PIMC Fall Classes and Workshops 2019
|
|
Greetings Sangha!
We are excited to present PIMC's offerings
for the upcoming fall 2019 season.
Below you will find a catalog of our classes and workshops,
along with links to register.
|
|
We look forward to connecting with you and finding ways to inspire your practice.
|
|
Fall 2019 Classes and Workshops:
(Note: See full descriptions and registration
information below.)
|
|
|
1.
Becoming Fully Alive: The Dharma of Life and Death
with Robert Beatty
2.
The Noble Eightfold Path: Putting the Buddha’s Path to Happiness into Practice
with Gregory Maloof and Christine Howard Gieben
3.
The Basics of Mindfulness with Doug Pullin
4.
Intermediate Mindfulness with Doug Pullin
5.
Skillful Speech & Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
with Doyle Banks
6.
Cultivating a Boundless Heart: A Deep Dive into Loving Kindness Practice with Gary Sanders
7.
Meet our Teachers (Bios)
|
|
|
Becoming Fully Alive:
The Dharma of Life and Death with Robert Beatty
|
|
Please join PIMC Guiding Teacher Robert Beatty for a very special opportunity to engage deeply with the idea of death as a teacher for living well. The class will consist of meditation sessions, readings, and discussion about opening the heart and engaging life fully.
The text for this class will be The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully, by Frank Ostaseski.
“We cannot be truly alive without maintaining an awareness of death. Death is not waiting for us at the end of a long road. Death is always with us, in the marrow of every passing moment. She is the secret teacher hiding in plain sight. She helps us to discover what matters most. And the good news is we don’t have to wait until the end of our lives to realize the wisdom that death has to offer”
-Frank Ostaseski
CLASS DETAILS:
Date
: Eight Wednesday Evenings; 9/11, 9/25, 10/2, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18
Time:
7 PM - 9 PM
Suggested Dana:
$240 (no one is turned away for lack of funds)
Teacher Contact (for class questions):
robert@robertbeatty.com
|
|
The Noble Eightfold Path: Putting the Buddha's Path to Happiness into Practice
with Gregory Maloof and Christine Howard Gieben
|
|
The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Buddha's Four Noble Truths and is described by the Buddha as the way to the cessation of suffering and the blossoming of self-awakening. The Eightfold Path is often said to contain a summary of all the instructions and essential elements of the Buddha’s path to realization.
In this introductory class we will explore each fold of the Eightfold Path and its application to daily life through: Dharma talks, group discussion, interactive exercises, weekly reflections, and group meditation. To orient us on this journey, we will also be reading the book, Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Bhante Gunaratana.
"We say that the path is the most important element in the Buddha's teaching because the path is what makes the Dhamma available to us as a living experience. Without the path the Dhamma would just be a shell, a collection of doctrines without inner life. Without the path, full
deliverance from suffering would become a mere dream. "
-Bhikkhu Bodhi
CLASS DETAILS:
Dates:
8 Mondays: 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Time:
7 PM – 8:30 PM
Half Day Saturday Session:
10/12 from 9-1
Suggested Dana:
$240 (no one is turned away for lack of funds)
Teacher Contact (for class questions):
drchristinehoward@gmail.com
gregory@portlandinsight.org
|
|
The Basics of Mindfulness with Doug Pullin
|
|
In this introductory class, the basic instruction in insight meditation will be given sequentially, beginning with mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, of emotions, of thoughts, of mind and of the application of mindfulness in daily life and on retreat. This class is appropriate for beginners as well as for experienced meditators who want to refresh the fundamentals of their practice.
In this class you will learn to:
1. Develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts.
2. Develop more balance with your emotions.
3. Be more in touch with your body and mind.
4. Increase your capacity to be loving and kind.
This class will provide a relaxed and supportive environment and will be tailored to the specific needs of participants. Students will be given a home practice guide and instructions to expand mindfulness into daily life. Practice outside class is an important part of the learning process.
