INSIGHT

NEWSLETTER

SPRING SUMMER

2003 Cultivating Courage

IMS Schedules: How does a peace-loving person find the inspiration to face the future? The Retreat Center 2003 What we need to do right here and right now is work to retain our faith. We can The Forest 2003/04 do this, no matter what our religious orientation, or lack of one, by remembering that everything is changing all of the time. Once we see the inherent change in our BCBS 2003 experience, we see that we are not trapped, that we can have options. Then faith Course Schedule Outline can arise.

Interview And it is a vitality of faith that tells us, however easy it is to forget or be afraid, that the time for communicating, for loving, for risking, for trying, has got to be now. IMS News and Developments Excerpted from an op-ed piece written for msnbc.com by , IMS co-founder and guiding teacher. To read more of the article, on achieving peace in a dangerous world, visit our website www..org.

In this Issue

Interview with Edwin Kelley ...... 2 News Worth Noting – IMS Developments ...... 5 Forest Refuge Update and 2003/2004 Teacher Schedule ...... 9 The Retreat Center – 2003 Schedule and Information ...... 12 BCBS – 2003 Course Outline and Information ...... 18 Book Review ...... 19 - Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSIGHT SOCIETY LIBBY VIGEON Directing a Dharma Organization An Interview with Edwin Kelley

Edwin Kelley has been Executive Director of IMS since 1996. He is soon to leave his position to devote more time to long-term meditation practice. Insight Newsletter spoke with him about his life, and his unique perspective of the organization.

Edwin, what led you I reacted by becoming particularly to practice? averse to any form of spiritual practice. I decided to get a ‘normal’ life, and by In 1972, in the middle of my first year 1990 was back in Australia, immersed in Edwin & Myoshin Kelley at university, I had a serious motorcycle a career as an accountant and married to accident. I was knocked unconscious, a wonderful woman – my wife Myoshin. had a bad case of concussion and That year, Myoshin went away to sit a fractured a vertebra. This near death four-day retreat and came home a event, at the age of 18 caused me to different person. Within weeks she was question the meaning of life. I dropped sitting for an entire month with out of university and began traveling U Pandita, a renowned Burmese around Australia, looking for something meditation teacher. I began to notice, more fulfilling. with some curiosity, that her practice INSIGHT was having an amazing effect on her NEWSLETTER After a couple of years of going health and her sense of well-being. wherever the wind blew me, I landed She often invited me to join her but A twice yearly publication of the Insight in Perth on the west coast of Australia. I would decline. Meditation Society, a tax-exempt nonprofit I started reading books by , organization whose purpose is to foster Gurdjieff, , Ramana The next year Sayadaw returned to the practice of vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness) meditation, and to Maharshi, Ram Dass, and Paramahansa Australia, and Myoshin suggested that preserve the essential Buddhist teachings Yogananda. One day in 1975, as I I sign up for a 10-day retreat with him, of liberation. washed pots in a restaurant, a woman which I did. A year later another I worked with - whose name I can’t even Burmese master, Sayadaw U Janaka The goal of the practice is the awakening visited Australia, and I sat for two of wisdom and compassion through right remember but to whom I am eternally action and cultivating mindful awareness indebted - suggested that I sit a 10-day weeks. This course had a profound in all aspects of life. vipassana retreat with a teacher named impact. When I went back to my office Robert Hover, a contemporary of after the retreat, I sat down at my desk Editor: Gyano Gibson and gazed at the piles of paper that Cover photo: Libby Vigeon SN Goenka and Ruth Denison. I sat the IMS Buddha Photo: Dawn Close course, and my life has not been the represented each of my clients’ yearly Design: Lux Productions same since. I discovered the prospect tax returns. I was overwhelmed with the of becoming enlightened, of freeing the understanding that my role as an Please address any mind from the stress and worry of life. accountant would never produce true correspondence to IMS, 1230 Pleasant St. satisfaction. That would only come from Barre, MA 01005, USA How did this bring you to IMS? being liberated. Accounting for me has Phone: (978) 355-4378 never been the same since! Fax: (978) 355-6398 After about a decade of living in spiritual Email: [email protected] Website: www.dharma.org communities in Australia, India and the Within six months Myoshin and I US I had become disillusioned with the were in Burma at Chanmyay Yeiktha, PRINTED IN CANADA abuse of spiritual power that I observed. Sayadaw U Janaka’s monastery.

Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks Spring • Summer 2003 INSIGHT

I ordained as a and we stayed order to attract and retain qualified Then of course there is The Forest for half a year meditating intensively. people, who could ensure that Refuge. From its conception it has This was followed by another five months adequate systems and procedures represented an enormous undertaking. traveling throughout South East Asia, were in place to successfully manage For more than six years we have been visiting different spiritual centers the ever growing and more complex planning and building; now we are including Bodhgaya, where the Buddha organization. entering the new phase of operation. was enlightened. This additional program has impacted us Many people felt that by becoming in many ways - our staff, our budget, our In early 1994 I heard from Steven more professional, IMS was in danger fundraising needs have all increased. Smith, an IMS guiding teacher, that of losing part of its soul. However, that It requires us to be smarter, wiser and there was a job vacancy for the position didn’t happen, primarily because we more skilled in management. I suspect it of Associate Director of Operations. consciously choose to recruit those will be another two or three years before I applied, and after a number of telephone with a strong connection to our IMS has fully integrated the change. interviews I was on my way to the US. mission. We hire people who highly value what we offer and who What role does fundraising What are your primary understand why a place to explore and play for the organization? responsibilities? free the mind is so important in this uncertain world. Yes, we have become Fundraising and development are Simply put I am responsible for more professional, but without losing critical parts of any nonprofit everything at IMS! Fortunately our soul. organization. Currently the revenue I have a lot of support - an administrative we receive from our programs covers group that supervises the day-to-day When I first arrived, the organization only about 60% of our operating costs. running of the two programs, and a was consciously trying to provide a This means that, in order to balance great team of people in each department community experience for its our budget, we are dependent on the who actually get things done. Together residential staff. Significant time and generosity of our members to give the with the board of directors, I supervise effort was spent on shaping and other 40%. the organization’s strategic planning defining the container that would give and fiscal management. Together with rise to a workable spiritual community. IMS is blessed with a generous the guiding teachers, I organize the But in the end, it always transpired and dedicated group of supporters. annual schedule of programs. I also that ‘community’ meant different I believe this is a direct result of the direct our external operations - our things to different people - what was benefit people derive from the public awareness, development and one person’s ideal did not prove to be meditation practice they learn here, fundraising activities. another’s. This made it hard for the and the impact it has on their lives. institution to meet everybody’s needs. Over the last few years, I have witnessed How has IMS progressed over a fortunate development - observing that the last 7 years? What changes In the end we let go. We decided that meditation is no longer viewed as have you seen or initiated? the key objective for IMS must be to something strange and outlandish; it is provide its retreatants with an now relatively accepted in our society. I have helped bring about some environment most conducive to As a consequence, most of our retreats significant changes during my time practice. For its staff who live on site, have been filled to capacity. as Executive Director, especially in it should provide the necessary the area of organizational maturity. resources - such as instruction and But with the current economic The first and most difficult was the discussion about the teachings, and climate, it is more difficult for nonprofit introduction of salaried staff, to fulfill training in communication skills – so organizations to raise money; IMS is no needed middle management and they are equipped to work and live in exception. The creation of The Forest specialist functions. This challenged harmony with others. In the end it is Refuge has also added a new dimension the existing staff model of the time, up to each individual to make to our operations. So at this point in which comprised mostly volunteers. community; it is not something that time we are even more dependent on I knew the change was necessary in can be imposed from the outside. the generosity of our donors.

