TAUGHT BY NIKKI MIRGHAFORI Fridays, 9:30 am – 3:30 p.m.,  Sept. 8, Oct 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15 The Brahmaviharas – Lovingkindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity – are four aspects of love at the heart of Buddhist practice. Each day will be devoted to teachings, guided meditation, and discussions on one of the of the Brahmaviharas. You may attend any part of the series. Bring lunch.

  Monday Oct 2, Friday Nov 3, Monday Dec 4; Friday Jan 19, Monday Feb 5, Friday March 16, Friday Apr 20, Monday May 21, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m 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 important in the Buddha’s teachings, including aspects of liberation and awakening. The program includes required monthly…

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Taught by Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except 10/6) First year: (2017-2018): 8/28, 9/11, Friday 10/6, 11/20, 12/18, 1/8,  2/12, 3/12, 4/2, 5/7 Second year: TBD IMC is beginning a new two-year long Dharma Mentoring training program in the fall of 2017. Dharma Mentors are practitioners who have matured enough in their own Dharma practice and understanding to support and mentor others in their practice. This program offers a training to prepare a Dharma…

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Benefits Second Harvest Food Bank  THE POWER OF GENEROSITY: The struggle to end hunger in Silicon Valley -Toren Fronsdal Most-Needed Foods  The Food Bank accepts all non-perishable food donations, but especially needs these nutritious items: Meals in a can (stew, chili, soup) Tuna and canned meat Peanut butter Canned foods with pop-top lids Low-sugar cereals 100% fruit juices in single serving boxes Canned fruit packed in juice Canned vegetables (low salt) Collection canister is located in the community hall, left rear from…

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with Andrea Castillo, Lori Wong, Bruni Dávila & Liz Powell Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29 at Jikoji Retreat Center During this weekend we will meditate together as families, as well as in separate groups for adult caregivers and children. There will also be plenty of time to explore our diversity in a kind and welcoming way, share our cultures and family traditions, enjoy hiking, arts and crafts, and spend free time relaxing outdoors. Everyone will also share in doing…

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What a better way to clear some space and share your generosity by donating your unneeded clothing and camping gear to those who most need it. New and wearable used clothing for men, women and kids.                              Clothing will be donated to PARCA and Gear for Good Santa Cruz. For more information contact Joe at Joe@insightretreatcenter.org

In November we begin our annual children’s book drive to benefit the Fair Oaks Community Center in Redwood City. As part of their holiday food distribution, IMC will donate new or nearly-new books for several hundred children. It’s a delightful way for our sangha to offer dana to our under resourced neighbors. Not only does it promote a love of reading, it brings smiles to many young faces as they select a special book for themselves and their siblings. Books…

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  For Jacques Verduin and GRIP Program Facilitators Friday, November 4, 7:00 Reception; 7:30-8:30 Award ceremony; 8:30-9:00 Festivity IMC is pleased to celebrate the extraordinary work of Jacques Verduin and his inmate facilitators of the GRIP program, at an IMC Award ceremony and fundraising benefit Community Fundraising. Mark your calendars to join us in honoring their service to inmates at San Quentin and other state prisons, in promoting the transformation and healing of men whom society has otherwise disregarded. Mindfulness and…

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Dharma Practice Day Series Fridays 9:30a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2, Feb 10 (ending at 2:30), Mar 10, Apr 21, May 26 Starting September 9, 2016, IMC is offering a ten month program of study and practice of the ten perfections (paramis).  These are ten qualities of character which, when developed, support both Buddhist practice and compassionate involvement with others. These ‘perfections’ are core Buddhist values. This Dharma Practice Day this Dharma Practice Day…

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         Introduction and Registration on Thursday, Sept 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm  Classes begin Thursday, Sept 29 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm With Hilary Borison and Judy Long Mindfulness helps us to live in the present moment with non-judgmental awareness, creating more ease with what is.  However, many of us have lots of judgments, often quite critical and self-directed.  We may find it’s much easier to have compassion for others than for ourselves. In this course…

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With Bruni Dávila & Liz Powell Five Tuesday Afternoons August 2 to 30, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment tomoment 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…

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Taught by Jennifer Block, Gil Fronsdal, Paul Haller & a variety of guest teachers.  A year-long training in Buddhist chaplaincy and spiritual care giving, oriented to Buddhist practitioners with at least four years of committed practice. Its aim is to provide a strong foundation in Buddhist chaplaincy for volunteer chaplains, those working toward being professional chaplains, and those serving the pastoral needs of their local sanghas. Information: www.sati.org , or karuna@sati.org

On July 17, a group of Sangha members from IMC/IRC will walk the walk. Our intention is to help relieve suffering in our community by raising funds through donations. The funds will benefit dozens of organizations working to stop new HIV infections and support people living with HIV/AIDS. Here’s how you can help: Donate directly to AIDS Walk SF through our team. Register & join our team, IMC/IRC Compassion Team, and help us raise funds. Walk with us in person or as…

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The April – June 2016 Newsletter is Now Available