INSIGHT

NEWSLETTER

F ALL WINTER

2003/2004 The Emerging IMS Schedules: The Retreat Center 2004 Western The Forest 2003/04 An Interview with Joseph Goldstein

BCBS 2004 Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder and guiding teacher of IMS, and author of Course Schedule Outline One : The Emerging Western Buddhism. He has been teaching Buddhism for almost 30 years. Here he talks with Insight Newsletter about the themes, Teacher Interview developments and challenges that lie ahead for Western Buddhist practitioners.

IMS News Joseph, IMS is soon to enter the value of an environment where its 29th year of operation. experienced practitioners could and Developments Together with , undertake longer-term personal you have played a key role in retreats. the organization’s growth. What is your vision for its IMS is now at the stage where we need next decade? to nurture and support these existing programs, rather than further expand Since Sharon and I started teaching the facilities. This involves many areas in the West in 1974, there has been a of current activity, including teacher remarkable growth of interest in the training, greater outreach to diverse Buddha’s teachings – the Dharma – and communities, and upgrading of older in meditation practice. What started as buildings. But most strategically, we a fringe, off-beat endeavor has since want to create and sustain a solid become familiar to the mainstream of financial base that will provide access our culture. IMS has responded to this to the retreat experience and the growing interest in different ways: teachings for future generations. initially with the Retreat Center, which My hope is that over the next decade provides structured group retreats, and we can build an endowment that will then more recently with The Forest ensure a lasting legacy of everything Refuge. The creation of this later that has gone before. program came out of recognizing (continued on page 2)

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSIGHT MEDITATION SOCIETY DENISE MACHADO As Buddhism unfolds in our unconsciousness of deep feelings. Rather, contemporary society, what is it’s the full experience of the particular its relationship with Western mind state, but without building a psychology? Are there areas superstructure of self on top of it. of overlap and influence? Each emotion arises out of conditions and is simply expressing it’s own nature. Both Western and Buddhist psychology The ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are extra. offer profound insight into the mind. It is helpful to understand where the Do you envision a time two paradigms overlap, where they when there will be only one complement each other, and where they Dharma? Will any of the diverge. We can see the relationship of richness within each tradition the two approaches clearly in the arena be lost if all are merged of afflictive emotions. This term is one into one? translation of the word kilesa, which Joseph Goldstein also translates as ‘defilement’ or ‘torment As Western Buddhist students returned of mind’. I prefer ‘afflictive emotions’ from Asia over the last 30 years, and as because it points directly to those mind different Asian teachers came to the states that cause suffering, such as West, the three major Buddhist depression, fear, hatred, anger, jealousy traditions established themselves here, and so on – it’s a long list! with each presenting a unique system of teachings. This allowed many of us the For example, if there’s envy or jealousy opportunity to study with teachers in the arising in the mind, the first step in both different schools of , INSIGHT Buddhist practice and Western psychology and . I don’t believe NEWSLETTER is to recognize what is arising. The second that the direction we are going in will step is cultivating an acceptance of the lead to these traditions melding into one. A twice yearly publication of the Insight emotion. We explore what the emotion is That would be a tremendous mistake; Meditation Society, a tax-exempt nonprofit and practice being with it without self- each needs to preserve its own integrity organization whose purpose is to foster judgement, without condemning the state and richness. the practice of vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness) meditation, and to itself. So, there is recognition and preserve the essential Buddhist teachings acceptance – key elements common to However, once we’re established in our of liberation. both traditions. practice, and if we are so inclined, then being open to teachings of other schools The goal of the practice is the awakening Now we come to an important difference. can be immensely enriching, since each of wisdom and compassion through right action and cultivating mindful awareness Buddhist teachings point to the tradition highlights different aspects of in all aspects of life. experience and realization of , or the Buddha’s teachings. For example, selflessness. All experience is empty of self. the methods of training in Editor: Gyano Gibson Within the Western psychological the Theravada schools are very precise Cover photo: Libby Vigeon IMS Buddha Photo: Dawn Close framework, this may be an unusual and highly developed. In The Pali Canon, Design: Lux Productions concept, with greater emphasis usually the Buddha called this the direct way given to building-up and reinforcing the to awakening. So we might say that Please address any sense of self. training in mindfulness is one of the correspondence to IMS, 1230 Pleasant St. specialties of Theravada practice. Barre, MA 01005, USA The third step in working with afflictive Phone: (978) 355-4378 emotions, where the Dharma can offer a In many of the Mahayana schools, Fax: (978) 355-6398 unique contribution, is practicing non- the understanding of – that Email: [email protected] Website: www.dharma.org identification - not taking the emotion to motivation of compassion to awaken be ‘I’ or ‘mine’. This radical view needs for the benefit of all beings – is highly PRINTED IN CANADA careful guidance and instruction. It’s not emphasized. This was, for me, a rich a dissociative state of denial, nor is it an addition to my vipassana, or mindfulness Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 practice. I always knew that the results clear on this, that wisdom is born of activities? What value do we place on of my practice would inevitably help concentration; if our minds are scattered spiritual practice? Do we squeeze it in others, but the teachings of bodhicitta and restless, it is difficult to see clearly. between other things we are doing or is put this motivation up front. This helped it the priority in our lives? I believe we energize and broaden my efforts. His Holiness, the Dalai has said: are in the middle of a great experiment: “My true religion is kindness.” If we also lay women and men exploring the There are cautions, though, in drawing include the practice of lovingkindness, possibility of genuine freedom. Here at on teachings from different traditions. of compassion, of bodhicitta, in our IMS, we are discovering that the Retreat It’s not something we should rush into spiritual journey, these qualities in turn Center and The Forest Refuge are both part and take a little from each without a grow stronger within us. We can learn to of indispensable support systems for those strong foundation in any one of them – be both kinder to ourselves and to others. who do want to actualize this aspiration. that can lead to confusion and lack of We shouldn’t confuse kindness to depth. And for many people, the clarity ourselves with self-indulgence; it means The third challenge, then, is recognizing and consistency of staying within one seeing clearly what is necessary or the need to awaken from our deeply tradition serves their practice perfectly helpful in the moment, including, at conditioned patterns of mind. Whether well. But exploring the one Dharma of times, really heroic effort. we subscribe to the school of sudden or freedom that underlies all the Buddhist gradual enlightenment, true liberation schools can open doors that expand our What are the greatest does not happen without a tremendous view and deepen our understanding. challenges that face dedication and the strengthening of right practitioners in the West? effort. This effort can be expressed in Can you say something different ways – whether it’s the effort to about the fruits of practice? One of the challenges we face is our purify the mind of the afflictive emotions, How does the path unfold? cultural belief that results should be or the effort to stabilize the recognition instant. If we don’t see amazing benefits of the nature of awareness – it still takes The unfolding of the path is quite after the first week of practice, we begin a sustained application of energy. variable, depending on the regularity of to question the possibility of daily practice, the amount of intensive, transformation and liberation. We need Can you shed some light long-term meditation, and the effort we to understand – contrary to a letter we on the teachings regarding make to develop the various paramis, received in the early days addressed to Right Speech? such as generosity, morality, the Instant Meditation Society – that this lovingkindness, and so on, in our lives. process is not instant; although the seed Right Speech is part of the Buddha’s When we are dedicated to our Dharma of enlightenment is always within us, it Eightfold Path – those essential steps practice in these ways, we begin to see takes dedication and commitment for the to help us become free from suffering. positive changes in our minds. There is fruit to ripen and mature. To practice right speech we first need greater self-acceptance. We see the to understand the importance of workings of the mind with greater ease The second challenge that we face is motivation. Investigating and purifying and we hold ourselves a little more the speed and complexity of our society. our motivations is at the heart of the lightly. There is also a deepening of The Buddha taught in much simpler Buddha’s teaching. It is the motivation concentration. I’ve seen this with my times, where life was slower paced. It is behind our actions that most fully own practice. When I began to meditate, important for us to take some time to determines their results, not only for I had just finished studying philosophy slow down, and even stop for certain ourselves but also for those around us. in college and my mind was extremely periods, in order to look into and train discursive. I had no ability to our minds. The practice of right speech challenges concentrate at all. But my faith and us to pay attention to the motivations confidence in the practice were strong The busyness of our lives adds a behind our words. Some motivations are and I just kept sitting and walking, complexity to our situation as lay people: obvious: speech that expresses ill will or sitting and walking. Over time, I noticed Can we live a life that is genuinely words that we intend to be divisive are a big change – my mind actually did devoted to freedom and awakening? clearly unwholesome. But there are begin to settle down. With stronger How can we integrate a daily practice subtler aspects as well. For example, it concentration and stillness of mind, there and the insights from an intensive retreat can be helpful to examine whether we is deeper insight. The Buddha was quite into a fast-paced life filled with worldly habitually interject statements into a

