- With Rebecca Bradshaw

Embodying the Feminine in Buddhism - Bowing to Kwan Yin - With Rebecca Bradshaw

Sun 08/18/19 - 9:00am to 12:30pm

Kwan Yin is a bodhisattva manifestation of compassion, known as "the one who hears the cries of the world with ease." For this first half day retreat in our yearlong program “Embodying the Feminine in Buddhism”, we will engage in a bowing practice from Mahayana (later) Buddhism. Developing the qualities of surrender and compassion, we will devote this time to cultivating a heart that can engage with the suffering of this world with ease and wholeheartedness. Each student will be encouraged to bow in a way that is comfortable for them, ranging from a nod to a full bow. 

This year-long program (for all genders) will use our mindfulness practice to develop and nurture what are known as the feminine aspects of being: the receptive, relational, intuitive, the embodied in the natural world. Living in a patriarchal culture which values doing, being productive, being goal oriented, and transcendence, many of us have lost touch with the energy of being, immanence, and listening in stillness. We will meet for a residential weekend retreat and five half-day retreats during the year to support each other in discovering the strength of our feminine energy within a Buddhist context. Some themes to be covered include: Sense based versus thought based reality, stories of our female Buddhist elders, mindfulness and being in nature, circle versus line energy, developing the graceful heart, Kwan Yin practice, nurturing surrender, and relational mindfulness.

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Dates and times for the five half day retreats:

August 18  - 9am-12:30pm
October 27 - 1:30pm-5pm
January 5, 2020 - 9am-12:30pm
March 15 - 1:30pm-5pm
May 17 - 1:30pm-5pm

If you would like to sign up for the entire five half day series, a discounted price of $140 Members/$180 Non-Members will be extended.  Please contact the Director, Debra Sullivan at meditate@imcnewburyport.com to take advantage of this offer.

To pay by check or read our refund policy, click here

CANCELLED - Monday Evening Silent Meditation

Mon 09/02/19 - 7:00pm to 7:45pm

This open sit is cancelled for the Labor Day Holiday.  

This drop-in sitting meditation is offered in the simplicity of silence without instruction. An ending bell will be rung by a practice leader. No registration.  No fee; donations are always welcome.  Not suggested for new meditators.

- With Ted Jones

Introduction to Insight Meditation Drop-in Class - With Ted Jones

Tue 09/03/19 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm

This class will include instruction, walking and sitting meditation, and time for discussion.  It is appropriate for those with little or no experience.  More experienced meditators are welcome as well to enjoy the group support and gentle guidance that will be provided.   This is a free offering and no registration is required.  Donations are happily accepted. 

Read about Ted Jones

- With Matthew Daniell

The Buddha's Five Reflections for Embracing Reality (15 week class - 9/4-12/18) - With Matthew Daniell

Wed 09/04/19 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

The Buddha taught five reflections that ask us to turn towards, contemplate and embrace deep truths of impermanence in our lives.  It points us to look at old age, sickness, death, and separation as gateways to living life more fully, wisely, and compassionately in the present moment.  By working directly with facts we often avoid, we will explore our practice as not only a calming-feel good part of our life, but one that helps us to face and hold difficult emotions more openly and wisely.  These reflections approached systematically and organically can be deeply empowering and transformative, not just for ourselves but for all those we touch that face these same natural aspects of being fully human.

We will use IMCN co-founder Larry Rosenberg's book 'Living in the Light of Death' as a study/practice guide for our inquiry.  The book is available in print and kindle reading formats.

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This class runs from 9/4 - 12/18.  You must be registered to attend this class.  There are no drop-in classes.

To pay by check or read our refund policy, click here