Deepening Practice Program
Practical Information
Monthly In-Person Sessions on Sundays, 2:00-4:30 pm: January 24, February 21, March 14, April 18, May 30, 2027.
Location: Ekoji Buddhist Sangha, 3411 Grove Avenue, Richmond. (Google Maps)
Cost: Dana (a donation)
Suggested donation: $150-$450 (No one will be turned away for lack of funds. See below for more information.)
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen
Registration: Please register in advance by filling out the registration form.
Description
In this five-month program we will explore the Buddha’s teachings on the three characteristics of existence:
- anicca (impermanence)
- dukkha (unsatisfactoriness, stress)
- anattā (not-self)
These three characteristics can be discerned in all of our experience. They are not simply three concepts that we are being asked to believe. They are aspects of experience that can be investigated and practiced with directly.
It is one thing to know, “Everything is impermanent.” It is another to notice impermanence directly, in the body, in sensations, in moods, in thoughts, in relationships, in pleasure and pain, and in the movement of attention itself. It is one thing to hear that experiences are not-self. It is another to experience for ourselves: this arose without my choosing it; it changes without my permission; it cannot be made to remain simply because I want it to.
When we try to hold onto what changes, obtain lasting satisfaction from what cannot provide it, and construct a sense of “me” and “mine” around things that are conditioned and unstable, dukkha arises. The more clearly we see how things actually are, in other words, the wiser we become, the more dukkha will be undermined. Wisdom does not need to fight with craving, aversion, or delusion. It sees through them. In this way, wisdom becomes a practical means of undermining the conditions that sustain ignorance and dukkha.
Wisdom is something that can be cultivated. Through study, reflection, and practice with the three characteristics, we can become increasingly familiar with how things actually are. Gradually, what was once merely an abstract concept can become something we recognize for ourselves.
The question throughout the program will therefore not simply be, “Do I understand the three characteristics?” but rather, “Am I learning to see experience differently?” And ultimately: “Does seeing in a different way change the amount of dukkha I experience?”
What Participation Involves
Monthly Sessions
We will meet in person once a month for a 2½-hour deepening session. Because these sessions build on one another, we ask participants to commit to attending all five sessions.
Study and Practice Between Sessions
Each month will include a balance of study and practice. You’ll receive readings and/or recorded talks, along with meditation suggestions, exercises, and reflections to help bring the teachings to life.
Before the first session, you’ll receive a small amount of material to read or listen to so that you can begin reflecting on the themes we’ll explore together. During the program, we anticipate approximately 2–3 hours per month for reading/listening and other study materials. We also encourage the establishment of a regular meditation practice of a minimum of 30 minutes, at least four times a week, if you don’t already have one.
Small Practice Groups
During our first session, we’ll form small kalyāṇamitta (spiritual friendship) groups, or “small practice groups.” These groups will meet once a month to share reflections, practice experiences, and insights from the study material and exercises. The intention of these kalyāṇamitta groups is to nurture genuine connection and mutual support; companions on the path who help one another stay inspired, grounded, and open-hearted as we explore the teachings together.
Who This Program is For
- Some meditation experience: Participants should have some prior meditation experience. This might include attending the IMCR sangha (or another Insight Meditation community) regularly for at least three months, completing an introductory Insight Meditation course, or participating in an Insight Meditation residential retreat. If you’re not sure whether your experience is a good fit, please contact us.
- A desire to deepen practice: This program is for those who want to explore the Buddha’s teachings more deeply, not only as ideas, but as a lived and ongoing practice in daily life.
- Commitment and community: This program is meant to be a supportive container; a space where we can grow in understanding, kindness, and connection with one another. We ask that participants attend all five monthly classes, engage with the monthly homework and exercises, and meet with their small group at least once a month.
This program is offered on a dana (generosity/donation) basis. The suggested donation for the full six-month program is $150–$450. If you have the ability to give more, your additional generosity helps make the program accessible to those who cannot contribute as much. If this range is beyond your means, please give what you can; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Your donation supports the teacher in continuing to offer these teachings. The teacher will also distribute a portion of the donations to support the IMCR group and Ekoji. Please give as feels appropriate and generous for you. Please delight in your generosity and know that the dharma continues to be offered to you and others through our collective acts of sharing. All are welcome, no donation is required.
At the sessions, you may offer dana by cash, check, or QR code. You may also donate online in advance to Marjolein.
More information about the concept of dana, generosity, in Buddhism.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us.