Spirit Rock News

Transcription

Spirit Rock News

Spirit Rock News
& Schedule of Events
July - September 2010
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Exploring Emptiness:
The Interview
PAGE 3
Essential Dharma
PAGE 6
Schedule of Events:
July - September 2010
PAGE 11
Volume 22 Number 3
spiritrock.org
Volume 23 Number 1
spiritrock.org
2
SPIRIT ROCK NEWS & SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
In Gratitude for All of Your Generosity
BY LOUISE FRANKLIN, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IN THIS ISSUE
3 Exploring Emptiness
6 Paths for Awakening –
Essential Dharma: Core
Buddhist Teachings
8 Leaving a Legacy at Spirit Rock
9 Upcoming Highlights
11 Schedule of Events
30 Residential Retreats
31 Spirit Rock Teachers Council
Many people do not realize how important donations are to what we are able
to do. It is through the generosity of our participants, donors, teachers and
special guests that we are able to fulfill our mission as well as to provide more
than $250,000 in scholarships each year. To support our Family Program, we’re
hosting a special benefit on October 3, with Dan Siegel, M.D., neuroscientist,
psychologist and author. We hope you will be able to join us.
Every season has its own special beauty, but late spring and early summer are exceptionally
lovely times to visit Spirit Rock. Many plants and wildflowers are in bloom now. I hope you will
be able to visit us, either for one of our Monday evening or Wednesday morning classes, or to
participate in one of our other outstanding weekend events or residential retreats.
In response to many requests, we’re pleased to offer more events for senior students this
year, including a number of daylong sits and a retreat on Emptiness with Guy Armstrong, Sally
Clough Armstrong and Gil Fronsdal. Registration for our next Dedicated Practitioners’ Program
begins this summer, and there is still room in the Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation Training
Program for yoga teachers and serious yoga practitioners.
Whether you live near or far or are a donor, participant or volunteer, I hope you know that
you are an important part of the Spirit Rock community. The purpose of Spirit Rock is to help
each individual discover the peace, compassion and wisdom within through the practice of
mindfulness and Insight Meditation, and to take those qualities into the world.
Thank you for being a part of this vital work.
Louise Franklin, Interim Executive Director
A Few Thoughts on Spirit Rock and Generosity
By Tony Daniel, Director of Development
SPIRIT ROCK NEWS
© 2010 Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Summer 2010 Vol 23, No. 1
Published four times a year by Spirit Rock
Meditation Center, a non-profit organization
P.O. Box 169, Woodacre, CA 94973
Communications Manager: Walt Opie
Design and Layout: Paula Doubleday Design
Contributing Writers: Walt Opie, Louise
Franklin, Mark Coleman, Tony Daniel
Proofreading: Mary Ann Clark, Sara Sparling
Special Thanks: All the staff and teachers at
Spirit Rock
Photos by Walt Opie, Ruth Doodson
Cover photo by Walt Opie
spiritrock.org
What is Spirit Rock? I like to remind people that we are a mission-driven, nonprofit spiritual organization. Spirit Rock sits at the center of a vibrant, diverse and
compassionate community of spiritual seekers and practitioners, united around
the practice of Insight Meditation.
Recently in the New York Times, Dr. Clifford Saron referred to Spirit Rock as “a
crucible for learning and healing.” Regarding the practice of Insight Meditation at
Spirit Rock, he went on to say: “Observing one’s mind takes patience and self-reflection. A more
stable attention span, better regulation of emotions and more vivid perception arise from the
hard work of slowing down.” As a part of this community, we each know the truth of Dr. Saron’s
words.
In my job as the chief fundraiser for Spirit Rock, I see the impact of what we offer and the
vibrancy of this community reflected back to me in the generosity expressed by so many. As
members of this sangha, your presence and your generosity are literally what keep Spirit Rock
alive and flourishing. These are difficult times economically and it is true that Spirit Rock has
been deeply affected by the economic downturn of the past two years. And yet, through the
shared commitment of Spirit Rock’s teachers, staff, volunteers and community we remain
strong, we continue to offer a year-round schedule of amazing programs, and, with your
continued support, I see the future as brighter than ever.
Tony Daniel, Director of Development
3
JULY – SEPTEMBER 2010
Exploring Emptiness: An Interview with Guy Armstrong,
Gil Fronsdal and Sally Clough Armstrong
“This is an important theme in the teachings, but one that has a lot of magical thinking around it.”
– SALLY CLOUGH armstrong
This interview was conducted by
Walt Opie, Communications Manager,
at Spirit Rock Meditation Center on
March 8, 2010.
Spirit Rock: You are offering a retreat
entitled Emptiness: A Meditation and
Study Retreat this November 11 - 18 at
Spirit Rock. It is for students with at least
20 days of previous retreat experience.
What inspired you to offer a retreat
dedicated to this particular topic at this
time?
Guy Armstrong: The
word ‘emptiness’
gets used a lot in
conversations among
Buddhists and in
Buddhist teachings, but
it is seldom clearly defined. I remember
reading one definition from a source that
said emptiness means “a lack of inherent
self-existence,” but that didn’t mean very
much to me. My interest was to provide
an opportunity to explore this concept in
a more experiential way. The word has a
lot of different meanings, and I thought
it would be helpful to unpack those
different meanings and implications with
a group who had done some meditation
before.
Gil Fronsdal: The idea of emptiness is a
profound and significant topic which is
shared by most schools of Buddhism.
Although it is most often associated
with the Mahayana tradition, there is a
very strong core of emptiness teachings
in Theravada Buddhism as well. In
both traditions the term emptiness has
different meanings depending on the
context. In our retreat we will explore
how the various meanings of emptiness
support practice.
Sally Clough Armstrong: Emptiness is
an important theme in the teachings,
but one that has a lot of magical thinking
around it. People often think it’s a
very esoteric or unknowable term or
experience. I’m interested in making it
more accessible. This is something that
we can see in our moment-to-moment
experience in a very direct way. It’s not
some abstract concept that needs to be
penetrated before one can be a serious
student of Buddhism.
I’m also interested in offering this
retreat at this time because there are
many students at Spirit Rock who have
deepened their practice through long
retreats and by participating in programs
like the Dedicated Practitioners’
Program (DPP) and the Community
Dharma Leaders’ Program (CDL). These
practitioners are looking to enrich and
broaden their understanding of the
Buddhist teachings. I see this as an
inaugural retreat for senior students to
help them explore the central teachings
in their own practice in a retreat format.
SR: Can you describe how you plan to
lead the retreat? For example, will there
be guided meditations pointing more
towards emptiness?
Sally: The retreat will really focus on this
theme of emptiness. Most of the talks
and the guided meditations will always
be pointing, whether clearly or in a more
general way, to this understanding, this
perception of emptiness. There will be
guided meditations, discourses, small
group discussions, inquiries. And we’ll be
encouraging people to keep turning their
mind to this perception of emptiness.
All of us have had the experience of how
powerful this is—when you turn the mind
towards noticing something, it brings a
clarity and a power to that noticing that
isn’t there when it’s not supported in that
way. Hopefully this whole retreat will
bring people back to this experience of
emptiness.
SR: When we refer to the term emptiness
here, are we referring to sunnata,
which is also sometimes translated as
“voidness?”
Guy: Yes, emptiness is the translation
of the Pali word sunnata, which Ajahn
Buddhadasa’s translator also called
voidness (in Heartwood of the Bodhi
Tree: The Buddha’s Teaching on Voidness).
It could be translated either way.
The reason I prefer emptiness is that
voidness sounds like more of a thing
to me—a noun. And emptiness in this
connotation is really an adjective. It is a
description of the way things already are.
Voidness sounds a little like we’re looking
for a place that’s void, but you could use
either one—they’re synonymous.
Sally: The trouble with any translation of
the term sunnata is that the English word
has connotations that aren’t there in the
original. With emptiness or particularly
with voidness, people think they are
looking for a gap or a space or a vacuum,
or that it’s…
Guy: An absence of a thing…
Sally: And that it’s like a black hole that
everything gets sucked into. That’s one
of the misconceptions about this term.
Gil: As Guy said, one of the prime
meanings of emptiness is as an adjective.
In the Theravada tradition, emptiness is
often said to be a characteristic of things.
This is much like the Mahayana Heart
[Continued on page 4]
4
[Exploring Emptiness: continued from page 3]
Sutra which adamantly says, “Form is emptiness, emptiness
is form.” Emptiness is a characteristic of form and so is
inseparable from form. It is like wet is a characteristic of water.
You don’t separate water from wetness.
of an atom, it’s basically unfindable. That ties in to the kind of
insubstantial nature of reality that the Buddha talked about
2,500 years ago—the transient, unfindable nature of existent
matter.
Guy: I think what we are all saying is that we don’t want people
to set up emptiness as a kind of destination apart from their
ordinary experience of things. Rather, it’s looking at our ordinary
experience in a slightly different way to discover a feature
that’s usually more hidden. By focusing on this topic, we want
to tease out this aspect of experience in the experience people
are already having. It’s not that they need to have a different
experience…
SR: Although Ajahn Buddhadhasa says in his book The
Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree that, “Sunnata or emptiness is the
hardest to understand of all the Buddhist teachings because it is
the innermost heart of Buddhism.” Would you agree?
SR: To see the emptiness in each experience?
Guy: Exactly.
Sally: What I hope we will look at in this retreat is, “How does
this teaching of emptiness lead to awakening or freedom or
liberation?” They are very intimately connected, so we hope to
offer a direct pointing to that in a way that’s accessible—again,
not looking for some mystical experience that’s exalted or even
transcendent. It’s actually just a characteristic that people can
turn their minds towards noticing more and more.
Gil: I would agree that to really understand it thoroughly
takes quite a bit of practice, but I think intellectually it can
be presented or understood relatively easily. However, the
application of that into the depths of our minds takes a lot of
mindfulness, a lot of concentration, a lot of care.
“
Emptiness is a characteristic of form . . . like
wet is a characteristic of water. You don’t
separate water from wetness.
- GIL FRONSDAL
Guy: When I think about people who have practiced Buddhism
for a long time and whose character has some of the traits of
the teachings, they tend to be simple, easy and present. And
to me all those qualities are just expressions of emptiness. The
realization of emptiness leads in the direction of being light,
simple and present moment-oriented.
In my early years of Buddhist practice I only had an intellectual
understanding of the emptiness teachings. It was through
Vipassana practice that I found a deep insight into emptiness.
Instead of an understanding, emptiness became something one
can directly see. The cultivation of this perception is one of the
important tasks of Vipassana or Insight Meditation.
Gil: In fact, some of the ways the teachings
of emptiness are understood in Buddhism
are shared or paralleled with modern
understandings of the mind and how it works.
Emptiness is not a foreign idea outside of
Buddhism. It’s not something that is so esoteric
that a modern scientist wouldn’t understand it.
Sally: I hope people are inspired and excited by
the possibility of attending a retreat like this and
aren’t put off by any sense that they need to be
a certain level of meditator or have had certain
experiences or be a scholar with an academic
approach to this topic. We hope this retreat
will help to deepen your practice, perhaps shine some light on
something that might have seemed obscure. It’s not going to be
a rigorous academic or study program. We plan to explore the
topic experientially in an inviting and inclusive way.
SR: Could you give us an example of how this might relate to
some theories in modern science?
Gil: In Theravada Buddhism, there’s an idea that we and
any aspect of our selves is empty of an enduring, stable,
autonomous self or soul. Nowadays there are scientists who say
that we can’t pinpoint a self in the mind, in the psychology of a
person. They explain that the sense of self arises out of a series
of mental processes that somehow provide the impression of an
essential, stable entity or ‘self.’
Guy: Another example that people are really familiar with is
the fact that when we look for the constituent parts of matter,
they turn out to be things like protons, electrons and neutrons.
And in looking for an electron within the orbit of the nucleus
Guy: And on that same point, I often think about emptiness
being the place where the three characteristics intersect—right
in that corner where anicca, dukkha and anatta (impermanence,
unsatisfactoriness and not-self) meet is emptiness. Since our
practitioners generally have a good understanding of anicca,
dukkha and anatta, they just have to put it together to get the
meaning of emptiness.
Gil: And this retreat is a chance to be in community with other
practitioners discussing these very important themes in a way
that is often not available in daily life.
5
[Exploring Emptiness: continued from page 4]
SR: Sally, you mentioned a tendency towards magical thinking
around the term emptiness. This does seem to be a potential
pitfall that people can get caught up in, perhaps transferring
a belief in God to a belief in emptiness. How do we avoid that
urge?
Sally: I think the only way to avoid it is to realize that this is
something that can be experienced directly. That’s the only
way it can really be known. It’s a very clear and powerful direct
knowing of the way things are, without the filters and overlay
of projections that we usually bring to experience. It’s really a
willingness to come back again and again and look more closely
at the nature of reality.
That’s why the stillness and the quiet that meditation allows us
to develop is so helpful, because we can start to see through
how our conditioning and our perceptions color or filter
reality. The closer we get to it, the more this true nature will
be revealed, and this true nature is this nature of emptiness, of
selflessness, of impermanence and instability.
Guy: All of us have mentioned that there are lots of different
aspects to emptiness, a lot of different kinds of meanings.
Usually in the Theravada tradition it talks about emptiness
of self and emptiness of phenomena, often meaning sense
phenomena. But when you really start to take this concept
and apply it to your life, where it ends up going is sometimes
surprising.
“
In our retreats we often talk about how there
is truly no past and no future, but where
emptiness leads the investigation there is
actually no present either.
- GUY ARMSTRONG
For example, one of the interesting areas to explore is the
emptiness of time. In our retreats we often talk about how
there is truly no past and no future, but where emptiness leads
the investigation there is actually no present either. The present
moment isn’t findable. So that becomes a kind of interesting
way to look at it.