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 3 INSIGHT

Scholarship Fund Support

IMS is committed to scholarship assistance to those who may not be able to afford the entire cost of a meditation retreat, due to financial circumstances. Your generous donations have provided funding for many individuals seeking to participate in our programs.

With the current economic climate, however, there has been a significant increase in scholarship applications over the last two years. For 2004, we are anticipating requests for an estimated $150,000 in funding aid.

We need your continued support! In addition to the general conversation that are self-referencing, What inspires and Scholarship Fund, you may as a way of reinforcing a sense of self motivates you? or ego. This can happen in completely designate that your donation non-aggressive ways, but nevertheless The extraordinary nature of the mind be directed to one or more may not be truly useful. itself. The Buddha said it can be our of the following specialized worst enemy or greatest friend. We see scholarship areas: People of Color, On the other side, we can practice using that although we often live in confined Youth Outreach (for those our speech to express lovingkindness corners of habituated thought and aged 18-25), The Forest Refuge and compassion, with words that are emotion, there is the real possibility of or the Retreat Center. timely and beneficial. The Buddha gave freedom. As we ask ourselves how we some basic guidelines to consider: is it can find appropriate responses to the true and is it useful? Just because uncertainty and confusion of these times, Contributions can be sent to: something is true doesn’t mean it is I find inspiration in understanding that IMS always useful to say. He suggested that peace in the world begins with peace in 1230 Pleasant St., both criteria should be met. The practice our own minds. Wise and compassionate Barre, MA 01005, USA of right speech is easy to understand, but action in the world arises from wisdom To donate online, visit our website often difficult to remember in the midst and compassion within ourselves. of our interactions. It thus becomes a real www.dharma.org daily-life practice that can transform our way of being in the world.

Page 4 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 IMS News coordinator. She replaces Oren Sofer, Wor th Noting who helped to pioneer the initiative. For more information, contact Katie at (978) 355-4378 ext. 80 or [email protected].

Youth Outreach Practicing Freedom

Program Developments Scholarships and Youth Support IMS is honored to host the pan- Buddhist retreat and conference A Youth Outreach Program was The Youth Outreach Program Practicing Freedom for Blacks of the created last fall to support the practice currently offers a limited number of African Diaspora that will take place of budding meditators aged 18-25, and partial and full scholarships for Retreat August 11-15, 2004. It is designed to has allowed many younger practitioners Center courses to people 18-25 years offer an experience of Buddhist to attend Retreat Center courses this old. Registrations require a minimum awareness practices from each of its year. In addition, IMS resident teachers $50 deposit. Financial aid is given on a three major traditions – Theravada, have visited meditation groups at Yale, first come, first serve basis – so we Mahayana and Vajrayana. While the Wesleyan College and Brandeis suggest applying early. (Please see course is suitable for first-time University, and students from Clark, pages 15 & 17 for further scholarship meditators, it is also a rare opportunity Holy Cross and Bard colleges have and registration information.) for experienced practitioners from traveled to Barre for afternoon workshops. diverse lineages to come together with Members of the IMS teaching staff are others of African heritage. “The retreat came at a perfect time. available to visit and support meditation Difficult, but so inspiring!” observed groups at local colleges, to give instruction The retreat’s predecessor, held at 23-year old Nicole Miceli, from New and talks about the practice, as well as Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 2002, York. “I’m at a crossroads, making to host question and answer sessions. was designated as being for African important decisions as to my next life Small groups are also invited to visit Americans. This year’s course reflects direction, and this will surely lead and the Retreat Center to learn more the gathering’s intention to welcome all inform my way.” about meditation and its benefits. Blacks of African descent, whether Please schedule in advance. identified as American, African, For Mitch Pinkston, 22, a student in Caribbean, or the daughters and sons Ohio, the metta (lovingkindness) retreat Help us network of other continents. he sat “was everything. The practice has changed my life for the better.” Please help spread the word about the Further information can be found Youth Outreach Program; an essential on page 14. North Carolina-based student Laura aspect of its success is ensuring that Hirst, 20, found her experience young people know this opportunity Credit Card Payment Soon! “something I’m still learning from.” exists. Let us know of any groups, Nic Grueff agreed. “The retreat was colleges, teachers or young people Through a generous donation, we are such a worthwhile and transformative who may be interested in participating in the process of working with our bank event,” commented this 20-year old in some way. We are also actively to implement the systems that will from Maryland. seeking grants and independent allow IMS to accept credit cards for sources of funding. registrations and direct donations. A dedicated Youth Retreat is currently We are excited about adding this planned for 2005. More details will be Katie Wallace, a young IMS staff convenient service – watch our given in future issues of Insight Newsletter. member, has taken over as the Program’s website for developments.

