Embodying the Heart of Wisdom: New Year’s Retreat

Registration for this retreat is closed

Closed
Registration is closed for this retreat.
December 29 - January 02, 2021 (Tuesday to Saturday)


For those who have experience of meditation retreats and feel a connection to the Insight Meditation/Vipassana teachings: You are warmly invited to join this online retreat and spend the days around New Year’s in a contemplative community.


The Buddha’s teachings and sacred practices of deepening in wisdom and compassion are precious resources for meeting our world and holding our hearts in the midst of the uncertainties and challenges we face. Together, we will explore the power of embodied wakefulness and of cultivating a wise and openhearted connection with life. We will also devote some time to reflect on the turning of the year as a community/sangha, and to engage with our aspirations and intentions for what lies ahead.


This retreat at home will include regular periods of instruction, guided meditation practice, Dharma reflections, sharing together as a sangha/community, and meetings with the teachers.


The format will support both those who wish to practice formally in a sustained way throughout the days, and also those who wish to attend the scheduled group sessions, while continuing to engage with their ongoing life at home.


Participating in this retreat will require your commitment to attend the opening and closing sessions (or listen to the recordings) and attend the main teaching sessions scheduled at 9:00am, 12 noon, and 3:00pm EST, throughout the retreat, as fully as you are able. This course will be offered on the Zoom platform to support our connections with each other.


“Teaching this New Year’s course over many years, we have appreciated the growing connections that have been cultivated during these retreats. This year, we are very happy that Matthew Hepburn will be joining us on the teaching team. We look forward to connecting with all who wish to attend, and join with us in creating a rich, loving and contemplative practice space.” ~ Catherine and Yanai


For this course, sliding scale fees are $200, $260, $325, or $500. We also offer a scholarship fee of $100, 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.

Daily Schedule - all times listed in Eastern Standard Time EST:
Tuesday, December 29
9:00 - 10:30 am - Opening Talk, Instructions, Meditation
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Guided Practice / Meditation + Q&C
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Dharma Reflections
4:30 - 5:00 pm - Sitting / Standing Meditation
7:30 - 8:15 pm - Evening Practice

Wednesday, December 30
7:00 - 7:45 am - Sitting / Standing Meditation
9:00 - 10:00 am - Dharma Talk, Instructions, Meditation
10:30 - 11:15 am - Small Group Meetings
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Guided Practice + Q&C
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Dharma Reflections
4:30 - 5:00 pm - Sitting / Standing Meditation
7:30 - 8:15 pm - Evening Practice

Thursday, December 31
7:00 - 7:45 am - Sitting / Standing Meditation
9:00 - 10:00 am - Dharma Talk, Instructions, Meditation
10:30 -11:15 am - Small Group Meetings
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Guided Practice + Q&C
3:00 - 4:30 pm - New Year Ceremony
7:30 - 8:15 pm - Evening Practice

Friday, January 1
7:00 - 7:45 am - Sitting / Standing Meditation
9:00 - 10:00 am - Dharma Talk, Instructions, Meditation
10:30 - 11:15 am - Small Group Meetings
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Guided Practice + Q&C
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Dharma Reflections
4:30 - 5:00 pm - Sitting / Standing Meditation
7:30 - 8:15 pm - Evening Practice

Saturday, January 2
7:00 - 7:45 am - Sitting / Standing Meditation
9:00 - 10:00 am - Reflections, Instructions, Meditation
10:30 -11:15 am - Small Group Meetings
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Guided Practice + Q&C
3:00 - 4:30 pm - Closing Session




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