Dharma Study and Practice Program

THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS: THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS ON MEDITATION ~ Hugh Byrne
Six Mondays from March 15 to April 19, 2010
St. Albans Church (Nourse Hall), 3001 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
This course is a continuation of a class on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness offered in fall 2009.  New participants are welcome to join and a full review of the theme will be provided. Course readings and materials are providedSliding scale--$150 to $100 (Suggested “drop-in” fee $20 per class)
Contact: Steve Zappalla: Phone: 571-271-7284; E-mail: szappi@hotmail.com
Information and Registration Form

"THE BUDDHA'S MASTERPIECE": SATIPATTHANA - THE FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS ~ Carl Skooglund
3rd Saturday of the month, 3-5 p.m. over the course of 2010.  An optional potluck dinner will follow.
WHERE: Glover Park, DC
The satipatthana group is an opportunity to explore, practice and share this teaching with others in a small group setting.  Prior experience with the teaching is not necessary, but participants should be willing to devote a portion of their dharma study and sitting practice to satipatthana.  In addition to the original discourse, there are many commentaries available online and in books.You may email Carl to express interest in joining (cmskooglund@verizon.net) or call if you have questions (cell (202) 510-3283).  The size of the group may be limited to eight participants.  Dana donations will be collected at each meeting on behalf of IMCW.
More Information 

IMCW's Dharma Study and Practice Program responds to a need identified by IMCW teachers and community members for the central Buddhist teachings to be presented and explored in a clear and structured way.

The study and practice program forms part of a larger aspiration of IMCW’s board and teachers: to support an individual’s progression from first contact with and interest in the Dharma to becoming an experienced practitioner.

There are a number of existing IMCW programs and activities that support this path of growth and development, including meditation classes and retreats; membership of a spiritual friends (or kalyana mitta, KM) group; participation in the mentoring program as a mentee or mentor; participation in an affinity group; and service to the community as a volunteer, or IMCW committee or board member.

The development of the Dharma Study and Practice Program is another central part of this path of growth and development in the dharma. A key objective of the program is to offer regular classes by IMCW teachers in different locations throughout the Washington area that cover the central teachings of the Buddha in a more systematic, inclusive and structured way than we have been able to do in the past.

Some key elements of the DSPP

• IMCW teachers will teach special classes on core Buddhist teachings (e.g., the Four Noble Truths, Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Brahma Viharas/Divine Abodes, Three Refuges, Five Hindrances) on a regular basis as well as incorporating these teachings into regularly offered classes.

• Other Buddhist teachings that are more complex or specialized will likely be offered on a periodic basis (e.g., teachings on dependent origination; karma, rebirth and reincarnation; Buddhism and psychotherapy).

• Some courses will be geared towards beginning practitioners, others to more experienced participants, and some will be geared to people at all levels of experience.

• A typical format for the courses will be a four-, six- or eight-week series (e.g. on the Four Noble Truths or the Four Foundations of Mindfulness) though depending on the subject-matter, some courses may be longer or shorter.

• Courses will normally include both a study and practice component. A 90-minute or two-hour class will normally include a period of meditation, a talk on the teachings, and a period of discussion.

• Courses will normally include a curriculum, one or more core texts and, where appropriate, background readings, reading list, and study questions.

• The classes will be offered in different locations to make them as accessible as possible to members of the IMCW community, e.g., Takoma Park, Bethesda, All Souls, Virginia.