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 5 INSIGHT

The Forest Refuge Offers are an experienced meditator, and Meal Dana (Generosity) Two-Week Stays are interested in being a group leader, please call us at (978) 355-4378 or The tradition of donating meals to Due to widespread interest, The Forest email [email protected]. We are spiritual practitioners has flourished Refuge is now offering the option of a happy to offer sitting days in return in Asia since the time of the Buddha. two-week personal retreat. This is for your service. suitable for those experienced vipassana In keeping with this tradition, meditators who might not have time for In addition, funding is needed to cover we welcome your donation to a longer retreat, but who wish to the cost of special materials for these cover the costs of IMS meals – benefit from this supportive practice retreats, such as Dharma-related books you have the choice of funding an for the teens, and art supplies for the individual meal or group of meals, environment. (Please see page 10 for at both our programs, or just at application information.) children. If you are interested in one, as outlined below: becoming a 2004 benefactor for one or Catskills Renovation Project both of these courses, please contact us. The The Retreat Forest IMS Center Refuge The Retreat Center dormitory accom- Retreat Center Breakfast $120 $80 $40 modation known as ‘The Catskills’ has Schedule Highlights Lunch $180 $115 $65 been in need of a facelift for many years. Tea $50 $35 $15 With deep gratitude to those who The first residential course for 2004 Entire Day $350 $230 $120 donated to our appeals for this project, will be taught by Steve Armstrong we are pleased to announce that the and Kamala Masters. Core faculty If you, or your group of friends and first phase of a two-part renovation will members, they will lead a nine-day fellow practitioners would like to vipassana retreat, February 13-22. offer Meal Dana, we will acknowledge commence this winter. For two months, your gift – if you wish – by inscribing beginning immediately following the your name(s) on the menu board for Three-Month Retreat, we will install a Joseph Goldstein, together with a particular day or meal. The date fire sprinkler system, paint the walls Ralph Steele and Phillip Moffitt, chosen for this often celebrates a and ceilings, lay new carpeting in the will teach a four-day mindfulness birthday, honors someone who has hallway, and add new area rugs. retreat for men, April 30-May 4. died, or commemorates a significant This will complement the annual life transition. If you do not specify Phase two, scheduled for implement- IMS Women’s Retreat. a date, we can advise you in advance ation within two-to-five years, will when your donation will be used, include replacing dry wall, improving Seeking Volunteer Consultants allowing you to take joy in knowing the plumbing, performing additional when you are encouraging the work on the ceiling and addressing IMS frequently needs help from practice and service of the people with professional skills willing meditators, teachers, and staff. whatever furniture needs that may exist at that time. to volunteer some time or resources. Such donations not only help keep If you have expertise in one of the areas fees as affordable as possible, they The New Year’s Retreat will be held below, please contact Deborah Crown, also affirm our wider community to during the upcoming renovation project. Human Resources Director, include those who participate in (978) 355-4378 ext. 31 or retreats, and those who support them. Assistance for Young Adult [email protected]. & Family Retreats To make a meal donation (which • Development/Capital is tax-deductible), or to receive Each year, IMS endeavors to cultivate Campaign Planning additional information, please the mindfulness, compassion and • Brochure Design/Printing Services contact Jen Lambert, Kitchen wisdom of the next generation through • Human Resources/Compensation & Manager at IMS, 1230 Pleasant St., Salary Administration Barre, MA 01005. Call her at two of its retreats: the Young Adult (978) 355-4378, ext. 14 or email Retreat for ages 14-19 and the Family • Employment or Immigration Law her at [email protected]. Retreat. If you have experience in working with teenagers or children,

Page 6 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 INSIGHT People of Color Retreat “To be the only person of color at a important part of my life,” said Rodney meditation retreat can be an intimidating Johnson, another participant. “Hearing and uncomfortable experience. To an African American teach – the occa- establish a retreat environment filled sional cultural reference, the rhythm of with diversity, to create a safe doorway the voice – was very powerful. It was through which people can practice med- the very first time I had heard the itation and share their common interest Buddha’s teachings through the filter in the Dharma is of enormous impor- of someone like myself.” tance,” stated African American Ralph Steele, who, together with co-teachers “Meditation is a powerful tool in Joseph Goldstein and Gina Sharpe initi- working with the pain of racism and ated the east coast’s first People of Color oppression,” summarized Jamaican- vipassana meditation retreat. born Gina Sharpe. “This ancient method of mind training taught and Cambridge Insight Almost a hundred people attended shared on the retreat allowed us all to the course, held last June outside experience that deepest part of our Meditation Center New York City at the Garrison being, where we are all interconnected.” CIMC is a non-residential urban Institute. “Meditation is universal, but unfortunately, many people of color are We are delighted to announce that the center for the teaching and practice unaware of this practice and have not People of Color course will take place of insight meditation. yet been able to appreciate its relevance next year, June 18-21, 2004, at the CIMC’s programs are designed to to our lives,” explained Janet Crawford, Garrison Institute, a beautiful center provide a strong foundation in an African American from New York. about an hour north of New York City. formal meditation as well as daily “This was my first retreat, and being Jointly sponsored by IMS, New York practice. Our schedule includes daily with other people of color provided a Insight, Vallecitos Mountain Refuge comforting connection. In the beginning and Life Transition Institute of Santa sittings, weekly Dharma talks, I found the silence to be a little daunt- Fe, the retreat will be taught again by ongoing classes and practice groups, ing, but I soon realized that there was Joseph Goldstein, Ralph Steele and teacher interviews, and a variety another kind of non-verbal communica- Gina Sharpe. of weekend workshops and tion going on: the spirit, kindness and meditation retreats. compassion of everybody there was If you or your organization is interested overwhelming,” she added. in providing funding for this course, An open invitation is extended to please contact the IMS Executive all to stop by CIMC and browse “I’m certain the smile on my face went Director. Call Dianne Horgan at through the library or join in any from ear to ear as I sat there seeing (978) 355-4378 ext. 25 or email yogi after yogi that first evening – so [email protected]. of the public sittings or Wednesday many beautiful black, brown and evening Dharma talks. A growing yellow faces, all arriving to do this See page 14 for additional course number of out-of-town yogis have practice that has come to be such an information. enrolled in our weekend retreats. Contact us for a list of bed and breakfasts in the area. 331 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02139 Office: (617) 441-9038 24-hour information and fax line: (617) 491-5070 Website: www.cimc.info RALPH STEELE

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 7 Serve the Dharma at IMS A job at IMS presents an opportunity to integrate work and practice in a supportive environment. It is a valuable way to learn about yourself in relationship to others, and to be of service. A diverse benefits package is offered. Stipend Staff Positions: Kitchen • Front Office • Maintenance • Housekeeping Salaried Staff Positions: Information Technology Manager • Housekeeping Manager (For complete job descriptions see our website www.dharma.org under Job Listings) Please contact: Human Resources Coordinator Phone: (978) 355-4378 ext. 23 Fax: (978) 355-6398 Email: [email protected] PHOTOS: RALPH DAVIS, CHRISTINE PICHLKOSTNER, AMY SCHMIDT, LIBBY VIGEON CHRISTINE PICHLKOSTNER, AMY SCHMIDT, PHOTOS: RALPH DAVIS,

connection to the Dharma... connection to the oral tradition... connection to your practice Inspired Teachings 2004

When you subscribe to the Inspired Teachings 2004 program, we will Please join us in practicing dana together. Although there is no fixed choose four tapes from among the latest, most powerful and inspiring price for subscribing to the Inspired Teachings 2004 program, our Dharma talks and send them to you throughout the year 2004. actual cost to produce each tape is $12.00.

This program has become extremely popular over the last few years. Your contribution can make a crucial difference to whether Dharma Our goal is to support you in staying connected to your practice, which Seed will succeed in our effort to operate on the principle of dana or in turn benefits everybody. not. Please be as generous as you can be. The Inspired Teachings 2004 program also makes a great gift.

Dharma Seed Archival Center Please join us and subscribe to Inspired Teachings 2004 by calling Dharma Seed at (800) 969-7333 or email us at [email protected]

it’s what we do: preserve the teachings... share the Dharma

Page 8 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Support for a personal retreat includes The two individual interviews with a teacher each week and twice-weekly Forest Dharma talks in the Meditation Hall. Tapes are also available on evenings Refuge without talks.

