry Yang, a longtime meditator, psychotherapist and Sky Dawson has practiced vipassana meditation since tionally. She is also a student of the Diamond Approach consultant in diversity and cultural competency has 1981. In 2005, she completed the IMS Teacher Training of A.H. Almaas. taught meditation since 1999. He has recently returned Program. A resident of Western Australia, she offers the from a six-month residency in Thailand as a Theravada dharma there and works in researching palliative care. Annie Nugent has practiced since 1979 and was an IMS Buddhist monk. resident teacher from 1999-2003. Her teaching style Chas DiCapua, currently the IMS Resident Teacher, has aims to reveal how all aspects of our lives can help us Assisted By offered meditation since 1998. Although primarily inter- come to a clear and direct understanding of the Truth. ested in sharing the teachings with teens and young Franz Moeckl has practiced and studied insight adults, he also teaches regularly at various sitting groups Susan O’Brien has been practicing vipassana medita- meditation, Tai Chi and Qigong for more than 25 years, and centers close to IMS. tion since 1980 and has studied with a variety of Asian including time as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He now and western teachers. She began teaching in 1996 and teaches in the US, Europe and Asia. Anna Douglas, Ph.D., is a founding teacher of Spirit coordinates the Insight Meditation correspondence course. Rock and leads retreats nationwide. In addition to 25 years of vipassana practice, she has studied with teachers Yanai Postelnik has practiced meditation for many in the Zen, Advaita and Dzogchen traditions. She lives in years in Asia and the West. He has been teaching since Tucson part-time and teaches classes there. 1992 and leads retreats worldwide. He is a Teacher LOU ALBERT Council member and the Dharma Director of Gaia House Jean Esther has practiced vipassana meditation since in England. 1982 and has worked with the Teen Retreat since 1999. She has a psychotherapy practice in Northampton, MA Ajahn Punnadhammo is the abbot of Arrow River and has taught meditation locally since 2001. Forest Hermitage in northern Ontario. He has studied and practiced Buddhism since 1979, and was ordained in Patricia Genoud-Feldman has been practicing Thailand in the forest tradition of Ajahn Chah in 1992. Buddhist meditation (vipassana and Dzogchen) in Asiaand the West since 1984 and teaching vipassana Sharda Rogell began teaching worldwide in 1987, internationally since 1997. She is co-founder and a emphasizing awakening heartfulness. She is on the guiding teacher at the Meditation Center Vimalakirti in Teachers Council at Spirit Rock in CA, and a student of the Geneva, Switzerland. Diamond Approach.

Page 16 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 2007 Forest Refuge Teaching Schedule

Application Information Jan 1 – Jan 31* Annie Nugent & Susan O’Brien Feb 1 – Feb 28 Marcia Rose & Annie Nugent For those interested in practicing Mar 1 – Mar 31 Rodney Smith & Myoshin Kelley at the Forest Refuge, there is an application process. Guidelines and Apr 1 – May 31 Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley an application form are available Jun 1 – Jun 30 Sayadaw U Vivekananda on our website or from our office. Jul 1 – Jul 31 Myoshin Kelley & Patricia Genoud-Feldman You can apply online, or mail or fax a completed form to us. Aug 1 – Aug 31 Sharda Rogell & Myoshin Kelley Sep 1 – Oct 31 Carol Wilson & Ven. Ariya Ñani If there is no accommodation Nov 1 – Nov 30 Myoshin Kelley & Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia available at the time you wish to Dec 1 – Dec 31 Myoshin Kelley & Rebecca Bradshaw come, we encourage you to keep your application in process. You may like to change your dates, or we can put you on a wait list, LOU ALBERT if your application is approved. There are often cancellations from those already confirmed, and spaces open up. You can also check the IMS home page on our website, where we post updates about space availability.

