This Week's Events

Classes

Retreats

Welcome to Bellingham Insight

Bellingham Insight Meditation Society (BIMS) supports meditation and practice in the Buddhist Theravada tradition. We are a growing community and welcome guests, drop-ins, and visitors.

Insight meditation is a simple and direct practice, the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind/body process through calm and focused awareness. Learning to observe experience from a place of stillness enables one to relate to life with less fear and clinging. Seeing life as a constantly changing process, one begins to accept pleasure, pain, fear, joy and all aspects of life with increasing equanimity and balance. As insight deepens, wisdom and compassion arise. This practice is sometimes called "vipassana", which is a Pali word for insight.

News

Residential retreat March 23-April 1

Heather Martin and Dori Langevin will lead a 10-day residential retreat March 23-April 1 at Camp Samish, south of Bellingham, WA. The focus of the retreat is "the 10 perfections leading to awakening." The 10 Perfections (paramis) offer a helpful framework for guiding Dharma practice in daily life and along the path to awakening.

The cost of the retreat is $460, plus dana for the teachers.

Flyer & registration: flyer

Flyers and registration forms are also available at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall.

1/14/12

Freedom in a Female Form February 10-12

Freedom in a Female Form: Exploring Women"s Stories and Koans About the Body is a non-residential, non-sectarian, dana-based retreat opportunity to explore our practice together as women. This year"s retreat will focus on the body.

The weekend will be led by Florence Caplow & Jean La Valley. Florence is an itinerant Soto Zen priest, vipassana practitioner, writer, and botanist. Jean is a community dharma leader with the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society. Florence and Jean have shared the path as dharma sisters for 24 years.

For more information or to register: flyer

12/26/11

Qi Gong class begins Thursday January 5

Bob Lau, a BIMS member, will offer Qi Gong classes on Thursday evenings from 6 - 7 PM at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall. The emphasis of this Qi Gong will be on overall health, relaxation and energy - a more relaxed and energized body with an alert calm mind.

No experience is required and one need not come every week. Please wear comfortable clothing and socks or in-door-only shoes. There is no charge for these classes. You may give dana if you wish.

12/25/11

Introduction to Insight Meditation - Saturday, January 14

This day-long class will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). We will discuss core elements of Buddhism and meditation practice. Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion. New and experienced students are welcome.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

To see or print the flyer:flyer

12/23/11

Friday November 11th - Movie night at the Hall

It"s movie night at the Dharma Hall, a time to watch a variety of movies with fellow sangha members and friends.

This Friday we will be showing Groundhog Day. It"s billed as a comedy, starring Bill Murray, and it is a very funny movie. But viewed through the "dharma lens" it"s a whole other movie. Come see for yourself.

Be in your seat, popcorn in hand, by 7 p.m. If you"d like to microwave popcorn or mill and chat with folks beforehand, please come a little earlier. Feel free to bring your own chair, too.

11/5/11

Residential Retreat with Ajahn Santidhammo

Ajahn Santidhammo, from Wat Attam in Woodinville, will lead a residential retreat from October 18-23 at Camp Samish. His retreat is entitled: "Every step is an arrival and a departure on the path of peace."

Ajahn Santi has kindly been giving us Dhamma talks at the Hall every two months. These have been attended by an ever-increasing full house of people, and BIMS is happy to offer the chance to sit a retreat with him.

The schedule will be the "standard" vipassana retreat schedule;there is no requirement to take the full eight precepts and skip the evening meal, though you may do that if you like.

Please note that that we have a new "e-cabin" policy on the registration form.

To see flyer and/or print registration form flyer

10/3/11

Movie Night at the Hall - Friday, October 7

Bellingham Insight and the Red Cedar Zen Group are co-hosting the first of (what we hope will be)many movie nights. This Friday night, October 7, 8 p.m., we"ll be showing "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring." Please feel free to invite friends who might be interested. We will have a basket for dana, to help with hall expenses. We hope to see you there.

10/2/11

Introduction to Insight Meditation - Saturday, October 8

This day-long class will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). We will discuss core elements of Buddhism and meditation practice. Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion. New and experienced students are welcome.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

To see or print the flyer:flyer

9/10/11

Retreat with Dori Langevin - September 10 & 11

Dori Langevin will be teaching a non-residential weekend retreat at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall Sept. 10 and 11, from 9 AM - 4 PM.

