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Insight Retreat Center Inaugural Newsletter

Insight Retreat Center Inaugural Newsletter

We have launched a new newsletter for people interested in the Insight Retreat Center. In addition to having information about the retreat center and eventually the schedule of its retreats, it will also have articles about retreat practice.  The newsletter is available for download.

Sati Center announces the opening of the new Sati Institute

Sati Center announces the opening of the new Sati Institute

We are pleased to announce that beginning in September, the Sati Institute for Theravada Buddhist Studies, under the auspices of the Sati Center, will offer two courses toward a Master of Buddhist Studies (M.B.S.) degree in collaboration with the Institute of Buddhist Studies. This degree is designed for those interested in a systematic education in Theravada Buddhist Studies for professional or personal purposes. As the program develops, we will add a third year for students who want to earn an…

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“The Insight Retreat Center” from Gil Fronsdal

“The Insight Retreat Center” from Gil Fronsdal

Dear Friend, It is rare that I make a direct request for donations.  All that we offer at the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) we offer freely; a person can participate in our programs for a long time and never hear any request for money.  Now I would like to make an exception and ask you to consider making a donation to help transform our newly purchased property into a residential retreat center. This year is our time of greatest opportunity…

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Thank You IMC Volunteers

Thank You IMC Volunteers

Dear IMC Volunteers, During this week of honoring volunteers, I’d like to thank you for your generous contributions to Insight Meditation Center. We are extremely fortunate to have a center which is supported by the goodwill and practice of so many people. It is only through the hands and hearts of volunteers like you that IMC is able to continue as a place for practicing meditation and learning the Dharma. Your work not only benefits our local sangha, but also…

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Insight Retreat Center (IRC): IMC’s Great Opportunity

Insight Retreat Center (IRC): IMC’s Great Opportunity

Down through the centuries Buddhists have celebrated the creation of a temple or monastery as one of the most spectacular acts of generosity. It is seen as a gift to one’s contemporary society as well as for generations to come. The IMC community is now following in this tradition by creating a new center for residential retreats. We are inspired by the possibility of building a place where people can benefit from sustained immersion in Buddhist teachings and practices. Over…

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Article: The Sitting Buddha by Gil Fronsdal

Article: The Sitting Buddha by Gil Fronsdal

Seated on the ground with legs crossed, hands resting in the lap, torso upright, shoulders balanced, eyes half open in a relaxed gaze, and with a soft, gentle smile, the image of the Buddha in meditation is the most universal and easily recognized Buddhist symbol. For many Buddhists the image represents their deepest aspirations, values and potential. For others it signifies the profound hope and support they find in Buddhism. The image of the seated Buddha conveys calm and peace,…

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“Passing It On 2011” is now available in print

“Passing It On 2011” is now available in print

“Passing It On” is now available for purchase as a paperback at Create Space and Amazon. “Passing It On” is a collection of writing and art by lay practitioners connected with the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California.  It shows that helpful teaching can be found in the ordinary lives of lay practitioners.   The collection celebrates our everyday lives, but not in a way that ignores its complexity. The personal essays, short stories, poetry, and art explore the challenges we face and…

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Article: “The Relational and the Non-Relational Dimensions of Buddhist Practice” by Gil Fronsdal

Article: “The Relational and the Non-Relational Dimensions of Buddhist Practice” by Gil Fronsdal

Buddhism offers teachings, practices, and profound realizations for two different dimensions of life: the relational and the non-relational. Classically, these two were referred to as the conditioned and the unconditioned dimensions. A modern way of distinguishing them is to point out that the first has to do with that which occurs or exists only in relationship to other things. The second is that which is independent of any relationship to anything else. In human terms, the first involves all the…

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New Book by Gil Fronsdal

New Book by Gil Fronsdal

We are happy to announce that Gil has written a new book! A Monastery Within, Tales from the Buddhist Path by Gil Fronsdal Inspired by his years of Buddhist monastic life, Gil Fronsdal has written these warm-hearted stories as part of the tradition of teaching through storytelling. These are tales of transformation and spiritual growth. They delight and challenge as they express different facets of the Buddhist path to liberation in familiar, yet fresh and engaging, ways. These stories can…

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Article: “The Dharma and the Path of Harmlessness” by Gil Fronsdal

Article: “The Dharma and the Path of Harmlessness” by Gil Fronsdal

“A wise person does not intend harm to self or to others. A wise person intends benefit for self, for others, and for the whole world.” -The Buddha The full scope of Buddhist practice is conveyed through the word ‘Dharma.’ This word has a number of meanings that depend on the context in which it is used. Sometimes it refers to the teachings and practices of the Buddha, but its most significant meaning is the natural truths, laws and processes of…

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