Non-residential Weekend Retreat – San Luis Obispo, CA
2016-12-03 - 2016-12-04 | White Heron Sangha, San Luis Obispo, United States
Two days of meditation near the coast with Shaila Catherine
Participants may join for Saturday and/or Sunday.
Saturday’s Theme:
Meditative Investigation
Although meditation is renowned for promoting tranquility and mental calmness, meditation is not passive. Investigative methods play a vital role in the skillful development of liberating insight. The core teachings of Satipaṭṭhāna include specific instructions for examining the quality of mind and causality. This daylong program will emphasize the development of the awakening factor of investigative discrimination, explore the fourth establishment of mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna) with an emphasis on meditative investigation. We will examine the quality of our minds in order to understand how we might meet life’s experiences free from suffering.
Sunday’s Theme:
Investigating the Nature of Mind
We live with an active and functioning minds. But people rarely take the time to look beyond the content and stories that occupy mental activity, and instead examine the basic nature of their own minds, which is free from the distorting perceptions of self. This program will encourage an inquiring attitude to explore subjectivity, to observe the formation of self-concepts, and to distinguish between the thinking activity of mind, and the empty nature of mind. We will use sitting and walking meditation practices to cultivate unbiased observation of mind-body processes. We will employ contemplative questions to pursue subtle inquires that may bewilder the analytical mind. We will consistently practice letting go of all assumptions. We will deconstruct assumptions of self, and intentionally dwell recognizing space and emptiness in our meditation. The teachings will point to our potential for the complete release of attachments and suffering, while giving careful attention to the ordinary and immediate functioning of present moment sensory experience.
For registration and details visit: https://www.whiteheronsangha.org

Weekly Meditation and Teachings in Mountain View with Shaila Catherine
2016-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Edwards Hall, 2094 Grant Road , Mountain View , CA, 94040, United States
Insight Meditation South Bay offers two weekly meditation groups—Tuesdays in Mountain View, and Thursdays in Saratoga.
This group meets every Tuesday evening for a sitting 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.

Ten Perfections (paramis)
2016-12-08 19:15 - 21:00 | Westhope Presbyterian Church, 12850 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA, 95070, United States
A series for developing the best of mind and heart.
Many powerful wholesome qualities are nurtured in the contemplative life. This series will explore the ten perfections (paramis) that support the path of awakening, and bring joy and harmony into our daily lives. These beautiful qualities are accessible to everyone, at every stage of our path, however, they are believed to have been perfected by the Buddha through his countless lifetimes as he strove to realize the ultimate perfection of Buddhahood. This series will provide a closer look at each of these respectable qualities to enable us to more fully develop them in our lives.

November 3 – Generosity with Drew Oman
November 10 – Loving-kindness with Kimberly Allen
November 17 – Renunciation with Shaila Catherine
November 24 – Thanksgiving (no meeting)
December 1 – Patience with Sharon Allen
December 8 – Virtue with Shaila Catherine
December 15 – Truthfulness with Shaila Catherine
December 22 – Determination with Chris Clifford
December 29 – Energy, effort with David Cohn
January 5 – Equanimity with Shaila Catherine

January 12 – Wisdom with Berget Jelane

Read teacher biographies on our Teacher Page.
Everyone is welcome. Chairs are provided. Bring a cushion and mat if you prefer to sit on the wood floor.
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.

Monthly Day of Meditation with Shaila Catherine
2016-12-10 09:30 - 17:00 | Foothills Congregational Church – Fellowship Hall, 461 Orange Ave, Los Altos, CA, 94022, United States
A day of meditation with Shaila Catherine.
IMSB offers a day of meditation one Saturday each month. These monthly day long programs offer a consistent and easy opportunity for meditators to maintain a steady commitment to meditation, deepen their practice, explore various dhamma themes, and cultivate relationships with the community—and still be home in time for dinner!
The day long programs are usually structured with alternating sitting and walking meditations, augmented by meditation instructions, reflections, and teachings. Shaila Catherine leads most of the day longs, complimented by periodic guest teachers or community events. At most day long events, Shaila is available for individual consultations.
Shaila offers teachings at each event, usually aimed at developing meditative skills. Whether or not a theme is announced in advance, teachings will be offered to deepen understanding of the Buddhist path of practice.
There will be a pot-luck community meal around 12:30; please bring a food dish to share.
Everyone is welcome. There is no registration. Folding chairs are provided. Bring a mat and cushion if you prefer to sit on the floor. Beginner’s to meditation are encouraged to come on time since both sitting and walking meditation instruction are usually offered in the mornings.
These monthly events may take place at any of the churches where we meet—in Los Altos, Saratoga, or Mountain View. Be sure to double check the website event listing to determine the correct location.
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.
