Practice Oriented Book Group (6 week series - 9/10-11/19)

Tue 09/24/19 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Narayan Helen Liebenson’s book The Magnanimous Heart: Compassion and Love, Loss and Grief, Joy and Liberation, teaches us how it is possible to turn the sting and anguish of loss into a path of liberation- finding the deep joy, peace, and happiness within our own hearts that exists beyond mere circumstances.  Using meditative inquiry and compassion as companions and allies, this book guides us in gently allowing our inner knots to untie themselves.

Narayan is a guiding teacher at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center where she has been teaching since its inception in 1985.

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 Students will need access to a copy of the book The Magnanimous Heart by Narayan Helen Liebenson will be expected to complete the readings in between group gatherings.

For the first session, the assignment is to read the preface and Part I: (pp 3-42).  Please select a short passage to read to the group and share how the passage relates to your meditation practice. 

PRE-REQUISITE: At least one year of Insight Meditation practice or with permission of the instructor.

This group will meet every other Tuesday for six weeks. Pre-registration is required for the entire series before the first session. Meeting dates: 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/4 and 11/19.  Facilitated by senior sangha member Barbara Dowd.

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- With Chris Crotty

The Joyful Truth of the Buddhist Path - With Chris Crotty

Sat 09/28/19 - 9:00am to 5:00pm

An integrated practice and study day-long retreat with Chris Crotty

Buddhist teachings and meditation help us live with greater presence and well-being in each moment, a skill to learn that leads to the greatest fulfillment, freedom from suffering. Along the path, while we increase our capacity to be present with life, we are also preparing for our final moment, the moment of death. Historically, the wisdom of the Buddhist tradition has sought to remind us of the truth of death, specifically because it rouses motivation to align our lives with our deepest potential. Awareness of death is also said to lead to joy.  In this unique practice and study retreat, periods of meditation will be integrated with teachings and dharma reflections that illuminate the relationship between living well and the inevitable truth of aging, sickness, and death. Select passages from the Pali Canon will be used to explore how meditation helps us prepare for the end of life, and how being aware of the inevitability of death helps us live with greater freedom and joy. This program is open to beginners and ongoing students. All are welcome.

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This program offers opportunities for meditation and teacher-guided study of passages from the suttas of the Pali Canon-because program sessions are integrated we recommend attending the full day.  However, there is a half day option.

Lunch: For those staying for the entire retreat, a volunteer will provide vegetarian soup, salad and bread at lunchtime. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch or a supplement for the soup, if they prefer. A microwave and refrigerator are available.

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- With Matthew Daniell

Awakening to the Present Moment: A Retreat for Beginning and Newer Students - With Matthew Daniell

Sun 09/29/19 - 10:00am to 12:30pm

Insight meditation is a time-tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this retreat, specially designed for beginners and those with limited meditation experience, we will systematically explore (through sitting and walking meditation periods, teachings, and discussion) how to calm and steady the mind and see more clearly.  As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease. We learn how to touch and live in the mindful moment.

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This retreat has been rescheduled from Saturday, September 21st to Sunday, September 29th due to a scheduling conflict.

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- With Jim Austin

Mindfulness Yoga and Insight Meditation - With Jim Austin

Sat 10/05/19 - 9:30am to 1:00pm

How can a yoga asana practice be used to support our mindfulness meditation practice?  Can we bring the qualities of mindfulness and openness developed in sitting meditation practice onto the yoga mat thereby creating continuity between our practice on the mat and our practice on the cushion?  We’ll explore these questions and others during this half-day workshop. The workshop will include short periods of sitting meditation, yoga, and discussion.  This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience and beginners are welcome. 

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To pay by check or read our refund policy, click here