The cost is $30 for BIMS pledge-members and $40 for non-members.

Dori"s focus will be on the first foundation of mindfulness, the body. Details about the retreat are included in the flyer.

To see flyer and/or print registration form flyer

Dori will give a public talk at the hall Friday, Sept. 9, from 7-9 PM.

9/6/11

Dharma talk with Dori Langevin

Dori Langevin will lead a non-residential retreat on Saturday & Sunday, Sept 10 & 11 (see below). The topic for the weekend is Mindfulness of Body: Awakening Presence in Stillness and Motion.

Dori is giving a public talk on Friday, September 9, 7-9 pm, at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall. There is no charge for the dharma talk. This is an excellent chance to meet Dori, especially if you are not sitting the weekend retreat.

Dori completed Spirit Rock”s four-year teacher training program with Jack Kornfield. She leads retreats for adults, young adults and has taught with the Insight Meditation Society Family Retreat. She has been on the advisory board for the Buddhist Recovery Network, which supports the use of Buddhist teachings, traditions and practices to help people recover from the suffering caused by addictive behaviors.

She currently lives and teaches in Spokane WA.

9/6/11

Dharma talk on Purification of Mind - Friday, August 26th

Tina Rasmussen and Stephen Snyder will give a dharma talk at the Hall on Friday, August 26 at 7 pm. The title of their talk is Purification of Mind on the Path to Liberation (Samatha/ Concentration Meditation including Jhana/Absorption)

The Buddha emphasized the importance of purification of mind through the samatha practices as an essential part of the three stages of practice (sila, samatha, & vipassana). Tina and Stephen will explore what purification of mind means, both through loosening the grip on our deeply held personality patterning as well as cultivating our direct connection to the unconditioned ground of being.

They will also discuss samatha mediation instruction and practice, and the application of these meditations to our daily life and retreat practice. There will be time for questions and answers.

Tina and Stephen will be teaching a BIMS-sponsored month-long retreat at Camp Samish in the fall of 2013.

No need to register for the evening and no charge for the talk, altho there will be an opportunity to offer dana for the teachings.

8/19/11

Ajahn Santidhammo visits on Tuesday, August 2nd

Ajahn Santidhammo, a Theravada monk from the Wat Atam monastery in Woodinville, will be with us again on Tuesday August 2nd for our meditation period at 7 PM, followed by a Dharma talk at 8 PM.

All are invited to join us for the evening.

7/20/11

Prayer wheel dedication - Friday June 24th

Last year, Bellingham Insight Meditation Society & Red Cedar Zen Community donated a ceramic prayer wheel to our friends at the Community of Christ"s Samish Campground. The prayer wheel is a symbol of our continuing gratitude for the generosity and welcome we have all experienced at Camp.

Since then, Community of Christ member Mark Chapman and others have been building an outdoor shelter to house the prayer wheel.

The shelter has now been completed by Mark and his family. The camp is working on site preparation, and will be assisted by Red Cedar Zen work crews during their sesshin next week.

There will be a dedication ceremony at the Camp Samish campground on Friday, June 24th at 7:30 PM. The dedication will be followed by a reception in the dining room. All are welcome. No registration or RSVP needed, just show up.

For more information, contact Jean ajeanlavalley@yahoo.com

6/15/11

Ajahn Santidhammo visits on Tuesday, June 7th

Ajahn Santidhammo, a Theravada monk from the Wat Atam monastery in Woodinville, will be with us again on Tuesday June 7th for our meditation period at 7 PM, followed by a Dharma talk at 8 PM.

All are invited to join us for the evening.

6/7/11

Buddha Day/Vesak Celebration - May 17th

Join us in celebrating Vesak (Buddha Day) on Tuesday, May 17th. This important day recognizes the Buddha"s birth, enlightment and death. The celebration on Tuesday will begin with an all family program from 6-7 PM, and includes a story time (a story about the Buddha or concept from Buddha"s teachings), an art activity or two, and the sharing of some birthday cake. At 7 PM, the regularly scheduled sitting meditation will occur for 45 minutes. At 8 PM, the festivities & desserts continue, along with chanting the 3 refuges & the 5 precepts. We will end with a protection cord ceremony. Join us for all or parts of this happy celebration.

