Exploring the Heart of Freedom is a sixteen-month program designed to cultivate our understanding of the core teachings of the Buddha, deepen our meditation practice, and help us to embody the dharma in spiritual friendship and community. Jointly offered by IMS and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS), the program consists of five residential retreats in Barre, MA, whichContinueContinue reading “Exploring the Heart of Freedom”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
A few resources for resilience
Feeling stretched? As the bad news continues and intensifies in various parts of the world, I’ve started collecting news articles, books and courses to turn to when I need some inspiration. Below are just a few suggestions – let me know if you have any favourites of your own! Chipmunk between fenceposts, Barre, Massachusetts FindingContinueContinue reading “A few resources for resilience”
A Few More Anti-Racism Resources
United States White and Awakening Together An online course run by Spirit Rock starting August 2 Description:This is a time in America when white people’s awareness of the terrible impact of racial injustice has increased dramatically in the context of the pandemic and following the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. HowContinueContinue reading “A Few More Anti-Racism Resources”
Can you hear these voices?
Can you listen as if it was your sister speaking? Your grandson? Your niece? Your father? Your aunt? Kimberley Jones, US Black Lives Matter Activist https://youtu.be/E46uaDCcT9Y In the Buddha’s teaching, all beings have been our mothers and fathers at some point in the past … Trevor Noah, South African comedian https://youtu.be/v4amCfVbA_c Whether or not weContinueContinue reading “Can you hear these voices?”
The Police Killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis
Wherever you are in the world, you may have seen the recent video from 26 May of police officers standing over an unarmed black man lying on the ground. One of those police officers kneels on the neck of the black man, George Floyd, for at least nine minutes, preventing him from breathing. He diesContinueContinue reading “The Police Killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis”
Karuna-virus
In the Buddha’s teachings, karuna is a Pali word that means compassion. There’s a lot going on around the world right now, and due to coronavirus, many people are navigating intense suffering on multiple levels simultaneously: The suffering of health challenges, food insecurity, financial distress, longer-term economic uncertainty, separation from friends and family – orContinueContinue reading “Karuna-virus”
Continuing compassion
[Forest and wildlife officer Lachlan Clarke checks a koala for injuries – photo courtesy of the Guardian] In my last newsletter and last post here, I’ve been exploring compassion as a resource to navigate all the various global challenges happening right now. Just today there was a moving photo essay about all the efforts thatContinueContinue reading “Continuing compassion”
Compassion for all beings affected by the Australian bushfires
Season’s greetings from Waipu, New Zealand I’m unexpectedly having to spend more time here in New Zealand, after my nine-day retreat outside of Sydney over New Year was just cancelled due to the bushfires in Australia. The Blue Mountains has been a kind of second home to me, so I’ve been staying in contact withContinueContinue reading “Compassion for all beings affected by the Australian bushfires”
Readers suggestions for taking action in relation to climate change
Many thanks to all the people who sent in suggestions in response to my last newsletter. Below are a few highlights, and I plan to keep updating this from time to time. Bike path, Auckland, New Zealand Speaking of New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand is on the ‘right side of history’ asContinueContinue reading “Readers suggestions for taking action in relation to climate change”
Insight Meditation Society 2020 Registration Now Open
Just letting you know that the Insight Meditation SOciety in Barre, Massachusetts, has just announced its 2020 retreat schedule and registration is now open. Based on previous years, most retreats tend to get fully booked within a few days, so if you’re interested in practising at IMS, best to register as soon as you canContinueContinue reading “Insight Meditation Society 2020 Registration Now Open”
Jill Shepherd: insight meditation 