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 3 INSIGHT

What unusual challenges have significant growth. Having never Scholarship Fund you faced? occupied such a senior leadership role before, I have been compelled to look at Support There are some particular challenges my limitations, my strengths and that organizations like ours seem to face weaknesses. Through my practice and Over the last decade, IMS in the West, and they arise out of a clash my role, I have opened to new realms of of values. The Buddha’s teachings inner and outer experience. has been in the fortunate position clearly lay out the dharma – the path to of being able to offer assistance freedom from all suffering. As we know, What does IMS need to focus to many individuals seeking to history is littered with examples of on, to secure its future over the participate in meditation retreats. immense suffering caused by oppression next 20 years? Due to financial circumstances, and authority, through governments, these people may not otherwise churches, schools, families and other I think IMS needs to keep doing what it does best - providing an ideal have experienced the benefits of institutions. So it is natural to assume that freedom from suffering equates with environment for intensive meditation this invaluable practice. Through freedom from authority. practice. If anything we need to your generous donations to our improve the accessibility of what we Scholarship Fund, this has been However, most Buddhist organizations, teach; we need to attract a more diverse made possible. Last year, like any others, need leaders with population. We have begun initiatives we provided $70,000 in decision-making power, to ensure their in these areas that we hope will scholarship support. survival. As these organizations have accomplish this goal. The prospect of grown, they have developed a more enlightenment is the birthright of every hierarchical structure. For some, this is living being. My vision is: don’t change We are now faced with times perceived as antithetical to the dharma. the mission; just nurture it so that it of uncertainty and change, The result is a clash between the value of becomes more widely available. of greater economic hardship having a flat consensus-based that is affecting many of us. organization, and the need for structure How do you feel about Consequently, applications for and authority to support a large and leaving? scholarships have increased complex entity. Sometimes I feel the difficulty of letting significantly. To meet the Another dilemma that manifests is the go. I love IMS; it has been such a anticipated requests for 2003, tension inherent in trying to provide significant part of my life. I am already we now fund an estimated ideal conditions for meditation, at the experiencing moments of loss and $130,000. Your continued lowest price. Sometimes, what appears sadness. Then at other times I feel joy, support in this area is vital; to be the most compassionate response a sense of lightness and relief at putting it will help keep fees as low as to a situation may not be the most practical down a big responsibility. I am or fiscally sound. Retreatants may expect particularly excited about the prospect possible and ensure financial a certain level of support, a single room, of spending 12-18 months engaged in assistance for all those who special food, and so on. However, the level intensive practice and study, both in the need it. of human or financial resources needed US and Asia. for that support might not be available. Contributions can be directed to: In these instances, we are challenged to When I reflect on my time at IMS, IMS provide a level of service beyond the it has been an extraordinarily rich experience. I have met many 1230 Pleasant St., means of our limited resources. The balance lies in deeply understanding remarkable beings: the teachers, the Barre, MA 01005, USA wise and compassionate action. retreatants, those that serve on our To donate online, visit our website board and those who support us. I www.dharma.org Directing IMS has also challenged me know that in the future, when I think personally. It has been a time of of the organization, I will be happy.

Page 4 Spring • Summer 2003 IMS News Wor th Noting

New Year’s Retreat is On! college, work or travel, we confront life’s Scholarships and Youth Support challenges on our own. We begin to see Although we announced in the last what our education has not taught us – The Youth Outreach Program currently issue of Insight Newsletter that there how to deal with feelings of anger, offers a limited number of partial and would be no New Year’s Retreat this confusion or anxiety; how to make sense full scholarships for Retreat Center year, this is no longer the case. Sharon of the pain, hatred and suffering so courses to people 18-25 years old. All Salzberg, together with Susan O’Brien prevalent in today’s world; and, how to retreat registrations require a minimum will lead us into 2004 with a vipassana respond to deeper questions as they $50 deposit. Financial aid is given on a course, Dec 28-Jan 4. present themselves with urgency. ‘What first come, first serve basis - so we do I want to do with my life? How do I suggest applying early. (Please see It is our hope and intention to want to live? What is most important to pages 15 & 17 for further scholarship renovate the Catskills dormitory me? What is of value?’ ” and registration information.) accommodations at this time. However, construction may be delayed. Please Members of the IMS staff are available check our website www.dharma.org for to visit and support meditation sitting updates regarding any space limitations groups at local colleges and in this retreat, due to the renovations. communities, to give instruction and The Meditation Hall work will be talks about the practice, as well as to done at a later date. host question and answer sessions. Small groups are also invited to visit the Youth Outreach Program Retreat Center, to learn more about meditation and its benefits; advanced This new program provides support to scheduling is required. younger members of the community who are interested in meditation. By Help spread the word financial assistance to those aged 18-25 who would like to sit a An essential aspect of the program’s suc- LIBBY VIGEON retreat at IMS, it represents another cess is ensuring that young people know stage in our commitment to making the Through the practice of looking deeply this opportunity exists. Help to spread teachings of the Buddha accessible to into our hearts and minds, and learning the word by telling your friends and all, regardless of financial circumstances. how to be with things as they are, we your community, or . Contact us find important tools for exploring these if you would like flyers to distribute. “Stepping into an increasingly questions and the feelings that accom- Please let us know of any sitting groups, complicated and often painful world, pany them. “We learn to meet our colleges or teachers interested in partici- those of us in our late teens and early experience with more openness and pating in some way, or of any organiza- twenties are in a unique and receptive acceptance, and to embody qualities like tions that could assist with funding. space to learn and benefit from these compassion and understanding in our teachings,” explained 25-year old staff day-to-day lives. Sitting a retreat gives For more information please contact member Oren Sofer, one of the initiators us the space, guidance and support to do Oren Sofer at (978) 355-4378 ext. 80 of the new program. “Leaving home for all of this,” Oren added. or [email protected].