Another area to apply it to is the experience of consciousness
or awareness, and to find out that consciousness is a
functioning of mind, but the source of consciousness is
not so apparent. There is an empty aspect associated with
consciousness that I personally have found very interesting to
explore.
Gil: And related to that, I find the emptiness of perception is
also very fascinating because it is through our perceptions that
we understand our world. We don’t experience our world apart
from how we perceive it. If we can become keenly aware of how
perceptions are created as mental processes, then we see how
perceptions are empty, and with this the world becomes more
interesting.
SR: When we say emptiness, I sometimes get confused. Are we
talking about emptiness of self; emptiness of greed, anger and
delusion; or something else?
Sally: The word we’ve been using for emptiness is sunnata,
but often in the Theravada teachings the word that is more
commonly used is anatta, which Guy mentioned. We have
this concept, this sense of self that feels very real to us, but
when we examine it, there isn’t anything solid, permanent or
unchanging at the heart of this. You can use the term anatta
or sunnata. Sunnata is generally the emptiness of everything,
whereas anatta particularly refers to the emptiness of self.
Gil: In addition to sunnata referring to how everything is
characterized as empty of self or empty of any stable, enduring
entity, it also has the ordinary meaning of absence or void.
For example, if we leave this room, the room would be empty
of us. A Theravada discourse of the Buddha called “The
Emptiness Discourse” uses sunnata in this sense when it
describes a meditative practice of progressively emptying the
mind of mental activity until eventually it’s emptied of greed,
hatred and delusion. Here an empty mind is a mind which has
6
[Exploring Emptiness: continued
from page 5]
simplified itself to the
point of becoming freed
of defilements.
Guy: Again, we talked
about these different
meanings of emptiness
which are there in the
tradition. There’s the
truth of emptiness
which is said to be true
whether anybody realizes
it or not—whether the
Tathagata (The Buddha)
reveals it or not, things
are intrinsically empty.
Then there are the
practitioner’s insights
into emptiness, and
those lead to the kind
of clearing out of greed,
hatred and delusion that
Gil mentioned. Nagarjuna
says something like:
“Emptiness stops
papanca, stops
conceptual proliferation.”
So it also stops the
process of ‘selfing’ and
the process of greed,
hatred, and delusion.
Therefore the insight into
emptiness can take one
into profound levels of
stillness and even into
enlightenment.
To attend Emptiness:
A Meditation and Study
Retreat (7 nights) with
Guy Armstrong, Gil
Fronsdal and Sally
Clough Armstrong from
November 11 – 18, visit
spiritrock.org in the
Calendar section. For
teachers bios, see page 31.
Paths for Awakening – Essential Dharma: Core
Buddhist Teachings
By MARK COLEMAN
Over the years at Spirit Rock we have offered literally thousands of retreats and
classes, ranging from—evenings of chanting; classes for people in recovery;
practice days for the whole family; retreats cultivating beautiful qualities of the
heart; and deep, silent 2-month intensive Vipassana retreats.
At times however, I have wondered if the
rich, diverse offerings at Spirit Rock, although
wonderful in their breadth, might not also beg
the question as to which practice, class or
retreat is best suited to where we are in our
lives right now.
The response to that need has culminated
in the development here at Spirit Rock of a
systematic guide to Buddhist practice called
“Paths for Awakening.” It provides a practical,
user-friendly guide to teachings and meditative
practices at every stage or level of practice,
from beginning to advanced. Copies of this are
available as a brochure at our center and also
on our website under Programs.
About ten years ago, I began developing and
teaching a program that responded to what I
saw was a pressing question for many; namely,
how to integrate Buddhist teachings and
practices into the complexity and busyness of
our everyday lives. I called it “Dharma in Daily
Life” and this course appeared to really address
the need. It was a very successful 6-month
course and became the genesis for the creation
of a more comprehensive year-long program at
Spirit Rock now called “Essential Dharma: Core
Buddhist Teachings.” This course is designed
for people who have had some preliminary
experience with Insight Meditation and yet
want a more comprehensive guide to the
teaching of the Buddha.
As you know, the Buddha’s teaching is vast and
it speaks to every dimension of our life, from the
most profound depths of meditation to practical
advice on living a wise and compassionate life
wherever you are. Beautiful and penetrating as
these teachings can be, the sheer number and
scope of them can often leave people feeling
confused or overwhelmed about where to
begin, how to deepen and how to bring these
practices into the challenges of simply living.
The Essential Dharma course was developed
as a response to this by offering three primary
things:
1. To give people a practical and experiential
understanding of what is most essential in
Buddhist teachings.
2. To help people in developing and deepening
their practice of mindfulness, metta
(lovingkindness) and compassion.
3. To support people in learning how to
integrate the principles and practices of
Buddhism into all aspects of their lives.
We are now into our fifth year of offering
Essential Dharma at Spirit Rock and hundreds of
people have gone through the program. I think
one of the reasons it has been so successful is
that the combination of teachings, practices,
and regular meetings over the year gives people
a sense that they have a tangible support and
touchstone amid the pressures of daily life.
This gives them an ongoing reference point for
relating to what is happening in their lives from
the perspective of the teachings.
Another crucial aspect is the community that
develops over the year. Everybody is paired up
with a ‘dharma buddy’—someone who they
check in with each week to talk about their
meditation practice and understanding of the
week’s teachings. I think this gives many people
7
[Paths for Awakening continued from page 6]
Paths for Awakening
a real touchstone in their week—it can be invaluable to talk and
reflect on one’s practice with your buddy who becomes your
‘dharma friend.’ And because the course meets for 30 weeks of
the year with pretty much the same people going through the
whole course, a real sense of sangha or supportive community
develops. There’s less a feeling of ‘I’m doing this alone’ and
more the sense that ‘we are all in this together.’ As a teacher,
this is a delightful aspect of the program as there is a tangible
sense of getting to know the participants over a longer period of
time and really connecting with their joys and struggles.
The Practice and Study of Insight Meditation
at Spirit Rock
Since the emphasis on the course is very practical, there is
a lot of time for questions about practice, about the home
assignments and practices we give people, and about sharing
the struggles, joys and insights that arise as we try to become
more conscious in our lives, and to live with more kindness and
integrity. For myself, I try to bring a lot of lightness and humor
into the class, especially in the Q&A and discussions, as I think
it’s essential that we don’t take ourselves too seriously or think
of practice as something dour or that makes us ‘special.’
At Spirit Rock, our mission is to offer a direct experience of the
Buddha’s path of liberation through a variety of retreats, practices,
teachings and trainings. We have divided suggested areas of
practice into four levels, which are listed below, in order, from
beginning stages to more advanced stages. See our website under
Programs/Paths for Awakening for more information.
In the schedule section from pages 11-30, the following events are
color-coded as follows (see color indications below).
Beginning Insight Meditation
7/31 Introduction to Insight Meditation with
Sally Clough Armstrong
8/29 Insight Meditation Daylong with Jack Kornfield
9/25 Mindfulness & Lovingkindness 101 (Half-Day Sessions)
with Donald Rothberg
At all stages on the path—and especially at the beginning—it’s
important to be able to laugh at ourselves, at the crazy things
our mind makes up, and at the silly ways we create havoc for
ourselves and others. As Wavy Gravy once quipped, “If you
don’t have a sense of humor, it just isn’t funny anymore.” To
have a sense of lightness and humor can be an excellent way
that we create space around our painful patterns, and it can be
a big support in learning to dis-identify from the traps of the
mind and our painful conditioning.
Introduction to Buddhism
A testament to the value of the Essential Dharma course is
that many people have taken it multiple times. We cover such
a range of profound teachings—from the Four Noble Truths, to
the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, to the Eightfold Path, to
some of the Paramis (perfections) and Factors of Awakening—
and there is no end to how deeply one can delve into these
teachings. Every year we cover a slightly different angle
and perspective, and each teacher brings their own unique
perspective on these teachings.
8/10 Facing the Difficulties & Challenges in Meditation
with Arinna Weisman
One key that has really helped this program to be so rich is
the excellent teaching teams that have led it over the years—
teams that have included Sharda Rogell, Howard Cohn, Richard
Shankman and Martina Schneider. We are now in our fifth year,
and Sharda and I are co-leading the program for the second
time. We’d like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who
would like to participate—we have people very new to practice
as well as students who have meditated for 10 years or more.
You can start at any one of the three semesters over the year.
We look forward to seeing you as we continue to explore the
dharma in our daily lives and discover our own unique path for
awakening!
7/3 Monastic Day with Ajahn Anandabodhi and
Ajahn Thitamedha
7/18 Cultivating Wise Speech with Donald Rothberg
7/24 Wisdom & Love: The Face of Awakening with
Howard Cohn
8/1 Day for Experienced Students: A Journey through the
Nine Bodies with Phillip Moffitt
9/19 Monastic Day with Ajahn Pasanno
9/26 Serenity & Equanimity with Howard Cohn
Exploring the Buddhist Path
7/16 - 7/23 Metta Retreat
8/16 - 8/25 Concentration Retreat
9/12 Day for Experienced Students: Unifying the
Personal and the Transcendent with Sharda
Rogell
Deepening Practices and Wisdom
11/11 – 11/18 Emptiness: A Meditation & Study Retreat
2/5 - 4/2 Insight Meditation One & Two Month
Retreats (2011)
5/14 – 5/21 Dedicated Practitioners’ Program Retreat I
(2011)
8
Volunteers Needed for
Fundraising at Spirit Rock
The principle of dana, or
generosity, is the foundation
of the 2,500 year-old tradition
taught by the Buddha and
practiced at Spirit Rock. Giving
of your time brings benefits of
both a spiritual and practical
nature. Foremost it dissolves
the sense of isolation—that
we are practicing alone—and
brings us into active community,
connecting us directly to others
in a loving and generous way.
Spirit Rock is a beautiful setting
in which to volunteer—both
for the peaceful land and the
community of other volunteers,
staff and teachers.
Volunteers are currently needed
to help with all levels of activity
in the Development Department
at Spirit Rock. If you’re interested
in helping with the planning
and implementation of special
events, assisting with direct
mail projects, working with our
database, supporting donor
communications and/or creating
printed materials, give us a call!
Spirit Rock exists only through
the mutual generosity of all
involved and we are immensely
grateful for your dedication to
service. To volunteer, contact
our Development Director at
(415) 488-0164 ext. 231 or email
[email protected].
Mental Insight Foundation
Helps Make Scholarships
Possible
Spirit Rock expresses deep
gratitude for the ongoing support
of the Mental Insight Foundation,
whose generosity supports
scholarships and our annual
retreat for self-identified People
of Color.
Leaving a Legacy at Spirit Rock
Many of us hear the word “estate” and don’t realize that
what we own, no matter what the size, qualifies us as
having an estate. Whether it is real estate, securities,
jewelry, valuable art, vehicles, retirement plans or
insurance policies—all or any of these constitute our
estate. The realization that we have an estate allows us
the option to make choices that affect our lives, the lives
of our family and the well-being of our community.
As a member of the Spirit Rock sangha, you may
be looking for tools that can help you realize your
philanthropic goals, maximize your tax benefits and provide for your family. The options
range from a simple addition of a codicil (or amendment) to your will, or naming Spirit Rock
as a beneficiary to an insurance policy, to more complicated plans such as charitable trusts.
Your accountant/attorney/financial advisor can help you decide what is appropriate for you.
It’s surprisingly easy to make a bequest to Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Just include SRMC
as a beneficiary:
• in your will or living trust;
• in your retirement plan or bank account;
• in your life insurance policy.
We have a form with sample bequest language which we can provide upon your request, or
you may contact your attorney. We can also provide you with a copy of our IRS 501(c)(3) taxexempt letter. Call the Development Office at (415) 488-0164 ext. 231 for more information.
Once SRMC knows of your intentions, you will become a member of our Legacy Circle and,
if you’re willing, be recognized during your lifetime. We are deeply grateful for these lasting
gifts.
GRATITUDE CORNER
[Editor’s note: We recently received this note in a card addressed to “Scholarship Donors” and wanted
to share it with you.]
Dearest Donors,
Every day I thank you for being the bridge that brought me to Spirit Rock. While I can meditate
alone and with local friends, annual weeklong retreats at SRMC are an important base in
a challenging life. Your generosity enabled me to attend the recent retreat “Transforming
Distressing States.”
My work is dealing with advanced cancer and my rare genetic disorder – in myself and with
others. I returned to find more friends with serious diagnoses, going on hospice or dead. The
retreat strengthened me, allowing me an inner steadiness at the edge of suffering, and gave me
a way to balance compassion and grief. Your generosity allows me to serve my communities in
a more helpful way. So many, many lives are changed through interbeing.
Blessings to each and all of you for your good works and generosity of spirit.
With unbounded gratitude,
S.
Spirit Rock offers Karuna Scholarships for those with serious medical conditions who find themselves
in financial need and who would not otherwise be able to attend a retreat. See the registration form
for any retreat you would like to attend for more specific information. If you would like to donate to the
Scholarship Fund, visit www.spiritock.org and click on GIVING.
9
Upcoming Highlights
Introduction to Insight Meditation
Saturday, July 31, 9:30 am - 5 pm
In this traditional Insight Meditation (Vipassana)
daylong, the emphasis is on deepening into the
silence that allows for the awakening of the heart.
There will be systematic instructions in both
sitting and walking meditation, as well as time for
discussion and dharma talks.
This daylong is especially good for beginning
meditators and for those wanting a refresher in traditional instruction.
(See page 19 for registration information.)
Concentration Retreat (9 nights)
Monday, August 16 - Wednesday, August 25
Phillip Moffitt, Sally Clough Armstrong, Richard Shankman, Andrea Fella
Concentration (samadhi), defined as the collection
and unification of the mind, was emphasized by the
Buddha as one of the aspects of the Eightfold Path.
This retreat offers a series of techniques for staying
on the meditation object for extended periods of
time. We will explore the factors of concentration
that lead to the deep absorption states known as
jhana. Teachers will also give instruction for utilizing
concentration during insight practice.