5/12/11

Introduction to Vipassana Meditation - Saturday, May 14th

Bellingham Insight invites all new and experienced students to a day-long class (9 AM to 3 PM) that will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

To see or print the flyer:flyer

3/26/11

Ajahn Santidhammo visits on April 5th

Ajahn Santidhammo, a Theravada monk from the Wat Atam monastery in Woodinville, will be with us again on Tuesday April 5th for our meditation period at 7 PM, followed by a Dharma talk at 8 PM.

All are invited to join us for the evening.

3/24/11

April 1-10 Residential Retreat with Heather & Andrea

This residential retreat will be taught by Heather Martin and Andrea Fella. We will explore the meditation style taught by Sayadaw U Tejaniya: a relaxed open awareness with an emphasis on exploring qualities of mind, and the attitude towards one"s experience.The schedule for the retreat will alternate periods of sitting and walking with instructions and discussion. Aside from the instruction and discussion periods, the days will be primarily in silence.

This residential retreat will be held at a rural retreat center south of Bellingham. This retreat is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners.

To register and for more information

Phone: Caroline at 734-9903

Email: caroline@affo.info.com,

To see flyer or print registration: flyer

2/6/11

Dharma Dads will meet Sunday, February 13th

Dharma Dads is a meditation, support and study group for men who are interested in families and Buddhism. We will explore issues related to parenting and relationships within a Buddhist context. Possible topics and activities include literature study related to meditation and/or parenting, organizing play dates and other family-related activities, and of course, meditation practice. This will be our first meeting so bring your ideas and help us in visioning what we want our group to become.We"ll meet at 10:30 AM at Red Cedar Dharma Hall, right after the Sangha Mamas.

2/5/11

Introduction to Insight Meditation - Saturday February 12

Bellingham Insight invites all new and experienced students to a day-long class that will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

To see or print the flyer:flyer

1/13/11

Ajahn Santi visits on Tuesday, February 1

Ajahn Santidhammo from the Wat Atam monastery in Woodinville will be with us again on Tuesday February 1st for our meditation period at 7 PM, followed by a Dharma talk at 8 PM.

All are invited to join us for the evening.

1/11/11

Dharma talk January 7th - 7 - 8:30 PM

The weekend retreat "Freedom in a Female Form" will begin with a talk on Friday evening January 7th at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall. The talk presents an overview of the life stories of wise, funny, fierce and determined Buddhist women. We will also identify the themes that we are exploring during the weekend. All interested beings - in male or female form - are invited. No charge and no registration.

12/30/10

Freedom in a Female Form - January 7-9, 2011

Florence Caplow and Jean La Valley will lead a non-residential women"s retreat January 7-9, 2011 at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall. The retreat, entitled "Freedom in a Female Form: Exploring Stories and Koans of Awakened Women," will be an opportunity to explore our practice together as women. In silence, in contemplation, and in dialogue, we will consider the stories and koans of wise Buddhist women through the ages, and reflect on our own lives, wisdom, and dharma.

The weekend will begin with a public talk at 7 PM on Friday evening January 7th. All are invited & there is no need to pre-register.

The Saturday-Sunday retreat will be limited to 25 women. As of 11-30-2010 the retreat is FULL. There is a waiting list for anyone interested; please contact the registrar

Registrar: Mary Stone:Email: marywstone@gmail.com

Phone (message) 360-734-5901

12/8/10

Wat Atam Monks visit on Tuesday, December 7th

Ajahn Santidhammo from the Wat Atam monastery in Woodinville will be with us again on Tuesday December 7th for our meditation period at 7 PM, followed by a Dharma talk at 8 PM.

All are invited to join us for the evening.

12/7/10

Work Party at the Dharma Hall - November 20 & 21

The weekend of November 20-21 will be a time to do deep cleaning, maintenance, repairs and improvements to the Red Cedar Dharma Hall.

Everyone who appreciates the existence of the Hall is warmly invited to attend a day, a few hours, or both days.

Schedule: 9am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday. There will be a potluck lunch with a short chanting service at 1pm each day.

Soup is provided. Please bring something simple (salad, bread, treat, fruit, etc.) to add to the potluck lunch.