Please read pages 12-14 for A self-sustaining practice is necessary to undertake a Forest Refuge retreat. general IMS retreat and financial information. 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 vipassana Fees for 2007 are outlined in the teachers. box to the right. Payment is due once your application has been LENGTH OF STAY SLIDING SCALE FEES approved, and is accepted by Sponsor Mid Low mail, phone or in person. Please One week $610 $560 $460 make your check or money order Two weeks $1,220 $1,120 $885 payable to IMS, or include Visa First month (30 days) $2,310 $2,100 $1,590 or MasterCard information. Second month (31-60 days) $2,250 $2,040 $1,530 Some scholarship support is Third month (61-90 days) $2,160 $1,950 $1,440 available. For more information Long-term daily rate (after 90 days) $52 $45 $28 please see page 13.

* You can establish your own fee for a personal retreat during January, 2007, based on your financial means.

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 17 2007 Retreat Center Schedule

Dates Length Course Title Teachers

Jan 12-Jan 15 3 days Focusing on Freedom: Insight Meditation Weekend Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia & Doreen Schweizer Feb 2-Feb 10 8 days Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat Sharon Salzberg, Mark Coleman & Gina Sharpe Feb 10-Feb 18 8 days Awakening the Natural Wisdom of the Heart: Tara Brach, Eugene Cash, Hugh Byrne & Dori Langevin Insight Meditation Retreat Feb 23-Feb 28 5 days Insight Meditation Retreat Larry Rosenberg & Michael Liebenson Grady Mar 9-Mar 17 8 days Women in Meditation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman, Narayan Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Mar 18-Mar 25 7 days Investigating Life: Insight Meditation Retreat for 18-32 Year Olds Rebecca Bradshaw, Marvin Belzer & Chas DiCapua Mar 30-Apr 8 9 days Freedom Here and Now: Insight Meditation Retreat Carol Wilson, Rodney Smith & Guy Armstrong Apr 13-Apr 22 9 days Jhanas (Meditative Absorptions) Retreat for Experienced Students Bhante Gunaratana Apr 25-May 3 8 days Monastic Retreat Ajahn Amaro, Ajahn Punnadhammo & Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia May 4-May 13 9 days Insight Meditation Retreat Jack Kornfield, Anna Douglas, Trudy Goodman, Gina Sharpe & Grove Burnett May 18-May 20 2 days Cultivating a Wise Heart: Insight Meditation Weekend Annie Nugent & Sky Dawson May 25-May 28 3 days The Buddha’s Path to Happiness: A Weekend for New Students Rebecca Bradshaw & Sky Dawson Jun 1-Jun 8 7 days Metta (Lovingkindness) Retreat Michele McDonald, Rebecca Bradshaw & Patricia Genoud-Feldman Jun 8-Jun 17 9 days Insight Meditation Retreat Michele McDonald, Rebecca Bradshaw & Patricia Genoud-Feldman with Franz Moeckl (Qigong) Jun 1-Jun 17 16 days Metta & Insight Meditation Retreat As above Jun 22-Jun 29 7 days Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students Larry Rosenberg, Corrado Pensa & Matthew Daniell Jun 30-Jul 4 4 days Teen Retreat Rebecca Bradshaw & Chas DiCapua with Ed Hauben & Jean Esther Jul 7-Jul 12 5 days People of Color Retreat ^ Joseph Goldstein, Gina Sharpe & Larry Yang with Sharon Salzberg Jul 13-Jul 21 8 days The Path of Liberation: Insight Meditation Retreat Christina Feldman, Fred von Allmen & Rob Burbea Jul 24-Jul 29 5 days Family Retreat ** Yanai Postelnik & Catherine McGee Lottery course. Registration due by February 14, 2007 Aug 3-Aug 12 9 days The Power of Purification: Insight Meditation Retreat Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters & Sky Dawson Aug 18-Aug 26 8 days Your Life is Your Practice: Insight Meditation Retreat Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Aug 31-Sep 3 3 days Labor Day Weekend for Experienced Students Sep 3-Sep 9 6 days Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students Ruth Denison & Julie Wester Aug 31-Sep 9 9 days Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students Sep 14-Sep 16 2 days Insight Meditation Weekend for New Students Michael Liebenson Grady & Maddy Klyne Sep 20-Dec 13 84 days Three-Month Retreat Joseph Goldstein Sep 20-Nov 1 42 days Part 1 Myoshin Kelley, Rebecca Bradshaw, Patricia Genoud-Feldman & Annie Nugent Nov 1-Dec 13 42 days Part 2 Carol Wilson, Guy Armstrong, Sally Clough & Sharda Rogell Dec 28-Jan 6, 2008 9 days Resolutions of the Heart: New Year’s Retreat Rodney Smith, Yanai Postelnik & Heather Martin