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 5 INSIGHT

Meal Dana (Generosity)

A tradition of donating meals to spiritual practitioners has flourished in Asia since the time of the Buddha. To celebrate a birthday, to honor someone who has died, or to com- memorate many of life’s landmarks and transitions, food is offered to meditators.

In keeping with this tradition, would you like to contribute the cost of an IMS meal? The average daily food expense for our retreatants, teachers and staff for both our programs – the Retreat Center and The Forest Refuge – is $355. The cost for break- fast is approximately $125; for lunch (our main meal of the day), $180; and for evening tea, which is a light supper, $50.

If you, or your group of friends and fellow practitioners would like to offer Meal Dana either for a full day or for one meal, we will acknowledge your gift, if you wish, by inscribing your name(s) on the menu board for that day or meal. We will also let you Volunteers for Family Retreat Seeking Volunteer Consultants know in advance when your donation Each year, IMS endeavors to cultivate IMS is looking for help from people will be used, allowing you to take joy the , compassion and with professional skills willing to in knowing that you are encouraging and sustaining the practice and service wisdom of the next generation through volunteer some time. If you have of the meditators, teachers and staff. its Family Retreat. This hugely popular expertise in one of the following areas, course is thriving in large part because please contact Deborah Crown, Such donations not only help us to of the skill and dedication that Human Resources Director, keep fees as affordable as possible, volunteer group leaders offer in (978) 355-4378 ext. 31 or email they also affirm our wider community developing and supporting children’s [email protected] to include those who sit, and those creativity and expression. who support them. • Employment or Immigration Law We are seeking group leaders for the •Website Development - experience in To make a meal donation (which is 2003 Family Retreat (August 4-9). any of the following: tax-deductible), or to receive addi- If you have experience in meditation • Structure, design tional information, please contact and love working with children, we and usability improvement Operations Director Dianne Horgan. Call (978) 355-4378 ext. 25, welcome your help. Please call us • Shift to dynamic site email [email protected], at (978) 355-4378, or email • Database integration or write to Dianne at [email protected]. We are happy to • Creation of online registration IMS, 1230 Pleasant St., give volunteers sitting days at the • Human Resources/Recruitment Barre, MA 01005, USA Retreat Center in exchange for service.

Page 6 Spring • Summer 2003 INSIGHT

dharma.org Faith Retreat with A combined web page for Sharon Salzberg

INSIGHT Jointly Sponsored by MEDITATION SOCIETY Insight Meditation Society and and Garrison Institute

BARRE CENTER Friday, June 6 to FOR Sunday, June 8, 2003 Preserve the Dharma Garrison Institute for future generations • Retreat schedules and Garrison, NY information By including IMS in your will or estate plan you can help ensure that • Join or renew your membership Faith. It’s a word loaded with promise and controversy. Based we will be here – serving the Dharma – for generations to come. • Interviews with teachers on IMS co-founder Sharon and current commentaries Salzberg’s latest book Faith: For information, please return Trusting Your Own Deepest the coupon below, call the • Donate online Experience, this course provides an IMS Development Office at opportunity to journey, (978)355-4378, ext. 82 or email • Latest news meditatively and experientially, [email protected]. within the landscape of faith. ✁ • Job postings Using tools such as guided meditation, journaling and ❑ Please tell me more about • Links to teachers, centers discussion, as well as listening to including IMS in my estate and other sites of interest Sharon talk about faith as a plan and/or making a bequest. healing quality, participants can ❑ learn to combine devotion and the I have already included IMS intellect to develop a genuine ease in my will or estate plan. with themselves and the world.

Name______The retreat, open to all, will be held at Garrison Institute, a new Address______interfaith center for the study and ______practice of contemplative wisdom. It is located about an hour north of City ______New York City on a beautiful campus overlooking the Hudson River. State ______Zip ______

Telephone ______For further information about the retreat, please contact Email______Garrison Institute by calling (845) 424-4800 or emailing Please return to: [email protected] IMS, Development Office 1230 Pleasant St., Barre, MA 01005

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 7 IMS Ethics Donating Online Committee • Begin or renew your membership A core aspect of the Buddha’s teaching complaints of unethical behavior by is the importance of living by certain teachers, administrators, staff or guests. • Support the Scholarship Fund ethical guidelines or precepts. The five • Contribute to the Building Fund precepts – to refrain from harming Its members are: living beings, to refrain from taking Joseph Goldstein – Guiding Teacher • Donate to the Endowment Fund what is not freely given, to refrain from Lila Wheeler – Board Member sexual misconduct, to refrain from false Grady Seale – Staff Board Member MAKING YOUR CONTRIBUTION speech, and to refrain from abuse of Deborah Crown – Human Resources Director IS NOW SIMPLER intoxicants – form an integral part of daily life at IMS and are adopted by Any member of the committee can be If you’d prefer to use your all who are here. contacted through Deborah Crown at credit card instead of mailing (978) 355-4378 ext. 31; a committee in a check, visit our website In order to ensure that IMS is respon- member of your choice will call you www.dharma.org sive to the needs of its retreatants, and back. Questions or complaints will be to ensure that everyone – whether a handled or investigated as appropriate, Click on IMS and then follow teacher, a member of staff or a in accordance with IMS policies. the prompts for Donate Online, retreatant - is conforming to our ethical A copy of the IMS Sexual Harassment or Support Us. guidelines, the IMS Board has created Policy is also available by contacting an Ethics Committee. It is responsible Deborah Crown. Call the number for receiving and investigating above, or email [email protected].

a connection to the dharma a connection to your practice The 2003 Dharma Seed Catalog is now available

Preserving 58 teachers and sharing over 450 Dharma talks the oral tradition available on audio cassette of contemporary Buddhist teachings More Dharma talks and recorded live at Chanting available on retreat centers CD and video

New Dharma talks given in 2000, 2001 and 2002 are the focus for the 2003 Dharma Seed Catalog. This is a great opportunity to connect with some of the most powerful and inspired work available in Western Buddhist Vipassana teachings. For a 2003 Catalog, call (800) 969-7333 or email: [email protected] Just a reminder, if you can’t get to a retreat, most new retreat talks are available from Dharma Seed. Please call (800) 969-7333, we would be happy to assist you. Dharma Seed Archival Center