11/14/10

Introduction to Meditation October 23 from 9 AM-3PM

Bellingham Insight invites all new and experienced students to a day-long class that will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). We will discuss core elements of Buddhism and meditation practice. Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

10/10/10

October 12-17 Residential Retreat with Heather Martin

Heather Martin will be leading a residential vipassana meditation retreat at Camp Samish from October 12-17, 2010. The cost for this 6-day retreat us $245.00 (U.S. Funds)plus dana to Heather.

For more information, contact Karen at 647-8414

Email: karen.sheldon@gmail.com

For a flyer and a registration form: flyer

10/6/10

October 9th - A Day with Ajahn Ritthi

Ajahn Ritthi, abbot of Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery (Wat Attam) in Woodinville, will be joining us for another day of practice and fellowship with members of the Bellingham Thai community on Saturday, October 9th

Our day with Ajahn Ritthi in June was a great success, with 40 people attending (about half from the Thai community). The feeling in the Hall was lively and warm, the food plentiful and delicious, and the teachings practical, direct, and presented with great humor. We hope that those who attended in June can join us again and that those who missed the June event will take advantage of this second opportunity to meet and practice together with Ajahn Ritthi and our Thai neighbors.

TIME: Saturday, October 9th (9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

PLACE: Red Cedar Dharma Hall

COST: Free (All Dana collected on this day will be offered to Wat Attam.)

WHAT TO BRING: A dish to share for lunch

SCHEDULE:

9:30 a.m. Chanting

10:00 Meditation

10:30 Dhamma Talk

11:30 Pindapata - Offering of food to monks and Potluck-style lunch

1:00 p.m. Program ends

You may join us just for the Dhamma talk and lunch, if you prefer. Feel free to enter the Hall after the meditation ends at 10:30.

10/5/10

A Weekend with Thanissaro Bhikkhu - September 11&12

BIMS is delighted to have Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) return to Bellingham this September for his every-other-year retreat. This year"s subject is "Mindfulness and Concentration", and as usual, there is a study guide of suttas relating to this topic. Ajaan Geoff sent the following information: "Mindfulness and concentration are two qualities essential to training the mind for the sake of release from suffering. At present they are often taught as two separate, even antithetical, practices, but the Buddha taught them as two elements in a single, unified practice. This course – through readings, discussion, talks, and meditation – will explore the Buddha"s teaching on this topic and the ways that mindfulness and concentration can support each other in our own practice."

Schedule: 9 AM - 4 PM Saturday & Sunday

Retreat Cost: $30.00 for BIMS pledge-members, $40.00 for non-members (U.S. Funds). Pre-registration is required, as we expect this retreat to be full. If you must cancel,please let us know. Your fee will go to the BIMS general fund to sponsor future retreats & workshops. No refunds will be made.

Dana: There will be an opportunity both days to make a food offering to the monks and to Metta Forest Monastery. Your generosity is greatly encouraged and appreciated.

To register and for more information

Phone: Caroline at 734-9903

Email: caroline@affo.info.com,

Flyer & registration form:

For a flyer and registration form: flyer

7/27/10

July 10 & 11 with Heather Martin

Join us for this non-residential weekend retreat with Heather Martin. We will explore the meditation style taught by Sayadaw U Tejaniya: a relaxed open awareness with an emphasis on exploring qualities of mind, and the attitude towards one"s experience. Such an open awareness practice supports both the formal meditation of sitting and walking, as well as awareness of our normal daily activities. The schedule for the retreat will alternate periods of sitting and walking with instructions and discussion. Aside from the instruction and discussion periods, the days will be primarily in silence.

Schedule: 9 AM - 4 PM Saturday & Sunday

Retreat Cost: $30.00 for BIMS pledge-members, $40.00 for non-members (U.S. Funds). Pre-registration is required, as we expect this retreat to be full. If you must cancel, please let us know. Your fee will go to the BIMS general fund to sponsor future retreats & workshops. No refunds will be made.

Dana: Your generous support for Heather is greatly encouraged and appreciated.

To register and for more information:

Email: geneva@openaccess.org

For a flyer and registration form: flyer

6/9/10

Ajahn Ritthi visits Saturday June 12th

Ajahn Ritthi, abbot of Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery (Wat Attam) in Woodinville, has generously agreed to join us for practice and fellowship with members of the Bellingham Thai community on Saturday, June 12th. The day will be similar to the Thai community gatherings Wat Attam holds in Shoreline on most Sundays.

