What’s New At Insight Meditation Center
Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 7 to 8:30pm 7:00 pm Reception 7:30 – 8:30 pm Talk and Reading Gil will give talk about the role of stories in teaching the Dharma and then read from his new book of Dharma tales, many of which he composed for use in his Dharma talks. Gil’s new book will be available for purchase and he will be happy to sign the book.
Thursday, November 25, 2010 8:30 – 10:15 am “Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy – because we will always want to have something else or something more.” -Brother David Steindl-Rast Certainly we can be thankful for the precious opportunity to practice together. In silent sitting and movement, this morning is appropriate for all, regardless…
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Saturday, March 19, 2011, 9am to 5pm “He who sees dependent origination sees the Dhamma; he who sees the Dhamma sees dependent origination.” Majjhima Nikaya 28. The teachings on the interdependence of phenomena are the heart of the Buddha’s wisdom teachings. Dependent origination is often described as a chain of 12 links – which we will look at in detail. But it also has many other important implications which we will also discuss. Leigh Brasington has been practicing meditation since…
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We are happy to announce that Gil has written a new book! A Monastery Within, Tales from the Buddhist Path by Gil Fronsdal Inspired by his years of Buddhist monastic life, Gil Fronsdal has written these warm-hearted stories as part of the tradition of teaching through storytelling. These are tales of transformation and spiritual growth. They delight and challenge as they express different facets of the Buddhist path to liberation in familiar, yet fresh and engaging, ways. These stories can…
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Saturday January 22, 2011 9am to 4:30pm This is a daylong retreat with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instruction in mindfulness practice, particularly in mindfulness of the body and a dharma talk. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. No interviews. Bring lunch. Gil is the primary teacher for the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA; he has been teaching since 1990. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana in the U.S. and Asia since 1975,…
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Saturday, February 12, 2011 8:30am to 5pm This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.The schedule consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. At the end of the day Gil gives a Dharma talk. Brief interviews to talk about the practice will be available with…
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Thursdays October 21 – November 18, 7:30 to 9pm A series on the fundamental teachings of the Buddha designed to provide an overview of the key concepts that are discussed in talks given at IMC. We will discuss both the theory and practice of the teachings, and how they relate to our day-to-day lives. Through an exploration of the Four Noble Truths, the Three Basic Facts of Experience, Karma, and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, we will touch most of the key teachings of the Buddha. Richard…
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Saturday, March 12, 2011, 9am to 4:30pm This is a daylong retreat with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instruction in mindfulness practice and a dharma talk. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. No interviews. Bring lunch.
“A wise person does not intend harm to self or to others. A wise person intends benefit for self, for others, and for the whole world.” -The Buddha The full scope of Buddhist practice is conveyed through the word ‘Dharma.’ This word has a number of meanings that depend on the context in which it is used. Sometimes it refers to the teachings and practices of the Buddha, but its most significant meaning is the natural truths, laws and processes of…
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The October – December 2010 Newsletter is now available for download.
Investigating the Best Known Collection of the Buddha’s Teachings Saturday, December 4, 2010, 9am to 4pm The Dhammapada may well be the most widely read and most beloved collection of Buddhist scriptures presenting wisdom through vivid, poetic imagery and often blunt contrast. Its lesson goes to the heart of the Buddha’s teachings. During this daylong contemplation and investigation of the Dhammapada verses, we will examine both their scope and structure and explore some of the most challenging of the Buddha’s…
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A Benefit for Buddhist Global Relief Saturday, October 30, 9am to 5pm Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi will lead a daylong program exploring traditional and contemporary approaches to Socially Applied Buddhism. Caring for oneself while caring for others is at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings. How we can best do this in our present-day world is a deeply challenging question with profound ramifications. Bhante will explore the canonical roots of Socially Applied Buddhism, with texts and discussion. He will develop a…
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Sunday October 17 11:15am to 12:15pm Long time Vipassana student Toni Bernhard has written an insightful and helpful book on how to practice Buddhism while sick. Toni has been chronically ill for many years, much of that time housebound and bed- ridden. From her personal experience she has written a wonderfully personal and deeply compassionate book for people both ill and healthy. Since her illness limits how much she can do, we are fortunate that she will be sharing her…
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Sunday, October 10, 10am to 10:45am For the last ten years IMC has been supporting the growth of Beth’s Buddhist Chaplaincy program in Cambodia called Brahmavihara-Cambodia. In recent years we have had annual benefits that have provided a significant amount of funding for her work. She and her staff started with caring for those dying of AIDS. With the success of her program, her project has expanded to also offer compassionate care to the desperately poor, prisoners, and those with…
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Wednesday, October 6, 7:30-9:00pm This is an evening to experience and delight in the teachings of Munindra-ji, an Indian meditation master and Buddhist scholar who was one of the most important meditation teachers for the first generation of Westerners to study and then teach Insight Meditation, including Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg. Mirka Knaster, has written a delightful book of poignant and humorous anecdotes from his life that highlight the many qualities of mature Buddhist practice and great human beings….
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