The metta (lovingkindness) part of this retreat will provide the support needed to touch into the wordless depths of our own heart. There, we can experience its essential boundlessness and our capacity to love and embody kindness. Teachings and practices on compassion, joy in the happiness of others and equanimity will also be offered.

The insight meditation segment of the course will explore the Buddha's teachings on liberation of mind and heart. Through learning to connect with our mind/body process with interest and acceptance, we develop greater understanding and compassion, thereby extending our ability to meet life's changes with graceful ease and serenity. With guidance from the teachers, participants will be encouraged to develop trust in their own practice.

An optional period of mindful qigong will take place each day to deepen our ability to soften, relax and connect with our bodies. 

Teachers

Michele McDonald

Michele McDonald has taught insight meditation around the world for 27 years, helping individuals to find their own natural entry points into stillness and deep liberation. She is a co-founder of Vipassana Hawai'i as well as a leader in retreats for youth and Burma relief projects.

Rebecca Bradshaw

Rebecca Bradshaw is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, MA. She is also a psychotherapist and the Buddhist Advisor at Mt Holyoke College. Her teachings invite exploration of the convergence of love and wisdom.

Patricia Genoud-Feldman

Patricia Genoud-Feldman has been practicing Buddhist meditation (vipassana and Dzogchen) in Asia and the West since 1984 and teaching vipassana internationally since 1997. She is a co-founder and guiding teacher at the Meditation Centre Vimalakirti in Geneva, Switzerland.

Greg Scharf

Greg Scharf has practiced extensively since 1992 in India, Thailand and in Burma, where he trained as a Buddhist monk. He is particularly interested in the role of service in the path of awakening.

Assisted By

Franz Moeckl

Franz Moeckl has practiced and studied insight meditation, Tai Chi and Qigong for more than 25 years, including time as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He now teaches in the US, Europe and Asia.

For more information, please contact IMS, Barre, Massachusetts, USA.