PLACE: Red Cedar Dharma Hall

COST: Free (All Dana collected on this day will be offered to Wat Attam.)

WHAT TO BRING: A dish to share for lunch

SCHEDULE:

9:30 a.m. Chanting*

10:00 Meditation

10:30 Dhamma Talk and Pindapata**

11:30 Offering of food***

12:30 p.m. Q&A with Ajahn Ritthi

1:30 Program ends

* Ajahn Rhitti will also be available for informal discussion from 9:00 to 9:30 while we finish preparing the Hall.

** “Pindapata” means offering alms (i.e., rice) to the monks.Rice will be available for anyone who wishes to place some in the monks’ alms bowls during this ceremony.

*** This is a chance for us to share the dishes we bring for the potluck with the monks.

You are also invited to join us just for the Dhamma talk, lunch, and Q&A, if you prefer. Feel free to enter the Hall after the meditation ends at 10:30.

Registration is not necessary for this event.

6/8/10

James Baraz & Shoshana Alexander - June 2nd

James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander will be at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall on Wednesday, June 2nd. James and Shoshana are co-authors of Awakening Joy, published in January 2010. Please join us for this special evening

6:00-6:50 SOCIAL HOUR & BOOK SIGNING

Come meet with and talk with James and Shoshana. Their book will be available for sale (checks or credit card only, please) and they would be happy to sign the book, if you"d like. We"ll be downstairs at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall.

7:00-7:45 MEDITATION in the Dharma Hall

8:00-9:00 DHARMA TALK WITH JAMES AND SHOSHANA

James has been teaching meditation since 1978 and has led several retreats for our local sangha. He is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, where, in addition to leading retreats, he founded the Community Dharma Leader Program and is the teacher-adviser to the Spirit Rock Family and Teen Program and the Kalyana Mitta (Spiritual Friends) Network.

Shoshana has studied Buddhism since 1970 and is the author of In Praise of Single Parents, and Women"s Ventures, Women"s Visions. Among her dharma activities, she was the director of the Family Program at Spirit Rock when her son was a child. She lives in Ashland, Oregon, where she teaches writing and leads various workshops, including Awakening Joy support groups.

5/27/10

May 26-June 3 Retreat - Heather Martin/Pascal Auclair

Heather and Pascal will be leading a retreat from May 26 to June 3, 2010 at Camp Samish on Samish Island, WA

The retreat will be conducted in noble silence with alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation, evening dharma talks and interviews. Instruction in both vipassana meditation and metta (loving-kindness) will be offered.

There will be 3 simple vegetarian meals a day. The camp is on the water and has extensive grounds for walking. All registrants will have a cabin to themselves. Optional yoga instruction is offered in the afternoons. This retreat is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners.

Cost: $385.00 U.S., plus Dana to Teachers

A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

For more information, contact Rem, the retreat registrar. Email: remthefem@yahoo.com

Phone (message) 360-647-3353

To print flyer & registration: flyer

4/29/10

Beginning Again 1.5 -- Saturday, May 15

This day-long class will build on the material from our introductory class in February and will also be suitable for anyone who has an interest in meditation but little or no experience. We will review the basic instructions for mindfulness meditation and the core teachings of wisdom, compassion, mental peace and kindheartedness that apply to our daily lives and concerns. Suggestions for developing a home practice and cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be presented. This class will include both discussion and practice and time will be allotted for answering questions.

The class will be taught by John Robinson & Jean La Valley.

When: Saturday May 15 --9 AM to 3 PM

Where: Red Cedar Dharma Hall 1021 N. Forest

Cost: by donation

Pre-registration requested

For more information or to register:

John @ 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

To see/print a flyer: flyer

4/28/10

BIMS is on Facebook

BIMS now has a page on Facebook! One more way to keep in touch. We have the web site (which you are reading now) as well as an email list for timely announcements. Now we have the Facebook page which will have our social networking--more informal connections, discussions, sharing and notes. It"s 2010 and this is a new way to keep connected! Become a Facebook friend of Bellingham Insight Meditation Society.

To be added to our email announcement list Email: karen.sheldon@gmail.com

3/15/10

Retreat with Andrea Fella - April 10 & 11

This non-residential retreat, taught by Andrea Fella, will explore the meditation style taught by Sayadaw U Tejaniya: a relaxed open awareness with an emphasis on exploring qualities of mind, and the attitude towards one"s experience. The schedule for the retreat will alternate periods of sitting and walking with instructions and discussion. Aside from the instruction and discussion periods, the days will be primarily in silence.

