Marin Sangha Classes
In addition to our regular Sunday sitting group, members of the Marin Sangha also offer classes for new and experienced meditators. Scheduling of the classes depends upon demand, so if you’re interested in any of these classes, please inform the instructors. All classes are offered on a dana (donation) basis
Back to Basics
This series of five classes offers instruction in basic Buddhist teachings and meditation. It is intended for students with little or no vipassana retreat experience and for anyone who would like a refresher in Buddhist fundamentals. The course will include lectures and meditation practice, including guided meditations, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
This series is designed to provide background knowledge for better understanding of the Dharma teachings and meditation instructions that Phillip Moffitt offers in Marin Sangha on Sunday evenings.
Start date of next class series: TBA
Location: Larkspur
Taught by: Barbara McHugh and Bill Coffin
We ask that all participants commit to attending all classes.
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required. To reserve space in the next class series, email Bill Coffin (billc at eclipsoid dot com). Please include your name, phone number, and email address. We'll send the address and directions. Be patient, we may be out of town.
Preparing for Your First Silent Retreat
Have you thought about going on retreat, but don’t know what to expect? Have you heard stories from others that sound exciting or unsettling and confusing? It can be helpful to have some clarity around what to expect before going on your first retreat. This one-and-a-half hour class is geared toward helping you understand what to expect in terms of schedule, accommodations, food, physical comfort, and many other areas. This class is for individuals who have never experienced a silent meditation retreat or have never sat an extended retreat. We will cover the following topics:
- A typical retreat day schedule, retreat etiquette, interviews, accommodations, food
- Vipassana and metta retreats
- Preparing for a retreat and post-retreat integration
- Helpful physical hints, including physical challenges
- How long a retreat to choose
Date of next class: TBA
This class is taught by Art Jolly. If you are interested in taking this class, contact Art directly: artjolly at yahoo dot com.
Exploring the Brahma-viharas
In this five-week series, we’ll explore and practice with Metta, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity. Participants will practice each Brahma-vihara in both formal practice and daily life. Class time will include instruction on each Brahma-vihara, its near and far enemies, and discussion.
Date of next class: TBA
Taught by: Art Jolly.
If you are interested in taking this class, contact Art directly: artjolly at yahoo dot com.
Going Deeper with the Five Precepts
The Buddha talked repeatedly about the importance of sila, or ethical conduct, as a foundation of spiritual development. But how do we take something like the Five Precepts – a core expression of ethical conduct – and bring them to life as practice? This four-week series will serve as an opportunity for in-depth exploration of how the precepts help us use all that arises in daily life as grist for our awakening. The first session will be an overview of all five precepts with people choosing a specific one to work with throughout the course. Subsequent weeks will be spent on deepening the relationship to that precept through teachings and discussion.
Date of next class: TBA
Taught by: Art Jolly.
If you are interested in taking this class, contact Art directly: artjolly at yahoo dot com.
