See for Yourself: The Buddha’s Teachings on Wisdom A 6 week course led by Kimberly Allen and Diana Clark Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. The Buddha had much to say about Wisdom, the natural quality of mind that sees things as they are and brings about liberation. In this 6-week class running from [...]
See for Yourself: The Buddha’s Teachings on Wisdom A 6 week course led by Kimberly Allen and Diana Clark Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. The Buddha had much to say about Wisdom, the natural quality of mind that sees things as they are and brings about liberation. In this 6-week class running from [...]
See for Yourself: The Buddha’s Teachings on Wisdom A 6 week course led by Kimberly Allen and Diana Clark Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. The Buddha had much to say about Wisdom, the natural quality of mind that sees things as they are and brings about liberation. In this 6-week class running from [...]
See for Yourself: The Buddha’s Teachings on Wisdom A 6 week course led by Kimberly Allen and Diana Clark Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. The Buddha had much to say about Wisdom, the natural quality of mind that sees things as they are and brings about liberation. In this 6-week class running from [...]
An Evening for Meditation Practice Led by Sharon Allen. Between many of our Thursday evening series courses in Saratoga, IMSB offers open drop-in practice sessions led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, or a local mindfulness teacher. For these “Deepening Practice and Community” evenings, we will devote more time to guided meditations and experiential mindfulness activities. Newcomers are [...]
Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark June 8 — Shaila Catherine June 15 — Diana Clark June 22 — Chris Clifford June 29 — Shaila Catherine July 6 — Shaila Catherine July 13 — Sharon Allen Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. Mental restlessness is an insidious [...]
Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark June 8 — Shaila Catherine June 15 — Diana Clark June 22 — Chris Clifford June 29 — Shaila Catherine July 6 — Shaila Catherine July 13 — Sharon Allen Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. Mental restlessness is an insidious [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate relationships with the community—and still be home in time for dinner! The [...]
Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark June 8 — Shaila Catherine June 15 — Diana Clark June 22 — Chris Clifford June 29 — Shaila Catherine July 6 — Shaila Catherine July 13 — Sharon Allen Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. Mental restlessness is an insidious [...]
Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark June 8 — Shaila Catherine June 15 — Diana Clark June 22 — Chris Clifford June 29 — Shaila Catherine July 6 — Shaila Catherine July 13 — Sharon Allen Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. Mental restlessness is an insidious [...]
Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark June 8 — Shaila Catherine June 15 — Diana Clark June 22 — Chris Clifford June 29 — Shaila Catherine July 6 — Shaila Catherine July 13 — Sharon Allen Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. Mental restlessness is an insidious [...]
Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark June 8 — Shaila Catherine June 15 — Diana Clark June 22 — Chris Clifford June 29 — Shaila Catherine July 6 — Shaila Catherine July 13 — Sharon Allen Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs. Mental restlessness is an insidious [...]
An Evening for Meditation Practice Led by Shaila Catherine. Between many of our Thursday evening series courses in Saratoga, IMSB offers open drop-in practice sessions led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, or a local mindfulness teacher. For these “Deepening Practice and Community” evenings, we will devote more time to guided meditations and experiential mindfulness activities. Newcomers are welcome. [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. Today's practice theme will be the cultivation of loving kindness (metta) meditation. IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate [...]
NOTE: This course began April 20, but late registrations will still be accepted. A practical course on developing the profound benevolence that heals the heart. Presented by Shaila Catherine and 3 guest teachers: Sharon Allen, Berget Jelane, and Laura Lin. April 20 — Metta for category of self — with Shaila Catherine April 27 — Metta for category [...]
NOTE: This course began April 20, but late registrations will still be accepted. A practical course on developing the profound benevolence that heals the heart. Presented by Shaila Catherine and 3 guest teachers: Sharon Allen, Berget Jelane, and Laura Lin. April 20 — Metta for category of self — with Shaila Catherine April 27 — Metta for category [...]
NOTE: This course began April 20, but late registrations will still be accepted. A practical course on developing the profound benevolence that heals the heart. Presented by Shaila Catherine and 3 guest teachers: Sharon Allen, Berget Jelane, and Laura Lin. April 20 — Metta for category of self — with Shaila Catherine April 27 — Metta for category [...]
NOTE: This course began April 20, but late registrations will still be accepted. A practical course on developing the profound benevolence that heals the heart. Presented by Shaila Catherine and 3 guest teachers: Sharon Allen, Berget Jelane, and Laura Lin. April 20 — Metta for category of self — with Shaila Catherine April 27 — Metta for category [...]