Andrea Fella has been practicing Insight Meditation since 1996. She has practiced both as a lay person and as a nun. Her Burmese teachers include Sayadaw U Pandita, Sayadaw U Janaka, and Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Her main American teachers include Joseph Goldstein, Gil Fronsdal, and Carol Wilson.

Location: Red Cedar Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest St, Bellingham WA

Contact: registrar Caroline Kingsbury

Email: caroline@affoinfo.com,

flyer & registration: flyer

2/15/10

February 6th from 9 AM-3 PM: Introduction to Meditation

Bellingham Insight invites all new and experienced students to a day-long class that will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). We will discuss core elements of Buddhism and meditation practice. Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

1/12/10

Buddhism and the 12 steps with Kevin Griffin

The Buddha said that craving is the cause of suffering. Twelve Step programs work with the deepest forms of craving. How can these two traditions come together to deepen our spiritual life? Through a combination of traditional and contemporary Buddhist meditation practices, interactive exercises, talks, and discussion, we will explore the ways that Buddhism and the Steps complement each other. This day is open to all who are interested, and will include introductory meditation.

Kevin is the author of One Breath at a Time:Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, and A Burning Desire:Dharma God and the Path of Recovery (on the shelves January 4, 2010)

NOTE: the retreat is full and registration is closed as of Tuesday January 5th.

1/10/10

Teachers On Tuesday Nights in December

BIMS will welcome 2 visiting teachers to the Red Cedar Dharma Hall in December. Ajahn Tom and several Thai monks from Wat Atam in Woodinville will return to the Hall on Tuesday, December 1 to lead meditation at 7 PM. Ajahn Tom will give a dharma talk at 8 PM.

Heather Martin will be in Bellingham on Tuesday December 15th. She will lead meditation at 7 PM and give a dharma talk at 8 PM.

All are invited to either or both evenings.

11/18/09

BIMS membership & community month

BIMS invites you to our month-long series on Membership and Community. Tea and cookies each Tuesday. And not just any old stale cookies, but Caroline"s fabulous home-made cookies.

WEEK 1-October 27th

7 PM Meditation

8 PM “Why are spiritual friends the “whole of the holy life?” Dharma talk - Jean La Valley

WEEK 2 – November 3

5:30 Community Dinner in the Hall basement - Dinner provided by the board

7 PM Meditation

8 PM Annual board report

WEEK 3- November 10

7 PM Meditation

8 PM Focus on volunteers, beginning with a skit with Karen & Steve

WEEK 4 November 17

7 PM Meditation

8 PM “Finding Contentment in Dharma Practice” Dharma Talk – John Robinson

10/27/09

Buddhism in Bellingham

The Bellingham Dharma Association presents its 4th annual public lecture series – 4 lectures by local Buddhist teachers plus two slide shows on Buddhist history and culture in Asia.

Talks will be held at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest Street, in Bellingham. A $5-$10 donations is suggested. Each 50 minute talk includes 5-10 minutes of guided meditation and is followed by a Question and Answer session. The public is warmly invited.

A children”s program is available with art teacher Shelby Sneva. Suggested donation $5/child. Please come early (doors open at 9:30am) to settle your child into the program.

The remaining programs in the series include:

Saturday October 24th at 10am:"Enlightenment - Not Enlightenment." with John Robinson of the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society,

Saturday October 24th at 7pm: Slide show with Jeffrey Harker, "Pilgrimage to Buddha”s India"

Saturday October 31st at 10am: “How to Gather a Scattered Mind" with Acharya Jenny Warwick of the Bellingham Shambhala Center

For more information: Bellingham Dharma Association

or (360) 398-7008

10/7/09

Monks visit on Tuesday October 6th

Several weeks ago a member of the local Thai community contacted Bellingham Insight about the possibility of our sangha meeting several of the monks from the Wat Atam Buddhist Monastery in Woodinville, Washington. We are happy to announce that on Tuesday, October 6th monks Ajahn Prayad and Ajahn Santidhammo (Tom Flynt)will lead our meditation evening. We will start as usual at 7:00 PM. The monks will give a dharma talk for the second-hour program.

