The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Retreat Dharma Talks at Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center

Three-Month Part 1

This three-month course, including its six-week partials, is a special time for practice. Because of its extended length and ongoing guidance, it is an opportunity for students to deepen the powers of concentration, wisdom and compassion. Based on the meditation instructions of Mahasi Sayadaw and supplemented by a range of skillful means, this silent retreat will encourage a balanced attitude of relaxation and alertness, and the continuity of practice based on the Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness.

2016-09-10 (43 days) Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center

  
2016-09-19 Morning instructions - Vedana 46:32
Carol Wilson
2016-09-20 Metta instruction. Self, friend, and benefactor 54:37
DaRa Williams
Classic instruction along with a guided meditation for benefactor
2016-09-20 The Dart: the Buddhist explanation of the difference between awaken and unawaken people. 61:48
Carol Wilson
2016-09-22 Morning instructions on mindful seeing 43:45
Joseph Goldstein
2016-09-22 Three kinds of intention. 58:29
Sally Armstrong
To develop any skill, to fully cultivate any qualities in our lives, particularly on the Buddhist path, we need to engage with three kinds of intention that operate on different time frames. Cetana is the moment to moment intention, the urge to do, that we can bring into the field of our mindfulness practice. The next level, Adhitthana, is usually translated as resolve or determination, and is one of the paramis. The highest level is Samma Sankappa, usually translated as right or wise intention. This is the second path factor, after right view, so it is the kind of intention developed by right view. There are three kinds of Right intention - the intention towards renunciation, non-ill will, and non-harming. These skillful intentions can then inform our choices and actions (Adhitthanas) , which we keep in mind through awareness of moment to moment intentions, or cetana.
2016-09-23 Morning instructions: choiceless attention 46:32
Guy Armstrong
2016-09-24 Morning instructions 44:33
Bonnie Duran
Last instructions for part one. This brief talk reviews the instructions given in the last two weeks
2016-09-25 The five aggregates are not self 62:33
Guy Armstrong
The Buddha used the description of human experience in terms of the five aggregates–form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness– To develop the understanding that there is no ongoing essence or self within them.
2016-09-26 Integrity of effort 52:37
Winnie Nazarko
How personal agendas and motivations can be reframed as part of the practice path.
2016-09-27 Cultivating the perception of impermanence 55:41
Carol Wilson
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