Dear IMFW Community

The truth of the dharma — its timeless wisdom, skillful means, and powerful practices — has had a profound impact on all of us. We know what a difference the dharma can make in people's lives because we’ve felt it in our own lives.

Our beloved community has held together through the challenges of this past year, and we are humbled by the outpouring of support as we opened Sangha House this spring. Your dana support, volunteers who care for our home, inside and out, and our tremendous teachers have all made it possible to continue to offer you support for your practice. We are indeed very fortunate for this place of refuge we call IMFW.

We are profoundly grateful for your support and practice during this last year of global challenge and change, and through it all, IMFW offered the Dharma, providing a deeply needed refuge of kindness and care.

As we open Sangha House, we need your financial support. As any of you who are homeowners know, there is ongoing upkeep and maintenance. We can't do this without you and hope you can offer your support. Please click on the Donate to IMFW button below. Your generosity sustains both your practice and the practice of others. The act of giving cultivates a spirit of love and acknowledges our deep interconnectedness.

With love and blessings,

June 5th, from 9:30-4:30, Tammy will be leading a daylong retreat. It will be a time for basic mindfulness practice, a time for settling in, and with kind attention watching the arising and passing away of experience. While guided mediations and teachings will be offered that will build on one another, attendees may come for full day or only for morning or afternoon sessions. There will be 30-minute sitting sessions, followed by 30-minute walking sessions. Dharma talks will be offered both morning and afternoon sessions Please register if you plan to attend at tamaradyer6@gmail.com. Or contact me if you have any questions. I encourage you to offer yourself the gift of sustained practice at our beloved Sangha House. Masks will be optional, so we request that only those who are fully vaccinated attend.

Tammy

Spirit Rock Meditation Center is receiving applications for what is known as the Dedicated Practitioners Program (DPP). DPP is an "innovative program for committed practitioners of Insight meditation to study the earliest Buddhist teachings of the Theravadin tradition over a two-year period, which includes five 7-day in person retreats for study, practice, and connecting in Sangha. Participants will commit to maintaining a formal daily meditation practice, monthly coursework, group meetings, and regular contact with a mentoring teacher. The program supports a deepening understanding of the Dharma, a strengthening of practice, and integration of compassion and wisdom into our daily lives." To learn more about this program go to https://www.spiritrock.org/dedicated-practitioners-program.

This is the 7th DPP class that has been offered by Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and everyone I’ve ever spoken to who has participated has felt enriched by the experience. Many in my CDLP (Community Dharma Leadership Program) had taken the class and expressed deep gratitude for the teachings from experienced Insight meditation teachers, as well as the opportunity to practice with people from throughout the United States and beyond. I encourage anyone who has ever had the inclination to advance their study and practice to consider applying. I never expected to be accepted in the CDLP class, but I was. You never know how the winds will blow.

I am very grateful many of us have received Covid vaccines, but many fellow beings throughout the world suffer from a lack of access to vaccines and effective treatments. “May our blessings, privilege, and good fortune be shared with everyone without discrimination", so beautifully offered by dharma teacher, Kittisaro.

Six years ago, Jack and I spent almost 3 weeks in India with a group of 15 people from all over the world with Shantum Seth, our guide and teacher, walking in the 'Footsteps of the Buddha'. It was a remarkable trip that took us to where the Buddha was born, the places he taught, and where he died. Shantum is an ordained Dharmacharya (Dharma Teacher) in the linage of Thich Nhat Hanh and teaches in India and across the world. He is actively involved in educational, social and ecological programs in India, a Senior Advisor to the World Bank, chaired the United Nations Development Program, and initiated the Endogenous Tourism program in India.

Many long-lasting friendships evolved from that trip. So, when he sent us the request for support to help the people of India during this Covid crises, Jack and I responded immediately. If you are so inclined, click on the link provided to read more.

We are filled with deep gratitude for the many volunteers who showed up to freshen up and renew the land on which Sangha House sits. How fortunate we are to have such a lovely place to study and practice. Caring for this space requires attention, love, and generosity. Over 25 people showed up to weed, plant, edge, feed, and mulch (and eat donuts) for two Saturdays in May. However, I underestimated the amount of mulch that would be needed to keep the weeds at bay. We now have 6 more yards in the parking lot that need to be moved to the area under the back pines. If you can stop by for an hour or so and move mulch, that would be very helpful. Call a friend and make it an opportunity to catch up or become reacquainted.

Also, please note our updated COVID-19 policy for anyone entering our building. Following the latest CDC guidance, beginning May 30,  IMFW will no longer require fully vaccinated people to wear face coverings inside Sangha House.  We ask that those who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings.

Our mission is to share the Buddha's teachings with all those who are interested, to provide support to deepen our meditation practice, and to bring wisdom and compassion into daily life.