There is a possibility that these two monks would be willing to travel here regularly to lead meditation, give teachings and do personal interviews if there is interest.

For more information on the monastery or the monks: Attama Wat

10/4/09

Metta Retreat with Heather Martin - October 13-18

Metta or Loving Kindness meditation attunes us to our natural and great capacity for connecting with and caring for ourselves and others. It is true friendliness. As we practice, we deliberately nurture our heart"s spontaneous affinity for peacefulness and kindness, acceptance and forgiveness. Detailed instructions in various aspects of Metta (Loving Kindness) will be given, and the intertwining of the practices of Vipassana (Clear Seeing) and Metta will be explored.

This 6-day retreat will be taught by Heather Martin at Camp Samish, Samish Island, WA. The cost is $255.00 U.S., plus Dana to the teacher.The retreat is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners.

For more information or to register, email:

jg_raber@comcast.net or phone (leave message): 360-738-0906

8/31/09

Beginning Again: Introduction to Insight Meditation

Saturday October 3rd from 9AM - 3PM at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall

This day-long class will include both discussion and practice. Four meditation objects will be taught: sitting, walking, eating and metta (kind-heartedness). We will discuss core elements of Buddhism and meditation practice. Ideas on developing a home practice as well as ways of cultivating awareness in our daily activities will be included in the class. Time will be allotted for questions and discussion. New and experienced students are welcome.

Pre-registration is recommended. Contact John Robinson at 758-7260 or email john@treefrogfarm.com

8/30/09

Sangha Picnic on Saturday August 29th

Bellingham Insight & the Red Cedar Zen Group are coming together to picnic from 2-6 PM on Saturday August 29th. We"ve reserved a shelter at the south end of Lake Padden, near the ballfield.

Bring your family, friends, games & music.

Bring some food for a potluck: if your last name begins A-P, bring a main dish or a salad. If your last name begins Q-Z, bring a dessert.

And please bring your own plates, cups & utensils.

Ice and a cooler will be provided.

See old friends and meet some new ones!

8/17/09

All-sangha womens retreat on Sunday August 16th

The women of Bellingham"s several Buddhist sanghas will be offering a morning of meditation and sharing on Sunday August 16th from 8 AM - 1 PM at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest. All women are welcome to attend.

Pre-registration is requested - contact Joan Casey, 647-2346 or joancasey@comcast.net

There is no registration fee. All donations will support the Red Cedar Dharma Hall.

8/8/09

Weekend Meditation August 8 & 9

The Bellingham Insight Meditation Society will host a Meditation Weekend on August 8 & 9.

Saturday, August 8, will be a full day of meditation from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with practice periods from 8-12, 1-4, and 5-8.

Sunday, August 9, will be a half day of meditation from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

All are welcome. We hope to see you there.

Please check the BIMS website calendar or the bulletin board in the Hall foyer for more details.

8/4/09

July 24-26 Meditation Weekend with Heather Martin

During this weekend retreat at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall we will focus on the support of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in aging, sickness and dying. Heather will discuss attitudes in support of living these experiences. The attitudes will include honesty, denial, positive thinking, fear, fearlessness, control, & trust. We will look at liberation, by the fire of these truths. There will be time for each participant to reflect on how they would like to be supported by their friends (in and out of the sangha) during times of illness or dying. We will explore some ritual and chants that may be helpful. Basic instruction will be given in sitting and walking meditation and there will be periods of silence. However, this weekend will have more reflection and discussion periods than many of our weekend retreats.

The weekeend begins with a dharma talk on Friday July 24 from 7-9 PM.The retreat will continue on Saturday and Sunday, July 25th & 26 from 9 AM –4 PM each day.

Cost: $25 for the weekend for BIMS pledge members, plus dana (donation) for the teacher.

$35 for non-members, plus dana for the teacher

Scholarships are available (contact the registrar).

Questions: Prentiss, the registrar, at 756-1359 or prentc@comcast.net

Directions: Directions and additional info will be emailed (or mailed) to you upon receipt of registration form & check

6/30/09

Sunday Afternoon June 28th with Ajahn Jayasaro

On Sunday, June 28th BIMS will be hosting an afternoon visit from Ajahn Jayasaro. Ajahn Jayasaro was abbot for many years at Wat Pa Nana Chat (Ajahn Chah"s monastery) in Northeast Thailand. This a rare opportunity and we are pleased that Ajahn Jayasaro will be able to be with us.

