|
insight meditation programs with Peter
Doobinin Meditation and Yoga Retreat This day-long retreat, which will include periods of sitting meditation and yoga, will offer students an opportunity to develop stillness and insight, and deepen in mindfulness of the body. The yoga will be gentle and suitable for new and experienced practitioners. There will be a dharma talk and opportunities for personal interviews. If possible, please bring a yoga mat (some will be provided). April Sutta Study In this class we'll explore one of the suttas
(discourses of the Buddha). The class will include instruction,
discussion and meditation. Particular attention will be paid to
the relevance of the teaching to our contemporary urban lives. The Five Aggregates – Understanding the “Five Aggregates” is one of the most important strategies for developing wisdom in the insight meditation tradition. As we know, suffering is caused by clinging, and it is through an investigation of clinging that we develop the wisdom that will bring us toward a cessation of suffering. The five aggregates comprise the ways we cling. If we can understand these forms of clinging, we can begin to gain the insight that will enable us to let go and find freedom. This course will include meditation, teaching, discussion, and an opportunity for learning and practicing the technique for investigating the “Five Aggregates.” *The six-week course is designed for “Dedicated
Students.” Practitioners should have taken a Beginners' level
course, or have equivalent training; they should have at least one
year’s experience in insight meditation, and have a regular
meditation practice. If you have questions about whether this course
is appropriate for you, please get in touch with DMC. Your respect
for these guidelines will allow for an effective program and is
greatly appreciated. May Insight Meditation Retreat This day-long retreat will be held in the traditional insight meditation form, allowing participants to experience stillness and insight in a supportive environment. The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation. There will be a dharma talk and opportunities for interviews. Family Night Sitting and Potluck Dinner The Family Night Sitting provides an opportunity for Downtown Meditation students to practice and share in the celebration of community along with their family members and friends. You are encouraged to invite family and friends to attend this gathering, which will consist of a short period of meditation, a discussion of a meditation-related teaching, and a pot-luck dinner. On this evening, we will be celebrating Vesak Day, the Buddha’s Birthday. The Family sitting offers DMC members a chance to share in their practice with the people in their lives. We hope you and your family and friends will join us. Please let us know if you will be able to bring food (vegetarian) and/or beverage (non-alcoholic) to help with our meal. May Sutta Study In this class we’ll explore one of the suttas (discourses of the Buddha). The class will include instruction, discussion and meditation. Particular attention will be paid to the relevance of the teaching to our contemporary urban lives. The Heart Practices – The Sublime Abidings are the places in the heart,
the places the skilled meditator strives to abide in, the places
from which he or she engages with the world. In this course, we'll
learn to cultivate these states of lovingkindness, compassion, joy
and equanimity. And we'll learn to "apply" these qualities,
to skillfully relate to ourselves and others from the heart. The
course will include instruction, meditation, discussion, and daily
life practice. Students should have previous experience in insight meditation; you should have taken a Beginners' Course or have equivalent training. June Insight Meditation Retreat This day-long retreat will be held in the traditional
insight meditation form, allowing participants to experience stillness
and insight in a supportive environment. The day will include periods
of sitting and walking meditation. There will be a dharma talk and
opportunities for interviews. June Sutta Study In this class we'll explore one of the suttas (discourses of the Buddha). The class will include instruction, discussion and meditation. Particular attention will be paid to the relevance of the teaching to our contemporary urban lives.
New students are strongly encouraged to attend a Beginners' Course and/or other Beginners' level programs. The majority of Downtown Meditation Community classes are designed for students with at least beginners' level experience. Please note that fees cover only the expenses for putting on these programs. There will be an opportunity to make a contribution (dana) to the teacher at each class/retreat. Regular students are encouraged to consider giving through the pledge method; information about the pledge method will be provided at DMC classes. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and makes it possible for the teachers to continue to teach these programs. To pre-register, please send a check made out to Peter Doobinin to: Peter Doobinin Click to print out a registration form. Downtown Meditation Community This retreat will be held in the traditional insight meditation form, allowing participants to experience stillness and insight in a supportive environment. The retreat will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks and interviews. This seven-day residential retreat offers a precious opportunity for a deepening of inner silence and clear seeing. The cost for the retreat is: $550 (if you register no later than October 1, 2008) You will be able to reserve a place in the retreat by sending a $150 deposit. You must pre-register for the retreat. Please note, you will forfeit your deposit if you cancel your registration after October 1, 2008. Please send your deposit/course fee to the address on the registration form. All retreatants will have a single room. The retreat fee includes three vegetarian meals per day.Garrison Institute is approximately one hour from the city. The center is easily accessible via Metro North, it is a one hour train ride from Grand Central. A shuttle bus will pick up retreatants at the Garrison station In order for DMC to cover the cost of retreats we depend on the generosity of those who are able to contribute to our “Retreat Fund.” Please indicate when you send your registration if you are able to contribute to the “Retreat Fund” and how much you can offer. Please note that you will be able to make a donation to the teacher at the retreat.
|