Discovering Freedom: Online Weekend
Anushka Fernandopulle and Pascal Auclair
Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13
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.
Registration gives you access to the livestream event as well as unlimited access to each recorded session through our replay library.
Cost is sliding-scale: $120, $195, or $300, your choice. Registration fees support the Insight Meditation Society’s work online and at our physical retreat centers in Barre, MA.
Financial Assistance is available. We invite you to reach out—nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. To inquire, please email imsonline@dharma.org.
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 Q&A) will be recorded and posted so you can view later if you miss the livestream.
Friday, September 11
10 am – 11:30 am – Opening Session & Sit – Anushka & Pascal
1 pm – 2:15 pm – Sit & Q&A – Pascal
4 pm – 5:30 pm – Sit & Dharma Talk – Pascal
7 pm – 8 pm – Heart Practices – Anushka
Saturday, September 12
10 am – 11:15 am – Instructions & Sit – Pascal
1 pm – 2:15 pm – Sit & Q&A – Anushka & Pascal
4 pm – 5:30 pm – Sit & Dharma Talk – Anushka
7 pm – 8 pm – Heart Practices – Pascal
Sunday, September 13
10 am – 11:15 am – Instructions & Sit – Anushka
1 pm – 2:15 pm – Sit & Q&A – Anushka & Pascal
4 pm – 5:30 pm – Sit & Dharma Talk – Anushka & Pascal
7 pm – 8:30 pm – Closing Session – Anushka & Pascal
Optional Daily Personal Practice Schedule:
9 am sit
9:30 walk
10 am instructions
11:15 am walk
12 lunch
1 pm Q+A
2:15 pm walk
2:45 pm sit
3:30 pm walk
4 pm talk
5:15 pm meal
7 pm heart practices
8 pm walk
8:30 pm 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 at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, where he now teaches retreats. Pascal teaches in North America and in Europe. He is a co-founder of True North Insight in Canada. His depth of insight, classical training, and creative expression all combine in a wise and compassionate presence. In addition, his warmth and humour make Pascal a much appreciated teacher.