Page 8 Spring • Summer 2003 Forest On May 12, 2003, the center Although Sayadaw U Janaka will officially opened for experienced only be in residence for three weeks, Refuge meditators, providing a secluded applicants need to commit to the environment for long-term, self- minimum retreat period of one month. sustaining practice. In general, there There is a deadline for an initial Update will be no fixed retreat schedule and lottery of July 31, 2003. In August, practitioners may begin their practice the lottery will be conducted. Construction Finished whenever an opening is available. In August and September 2004, the The construction stage of The Forest 2004 Program Developments Venerable Ariya Nyani will visit from Refuge was completed in February. Burma to teach with Myoshin Kelley. During January and February, despite Sayadaw U Janaka to Visit They will offer a continuity of practice, the below freezing temperatures and We are pleased to announce that the following the visit and teachings of abundant snow, permits for occupancy renowned Burmese Buddhist scholar Sayadaw U Janaka. were issued, buildings were equipped and meditation master Venerable and furnished, and staff moved in. As Sayadaw U Janaka has accepted an Metta Practice spring and the promise of warmer invitation to teach at The Forest Refuge, In January 2004, Myoshin Kelley weather approached, final grading and July 1-20, 2004. Sayadaw U Janaka (or and Sharda Rogell will offer a month landscaping got underway. Chanmyay Sayadaw as he is often of teaching with an optional focus known) was a senior student of Mahasi on metta or lovingkindness practice. Located in beautiful, secluded Sayadaw, and spent six years in Sri Retreatants will have the opportunity woodlands, the design of the facility Lanka where he learned English. This to explore metta as a means of cul- provides the privacy, quiet, and sense has assisted him in working with foreign tivating an open and loving heart, of harmony most conducive to meditators. In 1979 he was offered his as well as strengthening the power intensive practice. There is a own monastery, Chanmyay Yeiktha, of concentration. There will also be meditation hall, several walking where he resides as abbott. He also the chance to practice the other rooms, a dormitory with thirty single teaches retreats worldwide. Brahma Viharas (or divine abodes) rooms, a large dining hall, an of compassion, sympathetic joy administration building, and meeting and equanimity. and interview spaces. On site staff The remarkably quiet meditation hall. and teacher housing has also been built. Most of the structures are connected by a series of internal and external corridors, making it possible to move around without difficulty during bad weather.

A series of short self-retreats were offered to IMS board members and staff in recognition of their invaluable service. These began on February 14th – happily coinciding with the 27th anniversary of the nearby IMS Retreat Center. They were followed by a retreat for Vipassana teachers in March and April. A Blessing Ceremony was held on April 30 and an Open House on May 3. (Our next issue will cover these events.)

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 9 INSIGHT

Application Process

There is an application process for For further information regarding You can also find out more on our anyone interested in practicing at any Forest Refuge applications, website www.dharma.org. Click on The Forest Refuge. Guidelines and an please contact our office IMS and then The Forest Refuge. application form are available from – call (978) 355-2063 ext. 10, The Forest Refuge office or can be email [email protected], or write to downloaded from our website. The Forest Refuge, 1230 Pleasant St. Fees for 2003 are as follows: Barre, MA 01005, USA. First month (30 days) - $1,200 Second month (31-60 days) - $1,100 The dining hall. Third month (61-90 days) - $1,000 Long-term rate (after 90 days) - $15/day

These fees are the same as the fee schedule at the IMS Retreat Center.

A limited amount of scholarship support is available to assist those accepted into the program who are in financial need. While we will do our best to help your practice, we cannot guarantee that every scholarship application will result in an award.

Fees for 2004 have yet to be determined, and will be announced in the next issue of Insight Newsletter.

Work Retreats

The Forest Refuge is now accepting applications for Work Retreats, beginning June 1, 2003 for periods of one month.

Two forms need to be completed and mailed - The Forest Refuge Application Form and The Forest Refuge Work Retreat Application Form, both available on our website. A non-refundable processing fee of $25 must be included. To apply, please read the Work Retreat information on page 15.

Retreatant accommodation allows enough space in each single room for both sitting and walking practice.

Page 10 Spring • Summer 2003 INSIGHT

The Forest Refuge Teacher Schedule

Joseph Goldstein is The Forest Refuge Guiding Teacher. He, along with other experienced vipassana teachers, will teach as outlined below.

Please note there have been a few revisions to the 2003 schedule - places where changes have been made are marked with an asterisk (*).

2003 June 12 - July 11 • Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley July 12 - 31 • Myoshin Kelley & Carol Wilson Aug 1 - 14 • Carol Wilson & Sarah Doering Aug 15 - 19 • Sarah Doering Aug 20 - 31 • Sarah Doering & Joseph Goldstein Sept 1 - 20 • Joseph Goldstein & Marcia Rose * Sept 21 - Oct 31 • Carol Wilson & Marcia Rose * 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-Smith May 1 - June 30 • Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley July 1 - 20 • Sayadaw U Janaka July 21 - 31 • Myoshin Kelley Aug 1 - Sept 30 • Ven. Ariya Nyani & Myoshin Kelley Oct 1 - 31 • Christina Feldman & Myoshin Kelley Nov 1 - 30 • Christina Feldman & Carol Wilson Dec 1 - 31 • Carol Wilson & Sarah Doering

The teaching schedule may change without notice. It is our intention that retreatants

Spring • Summer 2003 will have the opportunity to practice with a variety of experienced and well-qualified teachers. Page 11 Insight Meditation Society 2003 Retreat Center Schedule INSIGHT

Dates Course Title Teachers Course Code Deposit Cost

Jan 31 - Feb 7 Metta Retreat JS1 $150 $320

Feb 7 – Feb 16 Vipassana Retreat Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Myoshin Kelley & Susan O’Brien JS2 $150 $390

Jan 31 – Feb 16 Metta & Vipassana Retreat JS3 $150 $665

Feb 21 – Feb 28 Women’s Retreat Christina Feldman & Narayan Liebenson Grady WOM $150 $320

Mar 8 – Mar 15 Vipassana Retreat Larry Rosenberg & Michael Liebenson Grady LR1 $150 $320

Mar 21 – Mar 30 Vipassana Retreat Carol Wilson, Guy Armstrong & Rodney Smith CW $150 $390

Apr 5 – Apr 12 Vipassana Retreat Rodney Smith, Yanai Postelnik & Catherine McGee ROD $150 $320

Apr 18 – Apr 27 Monastic Retreat Sundara & Others AS Donation Donation

May 3 – May 10 Vipassana Retreat Joseph Goldstein, Carol Wilson, Steve Armstrong & Sally Clough JG $150 $320

May 17 – May 24 Metta Retreat Sharon Salzberg, Kamala Masters & Susan O’Brien SS $150 $320

