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Breathe with Joy

A 6-week series on mindfulness with breathing led by Shaila Catherine

Tuesdays, March 19 – June 4, 2019

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

The Buddha described mindfulness with breathing as a practice of joy. His instructions to his disciples on this practice were preserved in the Anapanasati Sutta—a discourse that presents sixteen practical instructions  that together map a comprehensive,  liberating, and joyful approach to mindfulness.

Although this systematic structure is clearly described in the ancient texts, divergent interpretations have developed regarding how to put the instructions into practice. In this series, Shaila Catherine will offer her own interpretations of the 16-step sequence and provide snapshots of perspectives promoted by other widely respected dharma teachers. This in-depth reflection on the Anapanasati Sutta will show how meditation on breathing can deepen both concentration and insight, and lead to awakening.

  • March 19 – Ever Mindful
  • March 26 – Breath and Body
  • April 23 – Breath and Feeling
  • April 30 – Breath and Mind
  • May 28 – Breath and Insight
  • June 4 – Breath, Mindfulness, and the Factors of Awakening

Note: Series dates are not consecutive. They are interspersed with guest speaker events. Visit our Event Calendar for details.

Everyone is welcome—newcomers as well as experienced practitioners. Each evening includes silent or guided meditation, a break, and teachings.


Please visit our Teachers Page for biographies and photos of our speakers.

Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation programs. On Tuesdays, we meet in Mountain View for our drop-in weekly program of meditation and teachings.  On Thursdays, we meet in Saratoga for our Dhamma Classroom, which offer a series of structured courses with registration, and periodic drop-in practice events.

Our Tuesday evening program usually includes a sitting meditation and Dhamma talk. The principal teacher is Shaila Catherine and guest speakers are featured regularly. Thematic series are periodically presented, but whether or not a topic has been advertised in advance, Shaila or a guest teacher will lead the sitting and offer teachings. See also weekly sitting.

Newcomers are always welcome. To help newcomers get acquainted with mindfulness meditation and IMSB, a senior member or teacher offers a beginner’s orientation beginning at 6:30 on the first Tuesday of each month.

IMSB relies upon the generosity of participants to support our teachers and cover organizational expenses. Dana is a word in the ancient Pali language that describes donations, offerings and generosity. Two bowls will be available at an event to practice dana for the teacher and IMSB. We encourage you to give joyfully and generously, according to your resources and means. IMSB is a 501(c) (3) organization. All donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

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