Please see the following pages for retreat descriptions and registration information. + Scholarship awards are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Please refer to page 13 for scholarship application information. * ‘You Choose’ means that you can establish your own deposit amount and course fee, based on your financial means. ^ We offer reduced rates for the People of Color Retreat and free transportation between New York City and IMS. You do not have to pay to participate. Co-sponsored by IMS and New York Insight. ** Please see page 22 for additional Family Retreat information.

Page 18 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 Share the Benefits LIBBY VIGEON Code Deposit Sliding Scale Fees of Practice Sponsor Mid Low Scholarship + MLK $125 $310 $270 $215 $90 SS $175 $655 $580 $430 $240 TB $175 $655 $580 $430 $240

LR1 $125 $435 $385 $290 $150 WOM $175 $655 $580 $430 $240 YA You Choose* $575 $455 You Choose* N/A CW $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 BG $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 MR You Choose* $655 $580 You Choose* N/A JK $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 WE $100 $225 $200 $165 $60 Donate for NSW1 $125 $310 $270 $215 $90 Scholarships MM1 $175 $575 $510 $375 $210 Each year, generous contributions MM2 $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 support the practice of many participants in our programs – MM3 $175 $1,310 $1,160 $850 $480 from the new student attending LR2 $175 $575 $510 $375 $210 a first weekend course to the TR $255 $370 $330 $255 $120 experienced practitioner spending POC You Choose* $410 $325 You Choose* N/A a year in silence. Please consider CF $175 $655 $580 $430 $210 joining the community of donors FAM (Adult) $175 $535 $485 $390 $150 who help make IMS retreats (Child) $175 $270 $245 $180 $150 possible for those who cannot afford the entire cost. SK $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 NLG $175 $655 $580 $430 $240 You may give to our general RD1 $125 $310 $270 $215 $90 scholarship fund or direct your RD2 $175 $490 $435 $320 $180 gift to a specialized scholarship, RD3 $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 such as Danic (for those in pain), NSW2 $100 $225 $200 $165 $60 People of Color, Ryan (for teens), 3MO $750 $6,470 $5,670 $4,030 $2,520 or Youth Outreach (for those PT1 $375 $3,235 $2,835 $2,015 $1,260 aged 18-32). PT2 $375 $3,235 $2,835 $2,015 $1,260 IMS is committed to offering NY $175 $740 $655 $480 $270 scholarships to retreatants as needed, and we appreciate your support of that commitment. Contributions can be sent to IMS, Attn: Donations, 1230 Pleasant St., Barre, MA 01005. To donate online, visit our website.