May 31 – Jun 7 Vipassana & Viniyoga Retreat Larry Rosenberg with Woods Shoemaker, Doug Phillips & Matthew Daniell LR2 $150 $320

Jun 13 – Jun 20 Metta Retreat SM1 $150 $320

Jun 20 – Jun 29 Vipassana Retreat Steven Smith, Michele McDonald-Smith, Susan O’Brien & Rebecca Bradshaw SM2 $150 $390

Jun 13 – Jun 29 Metta & Vipassana Retreat SM3 $150 $665

Jul 4 – Jul 8 Young Adult Retreat Michele McDonald-Smith & Rebecca Bradshaw with Diana Winston, YA $205 $205

Ed Hauben & Marvin Belzer

Jul 12 – Jul 20 Vipassana Retreat Christina Feldman, Fred von Allmen & Yanai Postelnik CF $150 $355

Jul 25 – Jul 27 Dana Weekend Bhante Gunaratana DANA Donation Donation

Aug 4 – Aug 9 Family Retreat Trudy Goodman & Seth Castleman FAM $100 adult $240 per adult child $60

Aug 16 – Aug 23 Vipassana Retreat Narayan & Michael Liebenson Grady NLG $150 $320

Aug 29 – Sep 1 Labor Day Weekend Ruth Denison RD1 $170 $170

Aug 29 – Sep 7 Vipassana Retreat RD2 $150 $390

Sept 19 – Dec 12 Three-Month Retreat Joseph Goldstein 3MO $750 $3,150

Sept 19 – Oct 31 Part 1 Steven Smith, Michele McDonald-Smith, Myoshin Kelley & Susan O’Brien PT1 $350 $1,650

Oct 31 – Dec 12 Part 2 Carol Wilson, Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters & Guy Armstrong PT2 $350 $1,650

Dec 28 – Jan 4 Vipassana Retreat Sharon Salzberg & Susan O’Brien NY $150 $320

See following pages for retreat descriptions and information.

Page 12 Spring • Summer 2003 About IMS

Insight Meditation Society 1230 Pleasant St. Barre, MA 01005, USA Phone: (978) 355-4378 Fax: (978) 355-6398 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Daily, 10am-12noon & 3-5pm (except Sundays & Tuesdays) Sitting a Retreat Retreat Descriptions

General Information Vipassana The Insight Meditation Society Retreat Center courses are designed Insight Meditation (or vipassana as it is was founded in 1975 as a nonprofit for both new and experienced called in , the language of the organization to provide an environ- meditators. Instruction in meditation original Buddhist teachings) is a simple and evening talks about the Buddha’s and direct practice - the moment-to- ment conducive to the practice of teachings are given daily. Individual moment observation of the mind/body vipassana (insight) and metta or group interviews with the teachers process through calm and focused (lovingkindness) meditation, and take place at regular intervals. awareness. This practice originates in to preserve the essential Buddhist Complete silence is maintained the tradition of the teachings teachings of liberation. during most retreats at all times, of the Buddha. Sitting and walking except during question and interview meditation, the first steps in formal times. A typical daily schedule starts at practice, become the foundation and IMS now operates two retreat 5am and ends at 10pm. The entire day continuous inspiration for meeting all facilities – the Retreat Center and is spent in silent practice comprising aspects of life with greater openness and The Forest Refuge, which are set on alternate periods of sitting and acceptance. Learning to observe 160 secluded wooded acres in the walking meditation, as well as a experiences from a place of stillness quiet country of central Massachusetts. one-hour work period. This schedule, enables us to relate to life with less fear in combination with the silence, and clinging. Seeing life as a constantly group support and daily instruction, changing process, we begin to accept Information about The Forest Refuge provides a beneficial environment pleasure and pain, fear and joy, and all can be found on pages 9-11. for developing and deepening aspects of life with increasing equanimity meditation practice. and balance. As insight deepens, wisdom The Retreat Center, which com- and compassion arise. menced a program of silent courses Meals are vegetarian, and in 1976, offers a full yearly schedule accommodations are simple single Metta and double rooms. Men and Metta is the Pali word for friendship of meditation retreats lasting in women do not share rooms. or lovingkindness. It is taught as a duration from a weekend to three Camping is not available. meditation that cultivates our natural months. Most retreats are 7-9 days capacity for an open and loving heart. long. A group of senior teachers pro- Evening Discourses With its roots in practices said to be vides regular and ongoing guidance When a retreat is in progress, anyone taught by the Buddha himself, metta is and direction as well as teaching a is welcome to attend evening Dharma traditionally offered along with medi- talks; meditators with vipassana tations that enrich compassion, joy in number of courses each year them- experience are also welcome to attend the happiness of others and equanimity. selves. In addition, recognized insight group sittings. Some restrictions These practices lead to the development meditation teachers from all over the apply. Please call the Retreat Center of concentration, fearlessness, happiness world come to offer teachings. office for a daily schedule. and a greater ability to love.

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 13 INSIGHT

Women’s Retreat Vipassana & Viniyoga Retreat Dana Weekend Each year we provide the opportunity with Larry Rosenberg This retreat is offered by IMS to affirm for women to develop and deepen their The particular form of vipassana the spirit and practice of generosity. practice in this most conducive of meditation emphasized during this There is no fixed course fee. Partici- settings and community. Following the retreat is Anapana , where pants are asked to offer whatever familiar rhythms of sustained and silent conscious breathing is used to develop contribution fits their means. Priority practice in an environment of trust and both calm and liberating insight. will be given to those who, for financial support, countless women over the Viniyoga in the tradition of TKV reasons, are unable to attend courses years commit themselves to being at Desikachar is a form of training that with fixed course fees. IMS during this week. emphasizes the coordination of mindful breathing with all bodily movement, Family Retreat Monastic Retreat making the breath sensations more This course explores integrating Western nuns and from the Thai vivid and in general preparing the body meditation and family life. In a less Forest Buddhist monastic tradition for extended periods of sitting formal atmosphere, a full program of teach a vipassana retreat each year at meditation. The yogic postures will sitting, discussions, family , the center. In addition to the regular emphasize mindfulness, so that this and talks is offered. There is a schedule of sitting, walking and training is fully compatible with comprehensive children’s Dharma interviews, there are also morning and vipassana meditation practice. There program staffed by volunteers who evening pujas (offering rituals) that will be two optional periods of viniyoga coordinate age-appropriate activities. include chanting, and the use of candles each day. Individual needs will be and incense. Retreatants participate in honored; beginners to yoga are Due to the popularity of this course offering service to the nuns and monks welcome. Please bring a yoga mat. all applications received on or before and keep the eight monastic precepts, Retreatants are required to have sat at February 21, 2003 will be processed in the including not eating after midday. least two week-long retreats at IMS. following manner: half of available spaces This must be documented on the will be given to families who have attended This course is offered by IMS and registration form (see page 17). this course three out of the past five years, the ordained sangha on a dana on a first received basis. The remaining (donation) basis. There is no set Young Adult Retreat spaces will be filled by lottery. registration fee. You may be as This retreat is specifically for teens, generous as you feel in making an aged 14-19. It offers beginning Each family unit pays a minimum of offering to IMS and the teachers. meditation instruction, half-hour sitting an additional $35 for the children’s and walking periods, discussions, program. You MUST specify name, stories, and free time. The aim is to full date of birth, and gender of all allow young adults to develop and children on your registration. value their natural spirituality within a supportive environment. Extensive Retreats with Ruth Denison supervision is provided. The style of teaching of this weekend and 9-day retreat is significantly different from other Retreat Center courses. In addition to the sitting and walking practice of a vipassana retreat, this course also includes sound and body movement meditations, and sustained, ongoing verbal teacher instruction throughout the day. RALPH DAVIS

