Insight meditation also known as mindfulness or vipassana meditation comes from the Buddhist tradition. It aims to free the mind from the distortions of self-centeredness, negativity, and confusion. Seeing life as a constantly changing process, one begins to accept pleasure and pain, fear and joy, and all aspects of life with increasing balance and equanimity. This balanced awareness, grounded in the present moment, leads to stillness and a growing understanding of the nature of life. Out of this seeing emerges wisdom and compassion.

It is a moment-to-moment investigation of the mind and body process. Our experience is explored from a balanced and spacious awareness which allows the heart to flower in love. During these six weeks there will be meditation instructions, talks about the philosophy of the practice, homework assignments, and time for discussion and questions. Register at the door on the first class of the series.

Insight meditation also known as mindfulness or vipassana meditation comes from the Buddhist tradition. It aims to free the mind from the distortions of self-centeredness, negativity, and confusion. Seeing life as a constantly changing process, one begins to accept pleasure and pain, fear and joy, and all aspects of life with increasing balance and equanimity. This balanced awareness, grounded in the present moment, leads to stillness and a growing understanding of the nature of life. Out of this seeing emerges wisdom and compassion.

It is a moment-to-moment investigation of the mind and body process. Our experience is explored from a balanced and spacious awareness which allows the heart to flower in love. During these six weeks there will be meditation instructions, talks about the philosophy of the practice, homework assignments, and time for discussion and questions. Register at the door on the first class of the series.

The Dharma Foundation Series is intended for practitioners who have two or more years of Vipassana practice with regular Tuesday night SIMS attendance and a sincere interest in deepening their understanding of Dharma practice through the exploration of key Buddhist concepts, canon and practices. Although each class in the series may be taken on a stand alone basis without having completed prior courses in the series, it is recommended that participants try to attend the entire series.

This class will explore the First Noble Truth of Suffering including an examination of the three marks of existence, five aggregates and two truths through readings, discussion and practice.

You may register at the first class. However, in order to receive readings for the first class, or for more information, please pre-register by sending an email to: craigr.sims@gmail.com with your name and phone number.

The post-beginning class is intended for practitioners who have completed the SIMS beginning meditation class in the last year or two. The class will continue practitioners’ exploration of dharma and meditation, centering around the question “Why practice?” We’ll look at what the teachings say about the transformative power of mindfulness, and compare with our own experience. What are we learning from practice? Is practice beneficial? What is hard about practice? How can we work with the challenges? The class will include readings, discussion and practice in a variety of vipassana meditation techniques.

The class ends at 9:00 PM. You may register at the first meeting. For more information: Cheryl Slean, nikfin@comcast.net