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

TAUGHT BY MATTHEW BRENSILVER, MAX ERDSTEIN AND NIKKI MIRGHAFORI January – July 2016, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 26, March 25, April, 22, May 20, June 24 Saturday: July 9 The Seven Factors of Awakening are qualities cultivated on the path to liberation. These seven – mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity – refer to both psychological qualities we can develop as well as practices to be undertaken. When fully developed, they are know…

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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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