Reflections from Gil

Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses

Posted July 1, 2021 - Reflections from Gil

Studying the Words of the Buddha: Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses With Gil Fronsdal and Diana Clark Intermittent Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. A Sati Center program On Zoom (IMC is not open for in-person events at this time) First Series: August 5, 19, 26, and September 9 Please register here so we can send you future dates, the assignments, and the study guides for each class. You will also receive the Zoom link. 1st Themes: Intro to…

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Discourse on Loving-Kindness

Posted June 7, 2021 - Reflections from Gil

Metta Sutta translated by Gil Fronsdal To reach the state of peace One skilled in the good Should be Capable and upright, Straightforward and easy to speak to, Gentle and not proud, Contented and easily supported, Living lightly and with few duties, Wise and with senses calmed, Not arrogant and without greed for supporters, And should not do the least thing that the wise would criticize. [One should reflect:] “May all be happy and secure; May all beings be happy…

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June 6, Sharon Salzberg Speaking with Insight World Aid

Posted May 31, 2021 - Reflections from Gil

https://insightworldaid.orgInsight World Aid, a Buddhist humanitarian organization that started at IMC and one on which I am on the Board is sponsoring an online conversation with Sharon Salzberg. Sharon was one of my important Vipassana teachers and a teacher who continues to inspire. On Sunday, June 6, 1 -2 pm PT (4-5 pm ET) , IWA board member Roxanne Dault will host a discussion with Sharon Salzberg on a trauma-informed mindfulness training program for survivors of gun violence. The hour will include a…

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May 4th; Buddhist Memorial Supporting Asian-Americans

Posted April 17, 2021 - Reflections from Gil

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT A large number of Buddhist centers and teachers from around the US are gathering online on May 4th to memorialize the recent violence against Asian-Americans. IMC and Gil are sponsoring partners for the event titled “May We Gather: A National Buddhist Memorial Ceremony for Asian American Ancestors.” The ceremony will be lived stream on the website, https://www.maywegather.org This website has more information.

Gil’s Upcoming Retreats

Posted March 31, 2021 - Reflections from Gil

I am teaching few meditation retreats from March through October. Those scheduled are below. I might add one in June and one in August atthe Insight Retreat Center. April 19 to May 8. At San Francisco Zen Center, I am teaching with Fu Schroeder and Paul Haller, two senior Zen teachers and long-time friends. Called “The Harmony of Zen and Vipassana” it will consist of meditation, talks, and discussions on the relationship between Zen and Vipassana practice. Details and schedule…

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16 Steps and samadhi similes from 7am sits

Posted February 7, 2021 - IMC Announcements, Reflections from Gil

Gil’s translations of samadhi similes (depicting jhanas), and a summary of the 16 steps of Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) can be found on AudioDharma, just under the title of the Anapanasati series: https://audiodharma.org/series/1/talk/12718/

Audiodharma User Survey

Posted January 18, 2021 - Reflections from Gil

Audiodharma is in need of an upgrade and our volunteers have been working hard to do so. They now have a new beta version of our website and would value all levels of users to evaluate the new site. This survey is an opportunity for a wide range of the community to do a self-paced evaluation of the progress on the new AudioDharma website. It is also a way of identifying people who might be experiencing difficulties or differences in accessing our…

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Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training

Posted October 1, 2020 - Reflections from Gil

I am happy to report that the wonderful completion of the first yearlong Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy training ended. Teaching this with Kirsten Rudestam and Susie Harrington, this program is the fulfillment of a longtime dream of mine. 23 people participated, each with a unique and inspiring orientation toward this relatively new field. Inspired by the success of the program and the important role eco-chaplains have for the huge environmental challenges of our times, Kirsten, Susie, and I are starting the second…

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Message in the Wake of George Floyd’s Killing

Posted June 20, 2020 - News, Reflections from Gil

The horrific killing of George Floyd is heartbreaking. For the loss and unimaginable sorrow of his family and community, I offer my condolences. To Black people in the United States who live every day with the real possibility of violence, police brutality, and an ongoing onslaught of racism, we at IMC regret we have not done more to counter the tide of rising racism. The heart-wrenching police brutality toward peaceful protestors reveals the very deep wound that racism is for our…

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Insight World Aid

Posted May 6, 2020 - Events, Reflections from Gil

Message from Gil In 2010, together with members of the IMC community, I helped start a non-profit called Insight World Aid (IWA) in order to provide medical and humanitarian aid to impoverished communities. I am still actively involved with IWA which during this time of a COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda has donated $2,200 to the Uganda Buddhist Centre, led by Abbot Venerable Bhante Buddharakita, a regular teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts. This money allowed the center to…

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Q&A, Thursday morning, March 26, 2020

Posted April 4, 2020 - Reflections from Gil

Q: I notice I feel anxious after I watch or read the news. What can I do? A: It can be helpful to choose to be intentional about when and how to watch or read the news. That is, choose a time when you can be reflective and discerning about the news. Don’t be a passive recipient of what you read. Before learning the news, do something wise and supportive. This might be meditating or spending time outside. Then sit…

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The Buddha’s Way of Speaking

Posted December 1, 2019 - Reflections from Gil

In an extended discussion of the Buddha’s ethical behavior, the suttas contain the following description of how the Buddha speaks. On Sunday, December 1 I read this as part of a talk addressing one of the most important visibly public issues of our times, i.e., how we speak to each other in our society. Buddha’s Way of Speaking Abandoning false speech, The Buddha refrains from false speech. A truth-speaker, He is reliable, trustworthy, non-deceptive. Abandoning malicious speech, The Buddha refrains…

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Welcome to the New Website

Posted September 10, 2019 - Reflections from Gil

I am happy to celebrate the launching of IMC’s new website by expressing much gratitude to all the people who have contributed to our previous website and now to the new one. Our previous website grew gradually in content and pages so that plenty of our material was tucked away, unnoticed. We hope that with the new design much more of the website is easily accessible. You are encouraged to explore it. We have added this “Reflections from Gil” section…

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Buddha’s Teachings on Mindfulness

Posted January 6, 2017 - Articles, Featured, Reflections from Gil

The Buddha’s Teachings on Mindfulness By Gil Fronsdal What should be done for his disciples out of compassion by a Teacher who seeks their welfare and has compassion for them, that I have done for you, Ānanda. There are these roots of trees, these empty huts. Meditate, Ānānda, do not delay, or else you will regret it later. This is my instruction to you. (MN 152.18) The image that most universally represents Buddhism is that of the Buddha meditating. Without…

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The Buddha as a Chaplain

Posted October 4, 2016 - Articles, Featured, Reflections from Gil

Reading the Middle Length Discourses as a resource for chaplains by Gil Fronsdal “A being not subject to delusion has appeared in the world for the welfare and happiness of many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.” …

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