What’s New At Insight Meditation Center
The April – June 2011 Newsletter is now available for download.
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…
Read More Read More
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,…
Read More Read More
The “Launching Insight World Aid” event has been changed from March 13 to June 12.
Sunday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011 Hidden Villa , 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 RETREAT FULL AND WAITLIST CLOSED Flyer Information Application Applicants will be admitted to this retreat by lottery. All applications with deposits that have been received by July 1, 2011 will be entered into a lottery to be held on July 2. You will be notified during the following week if you have been admitted or are on the wait-list. Subsequent applications…
Read More Read More
Sunday, March 20 11:15 am to 1 pm IMC Meditation Hall (after temple cleaning) If you have previously sat a residential retreat, you are invited for a brainstorming session for the design and development of the new retreat center. We will soon be working on the construction documents and would like to hear your ideas. What has worked well for you on retreats? What hasn’t? What features are important to you? If you’d like to think about it before the…
Read More Read More
May 14, 6pm to 9pm Come join us at IMC in celebrating the founding of the Insight Retreat Center (IRC) and the launching of our fundraising campaign. In addition to dinner and entertainment, Gil will talk about his personal retreat history, and the value he has received from practicing on retreats. Reception at 6 pm, dinner begins at 6:45 pm. Location: At IMC. Please RSVP by May 1st: contact Hilary Borison
Sunday June 12, 11am to 12pm Gil Fronsdal and members of the IMC community have created a new non-profit called Insight World Aid in order to provide medical and humanitarian aid to impoverished communities. Its first project is to organize a group of volunteers to go on a two week medical mission to Cambodia. On June 12, board members will introduce IWA’s mission and its Cambodian project. This is an exciting extension of the Buddhist practice of our community. More…
Read More Read More
May 7, 9am to 12:30pm Offers an opportunity to develop a continuity of awareness in movement and in stillness. We will integrate yoga poses, breath work, relaxation, lovingkindness(metta), guided and silent meditation and let the synergy of these practices inform and deepen one another to open heart and mind. The retreat is appropriate for beginners to yoga and meditation as well as experienced yogis and meditators.You do not have to be flexible to do yoga, nor to have a particular…
Read More Read More
May 21, 9am to 4:30pm The Brahma Viharas are four states of heart and mind that the Buddha encouraged us to develop: unconditional kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), appreciative joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha). Arising out of our practice, they are available to us in softening and awaking the heart. We will explore these qualities in a day of meditation, talks and guided meditations in specific practices. Bring lunch. Maria Straatmann Biography/Talks Chris Clifford Biography/Talks
Sunday April 3, 1-5pm Relax, let the stress and anxiety go…Spend a day with yourself and other great teens in a supportive and fun environment that welcomes you, just as you are! During this Teen Retreat you will learn to meditate, practice yoga, play games that build community and safety, and get to be who you are! This event is suitable for teens in high school. Beginners welcome, no previous meditation experience needed. Welcoming all levels of experience. Join teachers guest…
Read More Read More
Saturday June 11, 9:30am to 4:30pm Generosity, the first of the ten foundational practices (Paramis), is the beginning of the path to liberation. This daylong will develop generosity and mindfulness and will explore a range of meaning and application of generosity beyond that associated with monetary offering through periods of silent sitting, guided meditation and group exercises.The focus will be to inspire inquiry into and explore practices of generosity, allowing time to discover the joy that can emerge from this…
Read More Read More
Saturday June 4, 6am to 9pm This is a great opportunity for a full day of immersion in silent Dharma Practice. Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period. Fifteen minute Interviews with Gil will…
Read More Read More
Saturday April 9, 8:30am to 5pm Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period. This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given….
Read More Read More
Gil Fronsdal has written an inspiring document, A Broader Vision, about the relationship between the Insight Meditation Center (IMC), the Insight Retreat Center(IRC) and the Sati Center.