Prerequisite: Prior experience in Insight Meditation practice, including at
least one 7-day retreat or two 5-day retreats.
The Inner Flow of the Enneagram: Movements of
Defense & Deepening
Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15, 10 am - 5 pm
Grief Ritual: A Daylong Workshop for Collective
Healing - Open to All
Sunday, August 22, 9:30 am - 5 pm
Sobonfu Somé and Spring Washam
This event is a Benefit for the Spirit Rock Diversity
Program. All are welcome!
This is a transformational and soul-invigorating
workshop designed to break through our cultural
barriers of grief. To begin to regain a serious and
lasting sense of connectedness with ourselves and
with spirit, we need to find a proper place to release
our grief—grief about all the losses we have endured in this lifetime.
In the traditional world of the Dagara of Burkina Faso, West Africa, the
ritual of grief is the Dagara people’s way of releasing the tension caused by
loss, and to restore continuity in their relationships. We will enter into the
ritual space of grief following this traditional model. It is our hope that it
brings a deep sense of release, peace and connectedness in your life.
Mindfulness in Education: A Retreat and Training
Thursday, August 26 - Sunday, August 29 (3 nights)
Diana Winston, Susan Kaiser Greenland, Richard Shankman, Spring
Washam and Megan Cowan
Join us for this unique 3-night retreat program where we will practice
mindfulness, build community, learn techniques from experts who
have brought mindfulness into schools and explore the larger questions
of mindfulness in education. Using a modified retreat format, we
will intersperse our days with silent meditation practices, followed
by trainings and opportunities to learn how to bring mindfulness to
your school, classroom and family life. This program is for educators,
teachers, mental health professionals, parents and others interested in
this important issue.
Sandra Maitri
This weekend workshop is a benefit for the Ridhwan
Foundation and the Spirit Rock Scholarship Fund.
During this weekend workshop on the enneagram
of personality with Sandra Maitri, author of The
Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram: Nine Faces
of the Soul and other books on this subject, we
will work with what is referred to as the ‘heart
point’ of each ennea-type as well as the ‘defensive point’, tracking
these movements in our lives and inner process. We will also cover the
understanding of our inner child from the perspective of the enneagram,
and the qualities of our deepest nature that opening to this part of
ourselves can allow.
A basic knowledge of the enneagram personality types is recommended
in order to get the most out of this workshop.
Loving What Is: A Day with Byron Katie
Saturday, September 11, 10 am - 5 pm
Byron Katie
This workshop is a benefit for the Spirit Rock Scholarship
Fund.
The four simple questions from “The Work” created
by Byron Katie can radically transform your life. This
process has been called the most powerful selfrealization practice ever developed. Eckhart Tolle,
author of The Power of Now, says, “The Work is like
a razor-sharp sword that cuts through illusion and enables you to know
for yourself the timeless essence of your being.”
In this workshop, Byron Katie will introduce you to The Work. Anyone
with an open mind can do it. She will show you how to identify and
question the stressful thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world,
and how self-inquiry can deepen your practice and bring you a happy
life. Please register early to ensure your space! Carpooling is required.
10
Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation Training Program
We’re very pleased to announce that vipassana teacher Jack Kornfield and yoga teacher
Tias Little will be joining our faculty of nationally known teachers for the upcoming
Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation Training (MYMT)!
Take your yoga practice off the mat and into your life in this intensive 18-month
training program for experienced yoga students and teachers.
We’re accepting applications for this transformational program now!
For more information, visit spiritrock.org
and click on Programs,
or email [email protected]
A limited number of special program scholarships are still available. The last round of
this training was full with a long waiting list, so don’t miss this chance to:
Phillip
Moffitt
Anne
Cushman
Mark
Coleman
Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation
Training (MYMT) is directed by:
• Phillip Moffitt (Dancing with Life)
• Anne Cushman (Enlightenment for
Idiots: a novel)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Integrate mindfulness and asana
Embody your dharma practice
Study with nationally renowned teachers of yoga and dharma
Cultivate physical, energetic, emotional, and interpersonal awakening
Connect with a community of like-minded yogis
Study the philosophical, historical, and practical intersection of yoga and
Buddhism!
The MYMT consists of three 10-day residential retreats and a facilitated betweenretreat curriculum. Yoga teachers can earn over 350 hours of Yoga Alliance continuing
education credits.
• Mark Coleman (Awake in the Wild)
“
RETREATS
Retreat 1 The single most transformational
experience I have had as a yoga
teacher, meditation student, and
psychologist.”
Spirit Rock: January 24 - February 3, 2011
Retreat 2 Spirit Rock: September 12 – 22, 2011
Retreat 3 Yucca Valley: May 6 – 16, 2012
Robin Boudette, PhD, yoga teacher,
Skillman, NJ
Additional faculty
Anna Douglas
Jack Kornfield
Frank Jude
Boccio
Janice Gates
Chip Hartranft
Tias Little
Richard Miller
Jill Satterfield
Patricia
Sullivan
11
Schedule of Events
July-August-September 2010
Please consult the Spirit Rock website at spiritrock.org for a full listing of
classes, retreats and events, as well as online registration for daylongs
and benefits.
Daylong, Class Series, Benefit and Special Event Registration
Giving Monthly
to Spirit Rock
The Stewardship Circle is made
up of generous, committed
individuals and families who
donate monthly to Spirit Rock.
Currently we have several hundred
members who help ensure that
our residential, daylong and
scholarship programs continue
to flourish. The consistency and
reliability of monthly donations
is a tremendous benefit to our
financial stability and budgeting.
Become a member of our
Stewardship Circle and feel
an ongoing sense of joy by
supporting all of our programs
and operating expenses. Monthly
donations can be automatically
received from your bank or credit
card, and you choose an amount
that is personally significant to
you. Your ongoing commitment
is deeply appreciated. To join
today, please call Tony Daniel at
(415) 488-0164 x231.
“
Emptiness in Buddhism
has many subtle
meanings, but perhaps
it can be most simply
understood as the absence
of self-centeredness.”
– Joseph Goldstein
from One Dharma
Online registration using a credit card is available at spiritrock.org; find the calendar listing
for the event you would like to attend. For registrations by mail, send your check to Spirit
Rock, PO Box 169, Woodacre, CA 94973. Include your daytime phone number, e-mail
address and write the event code on the outside of the envelope and on your check.
Register with a credit card by calling (415) 488-0164 x 234, Monday – Friday between
9 am – 5 pm. We will send you confirmation of your registration.
Cancellations for Daylongs, Class Series, Benefits and Special Events
Call (415) 488-0164 x234, e-mail [email protected] or send a fax to (415) 488-1025
to cancel, and request a credit by 5 pm, two business days before an event; we will credit
your registration fee towards another non-residential event. If you don’t contact us prior
to this deadline, no credit will be issued. All credits must be used within one year of their
date of issue. In order to use a credit, you must pre-register for the event. Credits are not
transferable to residential retreats.
Registration for Residential Retreats
Applications for most retreats are available beginning four months before the retreat;
check our website for the open date. Forms are available on our website; each retreat
is different, so download the form for the retreat you want to attend. Complete the
form and return it with payment to the registrar. If you cannot download the forms, call
the Registration Department at (415) 488-0164 x 247. Teachers and retreat staff are
supported by your dana donations at the end of the retreat.
Cancellations for Residential Retreats
There is a $25 cancellation fee if you cancel six weeks or more before the retreat. The fee
is $75 if you cancel 4-6 weeks before the retreat. The fee is $150 if you cancel 1-4 weeks
before the retreat. If you cancel one week before the retreat, the fee is $250. Specific
cancellation dates and cancellation fees are on the registration form.
Financial Assistance for Residential Retreats
Financial aid is available for residential retreats through our scholarship funds. Selected
retreats have a limited number of Young Adult (age 18-26) rate beds available, on a first
come, first-served basis. See page 28 for a list of eligible 2010 retreats. Work retreat
opportunities are also available in the kitchen or with housekeeping.
Carpooling to Spirit Rock
To offer or ask for a ride to any event or retreat at Spirit Rock, including Monday
nights, there is an online bulletin board. The ride-share bulletin board can be found at
spiritrock.org/forum.
12
Calendar At a Glance
JULY
Jul 2 - 11
Jul 3
Jul 4
Jul 6 - Aug 3
Jul 7 - 14
Jul 9
Jul 10
Jul 11
Jul 16 - 23
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 23 - Aug 1
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 30
Jul 31
AUGUST
Aug 1
Aug 4 - 8
Aug 9 - 15
Aug 10 - 31
Aug 13
Aug 14 - 15
Aug 16 - 25
Aug 21
Aug 21
Aug 22
Aug 26 - 29
Aug 27 - 29
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 29
Vajrapani Insight Meditation Retreat Mary Grace Orr, Gil Fronsdal, Noah Levine
The Power of Love & Compassion: Monastic Daylong [Dana - No Fee Day] Ajahn Anadabodhi,
Ajahn Thitamedha
Chanting and Meditation: Entering the Still and Boundless Heart Jai Uttal,
Debra Chamberlin-Taylor
Qigong and Meditation Class Series Master Mingtong Gu, Debra Chamberlin-Taylor
People of Color Meditation Retreat (LOTTERY) Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Bhante Buddharakkhita,
Anushka Fernandopulle, Konda Mason (yoga)
Dharma & Recovery Group Kevin Griffin
The Noble Path & the Red Road Donald Rothberg, Fred Wahpepah
Spiritual Autobiography Noelle Oxenhandler
Metta Retreat Sally Clough Armstrong, James Baraz, Sharda Rogell, Anushka Fernandopulle,
Selene Seltzer (qigong)
The Neuro-dharma of Love - Using Brain Science & Buddhist Wisdom to Illuminate the Heart of
Important Relationships Richard Mendius, Rick Hanson
Cultivating Wise Speech Donald Rothberg
Insight Meditation Retreat (LOTTERY) Joseph Goldstein, Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters,
Sky Dawson
Wisdom & Love: The Face of Awakening Howard Cohn
Mind Games: Buddhist Meditation for Fun & Enlightenment Wes Nisker
Singles Sangha Dana DePalma
Introduction to Insight Meditation Sally Clough Armstrong
Fees at Spirit Rock
Day for Experienced Students: A Journey through the Nine Bodies: Exploring the Energy States
that Arise during Meditation Phillip Moffitt
Family Retreat (LOTTERY) Gil Fronsdal, Ajahn Pasanno, Betsy Rose
Young Adults’ Insight Meditation Retreat Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, Marvin Belzer, Dori Langevin,
Will Kabat-Zinn, Teja Bell (qigong)
Facing the Difficulties and Challenges in Meditation and On Our Path to Freedom Arinna Weisman
The Inner Flow of the Enneagram: Movements of Defense & Deepening Sandra Maitri
Concentration Retreat Phillip Moffitt, Sally Clough Armstrong, Richard Shankman, Andrea Fella
Awake in the Wild Mark Coleman
Meditation as Medicine: MBSR Bob Stahl, Steve Flowers
Grief Ritual: A Daylong Workshop for Collective Healing - Open to All Sobonfu Somé,
Spring Washam
Mindfulness in Education – A Retreat and Training Diana Winston, Susan Kaiser Greenland,
Richard Shankman, Spring Washam
Abhayagiri Teen Retreat Heather Sundberg, Ajahn Pasanno
Singles Sangha Wes Nisker
The Mystery of Spiritual Surrender Phillip Moffitt
Insight Meditation Daylong Jack Kornfield
“At the Door” Price Increase
SEPTEMBER
Sep 1 - 6
Sep 4
Sep 5
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat James Baraz, Sharda Rogell, Howard Cohn
Embodying Joy Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, Carolyn Hobbs
Life Beyond Buddhism: Exploring the Wide World of the Living Dharma Sylvia Boorstein,
Lin Jensen
Sep 10
Sep 11
Loving What Is: A Day with Byron Katie Byron Katie
Sep 12
Day for Experienced Students Sharda Rogell
Sep 15 - Nov 17 Essential Dharma: Core Buddhist Teachings, Part 3 Mark Coleman, Sharda Rogell
Sep 18
Freeing Yourself from the Inner Critic Mark Coleman
Sep 19 - 26
Community Dharma Leader (CDL) Retreat #1 Eugene Cash, Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Thanissara
Sep 19
Monastic Daylong [Dana – No Fee Day] Ajahn Pasanno
Sep 19
Teen Meditation Day (yurt) TBA
Sep 20 - Nov 29 The Path of Parenting Dana DePalma, Grace Fisher
Sep 24
Singles Sangha Mark Coleman
Sep 25
Mindfulness 101 & Lovingkindness 101 (Half-Day Sessions) Donald Rothberg
Sep 26
Serenity & Equanimity: The Wise & Loving Response to Life’s Joys & Sorrows Howard Cohn
Sep 27 - Oct 3 Sacred Embodiment: Awakening Intimacy with Life – A Retreat for Women Lama Tsultrim Allione
(guest teacher), Julie Wester, Anna Douglas
Spirit Rock’s intention is to make these
teachings accessible to everyone, thus fees
for daylongs, classes and special events are
kept as low as possible.
No one will be turned away from daylongs
and classes for lack of funds. Benefit events,
some special events, and residential retreats
are an exception to this policy.
For those who cannot afford a daylong or
class fee, a flexible work exchange program
is available. To learn more about this,
contact our Volunteer Coordinator at
(415) 488-0164 x 224.
Scholarships are available for residential
retreats and special programs. For retreat
scholarship information call (415) 488-0164
x 243. For people of color residential retreat
scholarships call (415) 488-0164 x 224.
The “At the Door” sliding scale base fee is
an additional $5 to the preregistration price
for all daylongs, special events and benefits.
It does not apply to class series or drop-in
classes such as the Monday Night class,
the weekly morning classes, Dharma and
Recovery or the Singles Sangha.