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 19 LIBBY VIGEON

Awakening the Natural Wisdom of the Heart: Insight Meditation Retreat With Tara Brach

Cultivating the two wings of the dharma - wisdom and compassion - is at the heart of contemplative practice. Our retreat together will explore the capacity to meet one’s moment-to- moment experience with unconditional presence leading to intimacy with life and authentic freedom. The course will include mindfulness instructions in all activities, guided heart meditations, Metta dharma talks and meetings with the Retreat Center teachers. Course Descriptions Metta is the Pali word for friendship or lovingkindness. It is taught as a Women in Meditation: Insight Meditation meditation that cultivates our natural Insight Meditation Retreat capacity for an open and loving heart. Insight Meditation (vipassana in With its roots in practices said to be In the classical context of silence and Pali, the language of the original taught by the Buddha himself, metta sustained meditation practice, women Buddhist teachings) is the simple is traditionally offered along with have gathered together on this annual and direct practice of moment- meditations that enrich compassion, retreat for more than 20 years, creating to-moment mindfulness. Through joy in the happiness of others and a powerful sense of community in careful and sustained observation, equanimity. These practices lead to which our capacity for deepening in we experience for ourselves the the development of concentration, wisdom and compassion is supported. ever-changing flow of the mind/body fearlessness, happiness and a greater There are daily talks, instructions, process. This awareness leads us to ability to love. lovingkindness practice and meetings accept more fully the pleasure and with the teachers. Over the decades, pain, fear and joy, sadness and Focusing on Freedom: this course has played a seminal role in happiness that life inevitably brings. Insight Meditation Weekend honoring the long tradition of women As insight deepens, we develop With Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia in the meditative life. greater equanimity and peace in the face of change, and wisdom and This weekend will provide opportunities Investigating Life: compassion increasingly become the for slowing down and cultivating wise Insight Meditation Retreat guiding principles of our lives. attention. We will make good use of for 18-32 Year Olds silence, the practice of mindful awareness The Buddha first taught vipassana over in sitting, walking and daily activities, This retreat specifically addresses the 2,500 years ago. The various methods and optional periods of gentle yoga to practice needs of new and experienced of this practice have been well pre- quiet our busyness. Dharma reflections meditators in the challenging years of served in the Theravada tradition of will focus on the teachings of the early adulthood. The format includes Buddhism. IMS retreats are all rooted Buddha – especially those that inspire daily meditation instruction, group and in this ancient and well-mapped path freedom, faith and determination. individual interviews, opportunities for to awakening and draw on the full The retreat is suitable for both beginning questions and discussion as well as yoga spectrum of this tradition’s lineages. and experienced meditators. sessions. The course will end with a day

Page 20 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 of activities centered on supporting Participants are required to have sat at The Buddha’s Path to community and integrating the practice least one week-long insight meditation Happiness: A Weekend into our daily lives. course. Please document this when for New Students registering. With Rebecca Bradshaw Freedom Here and Now: Insight Meditation Retreat Monastic Retreat During this three-day weekend silent With Carol Wilson retreat, we will explore the Buddhist Western nuns and monks from the teachings on mindfulness and happi- The whole of the Buddha's teaching Thai Buddhist monastic tradition ness. Designed for those who have can be seen as showing us ways to free teach each year at the center. never attended an insight meditation the mind from unhappiness, both in the Retreatants are asked to observe course, the schedule will include sitting present moment and for all time. In this the eight monastic precepts (which and walking periods that are shorter retreat we will emphasize the theme of include abstaining from eating after than the standard IMS retreat format liberation through the instructions and noon each day) and to participate and support will be provided through dharma talks so that the living experience fully in the daily routine of sitting, talks and periods of discussion. of freedom becomes an integral part of standing and walking meditation. our practice. Each day, group practice will begin Insight Meditation Retreat with an offering of flowers, light for Experienced Students Jhanas (Meditative Absorptions) (in the form of candles) and fragrance With Larry Rosenberg & Corrado Pensa Retreat for Experienced Students (incense), as well as chanting to the With Bhante Gunaratana Triple Gem. The core of vipassana meditation is the practice of mindfulness, that quality of The jhanas are the deep states of Cultivating a Wise Heart: awareness that sees without judgment. tranquil concentration that the Buddha Insight Meditation Weekend Sitting and walking meditation, the taught for the development of insight. With Annie Nugent first steps in formal practice, become Bhante Gunaratana will explain what the foundation and continuous inspira- the scriptures and ancient commentaries Life presents us with the challenge tion for meeting all aspects of life with have to say about these states. He will of living from a place of wisdom and a greater openness and willingness to also give practical advice how to enter therefore true happiness, rather than learn. The ordinary activities of retreat into them and use them in meditation from delusion and its corresponding life become a part of the practice practice. suffering. Insight meditation leads because the challenges they offer help us towards wisdom. By simply us develop the art of mindful living. Sittings during this course may last observing our bodies and minds, one hour or longer. There will be we begin to know experience as it There will be a daily, optional period of an opportunity to observe the eight presents itself. A deep understanding mindfulness yoga. Please bring a yoga monastic precepts, which include dawns, and we can live life with a mat if you intend to participate. abstaining from food after noon each wise and loving heart. This retreat day. An exception will be made for aims to strengthen this understanding, Participants are required to have sat those who prefer to eat in the late enabling us to use everything in life at least two week-long courses at IMS. afternoon - a tea meal will be served. as food for freedom. Please document this when registering. LIBBY VIGEON

