What is the teaching on emptiness?  The third century Indian Buddhist master Nagarjuna said: “Emptiness wrongly grasped is like picking up a poisonous snake by the wrong end.”  An incorrect understanding of this teaching can lead to nihilism or spiritual bypass.  A wise discernment of this subtle teaching can serve as a liberating way to perceive phenomena and the self, leading to freedom and compassion.  In this daylong, we approach teachings on emptiness both intellectually, through lectures and discussions, and experientially (to the extent possible) through guided meditations.  Bring a bag lunch.

Nikki Mirghafori Biography 

Sati Center Event.
Bhante Sujato has recently completed a translation of the four main Pali Nikayas, as well as several of the shorter books of the Pali canon. Here he shares his process and insights gained in framing 2,500 year old Indian teachings in a contemporary voice.

Bring lunch. There will be an opportunity to donate food for the meal offering to the monastics

No registration required. Just show up.

Bhante Sujato's Biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

Description:Practicing mindfulness meditation on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. This is a daylong retreat with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instruction in mindfulness practice, and a Dharma talk. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Bring lunch.


Gil Fronsdal's Biography

9:30 – 10:15 am Sitting

10:15 – 11:00 am Walking

11:00 – 11:45 am Sitting

11:45 – 12:00 pm Dharmette (Brief talk)

12:00 – 12:15 pm Temple cleaning

David Lorey's Biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period.

This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.

The schedule consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. At the end of the day there will be a Dharma talk. Brief interviews to talk about the practice will be available. Previous experience is recommended. Bring Lunch.

Gil Fronsdal's biography 

9:30 – 10:15 am Sitting

10:15 – 11:00 am Walking

11:00 – 11:45 am Sitting

11:45 – 12:00 pm Dharmette (Brief talk)

12:00 – 12:15 pm Temple cleaning

Liz Powell's Biography

The DMP is an eight-month program giving experienced practitioners the opportunity to delve into meditation practice and the Buddhist teachings and instructions for meditation. The program will focus on understanding the different attentional factors involved in mindfulness, insight, and concentration meditation. We will also consider the supports and challenges to meditation, and the experiences and insights emphasized in traditional Vipassana practice. Components of the program include monthly group meetings, readings, short reflective writing assignments and small group practice-discussion meetings with Diana Clark, Max Erdstein and possibly other teachers. Additional optional components are a seven-day retreat at IRC for forty people in March 2020 and a series of daylong retreats at IMC focusing on themes augmenting the program.
As this is an immersion program, having a regular meditation practice is required. Additional prerequisites are five years of committed insight meditation practice, 4 seven-day (or longer) silent insight meditation retreats and completion of the IMC Eightfold Path Program or its equivalent.
Dates: 9:30 am-4:00 pm: Aug 26; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Oct 7, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 20 May 18. Optional retreat: Mar 15-22. To apply go to IMC’s website Special Events page after June 1; Applications due by August 1. Notification of acceptance by Aug 14.

Gil Fronsdal Biography
Diana Clark Biography
Max Erdstein Biography

The more we’re able to soften and open the heart to gentleness, care, and love for ourselves and others, the more we’re able to allow the emotional entanglements of our lives to untangle. Join us as we explore practices that support heart-opening and increase our capacity to bounce back from adversity and be with the vicissitudes that life brings us. Our time together will include brief teachings, guided meditations, and opportunities for questions, as well as individual practice discussions with the teachers. Please bring a bag lunch.

Diana Clark's Biography Nikki Mirghfori's Biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period.

This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.

The schedule consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. At the end of the day there will be a Dharma talk. Brief interviews to talk about the practice will be available. Previous experience is recommended. Bring Lunch.

Max Erdstein's Biography

Practicing mindfulness meditation on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. This is a daylong retreat with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instruction in mindfulness practice, and a Dharma talk. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Bring lunch.

bruni dávila’s Biography

The DMP is an eight-month program giving experienced practitioners the opportunity to delve into meditation practice and the Buddhist teachings and instructions for meditation. The program will focus on understanding the different attentional factors involved in mindfulness, insight, and concentration meditation. We will also consider the supports and challenges to meditation, and the experiences and insights emphasized in traditional Vipassana practice. Components of the program include monthly group meetings, readings, short reflective writing assignments and small group practice-discussion meetings with Diana Clark, Max Erdstein and possibly other teachers. Additional optional components are a seven-day retreat at IRC for forty people in March 2020 and a series of daylong retreats at IMC focusing on themes augmenting the program.
As this is an immersion program, having a regular meditation practice is required. Additional prerequisites are five years of committed insight meditation practice, 4 seven-day (or longer) silent insight meditation retreats and completion of the IMC Eightfold Path Program or its equivalent.
Dates: 9:30 am-4:00 pm: Aug 26; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Oct 7, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 20 May 18. Optional retreat: Mar 15-22. To apply go to IMC’s website Special Events page after June 1; Applications due by August 1. Notification of acceptance by Aug 14.

Gil Fronsdal Biography
Diana Clark Biography
Max Erdstein Biography

Description:Practicing mindfulness meditation on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. This is a daylong retreat with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instruction in mindfulness practice, and a Dharma talk. It is recommended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Bring lunch. 

Gil Fronsdal's Biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

“What is subject to death, dies. I am not exempt.” is one of the Five Daily Remembrances the Buddha recommended for frequent reflection for lay and ordained practitioners, alike. We all die, that is for certain. Only the timing is unknown. Rather than ignoring, fearing, or running away from this natural truth of our human lives, we can harness the power of this most potent contemplation to inform our precious human life in order to live more fully, with presence, and according to our deepest values. Embracing the impermanent nature of our lives also allows a deep letting go, freedom, and fearlessness in preparation for our actual moment of death. Join us for a day of practice and exploration through dharma talks, guided meditation, and small & large group dialogue. 

