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The Dhamma of Aging

A 6 week course led by Robert Cusick

Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs.

Aging is a dynamic natural process. It not only includes the losses and heartbreak often associated with changing conditions but also the opportunity to cultivate deep insights and wisdom. Change, too, is a dynamic natural process. To recognize and acknowledge the challenges associated with change (at any age) brings us face-to-face with the truth of impermanence, suffering and non-self. To know and see such truths cognitively is one thing. To directly experience and live with them is another. In this six-week series of classes on “The Dhamma of Aging”, participants will explore questions about the nature of wisdom and compassion as it relates to the ebb & flow of their own real-world daily life issues of aging.

The course content is designed to address the richness and diversity that is our shared human experience and will include instruction, guided compassion techniques, breathing and contemplative practices and inquiry, and meditation exercises. It is offered as a six week series, with progressive lessons and sequential instruction.

COURSE LEVELS:
This course is open to all practitioners. It is designed as a level 1-3 course. Click this link for a key to course level designations.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is required for this course. Registration will open two-three months prior to the start date of each course. Registration fees are non-refundable. To register, select an option under the Tickets heading at the bottom of this page. If you are viewing this page more than two months in advance of the course, the ticket feature may not have yet appeared, so please check back later to register.

The sliding scale fee range is from $360 to $90 and will be shared between IMSB and the teacher(s). The lower end of the sliding scale is intended for those with limited means. The basic rate of $90 is estimated to cover the most basic costs such as rent and insurance for the specific class period. It does not factor in compensation for teachers or ongoing administrative expenses for IMSB. The scholarship rate of $45 offers an even lower rate for those with very limited financial means.

By choosing to give at the mid to high range of the sliding scale your generosity supports those with limited income to attend our programs, and it supports IMSB and the teachers, enabling the dhamma to thrive in the South Bay Area. We encourage you to choose the highest level that is appropriate for your economic situation. If you need additional scholarship assistance and can volunteer to help, please inquire with the registrar about service scholarships by contacting ThursdayClassAddress_at_imsb.

Ticketing Tip: You may purchase series tickets on any day of the series. When you purchase a ticket you are registering for the entire class series. So you only need to register once.

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY:
The basic registration fee is not tax deductible and non-refundable. Donations above the base rate will be considered voluntary tax deductible contributions. Each January the IMSB treasurer sends donors letters that acknowledge the accumulated deductible donations from the previous year. This annual letter will acknowledge the amount given that is above the basic rate and serve as documentation for tax deduction purposes.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
All fees and payments are non-refundable. If it becomes necessary to cancel participation in a course, and the registrar is notified prior to the start of the first class meeting, your registration fee will be converted into a voucher creditable towards the fee for a future IMSB Thursday Class. Vouchers must be used within one year of the initial course start date. Cancellations that occur after the start of the first class are not eligible for the voucher credit.

To redeem a voucher, send an email to the registrar for the appropriate course and request to use your voucher credit as payment of the registration fees. If the voucher does not cover the base rate for the new class, the balance will be due to complete the registration process. Credits vouchers can be transferred to only one future course.

SUBSEQUENT PROGRAMING:
The Thursday night dhamma classroom will include an array of topics that will support the development of meditative skills and liberating insight. Please see our 2017 Calendar of Events for details. Courses will be led by experienced teachers and local experts in meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhism. Most classes will be appropriate for both new students and seasoned practitioners; any restrictions or pre-requisites will be noted in the course descriptions.

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