Page 14 Spring • Summer 2003 INSIGHT

Three-Month Retreat Work Retreats Financial Information The annual three-month course is a Work retreats provide a unique special time for practice. Because of its opportunity to explore the integration Dana extended length and the continuity of of mindfulness practice with work Retreat Center fees cover only room, guidance, it is a rare opportunity to activity. The daily schedule combines board and some administrative costs. deepen the powers of concentration, periods of formal meditation and In keeping with the tradition of dana, wisdom and compassion. The teaching instruction with five hours of work - (the Pali word for generosity) that is in the style of , in silence - in either the center’s stretches all the way back to the refining the skillful means of mental kitchen or housekeeping department. Buddha, teachers are not paid by noting, slow movement, and precise, IMS but offer the teachings freely. open awareness. Participation is limited to experienced The direct service staff also offer their meditators only and requires a high service freely and receive just a small Prerequisite is three retreats of a degree of self-reliance. The timing of stipend. At the end of each course, week or more in duration with a work retreats usually corresponds retreatants have the opportunity to recognized vipassana teacher, or with the schedule of teacher-led offer a donation to the teachers, service special permission. This experience, courses. Since the work can be staff, and also to IMS itself. The including teachers’ names, as well as physically demanding, a moderate Buddha taught that practicing a dates and length of retreats must be level of physical fitness is required. lifestyle of generosity is a necessary documented on the registration form. precondition for attaining wisdom. A separate application form needs Special cancellation fees and deadlines to be completed for a work retreat. for this retreat are as follows. 3MO and The only cost is a $25 nonrefundable Part 1: up to Feb 28, $50; from March 1 to application-processing fee. A work April 14, $150; after April 14, full deposit. retreat is not meant to take the place Part 2: up to April 14, $50; from April 15 to of a scholarship. For further May 31, $150; after May 31, full deposit. information and application, please contact the Human Resources Individual Retreat Coordinator– call (978) 355-4378, ext. 23, email [email protected] or write to Self-Retreat IMS. You can also find out more on If you have already participated in a our website. course at the Retreat Center, you can schedule an individual self-retreat Long-Term Practice between courses. You may stay for For those who have sat the Three- any number of days not exceeding the Month Retreat and wish to do Scholarships longest period of teacher-led retreat additional long-term meditation Our Scholarship Fund assists those that you have done at the center. practice, the Retreat Center has with low income, those with life- available a limited number of threatening or disabling illness, and all During this time, you are expected to scholarships in the form of a reduced those who might be unable to afford meditate in silence, observe the five daily rate. Practice guidelines are the entire cost of a retreat. Due to precepts and maintain a continuity of similar to those for shorter individual limited resources, however, we cannot practice. Self-retreats cost between retreats with an additional emphasis guarantee that every application will $40-45 per day, depending on length. on self-reliance. Long-term practice result in a scholarship award. For self-retreats of up to six days requires the prior consent of two immediately before or after a specific teachers. Those interested should A deposit is required on registering - group course, you can put the dates contact the office for an see page 17 for further information. you wish to stay on your registration application form. To access financial assistance, check form. For self-retreats of longer than the relevant section of the registration six days, please call the office for an form, also on page 17. Please be application form. assured that we will do our best to help you attend a retreat with us.

