Problems on the Path
An evening with Ross Buttner

In tonight’s program, Ross Buttner will discuss his research into challenges faced by Western Buddhist practitioners, and how these problems can be overcome. Based on his analysis of 70 in-depth interviews with teachers and practitioners, Ross will focus on four general areas of difficulty: psychological challenges, issues particular to the practices themselves, cultural dynamics, and problematic relationships among teachers and students. Ross will share his findings along with anecdotes and video clips from some interviews with teachers who are broadly known within the community.

Ross Buttner has a Ph.D. from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. His dissertation research which was based on 70 in-depth interviews, revealed psychological, social, practical, and culturally related difficulties that occur on the meditative path, and offers potential solutions. Ross has practiced meditation for over 20 years. He studied Buddhism in Nepal and India, sat in dozens of retreats, and lived for two years at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He has facilitated mindfulness groups, taught mindfulness in colleges, and incorporated mindfulness into his clinical work with chronic pain clients, domestic violence offenders, and those suffering from addiction.

Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation groups—Tuesdays evenings we offer an open drop-in sitting group in Mountain View, and Thursdays we offer structured courses in Saratoga.

The Tuesday sitting group meets every Tuesday evening for a meditation and Dhamma talk in Mountain View. 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.