What’s New At Insight Meditation Center

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Thursday evenings 7:30-9pm, May 24-June 21 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 a spiritual path that gradually dissolves…

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Article: Concentration & Relaxation

Article: Concentration & Relaxation

by Andrea Fella When we go on a residential retreat, we often hope that our meditation will result in a deepening of concentration: a quality of composure, collectedness, of settled attention. But unfortunately, we can’t force concentration to happen! We can, however, support the conditions that allow it to arise. This simple fact has been really helpful for me to remember. In our meditation practice, we often bring along the cultural baggage of an “I’m going to do this” mentality,…

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Los Gatos dana-based sitting group launches

Los Gatos dana-based sitting group launches

A new Dharma group with ties to IMC is starting in Los Gatos. It meets Sundays from 10:15-11:15 am at the Los Gatos YogaSource (16185 Los Gatos Blvd) for a sitting and Dharma talk, which are offered freely. Chairs, yoga blocks, and yoga mats are provided; bring a meditation cushion and/or zabuton if you prefer. The first four weeks (Jan 15 – Feb 5) will be an Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation course offered by Kim Allen, and other teachers will also come…

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Article: Cultivating Compassion by Gil Fronsdal

Article: Cultivating Compassion by Gil Fronsdal

Compassion is inextricably linked to the Buddhist practice of liberation. It can be the motivation for this practice as well as the result.  As one’s inner freedom grows, one’s capacity for compassion increases; as one’s compassion increases, so does the importance of freedom. Liberation supports compassion and compassion supports liberation. They both benefit when they go hand in hand. Compassion is a form of empathy and care that wishes for the alleviation of someone’s suffering. Known as karuna in Buddhism,…

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Year-End Letter from Gil Fronsdal

Year-End Letter from Gil Fronsdal

Dear Friend, This has been a significant year for IMC. This year IMC celebrates its 25th anniversary. It’s hard to believe it was 25 years ago that a small Monday evening sitting group began meeting in Menlo Park!  For all these years we have been a steady and stable refuge for those interested in meditation and Buddhist teachings. This year we also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the purchase of our building in Redwood City.  The ministers who sold us…

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In Memory of Cheryll Gasner

In Memory of Cheryll Gasner

We are sad to announce that Cheryll Gasner, who has been a vital part of the IMC community for over 15 years, died at Stanford Hospital on November 20th, the place where she worked as a nurse practitioner for many years.  Her loving husband Steve was at her side.   She was 54 years old. We will have a memorial service in January, at IMC, and will let you know once it’s scheduled. If you’d like to give your support to…

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Tricycle Retreats

Tricycle Retreats

On Sunday mornings in September and October Gil gave a series of four talks on Buddhist teachings on generosity.  These talks were videoed for Tricycle to use for their November, “Online Retreat.”  The videos can be seen by signing up for Tricycle’s online offerings.

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation with Gil Fronsdal

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation with Gil Fronsdal

Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9pm, January 11-February 15, 2012 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 a spiritual path…

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