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 21 Teen Retreat accessible to anyone who would Each family unit pays an additional like to attend. You do not have to fee for the children’s dharma program. This retreat is specifically for teens, pay to participate. Those who can This is on a sliding scale basis, ranging aged 14-19. It offers beginning contribute, however, help ensure from $50 to $150. You MUST specify meditation instruction, half-hour sitting that the community of POC name, full date of birth and gender of and walking periods, discussion groups, meditators continues to flourish. all children on your registration. meditative arts and free time. The aim is Free transportation is provided between to allow young adults to develop and New York City and IMS. Due to the popularity of this retreat and our value their natural spirituality within a wish to support continuity for regulars as supportive environment. Extensive The Path of Liberation: well as accessibility for new participants, all supervision is provided. Insight Meditation Retreat applications received by February 14, 2007 With Christina Feldman will be processed as follows: half of available People of Color Retreat spaces will be given to families who have Insight meditation is a path of attended three out of the past five years, or This insight meditation course, awakening, and a retreat is an two out of the last three years, by lottery co-sponsored by IMS and New invitation to nurture our capacity from all qualifying registrations. Families York Insight creates a space of ease for the vastness of heart and mind who have registered for the last two years and support for people of color to that is possible for each of us. without getting a place are automatically meditate together and cultivate inner Attending to our body, mind, heart confirmed – please notify us if this is the freedom. It provides an in-depth and each unique moment with a case, prior to the lottery deadline. The experience of the Buddha’s teachings mindful and compassionate attention, balance of places will be drawn by lottery on mindful awareness, illuminating we walk an ancient path that leads from all remaining registrations; those not a path toward healing and greater to the end of sorrow and the selected, as well as any late registrations, happiness. Those without previous emergence of joy, serenity and will be put on a wait list. meditation experience are encouraged freedom. Daily instructions, dharma to attend. talks, loving-kindness meditations, The Power of Purification: as well as regular meetings with the Insight Meditation Retreat Through the generosity of several teachers are offered during the course. With Steve Armstrong & donors, we can offer reduced rates Kamala Masters (see pages 18 & 19) - our wish is to Family Retreat make the People of Color retreat The cultivation of mindfulness is This course is an invitation to honor, essential for maturing the paramis, the nurture and deepen the natural forces of purification. Mindfulness also spirituality of family life. Through calms the mind and deepens insightful formal insight meditation practice, understanding. Practicing awareness in discussions, family meditations and all activities throughout this retreat dharma teachings, we will explore together with metta – lovingkindness what it means to practice wisdom meditation - will lay the foundation and compassion in the very midst of for a dharma lifestyle. our lives, roles and relationships. Insight Meditation Retreats A dharma program for children over for Experienced Students two years old is included; it is staffed With Ruth Denison & Julie Wester by volunteers who coordinate age- appropriate activities. A parent or Ruth Denison is a vipassana dharma friend needs to stay with any child elder whose style of teaching is unique LIBBY VIGEON under two years old at all times. in the IMS schedule. Her body-focused