Two-week Personal Retreat General Information Due to widespread expressions of The Forest Refuge program offers interest from those who might not have experienced vipassana meditators the time for a longer retreat, but who wish opportunity for sustained, long-term to benefit from this particular practice practice, from two-week periods to environment, the option of a two-week stays of a year or more. The facility’s personal retreat is now available. quiet and secluded environment pro- vides the sense of harmony most con- 2004 Program Developments ducive to the cultivation of insight and U Janaka (or Chanmyay lovingkindness. In consultation with Sayadaw U Janaka to Visit Sayadaw as he is often known) was a the teachers in residence, a personal- Continuing the tradition of inviting senior student of in ized program of meditation practice is Asian teachers, the renowned Burmese Burma. He spent six years in Sri Lanka created, designed to nurture the highest Buddhist scholar and meditation master where he learned English; this has aspiration for liberation. Venerable Sayadaw U Janaka will offer assisted his work with foreign medita- the Dharma at The Forest Refuge, tors. In 1979 he was offered his own Retreatants can select a time to practice July 1-20, 2004. A lottery was conducted monastery, Chanmyay Yeiktha, where at The Forest Refuge based either on in August and a waiting list has been he resides as abbot. He also teaches their own schedule, or on working with established. If you would like to add retreats worldwide. a particular teacher (see the Teacher your name to this list, please send in Schedule on page 11). your application. Offering a continuity of practice following Sayadaw’s visit and teach- ings, Ven. Ariya Nyani – a Swiss nun from the Burmese tradition – will teach together with Myoshin Kelley, through late September. CHRISTINE PICHLKOSTNER

Metta Practice Throughout January 2004, Myoshin Kelley and Sharda Rogell will teach with an optional focus on metta or lovingkindness practice. Retreatants will have the opportunity to explore metta as a means of cultivating an open and loving heart, as well as strengthen- ing the power of concentration. The jhanas (absorptions) will be introduced when appropriate. There will also be the chance to practice the other Brahma At a blessing ceremony held last spring, Ven. Bhante Gunaratana, a distinguished Sri Lankan monk and founder of the Society in West Virginia, acknowledged the vision, the land, Viharas (or divine abodes) of compassion, and the generosity of all beings (both seen and unseen) who helped give birth to the facility. sympathetic joy and equanimity.

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 9 INSIGHT

Application Process

There is an application process for pay more help make it possible for anyone interested in practicing at others with lesser means to attend.

The Forest Refuge. Guidelines and CHRISTINE PICHLKOSTNER an application form are available from A limited amount of scholarship our office or can be downloaded from support is available to assist those our website. accepted into the program that are in financial need. While we will do our Fees for 2004 are on a sliding scale, as best to help you practice, we cannot outlined below. Those of you who can guarantee that every scholarship application will result in an award.

Length of stay Fee High Mid Low Two weeks $980 $910 $840 Burmese meditation master First month (30 days) $1,800 $1,650 $1,500 Ven. Sayadaw U Pandita Second month (31-60 days) $1,740 $1,590 $1,440 taught the inaugural month Third month (61-90 days) $1,650 $1,500 $1,350 of practice. Long-term daily rate (after 90 days) $35 $30 $25

Work Retreats For further information regarding any Forest Refuge applications, please contact our office: Call (978) 355-2063 ext. 10, email [email protected], or write to Work retreatants are an integral part The Forest Refuge, 1230 Pleasant St., Barre, MA 01005, USA. of the successful functioning of You can also find out more on our website www.dharma.org. The Forest Refuge. Since our opening Click on IMS and then The Forest Refuge. last spring, we have been grateful to those who have supported the Kitchen and Housekeeping departments in this way. Many work retreatants find this form of practice helpful in either entering into the retreat environment, or con- cluding a period of intensive practice.

To apply for a Work Retreat, please complete and mail a Forest Refuge Work Retreat Application Form, together with The Forest Refuge Application Form – both can be down- loaded from our website. A one-month commitment is ideal, and a non-refund- able processing fee of $25 should be included. For more information, read the Work Retreat section on page 15.

Page 10 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 INSIGHT

The Forest Refuge Teaching Schedule

2003 Nov 1 – Dec 31 • Myoshin Kelley & Sarah Doering

2004 Jan 1 – 31 • Myoshin Kelley & Sharda Rogell Feb 1 – Mar 31 • Myoshin Kelley & Sarah Doering Apr 1 – 30 • Joseph Goldstein & Michele McDonald May 1 – June 30 • Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley July 1 – 20 • Sayadaw U Janaka July 21 – Sept 30 • Ven. Ariya Nyani & Myoshin Kelley Oct 1 – 31 • Marcia Rose & Myoshin Kelley Nov 1 – 30 • Christina Feldman & Carol Wilson Dec 1 – 31 • Carol Wilson & Sarah Doering

Joseph Goldstein is The Forest Refuge Guiding Teacher.

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 teachers. ALEX McCLAIN / O’NEIL PENNOYER ARCHITECTS 2004 Retreat Center Schedule INSIGHT We now offer a sliding scale fee structure – see page 15 for details. Dates Course Title Teachers Code Deposit Fee High Mid Low Feb 13 – Feb 22 Vipassana Retreat Steve Armstrong & Kamala Masters SK $175 $585 $520 $450 Feb 28 – Mar 6 Vipassana Retreat & Michael Liebenson Grady LR1 $175 $455 $405 $350 Mar 12 – Mar 19 Metta Retreat* Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, JS1 $175 $455 $405 $350 Susan O’Brien & Patricia Genoud-Feldman Mar 19 – Mar 28 Vipassana Retreat* JS2 $175 $585 $520 $450 Mar 12 – Mar 28 Metta & Vipassana Retreat* JS3 $175 $1,040 $920 $800 *Lottery courses. Registration due by January 7, 2004 Apr 3 – Apr 11 Women’s Retreat Christina Feldman & Narayan Liebenson Grady WOM $175 $520 $460 $400 Apr 16 – Apr 25 Monastic Retreat Amaro & Others AA Donation $450 $225 Donation Apr 30 – May 4 Men's Retreat Joseph Goldstein, Ralph Steele & Phillip Moffitt MEN $125 $300 $270 $240 May 8 – May 16 Vipassana Retreat* , Susan O'Brien, Mark Coleman, JK $175 $520 $460 $400 Heather Martin & Grove Burnett

*Lottery course. Registration due by February 1, 2004 May 21 – May 30 Vipassana Retreat Carol Wilson, Rodney Smith & Patricia Genoud-Feldman CW $175 $585 $520 $450 Jun 4 – Jun 11 Metta Retreat Steven Smith, Michele McDonald, Susan O'Brien SM1 $175 $455 $405 $350 & Rebecca Bradshaw with Franz Moeckl (Qigong) Jun 11 – Jun 20 Vipassana Retreat SM2 $175 $585 $520 $450 Jun 4 – Jun 20 Metta & Vipassana Retreat SM3 $175 $1,040 $920 $800 Jun 18 – Jun 21 People of Color Retreat* Joseph Goldstein, Ralph Steele & Gina Sharpe POC $25 $225 $110 Donation *Note: at the Garrison Institute, NY Jun 25 – Jun 29 Young Adult Retreat Michele McDonald & Rebecca Bradshaw YA $240 $300 $270 $240 with Diana Winston, Marvin Belzer & Eddie Hauben Jul 2 – Jul 9 Vipassana Retreat Larry Rosenberg & Corrado Pensa LR2 $175 $455 $405 $350 Jul 17 – Jul 25 Vipassana Retreat Christina Feldman & Rodney Smith CF $175 $520 $460 $400 Aug 1 – Aug 6 Family Retreat* Yanai Postelnik, Trudy Goodman & Catherine McGee FAM (Adult) $175 $400 $365 $325 (Child) $100 $240 $200 $163 *Lottery course. Registration due by February 29, 2004 Aug 11 – Aug 15 Practicing Freedom: Coordinated by Gina Sharpe, Rachel Bagby & Ralph Steele AF $175 $300 $270 $240 A Pan-Buddhist Retreat & Conference for Blacks of the African Diaspora

