Classes
Classes meet at Insight PV from 7:15 – 9 pm unless otherwise noted. There is a suggested registration contribution for classes, and also an opportunity to practice dana to the teachers. See more on registration information and cancellation policies below.
What the Buddha Taught:
A Ten Month Practice Group
with Rebecca Bradshaw
and Mark Hart
Thursdays: September 22,
October 20, November 17,
December 15, January 19,
February 16, March 15,
April 19, May 17 & June 21
7:15 - 9 pm
Suggested contribution: $70 - 100
(can be paid in two installments) plus Teacher Dana
In this ten-month practice group we will study the elements of practice as classically stated in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition. For newer students, this class can serve as foundational course. For more experienced students, we will challenge and support each other to go to a deeper level in our practice, investigating our weak areas and blind spots, and awakening greater delight in the beauty of a life of dhamma practice.
Areas to be covered are Four Noble Truths, Karma, Three Characteristics of Life, Generosity, Loving Kindness, Ethical Living/Training in Conduct, Renunciation/Monasticism,
Stages and Milestones of Concentration, Mindfulness, and Effort.
Readings will be assigned; please borrow or buy the following books before the group starts: Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Bhante Gunaratana and The Foundations of Buddhism by Rupert Gethin.
Bringing Our Practice Into Our Relationships
with Rebecca Bradshaw
Mondays, February 27 - March 26
Suggested contribution: $35 - 50
plus Teacher Dana
What can our practice teach us about skillful, happy, and healthy relationships? This class explores the Buddha’s teachings on relational topics such as ethics, skillful speech, and compassion. We’ll investigate these topics in our daily lives through practice suggestions and support each other in our explorations. 
Beginning Meditation
with Kim Weeber
Mondays, April 2 - May 7
Suggested contribution: $42 - 60
plus Teacher Dana
This six-week class will present an overview of the Buddha's teachings on meditation and mindfulness in daily life. There will be guided meditations, discussions, and suggestions for home practice. Recommended reading: The Beginner’s Guide to Insight Meditation by Arinna Weisman.
Awakening Joy
with Adi Bemak and Peggy Gillespie
Tuesdays, April 24 - May 15
7 - 8:30 pm
Suggested contribution: $28 - 40
plus Teacher Dana
"There is a sorrow beyond all grief which leads to joy" — Rashini from the poem, The Unbroken
The Buddha said, "With our thoughts we make the world." We often spend hours worrying about the future, brooding over the past, or grappling with present-day stress, disappointments, and sorrow. We often believe that if our lives were a little easier, then we could feel joy: "If I only could have ___ (fill in the blank with your own desires), then I will finally be happy." James Baraz, author of Awakening Joy, says: "We can't control circumstances or other people, but we can train our minds to see clearly and our hearts to remain open, even in the face of pain." This three-week class will include mindfulness meditation, inquiry, and discussion about how to recognize and deepen the joy in our daily lives no matter what is happening in our outer lives. Together, we will explore practices of generosity, gratitude, and even playfulness, as we learn to open-heartedly face difficulties. This class is open to both beginning and experienced practitioners.
Experienced Students’ Group
with Rebecca Bradshaw
An opportunity to practice generosity or dana to the teacher
The Experienced Students’ group will continue to meet once a month on Thursday early evenings. There may be openings for new members. If you are interested, please email Rebecca Bradshaw at: rebeccab@mtdata.com.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Registration Procedure
Please register IN PERSON for classes by arriving 15 minutes before the class or retreat. There is NO pre-registration by telephone or mail. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is limited for space reasons to about 25 people.
If you cannot make the first class you will have an opportunity to sign up, space permitting, at the second class. Classes are offered as a series, and for the purpose of building continuity in the class they are not open on a drop-in basis.
Registration Contributions
All registration contributions for classes, one-day retreats and weekend retreats are applied to the administrative costs of running the Center. We also ask participants to support the teachings by making a donation to the teacher at each event. This is an opportunity to practice generosity (dana). In case of financial difficulty, scholarships are available.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Carpooling
You may want to consider ridesharing to an event or ongoing class. Martin Urbel coordinates ridesharing to Insight PV events. If you are interested, please contact him at urbel@comcast.net.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Cancellations for Insight PV Classes
If a class is cancelled because of bad weather or illness and cannot be replaced, participants will be offered a refund. If there is a question about snow or other weather-related cancellations, please call Insight PV at 413-527-0388 after 3:00 pm.