Page 22 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 teachings invite students to drop below for students to deepen the powers of the level of concept into the direct concentration, wisdom and compassion. experience of life. In addition to sitting Based on the meditation instructions and walking meditation, Ruth of Mahasi Sayadaw and supplemented spontaneously guides the moment- by a range of skillful means, this to-moment development of awareness retreat will encourage a balanced in movement, chanting and playful attitude of relaxation and alertness, celebration. While the retreat is held and the continuity of practice based on in noble silence, continuous meditation the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. instruction will be given during her teaching periods. Prerequisite is three retreats of a week or more with a recognized Ruth will be joined in teaching by insight meditation teacher, or special Julie Wester, a longtime student of permission. Please document this New York Insight Ruth’s and member of the Spirit Rock experience, including teachers’ New York Insight (NYI) was Teachers Council. Ruth will be names, dates and length of courses founded as a nonprofit center celebrating her 85th birthday during when registering. You will also need for the practice of mindful this time. to submit a questionnaire when awareness (vipassana or insight signing up - your course participation meditation). NYI provides a Participants are required to have cannot be confirmed until this is place where all are welcome to sat at least two week-long insight received and approved. begin or deepen meditation meditation courses. Please document practice based on the liberation this when registering. Special cancellation fees and deadlines teachings of the Buddha. apply. 3MO and Part 1: up to June 15, $50; Programs include evenings with Insight Meditation Weekend from June 16 to July 31, $150; after July renowned meditation teachers, for New Students 31, $350 for 3MO and $250 for Part 1. ongoing classes, daylong With Michael Liebenson Grady Part 2: up to July 31, $50; from August 1 retreats and weekend courses to September 15, $150; after September 15, for the integration of meditation This weekend is designed for $250. Please note that these amounts teachings in daily life. practitioners who have never attended will apply even if you wish to move from The events, except where noted, an insight meditation retreat as well any part of the course to another. are suitable for beginning as as those who are brand new to this well as experienced meditators. practice. A continuity of mindfulness Resolutions of the Heart: NYI welcomes the participation will be emphasized in a supportive and New Year’s Retreat of all interested people. silent atmosphere. Sitting and walking With Rodney Smith periods will be shorter than the NYI is located in central standard IMS retreat format and the The New Year is an opportunity Chelsea. Our spacious schedule will also include talks and for both reflection and establishing and peaceful center is at periods of discussion. intention. Before deciding the 28 W 27th St, 10th Floor direction our life should head in the (between 6th Ave & Broadway), Three-Month Retreat future, it is helpful to thoroughly New York, NY 10001. investigate where we are now. This Please check our website The annual three-month course, insight meditation retreat will gently www.nyimc.org for including its six-week partials is a explore the terrain of our lives with event descriptions and special time for practice. Because of compassion and wisdom. registration information, its extended length and ongoing or call (212) 213-4802. guidance, it is a rare opportunity

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 23 Retreat Center Registration Information

