Becoming Congruent with Life: Insight Meditation Retreat
Chas DiCapua & Jean Esther
Friday, March 19 – Tuesday, March 23
Both Webinar and Meeting Format (Some program sessions allow you to see and hear only the teacher, while other program sessions will allow you to see and hear the teacher as well as other program participants).
Through the practice of meditation and the development of the Noble Eightfold Path we begin to experience the world as it actually is, not how we think it is or want it to be. Based on this correct understanding, we resist life less and become more harmonious or congruent with it. Because we are not in a state of resistance, we experience less agitation and stress, and more contentment and ease. To support this unfolding, during the retreat we will practice observing the truth of conditionality: That all things, including our own bodies, thoughts and emotions, arise and pass away dependent on conditions. We will employ silent sitting, standing and walking meditation as vehicles to support the embodiment of this understanding. The daily schedule includes guided meditations, instructions and meetings with teachers.
This course is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators.
CE credits will be available for psychologists, social workers and nurses. More information here.
For this course, sliding scale fees are $160, $210, $260, or $400. We also offer a scholarship fee of $80, 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.
A note on dana (generosity)
Most IMS teachers—like insight teachers around the world—rely on the generosity of students for their livelihood, and receive no compensation from course fees. All IMS online teachers receive a modest dana advance from IMS to guarantee a minimum level of financial support. (Click here to learn more about the dana practice.) There will be an opportunity to offer a contribution to your teachers at the end of this course.
REGISTER HERE
Daily Schedule – all times listed in Eastern Daylight Time EDT:
Note: all sessions (except Group Meetings) will be recorded and posted so you can view it later if you miss one.
Friday, March 19
7 – 8:45 pm – Opening Session
Saturday, March 20
9:45 – 10:45 am – Sit & Instructions
11 am – 12 noon – Group Meeting (walking for those not in group)
2 – 2:45 pm – Sit & Instructions
4 – 4:45 pm – Dharma Reflections
7 – 7:45 pm – Chanting & Sit
Sunday, March 21
9:45 – 10:45 am – Sit & Instructions
11 am – 12 noon – Group Meeting (walking for those not in group)
2 – 2:45 pm – Sit & Instructions
4 – 4:45 pm – Dharma Reflections
7 – 7:45 pm – Chanting & Sit
Monday, March 22
9:45 – 10:45 am – Sit & Instructions
11 am – 12 noon – Group Meeting (walking for those not in group)
2 – 2:45 pm – Sit & Instructions
4 – 4:45 pm – Dharma Reflections
7 – 7:45 pm – Chanting & Sit
Tuesday, March 23
9:45 – 10:45 am – Sit & Instructions
11:30 – 12:45 pm – Closing Session
Suggested at-home Practice Schedule (bolded sessions are online)
8 – 8:30 am – Optional Chanting & Sit
9:45 – 10:45 am – Sit and Instructions
11am – 12 noon – Group Walking for those not in group
12 noon – Mindful food preparation & eating
1 pm – Mindful walk/exercise
2 – 2:45 pm – Sit and Instructions
3 pm – Daily Life Practice
4 – 4:45 pm – Dharma Reflections
7 – 7:45 pm – Chanting and Sit
8:30 – 9 pm – Optional Sit
REGISTER HERE
Teacher Bios
Chas DiCapua has been practicing Buddhist meditation for almost 30 years. He has trained with Burmese meditation masters, western monastics of the Thai Forest tradition and senior western vipassana teachers. He has spent over two years in silent, intensive retreat.
Chas has served as IMS’s Resident Teacher at IMS since 2003. Chas is a graduate of the four year joint Insight Meditation Society / Spirit Rock Teacher Training Program. He teaches retreats at IMS and at various centers and sanghas throughout the country.
As a way to address the wide spread suffering that is endemic in many partnered relationships, Chas explores how the dharma can be practiced in relationship, including how the masculine and feminine energies manifest in relationship, in spiritual practice, and in the world.
Jean Esther, MSW LICSW, has trained in meditation since 1975 and has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 37 years. She is a guiding teacher of True North Insight Meditation Centre in Canada, teaches at Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley , MA, Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (IBME) and elsewhere across North America. Her teachings integrate psychological understanding and somatic awareness with Buddhist teachings on love and wisdom.
Guidelines For Your Home Retreat