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 15 Carol Wilson has been practicing meditation since 1971. Myoshin Kelley has been practicing meditation since 1975, IMS Core Faculty She studied with a variety of teachers, including practice as working with a number of teachers in various traditions. Her a Buddhist nun in Thailand. She has been teaching vipassana own teaching reflects a strong influence from Burmese masters Steve Armstrong has been practicing vipassana meditation and metta retreats at IMS and around the world since 1986. with an emphasis on simplicity and lovingkindness. She is now since 1975, both as a layman and as a monk, and leads the Resident Teacher at The Forest Refuge. retreats in the US and Australia. His primary focus is Buddhist psychology. Visiting Faculty Catherine McGee has practiced insight meditation under the guidance of a number of senior dharma teachers in Asia and Ruth Denison studied in Burma in the early 1960s with the Ven. Ariya Nyani was born in Switzerland, and ordained with the West. She has been teaching since 1997 both at Gaia meditation master Sayagi U Ba Khin. She has been teaching Sayadaw U Janaka in Burma in 1992, after many years of House and internationally. since 1973 and is founder of Dhamma Dena, a desert retreat Buddhist practice. Based at Sayadaw’s forest center of center in Joshua Tree, CA, and The Center for Buddhism in the Chanmyay Yeiktha, she translates and assists foreign meditators, Susan O’Brien has been practicing vipassana meditation West in Germany. as well as teaching vipassana retreats in Australia and Europe. since 1980 and has studied with a variety of Asian and west- ern teachers. She began teaching in 1996 and coordinates the Christina Feldman has been studying meditation since 1970 Guy Armstrong has practiced insight meditation for over Insight Meditation correspondence course. and teaching worldwide since 1974. She is co-founder and a 20 years. His training includes practice as a Buddhist monk in guiding teacher of Gaia House in England and is also a guiding Thailand with Ajahn . He began teaching in 1984 Doug Phillips has been practicing ( teacher of IMS. She is the author of Woman Awake! and and has led retreats in the US, Europe and Australia. and vipassana) since l978. He currently teaches vipassana The Buddhist Path to Simplicity. meditation. Marvin Belzer has practiced vipassana since 1982, studying Joseph Goldstein is a co-founder and guiding teacher of primarily with Sayadaw U Pandita since 1986. He teaches Yanai Postelnik has practiced and studied insight meditation IMS. He has been teaching vipassana and metta retreats philosophy at Bowling Green University. in Asia and the West and has been teaching since 1992. He worldwide since 1974 and in 1989 helped establish BCBS. lives near Gaia House in England and leads retreats around He is the author of One Dharma, The Experience of Insight Rebecca Bradshaw has been practicing vipassana the world. and Insight Meditation. meditation since 1983 and teaching since 1993. She is a guiding teacher of the Dhamma Dena Meditation Center in Sharda Rogell has been teaching worldwide since 1985 Narayan Liebenson Grady is a guiding teacher at Northampton, MA, and also works as a Spanish-speaking in the Theravada tradition where she brings a strong emphasis CIMC where she has taught since 1985. She is the author of psychotherapist. to awakening heartfulness. She is on the Teacher Council at When Singing, Just Sing: Life As Meditation. Spirit Rock Meditation Center in CA. Seth Castleman has been teaching dharma and spiritual Kamala Masters began practicing in 1975. Under the practice to adults, children, and families since 1995. He is Marcia Rose has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1970, guidance of Anagarika Munindra and Sayadaw U Pandita, presently in teacher training with . and was IMS resident teacher 1991-1995. Since then she has she has been trained in vipassana and metta meditations. taught at IMS and worldwide. She is a co-founder and guiding She is co-founder of the Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui, Sally Clough has practiced vipassana meditation since 1981. teacher of Taos Mountain Sangha Meditation Center and and is currently developing a hermitage/sanctuary for long- She began teaching in 1996, and is one of the guiding teachers The Mountain Hermitage, both in Taos, NM. term practice. of Spirit Rock Meditation Center's Dedicated Practitioner Program. Woods Shoemaker has been practicing vipassana since Michele McDonald-Smith has practiced vipassana medita- Matthew Daniell has been practicing Buddhist meditation 1976. He studied Viniyoga in Madras with TKV Desikachar tion since 1975 and has been teaching at IMS and worldwide (Zen and vipassana) since 1985. Certified to teach yoga in the where he began teaching yoga in l978. He is currently teach- since 1982. She has a deep interest in preserving the ancient Kripalu and Sivananda traditions, he is currently training in ing vipassana meditation. teachings and in finding ways of expression that make them and teaching Viniyoga. more accessible and authentic in our time. Ajahn Sundara is a senior nun of the Forest Sangha. She Sarah Doering has practiced vipassana meditation since joined the monastic community under the guidance of Ajahn Larry Rosenberg practiced Zen in Korea and Japan before 1981 and teaches at both CIMC and IMS. Sumedho in 1979. She has taught and led retreats in Europe coming to vipassana. He is a guiding teacher of both CIMC and the US since the late-1980s. and IMS. He is the author of Living in the Light of Death and Trudy Goodman has studied in Zen and vipassana tradi- Breath By Breath. tions since 1974. She is a co-founder and guiding teacher Fred von Allmen has studied and practiced under Tibetan of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and leads and Theravada teachers since 1970 in Asia, Europe and the Sharon Salzberg, a co-founder of IMS and BCBS, has retreats nationwide. US. He has been teaching retreats worldwide since 1984. He is practiced Buddhist meditation since 1971 and has been teach- the author of several Buddhist books in German and a co- ing worldwide since 1974. She is a guiding teacher of IMS Michael Liebenson Grady has been practicing vipassana founder of the Meditation Center Beatenberg in the Swiss Alps. and author of Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, since 1973. He is a guiding teacher at CIMC. Lovingkindness and A Heart As Wide As The World. Diana Winston is the founder of the Buddhist Alliance for Bhante Gunaratana has been a Buddhist monk for over Social Engagement (BASE) Program. She has practiced insight Rodney Smith has been practicing vipassana meditation 50 years, and is the founder of Society in rural West meditation since 1989, and since 1993 has taught dharma to since 1975, including several years as a Buddhist monk in Virginia. He is the author of a number of books, including teenagers in India and the US. Her forthcoming book, Asia. He has been teaching since 1984 and worked in hospice Mindfulness in Plain English. Wide Awake is a Buddhism book for teens. care for 14 years. He is the author of Lessons From the Dying. Ed Hauben is a long-term vipassana meditation practitioner Steven Smith is a co-founder of Vipassana Hawaii, and and friend of IMS. He has served on the IMS board and has is a guiding teacher of IMS. He teaches vipassana and metta assisted with the Family and Young Adult retreats for the retreats worldwide. past 20 years.

Page 16 Spring • Summer 2003 Registrations INSIGHT •Are accepted only by mail or in person, Wait List Canadian bank. We cannot accept credit not by phone, fax or email. Incomplete reg- • If a course is full you will be placed on cards or foreign drafts (Canadian drafts istrations (including those without sufficient a wait list. When a place opens you will must say: US Funds) deposit) will be returned for completion. be confirmed by mail. If you are not • If possible, please prepay the entire •Are processed on a “first received” confirmed, you will be reimbursed for retreat cost. basis or lottery. Processing order is not your deposit. affected by scholarships. • If you opt to cancel, you must notify Cancellation • A confirmation letter or wait list letter us. Cancellation fees apply if you are con- • If you need to cancel your registration, will be sent out as soon as your registra- firmed off the wait list and do not accept. please let us know as early as possible. tion is processed; processing may be Cancellation fees are $25, six or more delayed by volume of registrations at the Payments weeks before a course starts; $100, four start of the year. • The cost of each retreat and the to six weeks before; and full deposit if • All retreatants are expected to partici- deposit required are listed by the course you cancel less than four weeks before pate in the entire course: late arrivals who on the retreat schedule. the first day of the retreat. The cancella- do not notify the office in advance cannot • If you are applying for a scholarship, tion policy for the Three-Month and be guaranteed a spot; exceptions (for the minimum deposit for a weekend Family courses is more stringent. (See emergency or medical reasons) must be course is $50; for 4 to 16 days, $100; and Retreat Descriptions for details.) approved by IMS. for longer retreats, the full deposit. As • For an information sheet about the part of our Youth Outreach Program, All cancellation fees are donated to the Retreat Center environment regarding those 25 or younger only pay a $50 Scholarship Fund. chemical sensitivities, contact the office. deposit, regardless of course length. • Participation in retreats is always at • Please pay by check or money order the discretion of IMS. in US funds drawn on a US or ✁

Retreat Center Registration Form Office use only • Date received PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. If you are registering for more than one course, please photocopy this form and send a separate form for each retreat.