Registrations Wait List Cancellation • Are accepted online, by mail or • If a course is full, you will be • If you need to cancel your in person. For security reasons, we placed on a wait list and notified registration, please contact us as soon do not accept registration by email. if an opening occurs. If you do not as possible. Fees are: $25 if you Incomplete applications, including get into a course, your deposit will cancel six or more weeks before a those without sufficient deposit, be refunded. course begins; $100 four to six weeks will be returned. before; and the full deposit less • Are processed by date received Payments than four weeks before. or by lottery. • Retreat fees and deposits are listed • The cancellation policy for the • If registering online, an email is sent beside each course on the schedule Three-Month Retreat is more immediately acknowledging receipt of (see pages 18-19). Pricing is on a stringent. (Please see page 23 for your application. sliding scale basis – this allows you information.) • Whether registering by mail or online, to pay according to your means. • Cancellation fees apply if you are within two weeks of your registration Any amount paid above the Low confirmed into a course from the being processed you should receive rate is a tax-deductible donation. wait list and do not accept. So further correspondence indicating • Most retreats require a deposit please notify us immediately if you your registration status. on registering, even if you are decide you no longer wish to attend. If you do not hear from us within applying for a scholarship. this time please contact our office. Exceptions to this are: • All cancellation fees support the • All retreatants are expected to • if you are applying for a Youth Scholarship Fund. participate in the entire course. Outreach scholarship (for ages Prior approval of both the teacher 18-32) or for the Ryan Fund and the office is required for those (for the Teen Retreat), the LIBBY VIGEON wishing to arrive late or leave early. minimum deposit is $50. Once a retreat is in process, such • if you are registering for a movement is disruptive to others and retreat where the minimum places an additional burden on other deposit is on a donation basis. retreatants with regard to work • Please pay by check, credit card or periods. Your room cannot be guar- money order in U.S. funds, drawn anteed if you arrive late; the full on a U.S. or Canadian bank. course fee will be charged regard- We cannot accept foreign less of length of stay. cash or bank drafts. • Please contact the office if you are • If possible, please pay chemically sensitive. the entire retreat cost • IMS strives to provide a safe, peaceful on registering; this and efficient environment for medita- helps our efficiency. tors. It is with regret that we find, at • Make your check times, the need to turn someone away. or money order Please know that we take great care payable to IMS, in such situations – the discernment or include Visa process is thorough and always with or MasterCard the intention to protect the majority information of those who practice here. on the form.

Page 24 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 25 NO NO ❑ NO ❑ ❑ ______NO ❑ YES YES ______❑ ______Email ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ you snore? _____ Can you offer a ride? YES you snore? _____ Can you offer a ______NO NO ❑❑ ❑❑ ______❑ ❑ www.dharma.org Y ______Do YES YES May we share your address with similar organizations? May we share your email address with similar organizations? by email by postal mail (attach extra paper if necessary). Please send me an application form I have downloaded the form already Exact Name on Credit Card ______mation ______/_ Year of Birth Do you smoke? ______Year 2006/2007 if new address. Old address ______❑ ❑

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My check is enclosed for $ ______Winter ❑ • Payment Infor I have added $______as a donation to IMS. Do you wish to be on our emailing list? M ❑ Name ______$____ Pay Will Scale Amount You Sliding Check Evening Phone Day Phone ______packet: I wish to receive my confirmation Do you wish to receive our mailings? Credit Card # Expiry Date Code (last 3 digits of the sequence on back of Credit Card) 3-Digit Verification amount to charge Credit Card $______Total Cardholder Signature ______I wish to apply for a scholarship: ______Address ______Address ______before? YES Have you been to IMS Course Code ______Visit Dates: From ______To ______Deposit $ ______Deposit To Dates: From ______Visit Course Code ______Country State ______City ______Zip______If you are registering for more than one course, photocopy this form and send a separate form for each retreat. this form and send a separate for more than one course, photocopy If you are registering USA Pleasant St., Barre, MA 01005, Mail to IMS, 1230 prefer to register online at www.dharma.org you may Or, Retreat Center Registration Form Registration Center Retreat CLEARL AND PRINT COMPLETE IN FULL PLEASE Retreat Experience (for BG, LR2, RD, PT1, PT2 & 3MO courses). Retreat Experience (for BG, LR2, RD, locations Please list teacher names, dates and Please indicate any physical disabilities or special needs to assist in assigning your room. Please indicate any physical disabilities ______✁ Fall Dharma Seed preserving and sharing the Buddha’s teachings for 22 years... continuing the oral tradition

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Dharma Seed For information/assistance please call (800) 969-7333. Personal assistance is available 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST. Our answering service is available after hours for ordering or requests.

