Discovering Freedom: Online Weekend
with Anushka Fernandopulle and Pascal Auclair
Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6
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 if you want).
What does it mean to be present, connected and awake? How do we experience true freedom of body, heart and mind? This silent weekend retreat, open to all, is an opportunity to unplug and explore these questions through Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practices. Guidance in vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness) meditation will be offered, encouraging greater awareness, calm abiding and openheartedness. We will practice mindfulness in sitting meditation, walking meditation, and even while eating. Through these ancient practices, still relevant for modern times, compassion and wisdom deepen, and our innate freedom is revealed.
Fees
For this program, sliding scale fees are $120, $155, $195, or $300. Please select the highest rate you can reasonably afford. We also offer a scholarship fee of $60, 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.
Registration for this program closes 30 minutes prior to the opening session.
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: This retreat is live-attending only; sessions will not be recorded.
Friday, Sept 3
7 pm – Opening and Sit – Anushka & Pascal (90-120 min)
Saturday, Sept 4
10 am – Instructions and Sit – Pascal (75 min)
1 pm – Sit and Q&A – Anushka & Pascal (75 min)
4 pm – Sit and Talk – Anushka (75-90 min)
7 pm – Heart Practices – Pascal (60 min)
Sunday, Sept 5
10 am – Instructions and Sit – Anushka (75 min)
1 pm – Sit and Q&A – Pascal & Anushka (75 min)
4 pm – Sit and Talk – Pascal (75-90 min)
7 pm – Heart Practices – Anushka (60 min)
Monday, Sept 6
10 am – Sit and Closing – Anushka & Pascal (90-120 min)
Optional Possible Personal Practice Schedule:
9 am sit
9:30 walk
10 am instructions & sit
11:15 am walk
12 lunch
1 pm Sit & Q+A
2:15 pm walk
2:45 pm sit
3:30 pm walk
4 pm Sit & Dharma talk
5:15 pm meal
7 pm heart practices
8 pm walk
8:30pm sit
9 pm rest
REGISTER HERE
Teacher Bios
Anushka Fernandopulle lives in San Francisco and teaches retreats and workshops around the world. She has trained in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in the US, India and Sri Lanka for over 30 years. Anushka also works as a leadership coach and management consultant, influenced by a BA in anthropology/religion from Harvard and an MBA from Yale School of Management. She is on the Teachers Council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. Her teaching is informed by arts, nature, politics, social justice and modern urban life. For more info please see www.anushkaf.org.
Pascal Auclair has been immersed in Buddhist practice and study since 1997, sitting retreats in Asia and America with revered monastics and lay teachers. He has been mentored by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield here at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, where he now teaches retreats. Pascal teaches in North America and in Europe. He is a co-founder and Guiding Teacher at True North Insight in Canada.
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