Reflections from Gil

2023 – 2024 Entering the Stream with Gil Fronsdal

2023 – 2024 Entering the Stream with Gil Fronsdal

Six Daylong classes and one three-day retreat 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. about once a month on Zoom only This eight-month program provides experienced practitioners an opportunity to delve into some of the deeper teachings of our Buddhist tradition in a community of other committed practitioners. We will discuss core principles and insights including aspects of liberation and awakening. Includes required monthly readings and short reflective essays. This is the “wisdom program” of a three year cycle of programs for…

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Non-IRC Retreat with Gil

Non-IRC Retreat with Gil

July 8 – 29: The Practice of Awakening: Zen Intensive Gil and Paul Haller.  Both the tradition of early Buddhism and the Zen tradition emphasize the Practice of Awakening. In this Intensive, which is held in Tassajara, a Zen center in the midst of the Ventana wilderness, we will practice and study the main principles of both traditions and explore how they can support awakening in everyday life. This three-week Intensive offers an opportunity for experienced meditators to engage in…

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12/10/22 Daylong Online Retreat: Mindfulness and the Inner Workings of the Four Noble Truths with Gil Fronsdal

12/10/22 Daylong Online Retreat: Mindfulness and the Inner Workings of the Four Noble Truths with Gil Fronsdal

December 10, 2022,  Saturday, 9:00 am  to 4:30 pm The fullest reach of mindfulness practice is the insight into the Four Noble Truths. This day of meditation practice will place mindfulness within the context of discovering this profound insight. The day will include sitting and walking meditation, instructions, a dharma talk, and an opportunity to ask questions of the teacher. The retreat will take place in our Zoom virtual Meditation Hall. You will receive an email with a link to the online retreat’s…

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Buddhist Chaplaincy Training starts in September

Buddhist Chaplaincy Training starts in September

WITH JENNIFER BLOCK, GIL FRONSDAL, AND PAUL HALLER 11-month training: September 2022–July 2023. An 11-month training program introducing a Buddhist perspective on spiritual care skills needed for being a chaplain or Buddhist teacher, or providing spiritual support for people in times of major life transitions and challenges. Registration required. Offered through the Sati Center (sati.org). More information found here. This is the twentieth year that Jennifer, Gil, and Paul are delighted to offer this program, a program that has benefitted…

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Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training with Gil and others

Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training with Gil and others

Starting in July, Gil, Susie Harrington, Kirsten Rudestam, and Ram Appalaraju are teaching the third Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training. This program offers basic Buddhist training in the wisdom and skill needed to be a Buddhist Environmental Chaplain, i.e., those who work to support people in developing healthy, compassionate, and mutually supportive relationships with each other and with the natural world. It will offer experience-based activities and contemplative practices that deepen individuals’ own relationships with the natural world, as well as provide…

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The Words of the Buddha: Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses

The Words of the Buddha: Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses

Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha With Gil Fronsdal and Diana Clark Intermittent Thursdays on Zoom, 3:30–4:30 p.m. with optional Q&A 4:30–5:00 p.m. Pacific time 1st Theme: Introduction to the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses) – Aug 5 2nd Theme: Relating to the Teachings – August 19, 26, and September 9, 2021 3rd Theme: Faith – September 30, October, 14, 21, 28 4th Theme: The Path – Nov. 11, 18, Dec. 9, and 16 5th Theme: The…

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Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses

Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses

Studying the Words of the Buddha: Ongoing Class on the Middle Length Discourses With Gil Fronsdal and Diana Clark Intermittent Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. A Sati Center program On Zoom (IMC is not open for in-person events at this time) First Series: August 5, 19, 26, and September 9 Please register here so we can send you future dates, the assignments, and the study guides for each class. You will also receive the Zoom link. 1st Themes: Intro to…

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Discourse on Loving-Kindness

Discourse on Loving-Kindness

Metta Sutta translated by Gil Fronsdal To reach the state of peace One skilled in the good Should be Capable and upright, Straightforward and easy to speak to, Gentle and not proud, Contented and easily supported, Living lightly and with few duties, Wise and with senses calmed, Not arrogant and without greed for supporters, And should not do the least thing that the wise would criticize. [One should reflect:] “May all be happy and secure; May all beings be happy…

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June 6, Sharon Salzberg Speaking with Insight World Aid

June 6, Sharon Salzberg Speaking with Insight World Aid

https://insightworldaid.orgInsight World Aid, a Buddhist humanitarian organization that started at IMC and one on which I am on the Board is sponsoring an online conversation with Sharon Salzberg. Sharon was one of my important Vipassana teachers and a teacher who continues to inspire. On Sunday, June 6, 1 -2 pm PT (4-5 pm ET) , IWA board member Roxanne Dault will host a discussion with Sharon Salzberg on a trauma-informed mindfulness training program for survivors of gun violence. The hour will include a…

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May 4th; Buddhist Memorial Supporting Asian-Americans

May 4th; Buddhist Memorial Supporting Asian-Americans

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT A large number of Buddhist centers and teachers from around the US are gathering online on May 4th to memorialize the recent violence against Asian-Americans. IMC and Gil are sponsoring partners for the event titled “May We Gather: A National Buddhist Memorial Ceremony for Asian American Ancestors.” The ceremony will be lived stream on the website, https://www.maywegather.org This website has more information.

Gil’s Upcoming Retreats

Gil’s Upcoming Retreats

I am teaching few meditation retreats from March through October.  Those scheduled are below.  I might add one in June and one in August atthe Insight Retreat Center. April 19 to May 8. At San Francisco Zen Center, I am teaching with Fu Schroeder and Paul Haller, two senior Zen teachers and long-time friends. Called “The Harmony of Zen and Vipassana” it will consist of meditation, talks, and discussions on the relationship between Zen and Vipassana practice.  Details and schedule…

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Audiodharma User Survey

Audiodharma User Survey

Audiodharma is in need of an upgrade and our volunteers have been working hard to do so.  They now have a new beta version of our website and would value all levels of users to evaluate the new site. This survey is an opportunity for a wide range of the community to do a self-paced evaluation of the progress on the new AudioDharma website. It is also a way of identifying people who might be experiencing difficulties or differences in accessing our…

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Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training

Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Training

I am happy to report that the wonderful completion of the first yearlong Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy training ended. Teaching this with Kirsten Rudestam and Susie Harrington, this program is the fulfillment of a longtime dream of mine. 23 people participated, each with a unique and inspiring orientation toward this relatively new field. Inspired by the success of the program and the important role eco-chaplains have for the huge environmental challenges of our times, Kirsten, Susie, and I are starting the second…

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