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Strategies for Overcoming Distracting Thoughts

A course led by Shaila Catherine, Sharon Allen, Chris Clifford, and Diana Clark

  • June 8 — Shaila Catherine
  • June 15 — Diana Clark
  • June 22 — Chris Clifford
  • June 29 — Shaila Catherine
  • July 6 — Shaila Catherine
  • July 13 — Sharon Allen

Visit our Teacher Page for teacher biographies and photographs.

Mental restlessness is an insidious and pervasive hindrance that all practitioners struggle to overcome. We can refine our skills for working with all the various modes of thinking that distract us from being mindful: critical thoughts, planning, worrying, lustful thoughts, memories, internal commentaries, to name a few. This course focuses on a sequence of effective strategies that was taught by the Buddha and recorded in the Middle Length Discourses, Suttas 19 and 20. Each session will emphasize one of the Buddha’s practical instructions for dealing with obstructive mental patterns.

This course is offered as a six week series, with progressive lessons and sequential instruction.

WHO SHOULD JOIN:
Anyone may register for this course, but the material is developed for meditators who have had some previous experience with mindfulness meditation. Previous training in sutta study or retreat experience are welcome but not expected.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is required for this course. Registration will open two-three months (MARCH 1) 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.

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.

Tickets

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