Nikki Mirghafori’s Biography

The DMP is an eight-month program giving experienced practitioners the opportunity to delve into meditation practice and the Buddhist teachings and instructions for meditation. The program will focus on understanding the different attentional factors involved in mindfulness, insight, and concentration meditation. We will also consider the supports and challenges to meditation, and the experiences and insights emphasized in traditional Vipassana practice. Components of the program include monthly group meetings, readings, short reflective writing assignments and small group practice-discussion meetings with Diana Clark, Max Erdstein and possibly other teachers. Additional optional components are a seven-day retreat at IRC for forty people in March 2020 and a series of daylong retreats at IMC focusing on themes augmenting the program.
As this is an immersion program, having a regular meditation practice is required. Additional prerequisites are five years of committed insight meditation practice, 4 seven-day (or longer) silent insight meditation retreats and completion of the IMC Eightfold Path Program or its equivalent.
Dates: 9:30 am-4:00 pm: Aug 26; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Oct 7, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 20 May 18. Optional retreat: Mar 15-22. To apply go to IMC’s website Special Events page after June 1; Applications due by August 1. Notification of acceptance by Aug 14.

Gil Fronsdal Biography
Diana Clark Biography
Max Erdstein Biography

Marc h 7, 2019 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period.
This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.
The schedule consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. At the end of the day there will be a Dharma talk. Brief interviews to talk about the practice will be available. Previous experience is recommended. Bring Lunch.
Gil Fronsdal's biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

The DMP is an eight-month program giving experienced practitioners the opportunity to delve into meditation practice and the Buddhist teachings and instructions for meditation. The program will focus on understanding the different attentional factors involved in mindfulness, insight, and concentration meditation. We will also consider the supports and challenges to meditation, and the experiences and insights emphasized in traditional Vipassana practice. Components of the program include monthly group meetings, readings, short reflective writing assignments and small group practice-discussion meetings with Diana Clark, Max Erdstein and possibly other teachers. Additional optional components are a seven-day retreat at IRC for forty people in March 2020 and a series of daylong retreats at IMC focusing on themes augmenting the program.
As this is an immersion program, having a regular meditation practice is required. Additional prerequisites are five years of committed insight meditation practice, 4 seven-day (or longer) silent insight meditation retreats and completion of the IMC Eightfold Path Program or its equivalent.
Dates: 9:30 am-4:00 pm: Aug 26; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Oct 7, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 20 May 18. Optional retreat: Mar 15-22. To apply go to IMC’s website Special Events page after June 1; Applications due by August 1. Notification of acceptance by Aug 14.

Gil Fronsdal Biography
Diana Clark Biography
Max Erdstein Biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

All are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions below. To be assigned a mentor for additional private monthly meetings, application is required. Please fill out the online application, which will be available in late July so that you can apply to get a mentor, to audit the course, and to receive course material via email. The deadline for applying is Sept. 1st. 

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Mindfulness Daylong-- Apr 25; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

Chris Clifford's Biography, bruni dávila's Biography, Liz Powell's Biography & Tanya Wiser's Biography

The Buddha’s most explicit path of practice is the Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight practical approaches to bring Buddhist practice into the width and depth of our lives. The Eightfold Path Program is an introduction to each of the Eightfold factors so participants will discover how to apply each set of practices in ways that are personally meaningful.

Dates of Public Meetings at IMC (except for the first and last sessions, all are Sunday 1pm to 3:30pm):
2019
Introduction to the Path & Program–Sep 8 (1:00- 2:30pm); Right View–Oct 6; Right Intention–Nov 3; Right Speech–Dec 1 
2020
Right Action–Jan 12; Right Livelihood–Feb 16; Right Effort–Mar 15; Right Mindfulness–Apr 19; Right Concentration–May 17; Concluding Daylong Retreat at Insight Retreat Center, Santa Cruz—Sat., June 13 (9:30am- 4pm)

IMC Website for more details

The DMP is an eight-month program giving experienced practitioners the opportunity to delve into meditation practice and the Buddhist teachings and instructions for meditation. The program will focus on understanding the different attentional factors involved in mindfulness, insight, and concentration meditation. We will also consider the supports and challenges to meditation, and the experiences and insights emphasized in traditional Vipassana practice. Components of the program include monthly group meetings, readings, short reflective writing assignments and small group practice-discussion meetings with Diana Clark, Max Erdstein and possibly other teachers. Additional optional components are a seven-day retreat at IRC for forty people in March 2020 and a series of daylong retreats at IMC focusing on themes augmenting the program.
As this is an immersion program, having a regular meditation practice is required. Additional prerequisites are five years of committed insight meditation practice, 4 seven-day (or longer) silent insight meditation retreats and completion of the IMC Eightfold Path Program or its equivalent.
Dates: 9:30 am-4:00 pm: Aug 26; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Oct 7, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 20 May 18. Optional retreat: Mar 15-22. To apply go to IMC’s website Special Events page after June 1; Applications due by August 1. Notification of acceptance by Aug 14.

Gil Fronsdal Biography
Diana Clark Biography
Max Erdstein Biography

This is a great opportunity for a full day of immersion in silent Dharma Practice. Fifteen minute inter-views with Gil will be available on a sign up basis. You are welcome to come for the entire day or drop in for any part of the retreat. If you come for only part of the day, please enter the meditation hall only at the beginning of a scheduled sit- ting. If you come while a sitting is in progress, please sit in the outer hall.Bring lunch. Breakfast and light supper provided.
Gil Fronsdal's biography