NOTE: This course began April 20, but late registrations will still be accepted. A practical course on developing the profound benevolence that heals the heart. Presented by Shaila Catherine and 3 guest teachers: Sharon Allen, Berget Jelane, and Laura Lin. April 20 — Metta for category of self — with Shaila Catherine April 27 — Metta for category [...]
NOTE: This course began April 20, but late registrations will still be accepted. A practical course on developing the profound benevolence that heals the heart. Presented by Shaila Catherine and 3 guest teachers: Sharon Allen, Berget Jelane, and Laura Lin. April 20 — Metta for category of self — with Shaila Catherine April 27 — Metta for category [...]
Registration has opened for a 6 week course on cultivating Loving Kindness/Metta Meditation with Shaila Catherine and guest teachers. Course starts April 20. Register now! Visit the Events Page for more information and registration details: https://staging.imsb.org/event/course-loving-kindness-metta/2017-04-20/
Tonight’s meditation group meeting is cancelled. The church requires use of our usual meeting room for their events. Our regular weekly meditation program will resume next week.
Between many of our Thursday evening series courses in Saratoga, IMSB offers open drop-in practice sessions led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, or a local mindfulness teacher. For these "Deepening Practice and Community" evenings, we will devote more time to guided meditations and experiential mindfulness activities. Newcomers are always welcome. Chairs are provided. Bring a mat or cushion if [...]
Exploring Energy in Practice A day of meditation with Sharon Allen. On the meditative path energy is a key element. Energy is one of the factors of awakening and one of the bases for spiritual powers. We experience energy in our physical body daily. This day long retreat will explore the significance of having a healthy [...]
Registration has opened for a 6 week Introduction to Mindfulness Course. Visit the Events Page for more information and registration details: https://staging.imsb.org/event/course-developing-a-mindfulness-meditation-practice/2017-02-23/
Developing a Mindfulness Meditation Practice — A skill-building class This course is taught by Sharon Allen, Janetti Marotta, and Laura Lin. 6 Thursdays, February 23 - March 30, 2017 To live with mindful awareness in our world, we must become well grounded in a meditation practice. This course will focus on understanding, practicing, and developing mindful awareness, so [...]
An Evening for Meditation Practice Led by Jennifer Dungan Between many of our Thursday evening series courses in Saratoga, IMSB offers open drop-in practice sessions led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, or a local mindfulness teacher. For these "Deepening Practice and Community" evenings, we will devote more time to guided meditations and experiential mindfulness activities. Newcomers are [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate relationships with the community—and still be home in time for dinner! The [...]
Registration has opened for a 4 week course Thursday evenings in Saratoga, CA. The focus is on Mindfulness in the Buddhist Tradition and what is called in the ancient Pali language: "Satipatthana" practice. Visit the Event Page for information and registration details: https://staging.imsb.org/event/mindfulness-in-the-buddhist-tradition/2017-01-19/
Mindfulness in the Buddhist Tradition: A short course on the four modes of mindfulness called Satipatthana A practical and direct path. Presented by Shaila Catherine and Richard Shankman A series of new classes on meditation and Buddhism will be offered by Insight Meditation South Bay starting January 19, 2017. The classroom structure offers many advantages for continuity [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
Tonight’s meditation group meeting is cancelled for holidays. Our regular weekly meditation program will resume next week. Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation groups—Tuesdays in Mountain View, and Thursdays in Saratoga. This group meets every Thursday evening for a sitting and Dhamma talk in Saratoga. The program is structured into thematic series led by [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate relationships with the community—and still be home in time for dinner! The [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
A series for developing the best of mind and heart. Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our [...]
Ways to realize the end of suffering. No one wants to suffer, and yet we do. The first sermon that the Buddha gave after his awakening addressed the issue of suffering. He articulated four basic tenants that have been remembered as the four noble truths. They include the full understanding of suffering, the abandoning of [...]
Ways to realize the end of suffering. No one wants to suffer, and yet we do. The first sermon that the Buddha gave after his awakening addressed the issue of suffering. He articulated four basic tenants that have been remembered as the four noble truths. They include the full understanding of suffering, the abandoning of [...]
Ways to realize the end of suffering. No one wants to suffer, and yet we do. The first sermon that the Buddha gave after his awakening addressed the issue of suffering. He articulated four basic tenants that have been remembered as the four noble truths. They include the full understanding of suffering, the abandoning of [...]
Ways to realize the end of suffering. No one wants to suffer, and yet we do. The first sermon that the Buddha gave after his awakening addressed the issue of suffering. He articulated four basic tenants that have been remembered as the four noble truths. They include the full understanding of suffering, the abandoning of [...]