Preregistration closes at noon each Friday
for weekend events. For class series and
other non-weekend events, preregistration
closes at 1 pm one business day before the
event. In order to receive the preregistration
fee, you must pay in full at the time you
preregister.
You can preregister in three ways: register
online at spiritrock.org; send a check to
Spirit Rock Meditation Center; or call
(415) 488-0164 ext 234.
All classes and daylongs are held
in the Community Hall, unless
otherwise noted.
For complete teacher biographies, please visit spiritrock.org
To carpool visit our online e-ride-sharing bulletin board at spiritrock.org/forum
13
Weekly Classes at Spirit Rock
Monday Night Class 7:15 - 9:15 pm
jack kornfield, Mark Coleman or others
For more details and a schedule of teachers visit our website. Monday
night only; no charge for carpools of 3 or more; for cars with less than
3 people there is a $10 parking fee.
Cost of class $8-$10, sliding scale, plus donation for the teacher. A vegetarian
dinner is usually served from 6 - 6:45 pm. Cost for dinner is $10-$15, sliding
scale, children $4-$5.
No dinners: 7/26, 8/9, 8/16, 9/27
Monday Night Children’s Dharma Class
We will offer the children’s class again from June 21 - August 23.
Wednesday Morning Meditation Class 9 - 11 am
sylvia boorstein, donald rothberg or others
Sitting and practice-oriented discussion, suitable for beginners, as well
as engaged practitioners. Second Wednesday of the month: 8-9 am
sitting and precept renewal.
Cost $8-$10, sliding scale, plus donation for the teacher.
Thursday Morning Women’s Class 10 am - 12 noon
julie wester or others
Meditation group for women to honor the feminine, using silent and
guided meditation, movement, seasonal rituals, and group exploration
in a safe and nurturing environment.
Cost $8-$10, sliding scale, plus donation for the teacher.
Friday Morning Meditation and Yoga 10 am - 12:15 pm
dana depalma with yoga teacher janice gates and Others
Meditation, yoga and inquiry. Yoga is suitable for all.
Cost $8-$10, sliding scale, plus donation for the teachers.
Monthly Classes
dharma and recovery Group (2 nd Friday) 7:30 - 9:30 pm
kevin griffin
(See page 15 for full description.)
Singles Sangha: last Friday of each month* 7:30 - 10 pm
An evening of meditation and discussion explored in small groups.
Requested donation $15 at the door unless otherwise noted.
* Please check website for most up-to-date schedule of teachers and class dates.
SUPPORTING SPIRIT ROCK ONLINE IS EASY
Making a gift to Spirit Rock is easy!
Ongoing Classes with Spirit Rock Teachers
Berkeley – James Baraz
Thursdays 7:30-9:30 pm.
Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave
near Bancroft and Berkeley High School
www.insightberkeley.org
Berkeley – Ajahn Pasanno
1st Tuesday of month, 7:30 pm.
Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave
near Bancroft and Berkeley High School
www.abhayagiri.org or (707) 485-1630
Marin Sunday Sangha – Phillip Moffitt
Sundays, 6-8 pm. St. Luke Presbyterian Church
10 Bayview Dr., San Rafael
www.dharmawisdom.org
e-mail [email protected] or (415) 435-3141
Redwood City - Gil Fronsdal
Insight Meditation Center of the Midpeninsula,
108 Birch (at Hopkins), Redwood City
www.insightmeditationcenter.org
e-mail [email protected] or
(650) 599-3456
San Francisco – Howard Cohn
Tuesdays 7:30-9 pm. St. John’s Episcopal Church,
1661 15th St, at Julien (between Valencia and Mission)
Entrance on Julien
(415) 447-7761
San Francisco – Eugene Cash
Sundays 7-9 pm. First Unitarian Church,
1187 Franklin St (at Geary).
www.sfinsight.org or (415) 994-5951
Santa Cruz – Mary Grace Orr
1010 Fair Ave.
www.vipassanasc.org or (831) 425-3431
Sierra Foothills – John Travis
www.mtstream.org
Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico – Robert Hall
www.eldharma.com
Visit spiritrock.org and click on Giving.
In consideration of others, please do not wear any scented products to Spirit Rock, including natural or essential oils.
14
July
The Power of Love & Compassion — Monastic
Daylong [Dana - No Fee Day]
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Saturday, July 3, 9:30 am – 5 pm
Vajrapani Insight Meditation Retreat
Ajahn Anadabodhi, Ajahn Thitamedha
Vajrapani Institute, Santa Cruz
Friday, July 2 - Sunday, July 11 (9 nights)
Mary Grace Orr, Gil Fronsdal, Noah Levine
This retreat follows the Insight Meditation (Vipassana) format
of sitting and walking in silence, with systematic meditation
instructions. Teachers give daily dharma talks and there will be
time for individual interviews. A good retreat for beginning and
experienced meditators.
The retreat is held in the beautiful mountains above Santa Cruz at
the Vajrapani Institute. Vajrapani is situated in a wilderness area,
complete with indigenous wildlife. Some walking along trails is
necessary to reach certain buildings, so be sure to bring comfortable
walking shoes and luggage that is easily transportable. Please bring
whatever you need for your entire stay, e.g. sleeping bag or bedding,
tents if you are camping, flashlight and batteries, alarm clock, ear
plugs, towels, notebook, pens, toiletries, medicines and insect
repellent. There are no laundry facilities on the premises.
Fee depends upon level of accommodation selected. Accommodations range
from camping to private cabin. See website for details.
Noah Levine is a Buddhist teacher, author and counselor. He was trained to teach
by Jack Kornfield, and leads meditation classes, workshops and retreats all over the
U.S. He is the author of Dharma Punx and Against the Stream.
Continuing Education (CE) Credits
These events meet the qualifications for continuing
education for MFTs and LCSWs as required by the CA Board
of Behavioral Sciences, provider #PCE1851. These events
also meet the qualifications for continuing education for
psychologists and nurses through the Spiritual Competency
Resource Center (SCRC). SCRC is approved by the American
Psychological Association to offer continuing education
for psychologists and SCRC maintains responsibility for
approving the program as being suitable for psychologist
CE credits. SCRC is a California Board of Registered Nursing
Provider (CEP11909). In order to qualify for CE credit, you
must arrive and sign in within 15 minutes of the start of the
event, and stay until the end of the event.
The Neuro-dharma of Love
Saturday, July 17
Meditation as Medicine: MBSR
At this time in the evolution of the human race, we find ourselves
faced with many challenges. Ajahn Anandabodhi and Ajahn
Thitamedha will be focusing on the ancient, natural skill of
developing love and compassion as a response to turning towards
the needs of this time.
Lunch: Please bring lunch to share and food to offer the nuns, if
you wish. Ajahns Anadabodhi and Thitamedha will bring their alms
bowls and you will have an opportunity make offerings to them as
part of this monastic day of practice. Food to take with them and
other donations also gratefully accepted for Aloka Vihara, the
nuns’ current residence, though are by no means necessary.
You may request a current list of needed items by contacting
Jeannie Bendik at (707) 794-9712. For more information on Aloka
Vihara and the Saranloka Foundation, please visit their website at
www.saranaloka.org.
Offered on a dana (donation) basis. Code NU3D10.
Ajahn Anandabodhi was born in Wales in 1968. In 1990 while visiting Amaravati
Buddhist Monastery in England, she experienced a sense of ‘coming home’ and in
1992 joined the monastic community, taking ordination in 1995. In early 2008, she
was selected by a distinguished committee of international Buddhist clergy and
lay Buddhist scholars as an Outstanding Woman in Buddhism for her meditative
practice and promotion of harmony in the Buddhist Sangha. She now lives in
California at Aloka Vihara.
Ajahn Thitamedha was born in 1961 in Ryasan, Russia, near Moscow. She
graduated as a medical doctor in 1986, from Ryasan Medical University and worked
for four years. She came across the teaching of the Buddha in 1989 and instantly
felt a profound sense of recognition and joy. In 1992 she heard of Ajahn Chah and
read his Dhamma talks and had a strong sense of resonance with his teaching.
She wanted to be a nun and went to Amaravati Monastery in 1994 to ordain as an
anagarika. In December of 1996 she took higher ordination as a siladhara. Currently,
she is staying in Cittaviveka Monastery.
“
“It is because it is empty of self and
of what belongs to self that it is said,
‘Empty is the world.’”
– The Buddha (Samyutta Nikaya 35.85)
Saturday, August 21
Embodying Joy
Saturday, September 4
Freeing Yourself from the Inner Critic
Saturday, September 18
To carpool visit our online e-ride-sharing bulletin board at spiritrock.org/forum.
15
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
SPECIAL EVENT
Chanting & Meditation:
Entering the Still & Boundless Heart
Sunday, July 4, 7 - 9:30 pm
People of Color Meditation Retreat
FULL with Waiting List
Wednesday, July 7 - Wednesday, July 14 (7 nights)
Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Anushka Fernandopulle, Bhante
Jai Uttal, Debra Chamberlin-Taylor
Buddharakkhita, Konda Mason (yoga)
The heart is an honored gateway to our most profound and
boundless nature. Using the ancient and sublime blend of
kirtan (chanting) combined with periods of guided and silent
meditation, we can open the heart of infinite love. Kirtan in
the Bhakti tradition taps the nectar of spiritual longing and
devotion, and invites us to surrender everything into the
Sacred. Used together, kirtan and meditation can reveal the
expansive view of our sky-like nature.
Cost $20 prepaid; $25 at the door. Code JA2E10. Space is limited;
please preregister and bring a cushion.
Jai Uttal, over the last 30 years, has cultivated a voice and musical style
that carries the listener into the heart of devotion, prayer and healing, and
to an ecstatic remembrance of the divine. Jai is considered a pioneer in the
world music scene.
CLASS SERIES
Qigong & Meditation Class Series
5 Tuesdays, July 6 - August 3, 9:15 am - 12:30 pm
Master Mingtong Gu, Debra Chamberlin-Taylor
Registration is limited for this class series; please register early.
We are fortunate to have Qigong Master Mingtong Gu as special
guest teacher for this class on healing ourselves and others. Over
5 weeks you will learn the basic practice and advanced skills of
Wisdom Healing Qigong. Qigong brings radiant physical and
emotional well-being, and it supports, compliments and deepens
meditation. Each class will include Qigong movement and teachings
as well as guided and silent meditation and dharma teachings.
A Young Adult rate is not offered for this class series.
Cost for the class series $100 plus dana to the teachers. Register early—
attendance limited. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Code MT2C10.
Master Mingtong Gu is an internationally recognized teacher and healer who
received his training from a variety of Grandmasters of China and Tibet and at the
world’s largest Qigong hospital. He is the founder of the Chi Healing Center and
Wisdom Healing Foundation, and has taught Qigong to thousands in the US, China
and Europe.
Dharma & Recovery Group
Friday, July 9, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Kevin Griffin
This group explores the intersection of recovery with Buddhist
teachings and practices. Held on an ongoing basis, we welcome
people who identify with any of the full range of addictions, from
substances, to behaviors, to habitual thought and emotional
patterns.
Although this is not a 12 Step group, we look for ways that members
of the community can support each other on the path of recovery.
Each gathering begins with a period of guided meditation and new
meditators are welcome. There will be time for discussion about
meditation practice and each month a recovery/dharma theme will
be discussed
Cost $10 - $8, sliding scale at the door plus a donation to the teacher.
Kevin Griffin is a leader in the mindful recovery movement and a co-founder of the
Buddhist Recovery Network. He is the author of One Breath at a Time: Buddhism
and the Twelve Steps and A Burning Desire: Dharma God and the Path of Recovery.
“
The gate of emptiness can reveal itself whether in
solitude or in the sacred presence of another, in
deep meditation or in the mountains. Attentive
to this mystery, the heart can open to directly
experience the emptiness which gives birth to all
things.”
– JACK KORNFIELD, from After the Ecstasy, the Laundry
D O N AT E T O S P I R I T R O C K
Make a gift in the name
of a loved one.
Visit www.spiritrock.org
and click on Giving.
16
Spiritual Autobiography
Community Meditation Hall
Sunday, July 11, 2 – 5:30 pm
Noelle Oxenhandler
In this writing workshop, writing itself becomes a form of meditation,
a way to move through the chatter of our monkey-minds to the
deeper language of our hearts, while tracing the stepping-stones of
our own unique spiritual histories.
Photo by Ruth Doodson
For both beginning and experienced writers/meditators. Please
bring pen and paper!
Cost $35 - $55, sliding scale plus donation to the teacher. Code NO1H10.
Noelle Oxenhandler’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times
Magazine, The Best Spiritual Essays, and elsewhere. She is the author of three
non-fiction books, including her memoir The Wishing Year. She is a member of
the English Department at Sonoma State University, where she teaches Creative
Writing. A contributing editor for Tricycle Magazine, she has been a practicing
Buddhist since 1969.
The Noble Path & the Red Road
Saturday, July 10, 9 am - 5 pm
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Donald Rothberg, Fred Wahpepah
The way in which Native American sacred ceremonies, such as the
sweat lodge, are used to purify and empower consciousness will be
discussed from the perspective of Buddhist practices of purification.
Intensive sitting and guided meditations in the morning help develop
concentration for the traditional sweat lodge ceremony in the
afternoon, which Fred will conduct.
The fee charged goes to cover Spirit Rock operating expenses;
there is no charge for the sweat lodge ceremony. Teaching fee is by
donation. Pre-registration required. The sweat lodge ceremony is
optional. Please bring a lunch and food to share at the potluck after
the sweat. Please bring a towel and a bathing suit or t-shirt/shorts to
change into for the sweat lodge ceremony.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this daylong at a rate of $25.
Cost $50 - $108, sliding scale plus a donation to the teachers. Add $5 at the
door. Code FW1D10. Please bring your lunch.
