Four Thursday evenings:  Sept 12,19,26, Oct 3 The teachings on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Satipatthana Sutta, are considered the core practices that make up a direct path to realization.  This four week series explores these foundational practices, which comprise the contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and mental phenomena.   We will explore both a conceptual discussion and understanding of the teachings, as well as experiential practice pointers on and off the cushion.  The series will also include reflections…

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Saturday December 10, 9am to 4:30pm This is a daylong retreat with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation,  instruction in mindfulness practice, particularly in mindfulness of the body and a dharma talk. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. No interviews.  Bring lunch. Gil Fronsdal

Saturday November 12, 8:30am to 5pm Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period. This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given….

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Saturday November 5,  1-4pm Within Buddhism, meditation is one element of an integrated approach to living a wise and stress-free life. This retreat will include instruction and practice of meditation, and an introduction to the Four Noble Truths, the heart of the Buddhist teachings. The Four Noble Truths point to a happiness and peace not tied to our experiences in life. Discovering this happiness brings balance through all the changes life can bring. There will be time for peer discussion…

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Saturday September 10, 9:30am to 4pm A daylong exploration of Buddhism and the 12 steps taught by Kevin Griffin and Jennifer Lemas. Kevin Griffin’s biography Jennifer Lemas’s biography

Saturday August 27, 9:30am to 4:30pm Taught in the style of U Tejaniya. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many distractions that get in the way of clear seeing and for developing a continuity of awareness. We will explore relaxed open awareness with an emphasis on qualities of mind, and the attitude towards one’s experience. The retreat will alternate periods of sitting & walking with instructions and discussion. The day will be primarily in…

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Saturday August 6, 9:30am to 5pm The Buddha taught that it is not the world itself that holds us in bondage, but our own misguided relationship to it.   In this daylong we will look closely at how we relate to our own experience and explore the possibility that liberation lies not in fundamentally altering ourselves or the world but in learning to meet all experience without clinging or aversion.  Suitable for all levels. Bring lunch. Will Kabat-Zinn’s biography

Saturday July 9, 9:30am to 3:30pm Introducing the basic practice of mindfulness, with direction in mindfulness of the breath, body, emotions, thoughts, walking and eating. There will sitting and walking meditation and discussion. Suitable for both beginners and those wanting to review the basics of practice.  Bring lunch. Ines Freedman’s biography

Dharma Practice Series: Fridays, 9:30am – 3:30pm 2011 September 9 Metta(Lovingkindness) October 7      Metta(Lovingkindness) November 4 Karuna(Compassion) December 2 Karuna(Compassion) 2012 January 6   Mudita(Appreciative Joy) February 3 Mudita(Appreciative Joy) March 2      Upekkha(Equanimity) March 30    Upekkha(Equanimity) Starting September 9th, IMC is offering a eight month program of practice and study of the four Brahma Viharas or Sublime Abidings.  These are Loving Kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity.  Each daylong session will include meditation, teachings, and…

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May 21, 9am to 4:30pm The Brahma Viharas are four states of heart and mind that the Buddha encouraged us to develop: unconditional kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), appreciative joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha). Arising out of our practice, they are available to us in softening and awaking the heart. We will explore these qualities in a day of meditation, talks and guided meditations in specific practices. Bring lunch. Maria Straatmann Biography/Talks Chris Clifford Biography/Talks

Sunday April 3, 1-5pm Relax, let the stress and anxiety go…Spend a day with yourself and other great teens in a supportive and fun environment that welcomes you, just as you are! During this Teen Retreat you will learn to meditate, practice yoga, play games that build community and safety, and get to be who you are! This event is suitable for teens in high school. Beginners welcome, no previous meditation experience needed. Welcoming all levels of experience. Join teachers guest…

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Saturday June 11, 9:30am to 4:30pm Generosity, the first of the ten foundational practices (Paramis), is the beginning of the path to liberation. This daylong will develop generosity and mindfulness and  will explore a range of meaning and application of generosity beyond that associated with monetary offering through periods of silent sitting, guided meditation and group exercises.The focus will be to inspire inquiry into and explore practices of generosity, allowing time to discover the joy that can emerge from this…

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Saturday June 4, 6am to 9pm This is a great opportunity for a full day of immersion in silent Dharma Practice. Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period. Fifteen minute Interviews with Gil will…

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