Aug 20 – Aug 29 Vipassana Retreat Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady NLG $175 $585 $520 $450 Sep 3 – Sep 6 Labor Day Weekend Ruth Denison RD1 $125 $240 $220 $195 Sep 6 – Sep 12 Vipassana Retreat RD2 $175 $390 $345 $300 Sep 3 – Sep 12 Vipassana Retreat RD3 $175 $585 $520 $450 Sep 17 – Sep 19 Dana Weekend Bhante Gunaratana DANA Donation Donation Sep 24 – Dec 17 Three-Month Retreat* Joseph Goldstein 3MO $750 $5,040 $4,410 $3,780 Sep 24 – Nov 5 Part 1* Steven Smith, Michele McDonald, Carol Wilson & Rebecca Bradshaw PT1 $375 $2,520 $2,205 $1,890 Nov 5 – Dec 17 Part 2* Sharon Salzberg, Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters & Guy Armstrong PT2 $375 $2,520 $2,205 $1,890 *Lottery courses. Registration due by January 31, 2004 Dec 28 – Jan 6 New Year’s Retreat Rodney Smith, Narayan Liebenson Grady & Yanai Postelnik NY $175 $585 $520 $450 Please see the following pages for retreat descriptions and information.

Page 12 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 About IMS Sitting a Retreat we develop greater equanimity and peace in the face of change, and wisdom General Information and compassion increasingly become the Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center courses are designed for guiding principles of our lives. 1230 Pleasant St. both new and experienced meditators. Barre, MA 01005, USA Instruction in meditation and evening The Buddha first taught vipassana over Phone: (978) 355-4378 talks about the Buddha’s teachings are 2,500 years ago. The various methods of Fax: (978) 355-6398 given daily. Individual or group inter- this practice have been well preserved views with the teachers take place at in the Theravada tradition of Email: [email protected] regular intervals. Complete silence is Buddhism, and the retreats at IMS Office Hours: Daily, 10 am-12 noon & maintained during most retreats at all are all rooted in this ancient and well- 3-5 pm (except Sundays & Tuesdays) times, except during question and inter- mapped path to awakening. view times. A typical daily schedule starts at 5 am and ends at 10 pm. The Metta entire day is spent in silent practice Metta is the Pali word for friendship or The Insight Meditation Society was comprising alternate periods of sitting lovingkindness. It is taught as a medita- founded in 1975 as a nonprofit and walking meditation, as well as a tion that cultivates our natural capacity organization to provide an environ- one-hour work period. This schedule, in for an open and loving heart. With its combination with the silence, group roots in practices said to be taught by ment conducive to the practice of support and daily instruction, provides the Buddha himself, metta is traditional- vipassana (insight) and metta a beneficial environment for developing ly offered along with that (lovingkindness) meditation, and and deepening meditation practice. enrich compassion, joy in the happiness to preserve the essential Buddhist of others and equanimity. These prac- teachings of liberation. Meals are vegetarian, and accommo- tices lead to the development of concen- dations are simple single and double tration, fearlessness, happiness and a rooms. Men and women do not share greater ability to love. IMS now operates two retreat rooms. Camping is not available. facilities – the Retreat Center and Women’s Retreat The Forest Refuge, which are set on Evening Discourses Each year we provide the opportunity 160 secluded wooded acres in the When a retreat is in progress, anyone for women to develop and deepen their quiet country of central Massachusetts. is welcome to attend evening Dharma practice in this most conducive of set- talks; meditators with vipassana tings and community. Following the experience are also welcome to attend familiar rhythms of sustained and silent Information about The Forest Refuge group sittings. Some restrictions apply. practice in an environment of trust and can be found on pages 9-11. Please call the Retreat Center office for support, countless women over the a daily schedule. years commit themselves to being at The Retreat Center, which commenced IMS during this week. a program of silent courses in 1976, Retreat Descriptions offers a full yearly schedule of Monastic Retreat Vipassana Western nuns and monks from the Thai meditation retreats lasting in Insight Meditation (vipassana in Pali, the Forest Buddhist monastic tradition duration from a weekend to three language of the original Buddhist teach- teach a vipassana retreat each year at months. Most retreats are 7-9 days ings) is the simple and direct practice of the center. In addition to the regular long. A group of senior teachers moment-to-moment mindfulness. schedule of sitting, walking and inter- provides regular guidance and Through careful and sustained observa- views, there are also morning and direction to IMS as well as teaching tion, we experience for ourselves the evening pujas (offering rituals) that ever-changing flow of the mind/body include chanting, and the use of candles a number of courses each year process. This awareness leads us to and incense. Retreatants participate in themselves. In addition, recognized accept more fully the pleasure and pain, offering service to the nuns and monks insight meditation teachers from all fear and joy, sadness and happiness that and keep the eight monastic precepts, over the world come to offer teachings. life inevitably brings. As insight deepens, including not eating after midday.

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 13 INSIGHT

Men’s Retreat At the time of going to print, the new Participants can help Ruth celebrate For over 2,500 years communities of teaching team and IMS were still defin- her 82nd birthday during this time. men, both ordained and lay, have come ing details for 2004. Please visit our together to practice the Buddha's teach- website or call for the latest information Dana Weekend ings. IMS is now offering a four-day on the registration and lottery process. This retreat is offered by IMS to vipassana course for men (complement- affirm the spirit and practice of ing the long-established Women’s Practicing Freedom: generosity. There is no fixed course Retreat) as a way of continuing this tra- A Pan-Buddhist Retreat fee. Participants are asked to offer dition. It will follow the usual format of & Conference for Blacks whatever contribution fits their means. sitting and walking meditation, group of the African Diaspora interviews, and evening Dharma talks. The degree of freedom in our lives is Three-Month Retreat much more than the sum of rights and The annual three-month course is a People of Color Retreat protections granted or denied us by law. special time for practice. Because of its This course is designed to provide an in- Through nonjudgmental awareness of extended length and the continuity of depth experience of insight meditation, the mind, emotions and sensations, this guidance, it is a rare opportunity to and to foster mutual support and under- retreat/conference will focus on freeing deepen the powers of concentration, standing among the growing community ourselves from illusions, greed and wisdom and compassion. The teaching of people of color who find nourishment hatred: the roots of suffering and injus- is in the style of Mahasi Sayadaw, and inspiration in this practice. No pre- tice. Practicing freedom can liberate us to refining the skillful means of mental vious meditation experience is required; live with the strength and serenity born noting, slow movement, and precise, beginners are encouraged to attend. of insight. open awareness.