Fred Wahpepah, a Native American elder, is providing an opportunity for a growing
community of people to participate in traditional ceremonies from Native American
traditions. Born in rural Oklahoma in 1930, Fred is of the Kickapoo and Sac-and-Fox
tribes. He began carrying the Sacred Pipe in 1978 and has been involved in the
Sacred Sundance Ceremony every year since 1977. By conducting traditional Sweat
Lodge and Pipe Ceremonies as well as leading traditional Vision Quests, Fred is
galvanizing a community of people interested in nurturing and supporting each
other on their spiritual paths.
Metta Retreat
FULL with a Waiting List – Open for Commuters
Friday, July 16 - Friday, July 23 (7 nights)
Sally Clough Armstrong, James Baraz, Sharda Rogell,
Anushka Fernandopulle, Selene Seltzer (qigong)
Metta is the Pali term for friendship or lovingkindness. In this retreat
we will develop metta as a meditation practice which cultivates
our natural capacity for an open and loving heart, along with the
practices of compassion, joy and equanimity. Metta practice
leads to greater acceptance of ourselves and others, revealing our
fundamental connectedness to all life.
Cost $905 - $555, sliding scale plus a donation to the teachers and retreat
staff.
Anushka Fernandopulle is a lifelong spiritual practitioner who has trained for over
20 years in the Theravada tradition in the U.S., India and Sri Lanka. Her teaching is
informed by her love of service work and progressive social justice movements. She
leads retreats and workshops around the country.
Selene Seltzer has practiced meditation since 1970 and Vipassana meditation since
1988. A student of the internal energy arts of Tai Chi and Qigong since 1974 and
body/mind/heart healing since 1982, her path is one of integration and synthesis,
of Embodied Presence. Her practice, with a foundation in Theravada Buddhism,
centers on integrating the body-based practices of sitting meditation with the
moving meditation practices of Tai Chi and Qigong.
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The Neuro-dharma of Love —
Using Brain Science & Buddhist Wisdom to
Illuminate the Heart of Important Relationships
Rick Hanson, Richard Mendius
On the whole, we experience our greatest joys and sorrows in our
relationships. Supported by both Buddhism and Western psychology,
the keys to healthy relationships include empathy, compassion,
kindness, equanimity and appropriate assertiveness. These states
of mind are based on underlying states of your brain. The emerging
integration of modern neuroscience and ancient contemplative
wisdom offers increasingly skillful means for activating those brain
states—and thus for more fulfilling relationships.
This experiential workshop—led by a clinical psychologist and a
neurologist—will offer user-friendly information about Buddhism and
your brain, with lots of practical methods. No prior background with
meditation or neuroscience is necessary.
We will cover:
• A summary of the Buddha’s teachings on relationships;
• How relationships shaped the development of your brain
as a child;
• The deep pathways in your head and heart of empathy,
compassion, lovingkindness, and love... and how to
strengthen those;
• What happens in your brain when you get upset with
someone . . . and when you find your way to peace, as well as
how to develop more equanimity in important relationships;
• The neuropsychology of romance, sexual desire and the
long-term shift to a calmer love, and how to ride that
roller-coaster gracefully.
There will be plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
Cultivating Wise Speech
Sunday, July 18, 9:30 am - 5 pm
Donald Rothberg
Connecting our meditation practice with our speech and
communication is one of the main ways to bring spiritual values
into our everyday lives and our action in the world, and can help
enliven and energize our practice, since we have so many chances for
practice!
This daylong retreat will integrate periods of sitting and walking
meditation with talks, discussion, and interactive exercises. It will
cover four main areas:
• the basic teachings of the Buddha on wise speech;
• foundational mindfulness practices for our speech;
• practicing wise speech in difficult conditions, with difficult
emotions or conflicts;
• expanding our practice of wise speech – particularly in the larger
context of our families, communities, and organizations; and in
speaking more and more out of kindness and compassion.
Cost $50 - $108, sliding scale plus a donation to the teacher. Add $5 at the
door. Code DR2D10. Please bring your lunch.
“
This emptiness is something people don’t usually
understand, but those who reach it see the value
of knowing it. It’s not the emptiness of not
having anything; it’s emptiness within the things
that are here.”
– AJAHN CHAH
door. Please bring your lunch. Code RR3D10.
6 hours of CE credit available for MFTs, LCSWs, nurses and psychologists from
SRMC-SCRC for $30.
Rick Hanson, PhD is a neuropsychologist, writer and teacher. He co-founded the
Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom. His latest book
is Buddha’s Brain (with Richard Mendius, MD). He started sitting at Spirit Rock in
1993 and leads a weekly meditation group in San Rafael.
Richard Mendius, MD is a neurologist in private practice in Marin County. He
trained at UCLA as an epileptologist and a neurobehaviorist. His meditation practice
began in the 1980s and he teaches a weekly meditation class at San Quentin. He is
co-author of Buddha’s Brain (with Rick Hanson, PhD).
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Insight Meditation Retreat
FULL with a Waiting List - Open for Commuters
Friday, July 23 - Sunday, August 1 (9 nights)
Joseph Goldstein, Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters, Sky
Dawson
The emphasis during this retreat will be on the continuity of
awareness in all activities, which stabilizes and balances the mind.
Relaxed acceptance of our moment-to-moment experience becomes
the platform for investigation and wisdom. This course is suitable for
both beginners and experienced meditators.
Cost $1,145 - $695, sliding scale plus a donation to the teachers and retreat
staff.
(See website for teacher bios.)
18
Wisdom & Love: The Face of Awakening
Saturday, July 24, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Mind Games:
Buddhist Meditation for Fun & Enlightenment
Howard Cohn
Sunday, July 25, 10 am – 4:30 pm
A favorite poem by Galway Kinnell says, “Sometimes it is necessary
to re-teach a thing its loveliness.” When our minds are awake and
our hearts are open, we naturally see clearly and respond with love,
compassion, joy and equanimity. Since we are not always open, we
can benefit by reminding ourselves and awakening these beautiful
qualities that are our birthright. During this daylong of sitting and
walking in silence, we will cultivate the Four Divine Abodes, radiating
good will and cultivating balance of mind.
Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators.
door. Code HC5D10. Please bring your lunch.
Dedicated Practitioners’ Program (DPP IV)
Applications Open SUMMER 2010
Designed for serious students of Insight Meditation, the
Dedicated Practitioners’ Program (DPP) will engage you
in expanding your understanding of the Dharma and
intensifying your practice. Offering a comprehensive curriculum
on the Buddha’s teachings over a two-year period, DPP includes
five 7-day interactive training retreats, year round study
through classes and homework, group discussions and teacher
sponsorship.
“The best educational program I have ever participated in.”
– Alison
Students of DPP experience a profound impact on their
meditation practice and their ability to live the teachings
authentically in daily life, bringing the Dharma alive in new and
often unexpected ways.
Experience a different kind of retreat. Unlike many Insight
Meditation retreats, DPP retreats are not held in silence. To offer
the intense study that senior students need, DPP is interactive,
participatory and creative, with plenty of open discussion
throughout each day.
Take this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the
Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Compassion and the
Bodhisattva Path, Not-Self, the Brahma Viharas, Emotions and
Entanglements, and Learning from the Suttas. DPP offers a
wonderful path for bringing the Dharma alive in your life.
Wes Nisker
The insights that come from Buddhist meditation do not demand
long and difficult hours of sitting practice. During this daylong we
will do a series of guided meditations and reflections that point
directly to the most important insights for self-liberation. We
will focus on the evolutionary origin of our body and emotions;
practice death and dying; examine our nature “as” nature; and all
the while explore the tricky delusions of mind and the mystery of
consciousness itself. In the process we find relief from our personal
dramas as well as a new sense of belonging and meaning in our lives.
The talks and discussions will present both traditional Buddhist
views of self and reality, as well as some of the latest information
from astrophysics, evolutionary biology and psychology to support
and guide the meditations. The day will include poetry and a little
crazy wisdom as well.
door. Code WN2D10. Please bring your lunch.
Singles Sangha
Friday, July 30, 7:30 – 10 pm
Dana DePalma
Join us for an evening of meditation, conscious communication and
connection. Bring a snack or beverage to share if you wish.
Requested donation $15 at the door.
“
The Buddha said to Sariputta, ‘Your faculties are
clear. The color of your skin is pure and bright.
What abiding do you abide in now, Sariputta?’
Sariputta replied, ‘Now I often abide in
Emptiness.’”
– The Buddha (Middle Length Discourses 151.2)
Become a part of a community that will challenge, broaden
and vitalize you’re understanding and embodiment of central
Buddhist teachings. Look for more information on DPP IV this
summer at spiritrock.org.
19
Introduction to Insight Meditation
In this traditional Insight Meditation (Vipassana) daylong, the
emphasis is on deepening into the silence that allows for the
awakening of the heart. There will be systematic instructions in
both sitting and walking meditation, as well as time for discussion
and dharma talks. This daylong is especially good for beginning
meditators and for those wanting a refresher in traditional
instruction.
door. Code SC2D10. Please bring your lunch.
August
Day for Experienced Students —
A Journey through the Nine Bodies: Exploring the
Energy States that Arise during Meditation
Sunday, August 1, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phillip Moffitt
Every experienced vipassana student discovers that there are
many ‘levels of being’ that are not usually noticeable in daily
life. One map for exploring these levels of being is The Nine
Bodies as taught by Rishi Premvarni in Rishikesh, India. Premvarni
teaches that there is a unique energetic feeling to each of these
nine bodies. Learning to recognize and access them can inspire and
inform your meditation practice.
This daylong for experienced meditation students will consist of
nine periods of sitting meditation (one for each of the nine bodies),
interspersed with an explanation of each of the bodies, and walking
meditations. Students with a yoga background will also find that this
teaching can illuminate their asana practice.
“
Reflecting, ‘This is empty of self or of what
belongs to a self.’ This is called the liberation of
mind through emptiness.”
– The Buddha (Middle Length Discourses 43.33)
door. Code PM4D10. Please bring your lunch.
In addition to 25 years of vipassana practice, Phillip Moffitt has studied in India with
Rishi Premvarni for the last ten years. He is currently writing a book about the nine
bodies as taught to him by Premvarni.
20
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Family Retreat (LOTTERY) — FULL
Young Adults’ Insight Meditation Retreat
Wednesday, August 4 - Sunday, August 8 (4 nights)
Monday, August 9 - Sunday, August 15 (6 nights)
Gil Fronsdal, ajahn Pasanno, Betsy Rose & others
Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, Marvin Belzer, Dori Langevin, Will
(See page 28 for full description)
Kabat-Zinn, Teja Bell (qigong)
This is a powerful opportunity for young adults to practice quieting
their minds and opening their heart through the practices of insight
and lovingkindness meditations. Together we will learn that freedom
is possible through meeting ourselves, our relationships and our
world with deepened wisdom, compassion and acceptance.
The retreat will include silent and guided meditation, qigong,
community-building, and some discussion on issues facing young
adults (18 to mid-30’s).
It is our wish to support the practice needs of meditators in early
adulthood. To this end, Spirit Rock extends a special invitation to
young adults (age 18-26) who wish to attend this retreat at a special
rate of $15 per night, on a first come, first served basis. A limited
number of special rates are available, please apply early.
staff.
“
“It is because it is empty of self and
of what belongs to self that it is said,
‘Empty is the world.’”
– The Buddha (Samyutta Nikaya 35.85)
Marvin Belzer has practiced vipassana and Dzogchen for many years, influenced in
his practice by the Burmese monk Sayadaw U Pandita, the Tibetan teacher Tsoknyi
Rinpoche, and others. He is a professor at Bowling Green St. University, where he
teaches logic and a vipassana meditation course as part of the philosophy program.
He has taught meditation for 15 years and helped develop the youth retreats at the
IMS in the early ‘90s.
Dori Langevin, Psy.D has studied and practiced meditation since 1997, primarily
with Tara Brach and the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC. She
joined the IMCW Teachers Council in 2003. She has taught retreats nationally and
recently began teaching young adult and teen retreats. She is currently in teacher
training program with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein.
Will Kabat-Zinn has practiced Vipassana meditation intensively in the U.S. and in
Burma. For the past eight years he has taught meditation and awareness practices
to incarcerated youth. He also teaches regularly at SF Insight, Spirit Rock and
California Institute for Integral Studies (CIIS). He is in teacher training with Jack
Kornfield.
Teja Bell has more than 30 years of experience training and teaching energy arts,
healing practices and dharma. He teaches the essence of Qigong and its connection
with Dharma and Meditation.
21
CLASS SERIES
BENEFIT WEEKEND
Facing the Difficulties & Challenges in Meditation
& On Our Path to Freedom
The Inner Flow of the Enneagram: Movements
of Defense & Deepening
4 Tuesday evenings, August 10 – 31, 7 – 9 pm
Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15, 10 am - 5 pm
Arinna Weisman
In this class series we will explore the five challenges or obstructions
the Buddha named on our path to freedom. They are desire, aversion,
heaviness of mind or sloth and torpor, anxiety and restlessness,
and doubt. We will cultivate the specific antidotes to each of these
with a particular emphasis on loving ourselves when facing these
challenges. There will be guided meditations, exercises, a dharma
talk and group discussion. Open to all.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this class series at a rate of $20.
Cost $40 plus a donation to the teacher. Code AW1C10.
Arinna Weisman has studied Vipassana Meditation since 1979 and has been
teaching since 1988. Her root teacher, Ruth Denison, was empowered by the great
Burmese master U Bha Khin. She is the co-author of A Beginner’s Guide to Insight
Meditation. Her teaching is infused with her political activism, and she has been
leading retreats for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community since
1991.
Sandra Maitri
This weekend workshop is a benefit for the Ridhwan
Foundation & the Spirit Rock Scholarship Fund.
The inner flow of the enneagram of personality charts the
movement of our psyche both toward increasing selfdefense as well as toward increasing access to a deeper and
motivating layer within. We will work with what is referred
to as the ‘heart point’ of each ennea-type as well as the
‘defensive point’, tracking these movements in our lives and
inner process.