CLASS DETAILS:
Dates:
6 Thursdays; 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24
Time:
6 PM – 7:25 PM
Suggested Dana:
$135 (no one is turned away for lack of funds)
Teacher Contact (for class questions):
douglas@douglaspullin.com
|
|
Intermediate Mindfulness with Doug Pullin
|
|
This six-week course will take you beyond basic instruction so that your meditation practice can be a more reliable refuge to experience direct insight into the nature of life.
Content will include the Buddha’s teaching on the five aggregates of clinging, the four foundations of mindfulness, the seven factors of awakening, and the three characteristics of existence. In class there will be guided meditations, sharing, and group discussion.
During this class there will be support and encouragement for expanding your daily meditation practice. This includes keeping a meditation journal, small group sharing, and a half day retreat.
This class will provide you with a relaxed and supportive environment and will be tailored to meet your specific needs. Practice outside of class is an important part of the learning process.
The prerequisite for this class is having taken the Basics of Mindfulness, Eightfold Path, or other similar class
.
Check with Doug if you have questions about suitability of this class for you.
CLASS DETAILS:
Dates:
5 Thursdays; 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12 & Half Day Retreat Saturday 12/7
Time:
Weekly Classes 6 PM – 7:25 PM & Retreat from 9am to 1pm.
Suggested Dana:
$175 (no one is turned away for lack of funds)
Teacher Contact (for class questions):
douglas@douglaspullin.com
|
|
Skillful Speech and Non-Violent Communication (NVC) with Doyle Banks
|
|
Skillful speech is, of course, one of the folds of the Noble Eightfold Path which the Buddha taught. In order to “do no harm” and harbor no ill will, it is crucial that we learn how to speak with truth and compassion. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) provides us with the “how.” In this class, you will learn and practice ways to create connection with others through speaking and listening with honesty and compassion. You will leave the course with life-changing skills to heal strained relationships and to form new ones founded on compassion, respect, trust and loving kindness.
CLASS DETAILS:
Dates:
10 Tuesday Evenings; 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19
Time:
7 PM – 9:15 PM
Day Long Retreat:
Saturday 9/14 from 9-5
Suggested Dana:
$300 (no one is turned away for lack of funds)
Teacher Contact (for class questions):
doyle_banks@yahoo.com
|
|
Cultivating a Boundless Heart:
A Deep Dive into Loving-Kindness Practice
with Gary Sanders
|
|
In this time of divisiveness, taking sides, and creating enemies, we all have the potential to find peace and ease within, to recognize our interconnection to all other beings, and to embrace them all with acceptance and friendliness. It is the practice of Metta that enables this to become our reality, to cut through our conditioning and decades of comparison, judgement and resentment. When the sublime attitude of Metta becomes more and more of our natural state, we are able to completely change our relationship with ourselves and the world. So, each week, in this class, we will focus on working with one of the five categories, creating a solid foundation in our hearts and minds to enable this sublime attitude to take root.
"For all of us, love can be the natural state of our own being; naturally at peace, naturally connected, because this becomes the reflection of who we simply are."
-Sharon Salzberg, Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
No prior meditation experience is necessary, and this class is suitable for even the most experienced of practitioners.
CLASS DETAILS:
Dates:
8 Wednesdays: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
Time:
7 PM – 8:30 PM
Day Long Practice Session/Retreat (Optional):
Saturday 12/7 from 9-4
Suggested Dana for Class:
$180 / Suggested Dana for Retreat $50
Teacher Contact (for class questions):
pimc.gary@gmail.com
|
|
Robert Beatty
is a member of the first wave of Theravada Buddhist Teachers who brought the Dharma from Asia in the 1970's. His mission is to help others discover the profound ways Buddhist practices can transform one’s life, reduce suffering and create happiness. He is the founder of the Portland Insight Meditation Community and its Guiding Teacher.
His meditation training began in India in 1972. He has studied with many teachers in Burma, India and the US. He traces his primary lineage is through
Ruth Denison
, founder of the
Dhamma Dena Retreat Center
, who named him a Dharma successor and authorized him to teach in 1982.