The deposit and sliding scale fees listed A partial list of teachers who have Prerequisite is three retreats of a on page 12 for this retreat are suggested expressed interest in joining us includes week or more in duration with a amounts to help cover our expenses. representatives from the Theravada, recognized vipassana teacher, or No-one will be turned away due to lack Mahayana and Vajrayana branches of special permission. This experience, of funds; we will accept whatever you Buddhism: Angel Kyodo Williams, including teachers’ names, as well as can afford to contribute. Cecile McHardy, Choyin Rangdröl, dates and length of retreats must be Gaylon Ferguson, George Mumford, documented on the registration form. Young Adult Retreat Jan Willis, Konda Mason, Lawrence This retreat is specifically for teens, Ellis and Lewis Woods. Special cancellation fees and deadlines apply aged 14-19. It offers beginning medita- for this retreat. 3MO and Part 1: up to tion instruction, half-hour sitting and Although much of the retreat is spent in March 31, $50; from April 1 to May 15, walking periods, discussions, stories, silent meditation, each afternoon includes $150; after May 15, $350 for 3MO, and and free time. The aim is to allow a study/conference period devoted to $250 for Part 1. Part 2: up to May 15, $50; young adults to develop and value their issues that complement meditative from May 16 to June 30, $150; after June natural spirituality within a supportive approaches to practicing freedom. 30, $250. Please note that these amounts environment. Extensive supervision will apply even if you wish to move from is provided. Retreats with Ruth Denison any part of the course to another. The style of teaching of these retreats Family Retreat is unique in the IMS schedule. In addi- Lotteries Within an environment supportive of tion to traditional sittings and Dharma meditative and contemplative experi- talks, Ruth leads her students into the Due to the popularity of certain ence, this course cultivates the integra- phenomenology of sound and move- courses at the Retreat Center, tion of meditation and mindfulness into ment, which then become the subjects admission is by lottery. Each lottery family life. Through sitting, discussions, of insight and wisdom. Individual and course has a deadline (see schedule family meditations and talks, we group-as-a-whole activities such as on page 12). All registrations received explore our commitment to deepening chanting, dance and playful celebra- by the deadline are included in the lot- our practice in order to compassionate- tion, done with respectful mindfulness, tery. Those people not chosen by lot- ly serve all beings. A children’s become vehicles for vipassana atten- tery, as well as late registrations, are Dharma program staffed by volunteers tion and awakening. This is accom- put on a wait list. Anyone who has who coordinate age-appropriate activi- plished with Ruth’s ever-present, applied for a particular lottery course ties is included. skillful support. two or more times without getting in

Page 14 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 INSIGHT

is eligible for automatic inclusion – Long-Term Practice To apply, complete the registration form however, you must notify us if this is For those who have sat the Three- on page 17 and include the appropriate the case. Month Retreat and wish to do addition- deposit amount. Check the relevant box al long-term meditation practice, the for scholarship and an application will Individual Retreat Retreat Center has available a limited be sent to you. number of scholarships in the form of a Self-Retreat reduced daily rate. Practice guidelines If you have participated in a course at are similar to those for self-retreats with Fee Increase the Retreat Center, you can schedule an an additional emphasis on self-reliance. For most of our 27-year history, IMS individual self-retreat between courses. Long-term practice requires the prior has been blessed with fiscal ease. The length of stay may not exceed the consent of two teachers. Those interest- During the past couple of years, how- longest period of teacher-led retreat ed should contact the office for an ever, our income has not kept pace that you have done at the center. application form. with costs. For example, we were hit During this time, you are expected to hard by a 25% (or $47,000) meditate in silence, observe the five pre- Financial Information increase in premiums for the health cepts and maintain a continuity of prac- insurance that we provide for our tice. The sliding scale fee is $48-63 per Dana staff, and in property and general day, depending on your means. For Retreat Center fees cover only room, liability insurance. self-retreats of up to six days immedi- board and some administrative costs. ately before or after a specific group In keeping with the tradition of dana, To balance the budget, each depart- course, you can put the dates on your (the Pali word for generosity) that ment has reduced expenses as much registration form. For self-retreats of stretches all the way back to the as possible and in ways that we felt longer than six days, please call the Buddha, teachers are not paid by IMS would not impinge on our service to office for an application form. but offer the teachings freely. The retreatants. As we plan for our next direct service staff also offer their fiscal year and anticipate the sluggish Work Retreats service freely and receive just a small economy to continue, we remain Work retreats provide an opportunity stipend. At the end of each course, committed to providing the same to explore the integration of mindful- retreatants have the opportunity to quality of service. Regrettably, this ness practice with work activity. The offer a donation to the teachers, requires an increase in course fees. daily schedule combines periods of service staff, and also to IMS itself. Even with these increases in rates, formal meditation and instruction with revenue from registrations will only five hours of work – in silence – in The Buddha taught that practicing a cover 62% of our operating expens- either the Kitchen or Housekeeping lifestyle of generosity is a necessary es. The balance of our revenue department. precondition for attaining wisdom. comes from dana, for which we are deeply grateful. Participation is limited to experienced Scholarships meditators and requires a high degree Our Scholarship funds assist those New Sliding Scale Pricing of self-reliance. The timing of work who are unable to afford the entire We are now introducing a new pric- retreats usually corresponds with the cost of a retreat. Each request is care- ing structure that provides a range or schedule of teacher-led courses. Since fully assessed in terms of financial sliding scale, allowing retreatants to the work can be physically demanding, need, previous history and funds avail- pay in a way that is more in accor- a moderate level of physical fitness able. Due to limited resources, we can- dance with their individual means. is required. not guarantee that every application Those of you who can pay more help will result in a scholarship award. to make it possible for others with A separate application form needs to Please be assured, however, that we lesser means to attend retreats. The be completed for a work retreat. The will do our best to help you attend a fee range is listed with the courses on only cost is a $25 nonrefundable pro- retreat with us. page 12 for the Retreat Center, and cessing fee. For further information on page 10 for The Forest Refuge. and application, please contact the Please submit your application at least Any amount paid above the minimum Human Resources Coordinator – six (6) weeks in advance of the course will be treated as a donation and is call (978) 355-4378, ext. 23, start date. This allows for a process tax-deductible. email [email protected], write to IMS to review, award, and advise in a or visit our website. timely manner.