We will cover the understanding of our inner child from
the perspective of the enneagram, and the qualities of our
deepest nature that opening to this part of ourselves can
allow. In this weekend workshop, we will explore these
movements through working with the theory and through
self-exploration to experientially contact its truth.
A basic knowledge of the ennea-types is necessary to get
the most out of this workshop. For those who know nothing
about the enneagram, please read the chapters on the
ennea-types in Sandra’s first book, The Spiritual Dimension
of the Enneagram.
Friday, August 13, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Kevin Griffin
“
Cost $210 - $150 sliding scale until July 29. $240 - $180 sliding scale
after July 29. Add $5 at the door. Code SM1B10. Please bring your
lunch.
It is not possible for emotional habits to sustain
themselves, because, being impermanent, their
nature is to arise and cease. You then begin to
recognize the value of this expansiveness, which
some people call emptiness. Whatever you
choose to name it doesn’t really matter, so long
as you can recognize it. It’s a natural state, it’s not
created—I don’t create this emptiness.”
Sandra Maitri is the author of The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram:
Nine Faces of the Soul and The Enneagram of Passions and Virtues:
Finding Our Way Home. She has worked with the enneagram for 40
years, and was part of the first group of students to study it with Claudio
Naranjo. She is one of the principal teachers of the Ridhwan School,
home of the Diamond Approach, and a member of its leadership council.
Her background also includes extensive meditation experience in the
Theravada and Vajrayana traditions.
– AJAHN SUMEDHO, from The Sound of Silence
SUPPORTING SPIRIT ROCK ONLINE IS EASY
Making a gift to Spirit Rock is easy!
Visit spiritrock.org and click on Giving.
22
door. Code BS1S10. Please bring your lunch. 6 hours of CE credit availble for
MFTs, LCSWs, nurses & psychologists from SRMC-SCRC for $30.
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Concentration Retreat
Monday, August 16 - Wednesday, August 25 (9 nights)
Phillip Moffitt, Sally Clough Armstrong, Andrea Fella,
Richard Shankman
Concentration (samadhi) defined as the collection and unification
of the mind, was emphasized by the Buddha as one of the aspects
of the Eightfold Path. It can bring joy to your practice and develop
the skillful use of pleasure in the meditative process. Whatever
your level of practice, you can improve your Insight Meditation
(Vipassana) by strengthening your concentration skills. Your ability
to concentrate will develop in response to the attention you give it.
This retreat offers a series of techniques for staying on the
meditation object for extended periods of time. We will explore
the factors of concentration that lead to the deep absorption states
known as jhana. Teachers will also give instruction for utilizing
concentration during insight practice.
Bob Stahl, a long-time practitioner of insight meditation, lived in a Buddhist
monastery for over eight years. He has a PhD in Philosophy and Religion with a
specialization in Buddhist Studies, and now directs MBSR programs in six Bay
Area medical centers. Bob studied with several renowned Burmese master and has
experience with 32 parts of the body, 4 elements and charnel ground meditations.
Steve Flowers directs the MBSR Clinic at Enloe Medical Center. He is a long-time
meditator and mindfulness-based psychotherapist in private practice in Chico,
CA. He leads Mindful Living Programs retreats for health professionals with his
colleague Bob Stahl and conducts international MBSR programs online using video
conferencing technologies.
BENEFIT EVENT
Cost $1,145 - $695, sliding scale plus a donation to the teachers and retreat
staff.
Sobonfu Somé, Spring Washam
Andrea Fella has been practicing Insight Meditation since 1996, and began teaching
meditation classes in 2003. She is particularly drawn to intensive retreat practice,
and has done a number of long retreats, both in the U.S. and Burma. She is currently
in teacher training with Jack Kornfield and Gil Fronsdal.
This daylong is a transformational and soul-invigorating
workshop designed to break through our cultural barriers of
grief. There is a need to periodically feel and express grief in
order to purge the soul from hurts and pains. The interdiction
and suppression of emotion in general, and grief in particular,
has recently been linked to the general sense of spiritual
drought, emotional confusion and certain illnesses we
experience in our life.
Richard Shankman has been a meditator since 1970 and teaches regularly at
dharma centers in the U.S. He is a co-founder of both the Sati Center for Buddhist
Studies and Mindful Schools, a program bringing mindfulness training primarily into
low income schools. He is the author of The Experience of Samadhi.
Meditation as Medicine: Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction — An Approach to Stress
Reduction, Chronic Pain & Illness
Saturday, August 21, 9:30 am – 5 pm
Bob Stahl, Steve Flowers
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program
was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, from the University of
Massachusetts Medical Center and featured in Bill Moyer’s series
“Healing and the Mind.” This program is specifically designed for
people living with stress, pain or illness, and supports individuals as
well as the work of therapists and other caregivers.
MBSR consists of intensive training in mindfulness meditation,
gentle mindful movement and group support. The program is
designed for people who yearn for more balance in day-to-day life,
and it promotes healthy living, renewal and stress management.
Mindfulness is the practice of cultivating non-judgmental awareness
in day-to-day life. Mindfulness develops the potential to experience
each moment, no matter how difficult or intense, with serenity and
clarity. One can feel more alive and gain access to the powerful
inner resources for healing. Participants learn lifelong tools to help
maximize life, even in the midst of stress, pain and illness.
This event is a Benefit for the Spirit Rock Diversity Program.
To begin to regain a serious and lasting sense of
connectedness with ourselves and with spirit, we need to
find a proper place to release our grief—grief about all the
losses we have endured in this lifetime, the loss of loved
ones, the loss of our dreams and the loss of our connection
with our ancestors.
In the traditional world of the Dagara of Burkina Faso West
Africa, the ritual of grief, conducted almost daily in different
parts of the tribe, is the Dagara people’s way of releasing
the tension caused by loss, and to restore continuity in
their relationships. We will enter into the ritual space of
grief following the traditional model of the Dagara. It is
our hope that it brings a deep sense of release, peace and
connectedness in your life.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this daylong at a rate of
$25.
Cost $50 - $75, sliding scale plus a donation to the teachers. Add $5
at the door. Code PC1B10. Please bring your lunch.
23
CLASS SERIES
Essential Dharma: Core Buddhist Teachings, Part 3
10 Wednesdays, September 15 - November 17, 7 - 9 pm
Mark Coleman, sharda rogell
This is the third session in a 3-part, 10-week series. NOTE: This class series is offered yearly. Sessions can be taken out of order, e.g. you
can take Part 3 now and then take Part 1 and 2 later. Prerequisite - completion of an introductory meditation class series (or equivalent)
or teacher approval.
The Essential Dharma course offers an in-depth understanding of core Buddhist teachings and meditation practices essential in the
journey of awakening as taught within the Insight meditation tradition. In Part 3, we will explore essential aspects of the Buddha’s
teaching such as: The Three Characteristics including impermanence and anatta (selflessness); The life of the Buddha; and Nirvana—
awakening on the path.
This course is ideal for those who wish to gain both an overview of the Buddha’s teaching and to develop experience in Buddhist
practices and meditation. There is a practical emphasis on how we apply and live these teachings in our everyday lives. The teaching will
also emphasize the importance of cultivating an embodied awareness moment to moment.
Each class has readings and home assignments/practices. We use a ‘buddy system,’ whereby each student has a buddy with whom they
discuss the course home assignments and practices. This course is excellent preparation for participation in the Dedicated Practitioners’
Program.
Registration and Payment:
Please register and pay in advance for the course. Course fee is $150/10-week session. (Fee only - no teacher donation will be requested.). Code YR3C10.
Scholarships and partial work exchange are available for this class. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. To discuss scholarship options, contact the
Volunteer and Community Coordinator at (415) 488-0164 x 224.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this class series for $75.
Cost $150, fee includes teacher donation. Code YR3C10.
Awake in the Wild
Saturday, August 21, 9:15 am – 5 pm
Mark Coleman
This day of silent meditation will be spent entirely outside on the
beautiful land. The day will include various mindfulness meditations
to awaken our sensitivity to the natural world, open our appreciation
of nature as teacher, and encourage an embracing wakefulness
to all moments in our life. Suitable for beginning and experienced
meditators from all traditions.
Please arrive by 9:15 am in order to register and gather with the
group before the walk up the hill. Sorry, we are not able to transport
those with disabilities, as the site is on a hill with no paved path
leading up to it, only a narrow trail. Please bring the following:
something to sit on, such as a cushion, bench/zafu/back support/
blanket/or mat; food for lunch; plenty of water; sunscreen, hat,
sunglasses; layered clothing for protection against hot sun, cold fog
and insects; and shoes for walking 10-15 minutes uphill.
“
Bhikkhus, you should train yourselves thus:
When those discourses of the Buddha that are
profound, transcendent, dealing with emptiness
are heard, you should apply your mind to
understand them. Those teachings should be
studied and mastered.”
– The Buddha (Samyutta Nikaya 20:7)
door. Code MC6D10. Please bring your lunch.
24
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Mindfulness in Education: A Retreat & Training
Thursday, August 26 - Sunday, August 29 (3 nights)
Diana Winston, Susan Kaiser Greenland, Richard Shankman,
Spring Washam
How can we bring mindfulness to classrooms, teachers, school
systems, and children of all ages? Join us for this unique retreat
program where we will practice mindfulness, build community,
learn techniques from experts who have brought mindfulness
into schools, and explore the larger questions of mindfulness in
education.
Using a modified retreat format, we will intersperse our days with
silent, led, mindful sitting, walking, and other practices, followed by
trainings and opportunities to learn how to bring mindfulness to your
school, classroom, child, and of course, yourself.
This program is for educators, teachers, mental health professionals,
parents, and others interested in this important issue.
Note: Ends after lunch on Sunday. This retreat is not fully silent, but
there will be many opportunities for silent practice.
staff.
Susan Kaiser Greenland develops and teaches mindfulness programs to children
as well as to teachers, parents, therapists and health care professionals. The
co-founder of InnerKids, she is a member of the clinical team for the Pediatric
Pain Clinic at UCLA’s Children’s Hospital and a consultant with UCLA’s Mindful
Awareness Research Center. She is the author of The Mindful Child.
Singles Sangha
Friday, August 27, 7:30 – 10 pm
(See page 22 for Richard Shankman bio.)
Wes Nisker
Spring Washam has practiced meditation in various traditions since 1997. She is
a founding teacher of the East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, CA. She is in
teacher training with Jack Kornfield. Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing
mindfulness-based meditation practices to inner city communities.
The Mystery of Spiritual Surrender
Saturday, August 28, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Abhayagiri Teen Retreat
Phillip Moffitt
Abhayagiri Monastery, Redwood Valley, Mendocino
Friday, August 27 - Sunday, August 29 (2 nights)
In this daylong meditation workshop, we will explore through
reading poetry what it means to surrender to your spiritual practice.
We will discover how insight emerges when you surrender your
views, expectations and stories. Poetry can help us develop a felt
sense of surrender and inspire us to surrender in daily life. Surrender
is not a loss of personal authority or strength, but rather it opens us
to a larger stream of courage in the heart. Poetry teaches us faith,
patience, modesty and persistence—qualities that are essential to
developing our capacity for surrendering.
Heather Sundberg, ajahn Pasanno
A group of teens (ages 14-20) and Spirit Rock teen teachers will
travel from Spirit Rock to Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood
Valley, Mendocino for a weekend of camping and practice with the
monastic community. Teens participate in the monastic schedule,
which includes periods of meditation and chanting, working and
hiking on the land and teachings from the monastics. To maintain a
lifestyle of simplicity while at the monastery, participants will take
the Eight Precepts, which include not overindulging in sleep and not
eating a full meal after noon.
This day will consist of sitting and walking meditation practice
interspersed with brief teachings about surrender based on
pre-selected poems. The day is relevant for both beginning and
experienced meditation students.
This retreat is offered by donation. Please contact Heather Sundberg (415)
488-0164 x 227 to request an application. Code TE1R10.
(See page 27 for Ajahn Pasanno bio.)
door. Code PM5D10. Please bring your lunch.
25
Insight Meditation Daylong
Sunday, August 29, 9 am - 5 pm
Life Beyond Buddhism: Exploring the Wide World
of the Living Dharma
Jack Kornfield
Sunday, September 5, 9:30 am - 4 pm
This is a traditional Insight Meditation (Vipassana) daylong
that includes systematic instructions, silent sitting and walking
meditation, and a dharma talk. It is suitable for both beginning and
experienced meditators. We ask that you please carpool to this
popular event.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this day for $25.
door. Code JK2D10. Please bring your lunch.
September
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
Wednesday, September 1 - Monday, September 6 (5 nights)
James Baraz, Sharda Rogell, Howard Cohn
This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and
developing clarity and depth of practice. Traditional instructions
will be combined with a spirit of lovingkindness and silent sitting,
walking, dharma talks, and interviews. This is a good retreat for both
beginning and experienced students.
staff.
Embodying Joy
Sylvia Boorstein, Lin Jensen
A day of meditation, talks, and conversation with Sylvia Boorstein
and Lin Jensen exploring the many and divergent sources of the living
dharma.
Dharma bears two essential meanings, the first being the teachings
of the Buddha and the second being phenomena, the stuff of life
itself, the reality of things as they actually exist. Both dharmas teach,
though dharma in this second sense often appears at the most
unlikely times, in the most unlikely places and variations. The student
of Buddhism learns not only from the dharma of traditional teachings
but from life’s wider experiences as well.
Join Sylvia, a Vipassana teacher, and Lin, a Zen teacher, in exploring
how the dharma of these two specific traditions along with the
dharma of everyday chance and event have shaped their lives and
the lives of so many others.
“The spirit likes to dress up like this - ten fingers, ten toes.” —Mary Oliver
door. Code SB7D10. Please bring your lunch.
