What we’re about
Insight Meditation or Vipassana is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. However, simple doesn't always mean easy. It can be very helpful to have the support of a group and a teacher to navigate the challenges that arise in this practice. Insight Meditation 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 the barriers to the full development of our wisdom and compassion.
During this introductory Basics of Mindfulness course, instruction in insight meditation will be given sequentially, beginning with a focus on mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, of emotions, of thoughts, of mind and of the application of mindfulness in daily life and on retreat This 6-week class is appropriate for beginners as well as for experienced meditators who want to refresh the fundamentals of their practice. In this class you will learn to : 1. Develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts. 2. Develop more balance with your emotions. 3. Become more in touch with your body and mind. This class will provide students with a relaxed and supportive environment. Doug will tailor his instruction to meet the specific needs of participants. In a step-by-step process, students will learn the foundations of insight meditation and basic mindfulness practice. Students will be provided an at home practice guide and instructions to expand mindfulness into everyday life.
The Intermediate Mindfulness five-week course will take you beyond basic instruction so that your meditation practice can be a more reliable refuge to experience direct insight into the nature of life.
Content will include the Buddha’s teaching on the five aggregates of clinging, the four foundations of mindfulness, the seven factors of awakening, and the three characteristics of existence. In class there will be guided meditations, sharing, and group discussion. During this class there will be support and encouragement for expanding your daily meditation practice. This includes keeping a meditation journal, small group sharing, and a half day retreat. This class will provide you with a relaxed and supportive environment and will be tailored to meet your specific needs. Practice outside of class is an important part of the learning process. The prerequisite for this class is having taken the Basics of Mindfulness, Eightfold Path, or other similar class. Check with Doug if you have questions about suitability of this class for you.
