Mindful Speech
Bringing clarity and peace to communication.
A 6-week course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, and Chris Clifford.
- March 15 — Defining Right And Wrong Speech, with Sharon Allen
- March 22 — Difficult Communications; Responding to Anger, with Shaila Catherine
- March 29 — No meeting this week. Church needs the room for their Easter events.
- April 5 — What Is Worth Discussing, with Chris Clifford
- April 12 — Promoting Community Harmony, with Sharon Allen
- April 19 — Timely and Useful Speech, with Shaila Catherine
- April 26 — Where does the talk lead? with Shaila Catherine
Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs.
Course Description:
Words serve as the bridge between our inner thoughts and the world of interaction – once spoken, words produce consequences for the speaker, listener, and community. Cultivating right speech as part of our mindfulness practice serves a dual purpose: it nurtures clarity, understanding, and harmony in relationships, and it helps us investigate subtle intentions and mental patterns.
The Buddha placed a great deal of emphasis on speech—he incorporated Right Speech into the eight-fold path and addressed it in dozens of individual discourses. This six-week course will look at the teachings on speech that are preserved in the Discourses Of The Buddha. Weekly readings and home exercises will explore the role of speech on a spiritual path and help participants bring mindfulness and wisdom to daily conversations.
WHO SHOULD JOIN: Some previous meditation experience would be helpful, but not required. No background in sutta study is expected.
COURSE LEVELS:
This course is open to all practitioners. It is designed as a level 2 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. The base rate 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 ThursdayClass.
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, and may be transferred to only one future course. Cancellations that occur after the start of the first class are not eligible for the voucher credit.