He has a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from York University in Toronto, and Masters in Social Work from Portland State. He has pursued his own inner work for decades with the help of several fine therapists. Robert is moved by the wisdom, compassion and maturity he gained through his own inner exploration and through experiences he shared with thousands of people he guided and counseled as they faced illness, death, divorce, disappointment, loss, major life transitions and end of life issues.
|
|
Doug Pullin
is a student of Robert Beatty. In 2015 he completed a three year teacher training program with Robert. He has also received teaching and guidance from a variety of other Western Buddhist teachers. In 2008 Doug completed the Spirit Rock sponsored two and half year Community Dharma Leader Training with Tara Brach and James Baraz. More recently he has been a student of Mathew Flickstein and is currently in a teacher training program with him.
Doug's teaching is an integration of Western psychology, neuroscience, Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to life, and compassionate engagement in the world. While remaining true to the core of the Dharma, his approach is relevant and accessible to our culture today. Doug's focus is on practices that lead directly to freedom from suffering, awakening joy, and deepening compassion.
|
|
Gregory Maloof
is the PIMC Manager and an assistant Dharma teacher to Robert Beatty at Portland Insight Meditation Community. As a mindfulness-based therapist with a master’s degree in marriage, couples and family counseling and a bachelor’s degree in western philosophy, Gregory draws inspiration from both western and eastern paradigms in his approach to understanding and sharing the Dharma. Gregory has 20 years of meditation experience, having studied in the traditions of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, U Ba Khin and Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw and has also been heavily influenced and inspired by various teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition. When not on a meditation cushion, Gregory enjoys movies, racquetball, writing screenplays with his wife, and eating anything wrapped in a tortilla.
|
|
Christine Howard Gieben
came to Dharma practice after years of interest in psychology and human interaction. After completing her degree in Clinical Psychology in 2001, she was drawn to explore the teachings of the Buddha and how these fit with western psychological concepts. She was introduced to the Dharma in January of 2003 while attending a weekend retreat with Robert Beatty. This retreat changed how she experienced life in a very profound way and she began a regular sitting practice and comprehensive study of the Dharma.
Christine has has studied mainly under Robert Beatty and Matt Flickstein and as such, has had influences from both traditional Buddhist and non-dual teachings. She has attended retreats of various lengths and has enjoyed assisting Robert on some of his retreats. Christine attributes most of her growth and increased happiness to Dharma practice, and over the course of time, has found herself more and more drawn to sharing the Dharma with others. Christine has a thriving psychotherapy practice where she integrates the teachings of the Buddha and western psychology. She enjoys sharing with clients the benefits of meditation as well as helping to support them on their psychological/spiritual journeys. When not at work or meditating, Christine enjoys hiking, biking, running, and pretty much anything that involves movement and the outdoors.
|
|
Doyle Banks
brings a lifetime of spiritual experience to his expression of the Dharma. As a former Eastern Orthodox Christian priest, a former school music teacher and currently, a Nonviolent Communication instructor, he offers a deeply compassionate presence to those with whom he works. Doyle's commitment to the Dharma began in 2004 when he purchased a copy of the Dhammapada, translated and commentated by Eknath Easwaran, devoured it and immediately began sitting mediation practice. In January 2009, he says he finally found his Dharma teacher, family and home when he came to his first PIMC meditation and dharma talk with Robert Beatty. "The rest..." As they say, "... is history."
|
|
Gary Sanders
lives in Portland, OR. He is originally from the Los Angeles area, where he was the founder of SCV Mindfulness and led up to three weekly groups for over 5 years. He was empowered to lead Buddhist meditation and dharma groups at Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. He helped, from the ground level, to found Refuge Recovery, a Buddhist based recovery program for all addictions, which has now spread worldwide. After moving to Portland, Gary was asked to join the teaching staff at Portland Insight Meditation Community. Gary travels frequently and teaches daylongs and workshops all around North America.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
