What’s New At Insight Meditation Center

Dharma Practice Day Series – Brahmaviharas: Practicing with Love

Dharma Practice Day Series – Brahmaviharas: Practicing with Love

TAUGHT BY NIKKI MIRGHAFORI Fridays, 9:30 am – 3:30 p.m.,  Sept. 8, Oct 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15 The Brahmaviharas – Lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity – are four aspects of love at the heart of Buddhist practice. Each day will be devoted to teachings, guided meditation, and discussions on one of the of the Brahmaviharas. You may attend any part of the series. Bring lunch.

Entering the Stream Program with Gil Fronsdal (2017 – 2018)

Entering the Stream Program with Gil Fronsdal (2017 – 2018)

  Monday Oct 2, Friday Nov 3, Monday Dec 4; Friday Jan 19, Monday Feb 5, Friday March 16, Friday Apr 20, Monday May 21, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m This eight-month program provides experienced practitioners an opportunity to delve into some of the deeper teachings of our Buddhist tradition in a community of other committed practitioners. We will discuss core principles and insights important in the Buddha’s teachings, including aspects of liberation and awakening. The program includes required monthly…

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Dharma Mentoring Training Program (2017 – 2018)

Dharma Mentoring Training Program (2017 – 2018)

Taught by Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except 10/6) First year: (2017-2018): 8/28, 9/11, Friday 10/6, 11/20, 12/18, 1/8,  2/12, 3/12, 4/2, 5/7 Second year: TBD IMC is beginning a new two-year long Dharma Mentoring training program in the fall of 2017. Dharma Mentors are practitioners who have matured enough in their own Dharma practice and understanding to support and mentor others in their practice. This program offers a training to prepare a Dharma…

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Summer Food Drive: April – June

Summer Food Drive: April – June

Benefits Second Harvest Food Bank  THE POWER OF GENEROSITY: The struggle to end hunger in Silicon Valley -Toren Fronsdal Most-Needed Foods  The Food Bank accepts all non-perishable food donations, but especially needs these nutritious items: Meals in a can (stew, chili, soup) Tuna and canned meat Peanut butter Canned foods with pop-top lids Low-sugar cereals 100% fruit juices in single serving boxes Canned fruit packed in juice Canned vegetables (low salt) Collection canister is located in the community hall, left rear from…

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Memorial Day Weekend Family Retreat

Memorial Day Weekend Family Retreat

with Andrea Castillo, Lori Wong, Bruni Dávila & Liz Powell Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29 at Jikoji Retreat Center During this weekend we will meditate together as families, as well as in separate groups for adult caregivers and children. There will also be plenty of time to explore our diversity in a kind and welcoming way, share our cultures and family traditions, enjoy hiking, arts and crafts, and spend free time relaxing outdoors. Everyone will also share in doing…

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IMC’s Winter Clothing Drive – Month of February

IMC’s Winter Clothing Drive – Month of February

What a better way to clear some space and share your generosity by donating your unneeded clothing and camping gear to those who most need it. New and wearable used clothing for men, women and kids.                              Clothing will be donated to PARCA and Gear for Good Santa Cruz. For more information contact Joe at Joe@insightretreatcenter.org

Buddha’s Teachings on Mindfulness

Buddha’s Teachings on Mindfulness

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 Before Buddhism” by Gil Fronsdal is Now Available

“The Buddha Before Buddhism” by Gil Fronsdal is Now Available

The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings by Gil Fronsdal is now available. A translation with commentary of one of the earliest of the surviving Buddhist texts, which reveals the teachings to be remarkably simple and free of religious trappings. The Aṭṭhakavagga, or “Book of Eights,” is believed by scholars to be among the earliest of written Buddhist texts, and in it we find the Buddha’s teaching pared down to its most uncomplicated essence. Gil Fronsdal’s translation and…

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Children’s Book Drive

Children’s Book Drive

In November we begin our annual children’s book drive to benefit the Fair Oaks Community Center in Redwood City. As part of their holiday food distribution, IMC will donate new or nearly-new books for several hundred children. It’s a delightful way for our sangha to offer dana to our under resourced neighbors. Not only does it promote a love of reading, it brings smiles to many young faces as they select a special book for themselves and their siblings. Books…

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Karuna Award Ceremony

Karuna Award Ceremony

  For Jacques Verduin and GRIP Program Facilitators Friday, November 4, 7:00 Reception; 7:30-8:30 Award ceremony; 8:30-9:00 Festivity IMC is pleased to celebrate the extraordinary work of Jacques Verduin and his inmate facilitators of the GRIP program, at an IMC Award ceremony and fundraising benefit Community Fundraising. Mark your calendars to join us in honoring their service to inmates at San Quentin and other state prisons, in promoting the transformation and healing of men whom society has otherwise disregarded. Mindfulness and…

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The Buddha as a Chaplain

The Buddha as a Chaplain

  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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