Lin Jensen is Senior Buddhist Chaplain to High Desert State Prison in Susanville,
California, and founder and teacher of the Chico Zen Sangha in Chico, CA, where he
writes and works on behalf of nonviolence and in defense of the earth. Lin has roots
in both Soto and Rinzai Zen and is the author of six books on Zen. His new book
Deep Down Things will be released in Fall 2010.
Saturday, September 4, 9:30 am - 5 pm
Friday, September 10, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, Carolyn Hobbs
“Keep knocking and the joy inside will open a window and look out to see
who’s there.” — Rumi
Joy is within every person and we limit our joy when we believe that
it depends on outer conditions. Through practice, we experience that
joy is a divine abode of our great heart. We learn that we can use any
feeling as a passageway back to the joy that is our natural birthright.
In this experiential workshop we will learn Buddhist meditation
practices that cultivate everyday joy; reconnect with our moment-tomoment joy through simple body, breath and movement awareness
exercises; and combine the wisdom of dharma and psychology to
explore how we lose track of our joy and how we can reclaim it.
door. Please bring your lunch. Code DC1D10.
6 hours of CE credit availble for MFTs, LCSWs, nurses and psychologists from
SRMC-SCRC for $30.
Kevin Griffin
“
Examine your mind to see what kind of currents
it’s flowing after. Then stop to look at them. Stop
to be aware of them. Ultimately, you’ll see that
there’s actually nothing there, just arising and
passing away in emptiness, like a projected image
that flashes into being and disappears, empty of
any essence.”
– Upasika Kee Nanayon
Carolyn Hobbs, MFT, is the author of Joy, No Matter What: Make 3 Simple
Choices To Access Your Inner Joy. She has practiced Buddhist meditation for 28
years and is a former graduate professor at Naropa Institute. She teaches workshops
nationally and has a body-centered therapy practice in Durango, Colorado.
26
BENEFIT EVENT
Byron Katie
This workshop is a benefit for the Spirit Rock
Scholarship Fund.
“I need to be different.
I should lose weight.
My children shouldn’t talk back.
My partner should listen to me.”
Thoughts like these may run through your mind hundreds of times a
day, fostering fear, anger, stress and depression. The Work of Byron
Katie is a way to deeply investigate these thoughts. Its four simple
questions can radically transform your life.
The Work has been called the most powerful self-realization
practice ever developed. Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now,
says, “The Work is like a razor-sharp sword that cuts through illusion
and enables you to know for yourself the timeless essence of your
being.”
In this workshop, Katie, with her humor and lovingly incisive clarity,
will introduce you to The Work. Anyone with an open mind can
do it. She will show you how to identify and question the stressful
thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world, and how selfinquiry can deepen your practice and bring you a happy life.
Note: We expect a full house for this event, so please register early
to ensure your space. Carpooling is required and there will be a $10
fee for cars with less than two passengers.
Cost $150 - $90 sliding scale. Add $5 at the door. Code BK1B10. Please bring
your lunch.
Byron Katie woke up one morning in 1986 at the bottom of a ten-year fall into
depression, anger and addiction, and realized that all suffering comes from
believing our thoughts. She saw that no one is separate from anyone or anything.
Many people have moments of clarity, but Katie went further. Questioning every
painful thought she had, she developed an amazing way to pass on her experience,
a method of inquiry she called The Work.
Day for Experienced Students: Unifying the
Personal and the Transcendent
Sunday, September 12, 9:30am – 5pm
Sharda Rogell
We could never have guessed
We were already blessed
where we are . . .
Even though the Buddha placed emphasis on discovering the
non-self, or impersonal nature of our existence, our spiritual journey
feels so very personal. In this daylong, we will explore the paradox
between the personal and the impersonal (or transcendent) nature
and discover the unifying thread between the two. We will discuss
the difference between cutting through our story and using our
story and our emotional life for deeper inquiry. We will explore how
“spiritual bypassing, “ or transcending too soon becomes a way to
avoid our humanity and the truth of our suffering.
There will be periods of sitting, walking, discussions and interactive
practices to support and deepen our inquiry together.
Prerequisite: Residential retreat experience or at least one year of
committed practice.
Cost $50 - $108, sliding scale plus donation to teacher. Code SR2D10. Please
bring your lunch.
Saturday, September 18, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Mark Coleman
Have you noticed the negative disabling effects of self-judgment?
Are you prone to judging everything you do as not good enough, not
quite right, not living up to some impossibly high standard? Do you
find yourself harshly judging your meditation, your practice or your
other spiritual practices?
If you would you like to learn how to be more free from the torment
of the inner critic, then this day is for you. You will learn: how to
recognize judging thoughts; the role and function of the inner
critic—its purpose and limitations; how to deal effectively with
self-judgment and inner critic attacks; how to distinguish between
negative judgment and wise discernment; the role of a healthy
conscience versus reliance on the inner critic; how to develop
greater self-acceptance and self-compassion; the practice of metta
or lovingkindness as an antidote to the critic; and the need and role
of humor in helping us with the critic.
The day will be a combination of meditation, talks, and interactive
exercises and is open to new and experienced students. Teachings
are appropriate for both individuals and health care professionals.
This will be a practical and experiential day taught with lightness,
compassion and humor and the need to not take ourselves too
seriously.
door. Code MC5D10. Please bring your lunch. 5 hours of CE credit availble for
MFTs, LCSWs, nurses and psychologists from SRMC-SCRC for $30.
– James Taylor
The Buddhist path is filled with paradoxes. We have heard that the
goal of the path is to transcend this world. But yet, we are asked
to question whether we need to go anywhere, or even leave this
moment to discover what we are looking for. Maybe ultimately, our
quest is about simply being human.
27
Recollections of Ajahn Chah — Monastic Dayong
[Dana – No Fee Day]
Singles Sangha
Friday, September 24, 7:30 – 10 pm
Sunday, September 19, 9 am – 5 pm
Mark Coleman
Ajahn Pasanno
When he passed away in 1992, Venerable Ajahn Chah had become
one of the most highly revered Buddhist meditation masters in
Thailand. His state funeral was attended by the King and Queen of
Thailand as well as close to 10,000 monastics and over 400,000
laypeople. Ajahn Chah left behind a thriving community of
monasteries and lay supporters all over the world. Ajahn Pasanno,
co-abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery since 1997, was a monastic
disciple of Ajahn Chah at Wat Pah Pong Monastery from 1974 - 1981.
On this daylong retreat, we have the opportunity to practice in the
Thai Forest tradition with a senior Theravada monk and hear direct
stories, teachings and recollections from Ajahn Pasanno’s days in
Thailand with his beloved teacher. There will be sitting and walking
meditation, and dharma talks throughout the day.
Lunch: Bring lunch and, if you wish, food to offer the monks.
Food and other donations also gratefully accepted for Abhayagiri
Monastery, though are by no means required. You can request a
current list of needed items by contacting the monastery at (707)
485-1630.
Dana: This is a dana (donation) day. Our regular daylong fee of $50-$108 is
waived for this event. As Spirit Rock and Abhayagiri Monastery are supported
by your donation, please donate whatever you wish.
Ajahn Pasanno took ordination in Thailand in 1974. During his first year as a monk
he met Ajahn Chah, with whom he asked to be allowed to stay and train. One of
the early residents of Wat Pah Nanachat, Ven. Pasanno became its abbot in his
ninth year. During his incumbency Wat Pah Nanachat developed considerably,
both in physical size and in reputation. Ajahn Pasanno became a well-known and
highly respected monk and Dhamma teacher in Thailand. Ajahn Pasanno moved to
California on New Year’s Eve of 1997 to share the abbotship of Abhayagiri.
Teen Meditation Daylong (in the Yurt)
Sunday, September 19, 10 am - 5 pm
TBA
(See page 28 for full description)
HALF DAYS
Mindfulness 101
Lovingkindness 101
Saturday, September 25,
Donald Rothberg
We offer this expanded day of Mindfulness and
Lovingkindness meditation in a flexible format to fit your
busy life: You are invited to join us for the morning, for the
afternoon or for both sessions. Suitable for beginners or for
people wanting a refresher on Mindfulness.
Mindfulness 101
9 am - 12:30 pm (morning session)
A half-day retreat with alternating periods of sitting and
walking meditation and sequential instructions in mindfulness
practice. There will be direction in mindfulness of the
breath, body, emotions, thoughts, and broader patterns of
experience, both more personal and more universal. The
day will be held mostly in silence with some short talks, and
will generally focus on the integration of mindfulness and
lovingkindness.
Lovingkindness 101
1:30 - 5 pm (afternoon session)
In lovingkindness (metta) practice, we cultivate a warm,
open heart towards ourselves and others. We grow in selfacceptance and compassion, work through our judgments of
self and others, and become better able to speak and act from
our hearts in daily life. This half-day of lovingkindness practice
will include instructions, alternating periods of silent sitting
and walking meditation, short talks, discussion, and a focus
on supporting lovingkindness in the midst of our lives.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend both sessions of this day
for $25.
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Community Dharma Leader (CDL) Retreat #1
Sunday, September 19 - Sunday, September 26 (7 nights)
Eugene Cash, Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Thanissara
This retreat is part of the Community Dharma Leaders’ Program,
a 2 1/2-year training for senior students who wish to offer classes
and daylong retreats to their local sanghas. Participation in the CDL
program is by application and requires a recommendation from a
senior vipassana teacher who is willing to mentor the student for the
entire program.
Cost $50 - $108 ($35-$55 per half day), sliding scale plus a donation
to the teacher. Codes DR4H10, DR5H10 (morning), DR6H10
(afternoon). Add $5 at the door. Please bring your lunch.
“
Emptiness is to relinquish all views. Those who
cling to a view of emptiness are incurable.”
–Nagarjuna, from Verses from the Center (translated by Stephen Batchelor
and re-phrased by Guy Armstrong)
Prepaid.
28
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Sacred Embodiment: Awakening Intimacy With Life
— A Retreat for Women
Monday, September 27 - Sunday, October 3 (6 nights)
Lama Tsultrim Allione (Guest teacher), Julie Wester,
Anna Douglas
In our religious traditions—both eastern and western—the Feminine
as a sacred presence has been largely missing. Without the
presence of the Feminine, the life of the body, the value of intimate
relationships, the wisdom of emotions and sexuality, and reverence
for the natural world have been separated from the spiritual. This
split between the spiritual and the material has contributed to a
world out of balance.
Family Program
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Family Retreat (LOTTERY) — FULL
Wednesday, August 4 - Sunday, August 8 (4 nights)
Gil Fronsdal, ajahn Pasanno, Betsy Rose & others
This five-day, four-night retreat is for families with children ages 5-15
and will include periods of family activities, young people’s groups,
parent program and dharma activities.
staff.
In this retreat, held primarily in silence, we will explore mindful
awareness practices of embodiment through sitting and movement
meditation and creative expression. Lama Tsultrim will teach on
some of the lost lineages of sacred sexuality and relationship and will
introduce the Mandala of the Five Dakinis, a powerful practice for
transforming afflictive emotions into wisdom and compassion.
CLASS SERIES
Through these practices we are re-establishing lineages of awake
embodiment. We discover as women that we can welcome all of who
we are into our spiritual practice, healing and reclaiming what has
been lost. We can begin to meet life with passionate intimacy. All
women are welcome.
This is a class for parents and caregivers of children. This is an
offering for parents, grandparents, foster parents, teachers and
caregivers—essentially, anyone who is engaged with children. New
parents are welcome to bring your pre-crawling babies.
staff.
Lama Tsultrim Allione, MA, was one of the first Americans to be ordained as a
Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1970 by H.H. 16th Karmapa and spent several years as
a monastic in the Himalayas. She later disrobed, raised a family, and has become
one of the most respected Buddhist teachers in the West. Teaching for more than
30 years, she is the founder and spiritual director of Tara Mandala, a 700-acre
retreat center in southwest Colorado. Lama Tsultrim is author of the groundbreaking
book Women of Wisdom and her latest book is Feeding the Demons: Ancient
Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict.
Serenity and Equanimity: The Wise and Loving
Response to Life’s Joys and Sorrows
Sunday, September 26, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Howard Cohn
Equanimity is the last of the Four Divine Abodes, the last of
the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, the last of the Ten Paramis and
is the quality present in the last of the Rupa Jhanas (high states of
concentration). This fact reminds us that it is a quality of utmost
importance in the awakened life and the only sensible way to meet
our ever-changing life and circumstances.
This daylong will illuminate this balancing force that is within our
mind’s natural capacity but gets obscured by ignorance and the
forces of grasping and ill will. Sitting and walking in silence, we
will explore what equanimity is and isn’t and share teachings and
practices that can reliably awaken this unshakable balance.
The Path of Parenting
6 Mondays, September 20 – November 29, 10:30 am – 12 noon
(held every other week)
Dana DePalma, Grace Fisher
Parenting has the potential to be a profound spiritual practice. In this
class we’ll offer the teachings of mindfulness, lovingkindness and
other teachings of the Buddha to help navigate challenges, find our
own wisdom, and deepen the joys of daily life with kids. Each class
will include meditation, teaching and discussion. Open to new and
experienced meditators. At the last class we’ll have a simple “Baby
Blessing” ceremony to celebrate and welcome the newest members
of our community—everyone welcome.
Young Adults (18-26) are invited to attend this class series for $30.
Cost $48 - $60. Code FA2C10.
Dana DePalma has practiced Insight Meditation since 1993. She holds a Masters
Degree in Counseling Psychology and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Currently, she is the mother of an exuberant preschooler. She is in teacher training
with Jack Kornfield.
Grace Fisher is a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with children, families
and young adults. As a mother of a toddler, she is especially interested in holding
and supporting parenthood as a spiritual path.
“
Matter is like a mass of foam, feelings like an
airy bubble, perceptions like a mirage, and
consciousness like a magic show. They are all
empty, hollow, and insubstantial.”
