Freedom, Love and Liberation: A Retreat for the BIPOC Community
JoAnna Hardy, Devin Berry and Yong Oh
Open to all self-identified BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) only.
Thursday, June 17 – Sunday, June 20
Meeting format (During program sessions, you will be able to see and hear the teacher, as well as other program participants, and they will be able to see and hear you).
Coming together as a community, we create a space of ease and support to meditate and cultivate inner freedom. Held on-line with the intention of creating, if possible, an environment of silence wherever we’re practicing, this retreat provides an in-depth experience of the Buddha’s teachings on mindful awareness, as well as the cultivation of lovingkindness meditation, illuminating a path toward healing and greater happiness. Those without previous meditation experience are encouraged to participate. We will do nightly chanting. An optional daily period of mindful movement will be offered by Sabra Saperstein.
Fees:
For this course, sliding scale fees are $120, $155, $195, or $300. We also offer a scholarship fee of $20, and no-fee enrollment for those who request a fee-waiver. Our “Pay What You Can Afford” system supports the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive community and contributes to the health and vibrancy of the sangha. Select the rate of your choice when you register. Email imsonline@dharma.org for more information or to request a no-fee enrollment.
Teacher Support
Most IMS teachers—like insight teachers around the world—offer their teachings freely, and rely on the generosity of students for their livelihood. Teachers do not generally receive compensation from IMS program fees, though IMS may offer a modest advance to ensure financial support and the continuation of the teachings. Click here to learn more about teacher support. There will be an opportunity to offer a contribution to your teachers at the end of your program, or you may donate now.
REGISTER HERE
Daily Schedule – all times listed in Eastern Time (ET):
Note: all sessions (except groups) will be recorded and posted so you can view it later if you miss one.
Thursday, June 17
4 – 5:30 pm – Opening Session – JoAnna, Devin, Yong
7 – 8 pm – Guided Brahmavihara Meditation & Chanting — Devin; JoAnna, Devin, Yong
Friday, June 18
9 – 10 am – Meditation & Instructions – JoAnna
11 – 12 noon – Movement with Sabra
2 – 3 pm – Groups
4 – 5:00 pm – Talk + Q&R – Devin
7 – 8 pm – Guided Brahmavihara Meditation & Chanting — Yong; JoAnna, Devin, Yong
Saturday, June 19
9 – 10 am – Meditation & Instructions – JoAnna
11 – 12 noon – Movement with Sabra
2 – 3 pm – Groups
4 – 5 pm – Talk + Q&R – Yong
7 – 8 pm – Guided Brahmavihara Meditation & Chanting — JoAnna; JoAnna, Devin, Yong
Sunday, June 20
9 – 10 am – Meditation & Instructions – JoAnna
2 – 3 pm – Groups
4 – 5 pm – Closing Session – JoAnna, Devin, Yong
REGISTER HERE
Teacher Bios
JoAnna Hardy has practiced in multiple traditions since 1999, and in 2005 her practice landed on the Theravada Insight tradition. She teaches retreats, online courses and one on one. Her greatest passion is to teach meditation in communities that are dedicated to seeing the truth of how racism, gender inequality and oppression go hand in hand with the compassionate action teachings in Buddhism. www.joannahardy.org
Devin Berry has been meditating for over 20 years. His practice is primarily informed by the classical teachings of early Buddhism and the Insight Meditation tradition. He has undertaken many periods of silent long-term retreat practice. Devin completed the Dedicated Practitioners Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, where he is a visiting teacher. He is currently in the 2017-2021 Insight Meditation Society Teacher Training Program. Devin served as a core leader with San Francisco POC Insight Sangha. He is a community teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, CA where he co-founded the teen sangha and the Men of Color sangha. Devin currently serves on the Board of Directors of Insight World Aid. He has recently relocated to Western Massachusetts and teaches nationally.
Devin is passionate about the power of witnessing and storytelling as a liberation tool. He is deeply committed to the personal and collective liberation of marginalized communities knowing that through the integration of reflection and insight, clarity and wisdom give rise to wise action.
Yong Oh’s initial doorway into the Dharma was through Soto Zen. His love for Vipassana began with his, then and now, primary teachers Kittisaro and Thanissara. He is currently a Dharma Council teacher at the Durango Dharma Center, teaches for the Chattanooga Insight Meditation group, and is currently on the Leadership Council for Thanissara and Kittisaro’s Sacred Mountain Sangha.
Yong is a graduate of Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Community Dharma Leaders program and is currently a participant in the 2017-2021 Insight Meditation Society Retreat Teacher Training program as well as the Sacred Mountain Sangha Dharmapala program. Yong is also an acupuncturist, loves the outdoors and bringing the practice of meditation into nature, and aspires to support practitioners of color in the Dharma.
Guidelines For Your Home Retreat
