Ah, at long last, after months of organizing and arranging my worldly responsibilities, I am finally packing and preparing to embark on a 4 month meditation retreat that will be led by the Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw of Burma, and assisted by Venerable U Jagara. It will take place at the Insight Meditation Society in MA with 31 participants. This is a wonderful opportunity to train with a master in a traditional and systematic approach to jhana and vipassana.

Periodically during my absence, one of the guest teachers at IMSB will post reflections to this blog, or a volunteer will post a short quote from my book, or reflection that I prepared in advance. I hope you enjoy our guests and these quotes and reflections. I am delighted that we are blessed with a wonderful group of guest teachers who will share their wisdom with the sangha.

I am also so very grateful for the many volunteers who have stepped up by taking responsibility for various roles and projects. The generous, responsible involvement of many volunteers has made it possible for me to depart for this extended retreat with a feeling of complete trust and ease. I am going with a heart full of gratitude.

Copious thanks to everyone who is helping serve the dhamma! Your efforts make it possible for everyone, including me, to practice fully.

I intend to return in November and resume my blog postings again in November. Please enjoy the varied wisdom offering until then.