Ways to realize the end of suffering. No one wants to suffer, and yet we do. The first sermon that the Buddha gave after his awakening addressed the issue of suffering. He articulated four basic tenants that have been remembered as the four noble truths. They include the full understanding of suffering, the abandoning of [...]
Nurturing the best in ourselves. This series will explore the five spiritual faculties and their cultivation in meditation: faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. The Buddha stressed the importance of these controlling faculties and powers, which offer a complete structure for meditative development and culminate with final liberation. They are necessary features of meditative progress [...]
Tonight's special author event will feature best selling author Chade-Meng Tan speaking about his newest book, Joy on Demand. Books will be available at the event and signing will occur after the talk. 7:00 Doors Open (please arrive before the meditation begins) 7:15 Meditation Begins 8:00 Meng Speaks 9:00 Book Signing Please notice that the [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate relationships with the community—and still be home in time for dinner! In [...]
Nurturing the best in ourselves. This series will explore the five spiritual faculties and their cultivation in meditation: faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. The Buddha stressed the importance of these controlling faculties and powers, which offer a complete structure for meditative development and culminate with final liberation. They are necessary features of meditative progress [...]
For a life of harmony and clarity. This series will explore virtue as the indispensable foundation of Buddhist practice. The series will emphasize the five training precepts, and may explore action, ethics, kamma, and cause-effect dynamics. The precepts are not rules to be obediently followed; they serve as guidelines for the intentional development of compassion, [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate relationships with the community—and still be home in time for dinner! In [...]
A training for living in the present. This course is an introduction to the meditative development of mindfulness through which we refine our ability to focus and bring clear attention to all aspects of experience. We will cultivate mindfulness of breath, sensations, emotions, thoughts and actions. This series includes exercises that enhance mindfulness, support the establishment [...]
For the mind that values freedom. These seven qualities offer an effective framework for cultivating the mind, overcoming the hindrances, and balancing the energetic and calming forces that develop in meditation. When cultivated and balanced, the mind is ripe for awakening. This series will explore each factor to reveal its importance, function, and role in [...]
Loving Kindness and Qi Gong - Balance for the Heart, Body, and Mind A day of meditation with Sharon Allen When the emotional center is held with kindness, and the body energy is balanced, the mind is at ease. Today’s practice and teachings will emphasize Loving Kindness which comes from the Metta Sutta. Loving Kindness practice [...]
Tonight’s meditation group meeting is cancelled. The church requires use of our usual meeting room for their events. Our regular weekly meditation program will resume next week. Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation groups—Tuesdays in Mountain View, and Thursdays in Saratoga. This group meets every Thursday evening for a sitting and Dhamma talk in [...]
Living an ethical life in the modern world. A three week series with special guest teacher Jenny Wilks. When we think of ethical practice in Buddhism, we often focus on the traditional five precepts. However a longer list of ten paths of skillful action (kusala-kamma-patha) occurs more frequently in the early texts. They overlap with [...]
Registration has opened for a 5 week Introduction to Mindfulness Course in San Jose/Saratoga co-taught by Shaila Catherine and Sharon Allen. February 23 — Why Meditate?: The power of mindfulness with breathing March 1 — Cultivating Presence: Mindfulness of the body March 8 — Emotional Presence: Mindfulness of mental states March 15 — Settling the Restless Mind: Mindfulness of [...]
Please note: Due to low enrollment, the course has been modified to run for only 4 weeks (March 22 has been cancelled). In place of the fifth class session, the teachers will be available for a private follow up session with each participant. Although online registration has closed, drop in participation or late registration can [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. Although meditation is renowned for promoting tranquility and mental calmness, meditation is not passive. Investigative methods play a vital role in the skillful development of liberating insight. This day-long program will introduce methods for investigating the nature of mind. It is part of a six-month series of day-long events [...]
Developing a balanced practice. The art of Dhamma practice includes engaging skillfully with complementary aspects of practice. Sometimes we are called to actively cultivate qualities, while at other times, letting go is more appropriate. We use both our head and our heart; we engage both inwardly and in the outer world; we need both restraint [...]
Knowing liberation through the ordinary. You know everything changes, so why do you suffer when possessions are lost, relationships end, or friends die? Insight meditation is oriented toward seeing three characteristics—the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and emptiness of experience. In some ways these are ordinary and obvious insights. Every day we experience changing sensory impressions; we cannot [...]
IMSB will not meet tonight due to the holidays. Our regular weekly schedule will resume next week. Happy New Year!
IMSB will not meet tonight due to the holidays. Our regular weekly schedule will resume in two weeks. Merry Christmas wishes for all.