Mail: Box 66, Wendell Depot, MA 01380 • email: [email protected]

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Support friends or family members to participate in any IMS program 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 any retreat.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (978) 355-4378 ext. 170 LIBBY VIGEON

Page 26 www.dharma.org Fall • Winter 2006/2007 149 Lockwood Road Barre, MA 01005 Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Phone: (978) 355-2347 Email: [email protected] ...for the integration of scholarly understanding and meditative insight... Website: 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.

BCBS Schedule for 2006/2007

Nov 18, 2006 Michael & Narayan Liebenson Grady Your Life is Your Practice Nov 19 Kate Lila Wheeler U Pandita on the Beautiful Mind Nov 26-Dec 1 Mu Soeng Nonduality in the Mahayana (Bhavana) Dec 8-10 Mark Hart Suffering and the End of Suffering Jan 7-12, 2007 Andrew Olendzki Abhidhamma: Buddhist Psychology Jan 13 Rajesh Kasturirangan Buddhism and Cognitive Science Jan 14 Sumi Loundon Teaching Meditation to Children Insight Journal Jan 19-21 Chris Queen & Tony Stultz Socially Engaged Buddhism Jan 26-28 Mu Soeng Time and Being in Buddhist Thought The Insight Journal is a free BCBS Feb 2-4 Claire Stanley Mindfulness for Educators publication, containing articles of lasting interest on the integration of scholarly Feb 9-11 Christina Feldman Demystifying Nibbana understanding with meditative insight. Feb 16-19 Ajaan Thanissaro Questioning the Great Divide Articles in the Feb 23-25 Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara Zen Koans as a Means to Wake Up! Spring 2006 issue include: Mar 1-4 Bill Morgan, Susan Morgan, et al. Meditation for Psychotherapists Mar 23-25 Gregory Kramer Right Speech (Dharma Contemplation) Teacher Interview with Gregory Kramer Mar 31 Ellison Findly Buddhist Art Getting the Message Apr 1 Myoshin Kelley The Ease of Simply Knowing by Ajaan Thanissaro Apr 6-15 Leigh Brasington Satipatthana and Jhana Sutta Studies: Truth Apr 20-22 DaeJa Napier The Kalama Sutta by Andrew Olendzki Apr 23 Bhante Gunaratana Jhanas (Meditative Absorptions) Grounded by the Earth by Anne Carolyn Klein Apr 27-29 Shinzen Young Meditation & Emotional Intelligence May 5 Ajahn Amaro Exploring the Nature of Nibbana Working with Anger by Harvey Aronson May 6 Ajahn Amaro & Taraniya Ambrosia The Fourfold Family of the Buddha …and more. May 7-12 Andrew Olendzki, Taraniya Ambrosia, et al. Essentials of Buddhist Psychology May 13-18 Trudy Goodman, Paul Fulton, et al. Meditation and Its Clinical Applications If you would like to receive your May 27 Rabbis Jeff Roth & Sheila Weinberg Mindfulness in a Jewish Context free subscription to Insight Journal, please call or email us. Jun 1-3 Sayadaw U Tejaniya TBA The Fall 2006 issue will be published in November. For full course descriptions and registration, please request our program catalog by writing to [email protected] or visiting www.dharma.org/bcbs.

Fall • Winter 2006/2007 www.dharma.org Page 27 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage INSIGHT NEWSLETTER PAID Insight Meditation Society Permit No.2 1230 Pleasant St. Worcester, MA Barre, MA 01005 PHOTOS: LIBBY VIGEON & JOHN HOLLAND

Want to work with like-minded people? IMS is more than just a workplace. Two retreat facilities, a dedicated staff, and access to an abundance of practice resources make this a uniquely supportive environment. A position at IMS is a great opportunity to deepen your practice through right livelihood.

Seeking Kitchen, Maintenance and Office Staff (For specific openings and descriptions see www.dharma.org)

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