Insight Meditation Community
Bozeman , Montana

History and Mission:

Our Sangha (community) was founded in September, 1996 to offer resources and support for people seeking to enhance their Insight (Vipassana) meditation practice. We are an affiliate of Vipassana Montana which was also founded in the summer of 1996 and has affiliates in Missoula, Big Fork, and Thompson Falls. Vipassana Montana's mission is to offer Vipassana retreats in Montana on a regular basis.  Visit its web site (above) at www.vipassanamontana.com.

Location:

Bozeman Yoga Center , Beaver Pond Plaza, 1716 W. Main St., Suite 8A2 (between Main and Babcock, across from Northern Lights Trading Company on Babcock St., downstairs on South side of building).

Directions to Bozeman Yoga Center:
The BYC is in the Beaver Pond Plaza which runs between W. Main St. and Babcock at about 17th-- across Babcock from Northern Lights outdoor store. We are on the lower level on the left. Follow the blue BYC signs.

Local group meetings
Every Thursday evening (except holidays) at The Bozeman Yoga Center
6:45 p.m. Gather, establishing silence
7:00 p.m. Meditation begins (latecomers may enter quietly)
7:45 p.m. Tea and discussion
8:45-9:00 p.m. Chat and departure

Thursday Night Discussion Topics
Discussions following our sit are currently led by volunteer facilitators who bring in a selection to spark our conversation. These may be bits of lectures on tape, quotes, selections from books, or teachings from the vast resources for the dharma from around the world. There is no experience necessary to take a turn as facilitator-- it is not a teaching role, but a catalyzing one. Please consider signing up to take a turn.

Retreats this Fall:

Reb Anderson, Bozeman Zen Group:
Reb, former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, returns for his annual weekend in Bozeman October 20-22nd. All seekers of awakening are encouraged to attend, regard-less of “denomination.” See info at the BYC, or their website: www.bozemanzengroup.org.

John Travis will lead a residential retreat in Jackson, WY Oct 6 – 15th, with weekend, 6 and 9-day options. For info on John, see www.mtstream.org. For retreat info, contact Jan Mathiesen (307) 733-1966, or click here to email.

Mary Orr, long time Vipassana teacher and former teacher to our sangha, is leading a weekend retreat in Missoula Nov 3-5. Housing can be arranged. See our website (above) for details.

See also listings for Cloud Mountain retreat center in WA: www.cloudmountain.org.

For Retreats in the Goenka style of Vipassana in Castle Rock, WA see: www.dharmanet.org.

Days of Mindfulness are held on the first Sunday of the month October – April. from 9 am to 2 pm at the BYC. We need volunteers to host these days, if you are interested, please let us know. Reminders will go out via e-mail.

E-mail List
If you would like to be on the Insight Meditation Community’s “e-list” to receive news about our events and meetings, e-mail your address to suzcolon@yahoo.com.

Newcomer and Beginner Instruction
is no longer available on the first Thursday evening of each month. If you or someone you know would like some basic instruction in meditation and a chance to ask questions, please contact Suzanne, who is now doing newcomer orientations by phone or by appointment: 582-9410.

Recommended Reading:
For serious beginners to Insight meditation we recommend that you read Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana. In the past we have had discussion groups around this book and if there is enough interest, we will do so again. Please let others know if you would like to form a group to read this book with others.
The sangha’s library also has some excellent books and courses on tape available. We recommend What the Buddha Taught, Start Where You Are, and the beginner course on tape by Jack Kornfield.

Sangha Night at the Movies
When movies of interest to our community come along—being spiritual, meta-physical, Buddhist (or at least non-violent!)— we put out the word and have a group, community-building outing. If you know of a worthy film currently running, or would like to host a viewing at home, please suggest it at a Thursday meeting or e-mail Suzanne (see above).

Save the Date!! Matthew Flickstein
returns to Montana to lead our ten-day, residential retreat next May 25 - June 3rd. It may or may not be at Blacktail ranch again, stay tuned for details as they emerge (better yet, help us coordinate the retreat!).

If you don’t want to wait until June to sit with Matt again, see www.forestway.org for his complete schedule.

Sangha Coordinators :

Steering Committee Chair -  Currently Rotates
Treasurer - Molly Siddoway King
Secretary  - Suzanne Colón
Banking - Molly Siddoway King
Website Liason - Mitzi Griffin
Librarian - Mem Schultz
Fall Retreat Coordinator - Jenny Haubenreiser

IMC Steering Committee:

The steering committee consists of core members of the sangha who attend fairly regularly, share a commitment to the well-being and development of the sangha, and are willing to give time and energy to its maintenance.
Currently serving are: KC Cassidy, Suzanne Colón, Mitzi Griffin, Jenny Haubenreiser, Molly King, and Mem Schultz. The committee meets as-needed, usually four or five times a year. If you would like to join, please let us know. 

About Dana ( Generosity offerings):

Because the teachings of the Buddha are considered priceless, there is no set amount given to teachers. At retreats, talks, and days of mindfulness, each participant gives whatever monetary donation to the teacher that he or she feels is appropriate. This practice is called “dana.” Giving dana is an opportunity for us to put our gratitude into action and practice generosity. Where there is a teacher present, the dana box is put out for him/her.
The dana box is also put out at our weekly meetings and the introductory classes for those who would like to help cover basic costs, supplies and rent. Thank you for your support.

Compassion and a greatness of heart arise whenever we stop the war [against conditions]. The deepest desire we have for our human heart is to discover how to do this. We all share a longing to go beyond the confines of our own fear or anger, to connect with something greater than “I,” “me,” and “mine”… to touch a great ground of being that contains all things.
This is the purpose of a spiritual discipline- to discover peace and connectedness in ourselves and to stop the war in us and around us.
  - - - Jack Kornfield, A Path With Heart