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. Although meditation is renowned for promoting tranquility and mental calmness, meditation is not passive. Investigative methods play a vital role in the skillful development of liberating insight. Today's program will explore the three characteristics (impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self) which lie at the heart of insight meditation practices. Our guide [...]
IMSB will not meet tonight due to the holidays. Our regular weekly schedule will resume next week. Happy Thanksgiving wishes for all.
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine. Although meditation is renowned for promoting tranquility and mental calmness, meditation is not passive. Investigative methods play a vital role in the skillful development of liberating insight. Today's program will introduce a five-part scheme for investigating the hindrances and understanding their causes. The teaching is inspired by instructions in [...]
The Eight-Fold Path of Awakening Living with clarity and peace This series will explore the Noble Eight-fold Path as a liberating practice. The Eight-fold Path is among the most practical and powerful core teachings of the Buddha. It offers practitioners a comprehensive approach for training the mind in the context of meditation, action, relationship, and [...]
Fostering the sacred in a busy life. with Pastor Erik Swanson and Shaila Catherine How can we nurture a sacred and contemplative experience of our lives in the midst of the pressures and demands that are characteristic of Silicon Valley? This evening program will include mindfulness meditation and discussion with two local spiritual leaders who [...]
What we can do to improve our lives... Three core practices support growth in Buddhist practice generosity (dana) virtue (sila) mental development (bhavana). These Three Pillars are sometimes called sources of merit because they are actions that lead to beneficial results. Practicing generosity we nurture an open, kind heart; practicing virtue we live happily, free from [...]
The Three Jewels and Refuges Where the mind rests with trust. What do you turn to when your enthusiasm for practice fades? Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha can focus our intentions and inspire our practice. The potential for awakening, a clear path of training, and ongoing support of the community are three [...]
The Three Jewels and Refuges Where the mind rests with trust. What do you turn to when your enthusiasm for practice fades? Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha can focus our intentions and inspire our practice. The potential for awakening, a clear path of training, and ongoing support of the community are three [...]
Presence with the Sense Doors: A day of meditation and poetry with Drew Oman and Jennifer Dungan This daylong will include meditation and poetry reading to support contemplation on the conditioned arising of consciousness with seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling and thinking. This day-long program is appropriate for new and experienced meditators. There will be a pot-luck [...]
A series for those curious about what the Buddha taught. Buddhist tradition offers a rich tradition of wisdom teachings, many of which are remembered as lists. This series will focus on the philosophy, principals, practices, and instructions that are fundamental to developing a meditative or Buddhist practice. It is intended as an introduction to Buddhism [...]
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine and Tom Leichardt. This day-long program will include two Qigong sessions (morning and afternoon) along with sitting and walking meditation. The focus will be developing skillful and balanced energy through movement and meditation. Medical Qigong is renowned for using the breath, simple postures and movements to enhance mental focus, calm the energies of mind and body, and achieve greater health, concentration, [...]
A series for those curious about what the Buddha taught. Buddhist tradition offers a rich tradition of wisdom teachings, many of which are remembered as lists. This series will focus on the philosophy, principals, practices, and instructions that are fundamental to developing a meditative or Buddhist practice. It is intended as an introduction to Buddhism [...]
Cultivating skills and insight that will transform habits of mind. Meditation practice cultivates inner peace, clarity, concentration and joy. In order to experience these beautiful qualities, we must overcome the obstacles of agitation, dullness, distraction, obsessive thinking, and painful emotions, and we must learn to work skillfully with pain, illness, fear, and a wide range [...]
7:15 pm - 9:15 pm On this Thursday we will celebrate Wesak, the primary Buddhist holiday that commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment, birth, and death. 7:15 Meditation begins Tonight's program will include meditation, flower offering ceremony, dhamma talk and/or slide presentation. The structured program will end around 9pm, but please plan to stay a few minutes longer [...]
Strengthening Mindfulness – A series dedicated to cultivating genuine insight. This series will expand on instructions offered in basic mindfulness courses, offering new depths of understanding, integrating the practice with life situations, and helping students establish a daily meditation practice. Mindfulness training is a practical tool that can support wisdom in any activity, and it [...]
Developing a Kind Heart – A series that will open the heart and bring balance in relationships. This series will nurture the development of four profound qualities of heart: loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. These four qualities express a powerful and immeasurable intention of kindness toward ourselves and all beings. They are traditionally called the Divine [...]
THIS COURSE is an introduction to the meditative development of mindfulness through which we refine our ability to focus and bring clear attention to all aspects of experience. We will cultivate mindfulness of breath, sensations, emotions, thoughts and actions. This series includes exercises that enhance mindfulness, support the establishment of a daily meditation practice, and [...]