– The Buddha (Samyutta Nikaya 22:95)
door. Code HC6D10. Please bring your lunch.
29
Teen Program
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Abhayagiri Monastery, Redwood Valley, Mendocino
Friday, August 27 – Sunday, August 29 (2 nights)
Heather Sundberg, Ajahn Pasanno
Teen Meditation Daylong (in the Yurt)
Sunday, September 19, 10 am - 5 pm
TBA
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
– Get your head straight, chill out, learn to focus, and appreciate life
to its fullest!
– Explore your mind, emotions, thoughts, senses and body.
People of Color Meditation Retreat – FULL with
Waiting List
– Connect with other cool teens in a positive, meaningful way.
This meditation daylong for teens offers a great opportunity for
meditation practice and the exploration of how to live our lives with
authenticity, kindness and wisdom. They are a “don’t miss!” for
any teen interested in experiencing meditation and mindfulness
practices, truthful/heartfelt communication, safe community, and
a time to relax and reflect on the mysteries and truths of our lives.
Periods guided sitting and walking meditation will be offered, along
with group games and sharing time.
For Teens ages 13 - 19.
Wednesday, July 7 - Wednesday, July 14 (7 nights)
Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Anushka Fernandopulle, Bhante
Buddharakkhita, Konda Mason (yoga)
This retreat offers self-identified People of Color a unique
opportunity to be together in spiritual community. Through the
teaching and practice of Insight Meditation (Vipassana), we will
learn to stay centered in wisdom and compassion, to cultivate
a clear mind and an open heart, and to explore the possibility of
experiencing greater happiness and freedom in an often oppressive
society.
This retreat is offered on a donation basis.
Cost $30. Code TE1D10. Please bring your lunch.
Community &
Multicultural Program
BENEFIT EVENT
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Forgiveness: the Wisdom of Our Hearts
(A Retreat for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex &
Same-Gender Loving Community)
Monday, December 13 - Sunday, December 19 (6 nights)
There is a communion of love which underlies all life which we can
call upon to open our hearts and release the defenses and patterns
that separate us from ourselves and each other. As this year ends,
we have a special opportunity as Rainbow Family to come together
to practice forgiveness and wisdom as we enter a new year.
Sobonfu Somé, Spring Washam
This event is a Benefit for the Spirit Rock Diversity Program.
Arinna Weisman, Larry Yang, Pascal Auclair
There will be instructions in mindfulness meditation in sitting,
walking and movement, guided loving kindness and forgiveness
meditations, dharma talks, and time for group and individual
exploration in a safe environment.
It is our wish to support the practice needs of meditators in early
adulthood. To this end, Spirit Rock extends a special invitation to
young adults (age 18-26) who wish to attend this retreat at a special
rate of $15 per night, on a first come, first served basis. A limited
number of special rates are available, please apply early.
staff.
30
Residential Retreats 2010 At-a-Glance
Registration forms are available on the Spirit Rock website. Each retreat is different. Please download the forms for the specific retreat you plan
to attend. If you do not have access to the website, please call (415) 488-0164 x 243, or e-mail [email protected].
dates
retreat
teachers
open date
Jul 2 - 11
Vajrapani Insight Meditation Retreat
Mary Grace Orr, Gil Fronsdal, Noah Levine
Open
Jul 7 - 14
People of Color Meditation Retreat (LOTTERY)
Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Bhante Buddharakkhita,
Anushka Fernandopulle, Konda Mason (yoga)
FULL
Jul 16 - 23
Metta Retreat
Sally Clough Armstrong, James Baraz, Sharda Rogell,
Anushka Fernandopulle, Selene Seltzer (qigong)
FULL
Jul 23 - Aug 1
Joseph Goldstein, Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters, Sky Dawson
FULL
Aug 4 - 8
Family Retreat
Gil Fronsdal, Ajahn Pasanno, Betsy Rose
FULL
Aug 9 - 15
Young Adults’ Insight Meditation Retreat
Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, Marvin Belzer, Dori Langevin,
Will Kabat-Zinn, Teja Bell (qigong)
Open
Aug 16 - 25
Concentration Retreat
Phillip Moffitt, Sally Clough Armstrong, Richard Shankman, Andrea Fella
Open
Aug 26 - 29
Mindfulness in Education: A Retreat and Training
Diana Winston, Susan Kaiser Greenland, Richard Shankman,
Spring Washam
Open
Aug 27 - 29
Heather Sundberg, Ajahn Pasanno
Open
Sep 1 - 6
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
James Baraz, Sharda Rogell, Howard Cohn, Terry Vandiver (yoga)
Open
Sep 19 - 26
Community Dharma Leader (CDL) Retreat #1
Eugene Cash, Larry Yang, Gina Sharpe, Thanissara
Prepaid
Sep 27 - Oct 3
Sacred Embodiment: Awakening Intimacy with
Life – A Retreat for Women
Lama Tsultrim Allione (guest teacher), Julie Wester, Anna Douglas
Open
Oct 4 - 10
Kind Awareness Retreat
Noah Levine, Wes Nisker, Vinny Ferraro and others
6/4
Oct 12 - 19
Meditation and the Spirit of Creativity
Anna Douglas, Wes Nisker, Mayumi Oda, Susan Moon, Anne Cushman
6/11
Oct 12 - 19
Cultivating Clear Seeing, Opening the Heart
Donald Rothberg, Sean Feit (yoga)
6/11
Oct 21 - 31
Jack Kornfield, Phillip Moffitt, Mark Coleman, Spring Washam,
Lila Kate Wheeler
FULL
Nov 1 - 7
Standing Firm in That Which You Are:
Mindfulness of the Body
Mary Grace Orr, Robert Stahl, Marcy Reynolds (qigong)
7/1
Nov 1 - 7
The Art of Embodied Presence
Sharda Rogell
7/1
Nov 11 - 18
Emptiness: A Meditation and Study Retreat
Guy Armstrong, Gil Fronsdal, Sally Clough Armstrong
7/12
Nov 19 - 28
Thanksgiving Insight Meditation Retreat
Robert Hall, Wes Nisker, John Travis, Trudy Goodman, Spring Washam,
Teja Bell (qigong)
7/19
Nov 30 - Dec 5
Discovering Presence in Each Moment
Eugene Cash, Pamela Weiss, Anushka Fernandopulle,
Martina Schneider
7/29
Dec 7 - 12
Howard Cohn, Mary Grace Orr
8/6
Dec 13 - 19
Forgiveness: the Wisdom of Our Hearts (A
Retreat for the LGBTIQ-SGL Communities)
Arinna Weisman, Larry Yang, Pascal Auclair
8/13
Dec 19 - 23
Insight Meditation at the Solstice: Embracing the
Dark, Inviting the Light
Donald Rothberg, John Travis, Heather Sundberg
8/19
Dec 26 - Jan 2
New Year’s Insight Meditation Retreat
(LOTTERY)
John Travis, Gil Fronsdal, Sharda Rogell, Adrianne Ross,
Janice Clarfield (yoga)
7/26
Dec 28 - Jan 2
New Year’s Teen Retreat (for teens ages 15-19)
Heather Sundberg, Spring Washam
8/31
Jan 4-9
Essential Dharma
Howard Cohn, Sharda Rogell, Adrianne Ross
9/3
Jan 10-17
Metta Retreat
Sylvia Boorstein, Donald Rothberg, Heather Martin, Larry Yang,
Heather Sundberg, Konda Mason (yoga)
9/10
Jan 18-23
Women’s Retreat
Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, Julie Wester, Anna Douglas, Dana DePalma,
Dori Langevin
9/17
Feb 5 - Apr 2
Insight Meditation Two Month Retreat (see
teachers below)
Feb 5 - Mar 5
Insight Meditation 1-Month Retreat
James Baraz, Carol Wilson, Guy Armstrong, Adrianne Ross,
8/1
Mar 6 - Apr 2
Insight Meditation 1-Month Retreat
Jack Kornfield, John Travis, Trudy Goodman, Mark Coleman,
Marie Mannschatz, Teja Bell (qigong)
8/1
8/1
To carpool visit our online e-ride-sharing bulletin board at spiritrock.org/forum
31
Spirit Rock Teachers Council
Ajahn Amaro trained in Thailand with Ajahn Chah
and Ajahn Sumedho. He is co-abbot of Abhayagiri
Buddhist Monastery in Mendocino.
Guy Armstrong has been practicing Insight
Meditation for over 30 years and began teaching in
1984. He spent a year as a Buddhist monk in Thailand.
Guy is also a Guiding Teacher of IMS.
Sally Clough Armstrong began practicing Insight
Meditation in 1981 and began teaching in 1996.
She has served at Spirit Rock in a number of roles
and is co-founder and co-teacher of the Dedicated
Practitioners’ Program.
James Baraz has practiced Insight Meditation since
1974 and has been teaching since 1980. James leads
ongoing meditation and Awakening Joy classes in
Berkeley. He is the author of Awakening Joy with
Shoshana Alexander.
Sylvia Boorstein has been teaching since 1985, and
teaches both vipassana and metta meditation. Her
many books include That’s Funny, You Don’t Look
Buddhist and her latest, Happiness Is an Inside Job.
Eugene Cash is a founding teacher of San Francisco
Insight. He is also the co-founder and co-teacher of
the Dedicated Practitioners’ Program. In addition, he
teaches the Diamond Approach® in San Francisco
and Holland.
Debra Chamberlin-Taylor has been leading retreats
since 1978. In addition to practicing Vipassana, she
has been influenced by Dzogchen and Diamond
Heart®. She also leads workshops on embodiment of
awareness and conscious relationships.
Howard Cohn has led vipassana retreats since 1985
and leads a weekly sitting group in San Francisco.
He has studied with teachers of several traditions,
including Theravada, Zen and Dzogchen, and has
been strongly influenced by H.W.L. Poonja.
Mark Coleman has been teaching Insight Meditation
retreats since 1997. He also leads wilderness
meditation retreats, integrating mindfulness
meditation with nature, and is the author of Awake in
the Wild.
Anna Douglas, PhD, has a background in psychology
and the arts, in addition to 25 years of vipassana
practice. She has also studied with teachers in the
Zen, Advaita and Dzogchen traditions.
Gil Fronsdal has practiced Zen and vipassana since
1975 and holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies from
Stanford. He is founding teacher of the Insight
Meditation Center in Redwood City, and author of a
new translation of The Dhammapada.
Robert Hall, MD, is a physician of the body/
mind, a psychiatrist, poet and meditation teacher.
He is a pioneer in the integration of bodywork,
psychotherapy and spiritual practice. He lives and
teaches at El Dharma in Todos Santos, Mexico.
Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in
Thailand, India and Burma, and holds a PhD in clinical
psychology. He has taught meditation since 1974,
and is a founding teacher of IMS and Spirit Rock. His
books include A Path with Heart; Living Dharma; and
his most recent, The Wise Heart.
Phillip Moffitt has practiced vipassana since 1983.
He is founder and president of the Life Balance
Institute and holds a weekly Insight Meditation class
in Corte Madera, CA. He is the author of Dancing with
Life.
Wes “Scoop” Nisker is a meditation teacher, author,
radio commentator and performer. His books include
Essential Crazy Wisdom and his latest, Crazy Wisdom
Saves the World Again! He is the founder and co-editor
of the Buddhist Journal “Inquiring Mind.”
Mary Grace Orr is a Vipassana teacher and the
Guiding Teacher of Vipassana Santa Cruz. She has
practiced many spiritual disciplines for the past
25 years, and has trained with A.H. Almaas in the
Diamond Approach®.
Sharda Rogell began teaching Insight Meditation in
1985. She brings a strong emphasis to awakening
heartfulness, and has been influenced by the non-dual
teachings of Advaita, as well as Dzogchen and the
Diamond Approach®.
Donald Rothberg has practiced meditation since
1976. He is the guiding teacher for the Path of
Engagement program. He is the author of The Engaged
Spiritual Life.
John Travis has practiced vipassana since 1970. He
lived in Asia for eight years, where he studied with
senior vipassana and Tibetan teachers. John leads
regular classes and retreats in the Nevada City/
Sacramento/Auburn area.
Julie Wester has led meditation retreats since 1985.
Trained by Ruth Denison, Julie’s teaching incorporates
sensory exploration as well as guided movement
meditation.
Diana Winston is the Director of Mindfulness
Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research
Center. She has practiced vipassana since 1989,
including a year as a Buddhist nun in Burma, and is
the author of Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens.
5000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
P.O. Box 169
Woodacre, CA 94973
spiritrock.org
Upcoming Benefits and Events
For more information on upcoming benefits and events visit spiritrock.org
Chanting & Meditation: Entering the
Still & Boundless Heart
Sunday, July 4, 7 - 9:30 pm
Jai Uttal, Debra Chamberlin-Taylor
The Neuro-dharma of Love - Using Brain
Science & Buddhist Wisdom to Illuminate
the Heart of Important Relationships
Rick Hanson, Richard Mendius
The Inner Flow of the Enneagram:
Movements of Defense & Deepening
Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15,
10 am - 5 pm
Sandra Maitri (Enneagram teacher)
Meditation as Medicine: MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction – An Approach to
Stress Reduction, Chronic Pain & Illness
Saturday, August 21, 9:30 am - 5 pm
Bob Stahl , Steve Flowers
Life Beyond Buddhism: Exploring the
Wide World of the Living Dharma
Sunday, September 5, 9:30 am - 4 pm
Sylvia Boorstein, Lin Jensen
Byron Katie
Saturday, September 18, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Mark Coleman
Forgiveness & Assertiveness: Love in
Action in the Real World
Saturday, October 2, 9:30 am - 5 pm
Fred Luskin, Rick Hanson
The Neuroscience of Family Life &
Parenting
Sunday, October 3, 9:30 am – 5 pm
Dr. Dan Siegel

Spirit Rock News

Transcription

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