His dharma talk is titled "The Brahma Viharas: cultivating loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimiity in our practice."

No pre-registration is required. The talk will be at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest. Please come in time to seated in the Hall by 1 PM.

$5.00 per person is asked to cover the use of the meditation hall. There will also be an opportunity to offer dana for Ajahn Jayasaro.

6/16/09

Prayer Wheel Art Benefit with Jeni Cottrell

SUNDAY JUNE 07, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Learn how to make a prayer wheel using copper wire and sheet metal.

This original design was created by Jeni Cottrell, who has been teaching wire work since 1993 and sitting with Bellingham Insight Meditation Society for many years.

$6 materials fee includes wire to finish project at home.

Suggested donation of $30-$60 will benefit the Red Cedar Dharma Hall.

Class is limited to 8 students.

Register with Jeni by calling 752-1904. You may make your donation and pay the materials fee on arrival.

5/30/09

Beginning Again: Introduction to Insight Meditation

Why do we meditate? What are the benefits? How do we do it? These are common questions that anyone curious about meditation may ask. And for those with a regular meditation practice, these questions are good to ask from time to time to freshen-up our intention. Several times a year BIMS offers an Introduction to Insight (vipassana) meditation class where meditation instruction is given and these questions are discussed. This is an opportune time for new and experienced practitioners to explore how meditation may fit into their life. Please consider joining us on Sunday Feb 22, 9 AM-3 at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall. Cost is by voluntary donation to the BIMS scholarship fund. Registration is recommended by contacting John at 360-758-7260 or e-mail John john@treefrogfarm.com

To see a class flyer: flyer

2/22/09

Residential Retreat with Heather Martin & Andrea Fella

Heather and Andrea will lead a residential retreat April 1-12 at Camp Samish,a rural retreat center south of Bellingham, WA. April 1-5 is suitable for all students. On Sunday April 5th, "experienced" students may continue on if they wish. "Experienced" means you have had some retreat experience, ideally several week-long retreats. From April 5-12 students will be expected to be more independent in their practice. There will be less structure in the schedule and less contact with the teacher. If you have any questions about your "experience", please contact the registrar.

Cost: $205.00 for 5-day;$560.00 for 12-day plus Dana to Teachers

For more information, contact the registrar Rem Ryals email: remthefem@yahoo.com

Phone (message) 360-647-3353

To see a flyer and registration form: flyer

2/21/09

The Saturday Sit-in - Beginning February 14th

The Saturday Sit-In is a full day (12 hours) of mindfulness at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall held one Saturday a month from 8:50 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. The schedule consists of morning, afternoon, and evening Practice Periods: alternating sitting meditation (45 minutes) and walking meditation (15 minutes). Each Practice Period begins with a short Dhamma reading.

It is our hope that these Saturdays will provide participants with a retreat-like experience. With this in mind, we would encourage you to spend the full day with. If full-day attendance is not possible, however, you are welcome to join the group for just one or two Practice Periods. We ask that you arrive only at the start of a Practice Period and remain until its end. Noble silence will be observed throughout the day.

There is no charge for this event and no pre-registration is required. It is led by the sangha of the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society, but we welcome members of any of the Buddhist practice groups as well as others from the community.

The hall will be open at 8:30 AM. Please plan for enough time so that we can get started at 8:50 AM.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact John Fries at jnfries@yahoo.com

1/28/09

6/10/08

Talk by Zoketsu Norman Fischer on Saturday March 1st

Zoketsu Norman Fischer will give a public talk entitled American Mystical Poetry. From ts eliot to his own work, with stops in between, Norman will read and discuss poetry that attempts to access the unspeakable words of the heart.

Norman's talk will be at 7:30pm at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1708 "I" Street, just up from Dupont St.

3/1/08

Regular Activities

-Morning Meditation

-Tuesday Night Group Meditation

-Tuesday Night Programs

-Social Hour

-Monks from Wat Atam

-Book Club

-Dharma Talk

-Sutta Study

-Thursday Lunchtime Meditation

-Thursday Evening Meditation

-Weekend Meditation

-The Saturday Sit-In

--Sangha Mamas

--Dharma Dads

--Orientation to Meditation