Course Code ______Dates you will be here: From ______To______Amount of deposit enclosed $______

Name ______Have you been to IMS before? YES ❑ NO ❑

Address ______

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 YES ❑ NO ❑ I have added $______to the deposit as a donation to IMS. 149 Lockwood Road Barre, MA 01005 Phone: (978) 355-2347 Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Fax: (978) 355-2798 Email: [email protected] ...for the integration of scholarly understanding and meditative insight... Web: 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 2003

May 2-4 (Weekend) Ajahn Sundara Renunciation : The Highest Freedom May 11-17 (6 days) Dan Cozort Nalanda Program: Studies May 18-23 (5 days) Andrew Olendzki Essentials of Buddhist Psychology May 31-June 7 (7 days) Andrew Olendzki & Bhavana Program: Taraniya Ambrosia Samyojana – The Ties That Bind June 13-15 (Weekend) Rev. Issho Fujita Somatic Elements in Sitting Meditation June 22-27 (5 days) Mu Soeng Nalanda Program: Studies Subscribe to the July 18-20 (Weekend) Taitetsu Unno Shin Buddhism: Bits of Rubble Turn Into Gold Insight Journal July 25-27 (Weekend) Bill & Susan Morgan Meditation for Psychologists and Psychotherapists and become a member of the Aug 8-10 (Weekend) Jose Reissig El Dharma en Español Barre Center for Buddhist Studies & Lila Wheeler August 16-23 (7 days) Charles Genoud Bhavana Program: In ’s Footstep There is no fixed subscription fee Sep 6 (Saturday) Joseph Goldstein Fear and Trust for the Insight Journal. Please send us Sep 7-12 (5 days) Andrew Olendzki Abhidhamma: Classical Buddhist Psychology whatever you think appropriate as a Sep 14 (Sunday) Narayan & Michael Dharma and Relationship membership contribution to BCBS. Liebenson Grady How much is appropriate? You decide: Sep 20-27 (7 days) Greg Kramer Insight Dialogue: The Extra-Ordinary and the Inter-Personal ❑ $20 Covers basic production expenses and allows us to send you two copies Oct 3-9 (6 days) Daeja Napier Sublime States of Mind: Cultivating Metta, Karuna, , and Upekkha of the Insight Journal each year without any advertising or a fixed subscription rate. Oct 10-13 (3 days) Chip Hartranft Buddhism and the Yoga of Patanjali & Andrew Olendzki

❑ $50 Significantly helps support Oct 17-24 (7 days) Taraniya Ambrosia Bhavana Program: & Andrew Olendzki Living Together in Harmony the ongoing operation and all the programs offered at BCBS. Oct 31-Nov 2 (Weekend) Paul Fleischman : & Andrew Olendzki Embodiment of Dhamma Experience ❑ $100 Substantially contributes Nov 9 (Sunday) Sharon Salzberg Meditation: Tools for Awakening to the growth and improvement of the study Courage, Faith and Compassion center by providing for capital expenses Nov 14-16 (Weekend) Mu Soeng Buddhism and Shamanism: beyond the annual operating budget. Carlos Castaneda & the Perfections of Wisdom Nov 23 (Sunday) Andrew Olendzki Introduction to Buddhism ❑ $0 If you would like to subscribe & Mu Soeng to the Insight Journal without making a Nov 30-Dec 5 (5 days) Andrew Olendzki Essential of Buddhist Psychology membership contribution, the generosity of Dec 12-14 (Weekend) Mu Soeng The Great Way is Not Difficult: others will provide what is needed. The Zen Poem of The Third Zen Patriarch Dec 19-21 (Weekend) Sumi Loundon New Perspectives on Dharma Practice

Page 18 Spring • Summer 2003 Book Review

as from her many years as a therapist and meditation teacher, explores the various means we employ in our futile attempts to escape this suffering. A meditation/reflection follows each chapter, guiding the reader to Cambridge Insight understand more directly its pertinent theme. Meditation Center

The antidote to living in such trance is CIMC is a non-residential urban what Tara terms ‘Radical Acceptance’ – center for the teaching and practice holding all of our experience with of insight meditation. complete loving care and compassion. CIMC’s programs are designed to We are stirred out of trance as we pay provide a strong foundation in attention to each moment, accepting formal meditation as well as daily everything and avoiding nothing. practice. Our schedule includes daily The spirit of Radical Acceptance sittings, weekly Dharma talks, requires us to say ‘Yes’ to life with an ongoing classes and practice groups, Radical Acceptance: attitude of “unconditional friendliness.” teacher interviews, and a variety Embracing Your Life with of weekend workshops and the Heart of a Buddha As we apply mindfulness and kindness meditation retreats. to our moment-to-moment experience, By Tara Brach we begin to heal our wounded selves. An open invitation is extended to Bantam Books, June 2003 Only then can we become aware of all to stop by CIMC and browse and respond to the basic goodness that through the library or join in any Written with great warmth and has always been our true nature. We of the public sittings or Wednesday consideration for the suffering inherent discover that we are not alone, and evening Dharma talks. A growing in the human condition, Tara Brach’s that our suffering is universal, not number of out-of-town yogis have wonderful first book, Radical Acceptance personal and shameful. As our hearts enrolled in our weekend retreats. encourages us to never lose sight of our open, our compassion grows and Contact us for a list of bed and potential to awaken. It inspires us to extends to others. We learn that “we breakfasts in the area. live fully - to accept ourselves and can trust the awareness and love that others with gentleness and care. is our true home.” 331 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02139 The book’s basic premise is that many Whether we are new to the path of of us live in a trance of unworthiness. meditation, or seasoned travelers, this Office: (617) 441-9038 We feel separate, alone and funda- book’s message is joyfully clear: we can 24-hour information and mentally deficient in the very core of radically transform our lives! fax line: (617) 491-5070 our being. Skillfully weaving stories from her own life and practice, as well Reviewed by Adah Miller Website: www.cimc.info

Spring • Summer 2003 Page 19 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage Insight Meditation Society PAID 1230 Pleasant St. Permit No.7 Barre, MA 01005 Ashland, MA

Serve the Dharma at IMS

Stipend Staff positions available at both the Retreat Center and The Forest Refuge in 2003:

• Kitchen For a complete job description see our website • Front Office www.dharma.org under Job Listings • Maintenance • Housekeeping Come on stipend staff and: • Integrate work and practice Please contact: • Be of service Human Resources Coordinator • Live with a group of meditators Phone: (978) 355-4378 ext.23 • Fax: (978) 355-6398 • Learn about yourself in relationship to others

Email: [email protected] • Receive a diverse benefits package & LIBBY VIGEON PHOTOS: RALPH DAVIS