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 15 finding ways of expression that make them more accessible and Trudy Goodman has studied in and vipassana traditions IMS Core Faculty authentic in our time. since 1974. She is a co-founder and guiding teacher of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. She founded Insight LA Ven. began his training in Thailand in 1978 Corrado Pensa teaches vipassana in Italy and the US. Since 1987 in Los Angeles, CA and leads retreats nationwide. with . He was a senior monk at Amaravati Buddhist he has been the guiding teacher of the Association for Mindfulness Monastery in England for some years, and now resides at Meditation in Rome. He is also a professor of Eastern Philosophy at Bhante Gunaratana has been a Buddhist monk for over 50 Abhayagiri in Redwood Valley, CA, a new branch monastery in the University of Rome and a former psychotherapist. years, and is the founder of Bhavana Society in rural West the forest meditation tradition. Virginia. He is the author of a number of books, including Larry Rosenberg practiced Zen in Korea and Japan before com- Mindfulness in Plain English. Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for over ing to vipassana. He is a guiding teacher of both CIMC and IMS. He 20 years. His training includes practice as a Buddhist monk in is the author of Living in the Light of Death and Breath By Breath. Ed Hauben is a long-term vipassana meditation practitioner and Thailand with Ajahn Buddhadasa. He began teaching in 1984 friend of IMS. He has served on the IMS board and has assisted and has led retreats in the US, Europe and Australia. Sharon Salzberg, a co-founder of IMS and BCBS, has practiced with the Family and Young Adult retreats for the past 20 years. since 1971 and has been teaching worldwide Steve Armstrong has practiced mindfulness since 1975, and has since 1974. She is a guiding teacher of IMS and author of Faith, Heather Martin has been practicing vipassana meditation since led vipassana and metta retreats grounded in the Buddha’s under- Lovingkindness and A Heart As Wide As the World. 1981 with many teachers, both Asian and Western – initially standing of mind since 1990. A co-founding director and guiding S.N. Goenka. She is currently a teacher-in-training with Jack teacher of Ho’omalamalama: a Dhamma sanctuary and hermitage Rodney Smith has been teaching insight meditation since 1984. Kornfield, and lives in B.C., Canada. on Maui, he offers the Dhamma internationally. He is a former Buddhist monk and worked in hospice care for 16 years. He is the author of Lessons From the Dying and is currently Catherine McGee has practiced insight meditation under the Ruth Denison studied in Burma in the early 1960s with the med- the founding and guiding teacher for the Seattle Insight guidance of a number of senior Dharma teachers in Asia and the itation master Sayagi U Ba Khin. She has been teaching since 1973 Meditation Society. West. She has been teaching since 1997 both at Gaia House and and is founder of Dhamma Dena, a desert retreat center in Joshua internationally. Tree, CA, and The Center for in Germany. Steven Smith is a co-founder of Vipassana Hawaii, and is a guiding teacher of IMS. He teaches vipassana and metta retreats worldwide. Franz Moeckl, a vipassana practitioner since 1985, teaches Sarah Doering has practiced vipassana meditation since 1981 Qigong in the US and Europe. He has studied and practiced and teaches at both CIMC and IMS. Carol Wilson has been practicing meditation since 1971. She Qigong for over 20 years. studied with a variety of teachers, including practice as a Buddhist Christina Feldman has been studying meditation since 1970 nun in Thailand. She has been teaching vipassana and metta Susan O’Brien has been practicing vipassana meditation since and teaching worldwide since 1974. She is co-founder and a guid- retreats at IMS and around the world since 1986. 1980 and has studied with a variety of Asian and western teachers. ing teacher of Gaia House in England and is also a guiding teacher She began teaching in 1996 and coordinates the Insight of IMS. She is the author of Woman Awake! and The Buddhist Meditation correspondence course. Path to Simplicity. Visiting Faculty Yanai Postelnik has practiced and studied insight meditation Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder and guiding teacher of IMS. Ven. Ariya Nyani was born in Switzerland, and ordained with in Asia and the West and has been teaching since 1992. He has been teaching vipassana and metta retreats worldwide Sayadaw U Janaka in Burma in 1992, after many years of He lives in Devon, England and is a member of the Gaia since 1974 and in 1989 helped establish BCBS. He is the author of Buddhist practice. Based at Sayadaw’s forest center of Chanmyay House Teacher Council. One Dharma, The Experience of Insight and Insight Meditation. Yeiktha, she translates and assists foreign meditators, as well as teaching vipassana retreats in Australia and Europe. Sharda Rogell has been teaching worldwide since 1985 in the Myoshin Kelley has been practicing meditation since 1975, Theravada tradition where she brings a strong emphasis to awak- working with a number of teachers in various traditions. Her own Rachel Bagby, a long-time meditator, is a vocal artist, composer, ening heartfulness. She is on the Teacher Council at Spirit Rock teaching reflects a strong influence from Burmese masters with an environmental activist and poet. She is the author of Divine Meditation Center in CA. emphasis on simplicity and lovingkindness. She currently teaches Daughters: Liberating the Power and Passion of Women’s Voices. at The Forest Refuge. Marcia Rose has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1970, and Marvin Belzer has practiced vipassana since 1982, studying was IMS resident teacher 1991-1995. Since then she has taught at Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in Asia. He is a co- primarily with Sayadaw U Pandita since 1986. He teaches philoso- IMS and worldwide. She is a co-founder and guiding teacher of founder of IMS and Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and has taught phy at Bowling Green University. Taos Mountain Meditation Center and The Mountain meditation internationally since 1974. He is the author of a num- Hermitage, both in Taos, NM. ber of books, including A Path with Heart and After the Ecstasy, Rebecca Bradshaw has been practicing vipassana meditation the Laundry. since 1983 and teaching since 1993. She is a guiding teacher of Gina Sharpe has studied and practiced Buddhism for over 30 the Dhamma Dena Meditation Center in Northampton, MA, and years, across several traditions. She is a graduate of the first Spirit Michael Liebenson Grady has been practicing vipassana since also works as a Spanish-speaking psychotherapist. Rock Community Dharma Leaders Program, and a co-founder of 1973. He is a guiding teacher at CIMC. New York Insight. She has taught meditation since 1994. Grove Burnett, an environmental lawyer and co-director of the Narayan Liebenson Grady is a guiding teacher at CIMC where Vallecitos Mountain Refuge in NM, has practiced Buddhist medita- Ralph Steele has practiced meditation for over three decades, she has taught since 1985. She is the author of When Singing, tion since the early 1980s. Over the last decade he has helped lead including a year as a monk in Burma and Thailand, where he Just Sing: Life As Meditation. retreats hosted by the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. received authorization to teach from several meditation masters. An African American and family therapist, he has taught since Kamala Masters began practicing in 1975. Under the guidance Mark Coleman is currently residential staff Dharma teacher at 1987. He is a founder of Life Transition Institute in Santa Fe, NM. of Anagarika Munindra and Sayadaw U Pandita she has been Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Following extensive training over trained in vipassana and metta meditations. She is co-founder of the the last 20 years in several Buddhist traditions, he has been teach- Diana Winston is the founder of the Buddhist Alliance for Social Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui and is currently developing ing retreats since 1997. Engagement (BASE) Program. She has practiced insight meditation Ho’omalamalama: a sanctuary-hermitage for long-term practice. since 1989, and since 1993 has taught Dharma to teenagers in Patricia Genoud-Feldman has been practicing Buddhist medita- and the US. She is the author of Wide Awake: A Buddhist Michele McDonald has practiced vipassana meditation since tion (vipassana and ) in Asia and the West since 1984 and Guide for Teens. 1975 and has been teaching at IMS and worldwide since 1982. teaching vipassana internationally since 1997. She is co-founder of She has a deep interest in preserving the ancient teachings and in the Meditation Center Vimalakirti in Geneva, Switzerland.

Page 16 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Retreat Center Registrations with regret that we find, at times, the need We cannot accept foreign cash •Are accepted by mail or in person. Incomplete to turn someone away. Please know that or bank drafts. registrations, including those without suffi- we take great care in such situations – the • If possible, please pay the entire retreat cost cient deposit, will be returned. When we have discernment process is thorough and on registering; this helps our efficiency. credit card capability, registrations will be always with the intention to protect the accepted by other means as well. majority of those who practice here. Cancellation •Are processed by date received or by lottery. • If you need to cancel your registration, •A confirmation letter is sent as soon as your Wait List please contact us as soon as possible. registration has been processed, which can • If a course is full, you will be placed on a Fees are: $25 if you cancel six or more take up to four weeks. wait list and notified if an opening occurs. weeks before a course begins; $100 four • All retreatants are expected to participate If you do not get into a course, your deposit to six weeks before; and the full deposit in the entire course. Prior approval of both will be refunded. less than four weeks before. the teacher and the office is required for those wishing to arrive late or leave early. Payments The cancellation policy for the Three- Once a retreat is in process, such movement • Retreat fees and deposits are listed beside Month Retreat is more stringent. is disruptive to others and places an each course on the schedule (see page 12). (Please see page 14 for this information.) additional burden on other retreatants with Pricing is on a sliding scale basis – this regard to work periods. Your room cannot allows you to pay according to your means. • Cancellation fees apply if you are con- be guaranteed if you arrive late; the full • The full deposit is required even if you are firmed into a course off of the wait list and course fee will be charged regardless of applying for a scholarship, except for do not accept. So please be sure to notify length of stay. those applying through the Youth us immediately if you decide to cancel. • Please contact the office if you are Outreach Program, in which case a $50 chemically sensitive. deposit is accepted. • All cancellation fees are donated to the • IMS strives to provide a safe, peaceful and • Please pay by check or money order in US Scholarship Fund. ✁ efficient environment for meditators. It is funds, drawn on a US or Canadian bank. Retreat Center Registration Form PLEASE COMPLETE IN FULL AND PRINT CLEARLY. If you are registering for more than one course, photocopy this form and send a separate form for each retreat.

