What’s New At Insight Meditation Center
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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In Buddhist practice, acquiring liberating insight goes hand-in-hand with mental cultivation. We cannot have deep insight without developing the mind, any more than a nearsighted person can see clearly without glasses. And we cannot benefit from insight without inner strength, any more than a hiker can climb a mountain without physical strength. The three core insights of mindfulness practice are impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self. Because of their importance, these “three characteristics” are often taught enthusiastically without reference to the mental…
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The July-September 2013 IMC Newsletter is now available.
6 Wednesday evenings, July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, and 21, 7:30-9pm This six-week course teaches the basic meditation practice of lovingkindness or goodwill. As one of the central practices of Buddhism, lovingkindness heals anger and self-criticism while cultivating a generous heart. Lovingkindness will be taught as a practice and perspective that is integrated with mindfulness practice. We will also touch on some of the recent scientific research supporting the physical, emotional, and social benefits of lovingkindness and self…
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5 Wednesday evenings, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7:30-9pm Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment-to-moment observation which cultivates a clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. While mindfulness practice can be highly effective in helping bring calm and clarity to the pressures of daily life, it is also…
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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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5 Wednesday evenings May 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 19, 7:30-9pm Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment-to-moment observation which cultivates a clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. While mindfulness practice can be highly effective in helping bring calm and clarity to the pressures of daily life, it is…
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5 Monday mornings March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1, 9:30-11am Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment-to-moment observation which cultivates a clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. While mindfulness practice can be highly effective in helping bring calm and clarity to the pressures of daily life, it is…
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4 Wednesday evenings, February 13, 20, 27 and March 6, 7:30-9pm This series is for beginners who have taken a basic mindfulness meditation instruction class and would like to take the next step in building and supporting their practice. This will be a four week discussion group on developing mindfulness practice. There will be a 20 minute sitting, a review of the basic teachings, and discussion with an introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Chris Clifford’s…
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