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Gil’s New Book: Unhindered

Gil’s New Book: Unhindered

Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances   Gil Fronsdal’s new book is now available. It can be ordered through Amazon and maybe available through special order at a local bookstore.  It provides a detailed discussion of each of the five hindrances.  These are the mental states that present the most common obstacles to meditation.  As such, all meditators should become familiar with the hindrances and how to work with them. The book provides instruction on how to turn the…

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Mindfulness of the Hindrances

Mindfulness of the Hindrances

Anyone practicing mindfulness knows there are forces in the mind that can make it difficult to stay attentive to one’s present moment experience. Ranging from weak to very powerful, these forces hamper our ability to remain mindful, develop concentration and have clear insight. They pull our attention away from our efforts to meditate. Even with the best of intentions to stay focused, these forces can propel us into the world of pre-occupation and distracted thought. Rather than reacting to these…

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Thanksgiving Morning Yoga and Meditation

Thanksgiving Morning Yoga and Meditation

Thursday, November 28, 8:30 to 10:30 am Thanksgiving Day invites us to reflect upon the good in our lives, and to appreciate our good fortune. Even if we are feeling sad, low, grumpy or just not particularly fortunate, coming together in the stillness of meditation and the movement of yoga can revitalize our acceptance, gratitude and joy. Appropriate for beginners to yoga or meditation, as well as those with more experience. Bring a large towel and sticky mat, if you…

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Caring for the Earth as Buddhist Practice

Caring for the Earth as Buddhist Practice

Buddhism teaches that personal practice and safeguarding our environment are closely connected. This is because both of these endeavors ask us to overcome the forces of greed, hate, and delusion. The intimate relationship between the world and ourselves means that when we properly care for ourselves we will care for the world, and when we do what’s best for the world, we benefit ourselves. After his awakening, which took place as he sat outdoors underneath a tree, the Buddha continued…

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Solar Water Heater Fundraising Drive

Solar Water Heater Fundraising Drive

As part of IMC efforts to lower our environmental impact we are currently fundraising with a goal of $15,000 to install a solar water heater at our retreat center, the Insight Retreat Center.  This is currently one of the most significant steps we can take to lower our propane usage (and our ongoing expenses). Helping us install a solar water heater is a way to support IRC well into the future. If you are interested in supporting our drive, either…

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IMC Celebrates Earth-Care Week: October 1–7

IMC Celebrates Earth-Care Week: October 1–7

During the first week of October, Insight Meditation teachers and centers around the globe will be celebrating Earth-Care Week. This is a newly minted event arising out of the International Vipassana Teachers’ meeting at Spirit Rock in June. It was one response from the teachers to a letter signed by over 2,000 people requesting that teachers provide “guidance and leadership in addressing the issue of climate change.” With seeds planted this year we hope EarthCare Week will become a significant…

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Dharma Mentoring Program: September 2013 to May 2014

Dharma Mentoring Program: September 2013 to May 2014

For the second year, IMC is offering an eight-month one-to-one mentoring program supporting individuals’ practice with the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path represents the heart of the Buddhist path of practice. Those who sign up for this eight-month program will have the chance to explore, with one of IMC’s seasoned, senior practitioners,  their relationship to the teachings and practices associated with each of the step the Eightfold Path.  Mentoring meetings will be once a month for an hour.  They will consist of a brief…

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Volunteering at our Retreat Center

Volunteering at our Retreat Center

Many volunteers have come to our new Insight Retreat Center (IRC) in Santa Cruz to help with gardening, maintenance, cleaning, cooking, office work and other tasks. They have provided not only the indispensable contributions that our all-volunteer center is built on, but have also become part of the growing community associated with it. We are very grateful for the continuing support of our volunteers. If you are interested in becoming part of the volunteer community at IRC, please click here:…

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At Home in the World: Dharma Evenings for people in their 20’s and 30’s with Max Erdstein

At Home in the World: Dharma Evenings for people in their 20’s and 30’s with Max Erdstein

Begins Sunday, January 20, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Future meetings will be held on 3rd Sunday of the month from 7:00pm – 8:30pm Description We are entering the world, ready or not—meeting the challenges of school and work, relationships and intimacy, and finding meaning and purpose as independent adults. The perfect place to practice is right here where we are.This will be an open and ongoing group, meeting monthly, and addressing themes relevant to the lives of twentysomethings and thirtysomethings who…

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IMC Neighborhood Dharma Discussion Groups Sign Up

IMC Neighborhood Dharma Discussion Groups Sign Up

Sign Ups – January 6 to February 3. Groups will meet monthly for 6 months: March – August, 2013 The groups will meet once a month for six months (March through August) in someone’s home at the best time for the majority based on indicated availability.  If you choose to participate, please commit to attending all six meetings.  Each meeting will consist of a short sit, a check-in and a discussion of the topic of the month.  A volunteer will facilitate…

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