Course Code ______Visit Dates: From ______To ______Deposit Enclosed $______Name ______Sliding Scale Amount You Will Pay $______Address ______Have you been to IMS before? YES ❑ NO ❑ City ______State ______Country ______Zip______Check ❑ if new address. Old Address ______Day Phone ( ) ______Evening Phone ( ) ______Fax ( ) ______Email ______M ❑ F ❑ Year of Birth ______Do you smoke?______Do you snore?______Can you offer a ride? YES ❑ NO ❑ Please indicate any physical disabilities or special needs to assist in assigning your room ______

Retreat Experience (for LR2, PT1, PT2, 3MO). Please list teacher names, dates and locations (attach extra paper if necessary). ______I wish to apply for a scholarship. ❑ I have added $______to the deposit as a donation to IMS.

May we add your street address to our mailing list? For IMS use only? YES ❑ NO ❑ For sharing with similar organizations? YES ❑ NO ❑

May we add your email address to our emailing list? For IMS use only? YES ❑ NO ❑ For sharing with similar organizations? YES ❑ NO ❑

Mail, together with your deposit (payable to IMS) to IMS, 1230 Pleasant St., Barre, MA 01005, USA.

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 17 149 Lockwood Road Barre, MA 01005 Phone: (978) 355-2347 Barre Center for Fax: (978) 355-2798 Email: [email protected] ...for the integration of scholarly understanding and meditative insight... Website: www.dharma.org

The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS) offers a variety of study and research opportunities: lectures, classes, workshops, retreats and independent study programs. While rooted in the classical Buddhist tradition, the BCBS mission calls for the study of all different 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 2004

Jan 15-18 (3 days) Trudy Goodman Meditation for Psychologists and Psychotherapists & Chris Germer

Jan 30-Feb 1 (Weekend) Chok Hiew Meditation and Healing: The Energy-Karma of Body and Mind

Feb 6-8 (Weekend) Ven. Thanissaro Questioning the Three Characteristics

Feb 13-15 (Weekend) Christopher Queen Mindfulness and Social Change: Walking the Path of Compassion and Service Subscribe to the Insight Journal Feb 20-22 (Weekend) Rev. Issho Fujita Cultivating the Way of Body-Mind and become a member of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Feb 27-29 (Weekend) Pat Enkyo O’Hara Song of the Precious Mirror Mind

There is no fixed subscription fee Mar 5-7 (Weekend) Ellison Findly for the Insight Journal. Please send us whatever you think appropriate as a Mar 14-21 (7 days) Andrew Olendzki The Noble Path of the membership contribution to BCBS. How much is appropriate? You decide: Mar 26-28 (Weekend) Greg Kramer Cultivating Intention

❑ $20 Covers basic production expenses Apr 2-4 (Weekend) Daeja Napier Kalama Sutta: Buddha’s Charter of Free Inquiry and allows us to send you two copies of the Insight Journal each year Apr 9-18 (9 days) Leigh Brasington & Jhana (Foundations of (May & Nov) with no advertising Mindfulness and Meditative Absorptions) and no fixed subscription fee.

❑ $50 Significantly helps support Apr 23-25 (Weekend) Ven. Santikaro Bhikkhu Bodhicitta and Paramis in Theravada the ongoing operation and all the programs offered at BCBS. May 1 (Saturday) Sylvia Forges-Ryan Ripples in a Pond: Haiku and Meditation

❑ $100 Substantially contributes to May 2 (Sunday) Doug Phillips Family Dharma: Practice in a Family Context the growth and improvement of the study center by providing for capital expenses May 8 (Saturday) Lama John Makransky Giving Tantric Expressions to Buddhist Attitudes beyond the annual operating budget. May 9-14 (5 days) Andrew Olendzki Essentials of Buddhist Psychology ❑ $0 If you would like to subscribe to the Insight Journal without making May 15-22 (7 days) Andrew Olendzki & Bhavana Program: Empty of Self a membership contribution, we will Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia send it to you. The generosity of others will provide what is needed. Full course descriptions and other details are available in the Fall 2003 issue of Insight Journal.

Page 18 Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Book Review

Diana Winston skillfully offers an array of suggestions, not only based New York Insight on her own experiences, but also the experiences of others. New York Insight (NYI) was founded in 1997 as a The book introduces the most nonprofit, nonresidential center fundamental as well as more complex for the practice of insight aspects of Buddhist theory. Each meditation. NYI provides chapter is self-contained; delightfully, a place where all are you can choose to read any chapter welcome to begin or deepen within the book despite it being at the meditation practice and beginning or the end, and not lose any become part of a community Wide Awake: A Buddhist comprehension. The language is simple of like-minded people. NYI Guide for Teens yet articulate; theories of the Buddha, offers daylong retreats, such as the causes of suffering and the workshops, and courses. By Diana Winston path by which to end it, are broken Perigee Books, 2003 down and explained well. Currently NYI holds its programs at different Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens Overall it is a great read – treating the locations throughout the is one of the few books of its kind that reader neither as a child, nor as an adult, city and its environs. teens like myself can relate to. I was a but simply as a person wanting to know The programs, except bit skeptical at first, due to the use of the answers to the questions in his/her life. where noted, are suitable the word guide in the title – I feared Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens for beginning, as well as that such a book would dictate to me cleverly uses the teachings of the Buddha experienced, meditators. how I should behave and respond. on achieving peace and happiness to NYI welcomes the shed light on many of the important participation of all However, the book doesn’t tell the questions all of us hold inside. interested people. reader how to act, think, or feel – rather than a guide, it is a tool that can Reviewed by Caitlin Kennedy Please see our website aid teenagers in living more consciously www.nyimc.org for and happily. Instead of creating a Editor’s note: Caitlin Kennedy is an program descriptions and constricting rubric by presenting the 18-year old student and Young Adult registration information or one and only way to self realization, retreat participant. call 917-441-0915.

Fall • W inter 2003 / 2004 Page 19 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage Insight Meditation Society PAID 1230 Pleasant St. Permit No.7 Barre, MA 01005 Ashland, MA

Donating Online let your legacy dharma.org Preserve the Dharma

• Begin or renew your membership A combined web page for

INSIGHT • Support the Scholarship Fund MEDITATION SOCIETY

• Contribute to the Building Fund and BARRE CENTER

• Donate to the Endowment Fund FOR BUDDHIST STUDIES

MAKING YOUR CONTRIBUTION • Retreat schedules and IS NOW SIMPLER information A simple way to ensure that future • Join or renew your membership generations benefit from the teachings If you’d prefer to use your is to place IMS in your will. • Interviews with teachers credit card instead of mailing and current commentaries in a check, visit our website For information on how to do this, • Donate online www.dharma.org or to talk about additional planned • Latest news giving options, please contact the Click on IMS and then follow IMS Development Office • Job postings by calling (978) 355-4378, ext. 82 the prompts for Donate Online, • Links to teachers, centers or emailing [email protected] or Support Us. and other sites of interest