Dates: January – December, 2022.
Monthly large group sessions – Saturdays: January 22 (required!), February 26, March 26, April 30, May 21, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November 19, December 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. US Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: $600 – $1008. Code YL1T22.

REGISTRATION OPENS: Wednesday, August 25 ~9:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Teaching Team: Led by Vinny Ferraro, with Frank Ostaseski and Victoria Cary

CANCELLATION FEES
• $100 cancel fee* – On or before January 18, by 5:00pm PT
• Open credit or tax deductible donation – January 19 until February 27 (after the second class)
• No refunds –  February 28 and beyond
*fees reduced for scholarship participants

QUESTIONS? Please email us. 

1. Dates: Jan – May 2022; Jan 8 & 9 (2 days), Feb 12, March 12, April 9, April 30 & May 1 (2 days).
   Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
   Sliding Scale: $450 – $2,000. Code BP1T22.
   Continuing Education Credits: 18 CE credits available for $180 for psychologists and California licensed MFTs, LCSWs, LEPs, LPCCs, nurses, and chiropractors, licensed by the APA, California BBS, BRN, or BCE.*

Visit BPT Program page here.

PREREQUISITE
This training is designed for therapists, educators and those in allied fields. Participants are recommended to have attended at least one (1) multi-day residential retreat or multi-day online retreat with an Insight Meditation teacher or community (e.g. Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, Insight Retreat Center, etc.) prior to the start of the training.

DESCRIPTION
Only when one has truly made oneself a patient can one become a healer. In practicing mindfulness meditation and studying Buddhist psychology, we become the patient. So much goodness unfolds from this sincerity. Through our practice, we come to understand ourselves, affirm ourselves, and ultimately, transform ourselves. Our own transformation is then leveraged for the welfare of the people we serve.

The classic description of empathy—to stand in someone else’s shoes—presumes that we already know what it is like to stand in our own shoes. With striking clarity, mindfulness reveals what it’s like to stand in our own experience. The intimacy of this encounter with ourselves provides a basis for deep compassion and accurate empathy. This program is not primarily about learning techniques to add to one’s therapeutic repertoire: it is a recognition that, in an important sense, you are the intervention and cultivation of your own being enhances your effectiveness. Techniques flow from your direct understanding and their power depends on the sincerity of your efforts.

This four-month training for therapists, educators and those in allied fields, will provide an immersion in Buddhist psychology and the meditation practices that illuminate our minds, foster goodness and transform habits that compound suffering. We’ll dive into the scientific research on mindfulness and its increasing prominence in psychotherapeutic interventions exploring data regarding the efficacy of mindfulness and the mechanisms through which mindfulness confers its benefits. The training will examine the convergences and tensions between clinical research and Buddhist psychology and describe ways to integrate mindfulness into treatment. We’ll consider possible contraindications of mindfulness and how to tailor the intervention to individuals. It is an attempt to foster a dialogue between the sacred power of Buddhist practice and the scientific study of health, psychological distress and behavior change. Please join us.

PRE-COURSE WORK
Once accepted into the program, all participants will be given access to Foundational Buddhist Teachings, an online course consisting of five daylong retreats. Students are encouraged to review this course material prior to the class to ensure all participants can join our course with a level of shared understanding regarding foundational Buddhist concepts and terms.

PROGRAM DATES
Program training period is January – May 2021. Specific training dates below.
All meeting times are: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

• Jan 8 & 9 (2 days)
• Feb 12
• March 12
• April 9
• April 30 & May 1 (2 days)

PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
Your participation in this training is important. The cohesion of the group is an important aspect of this training, so participation serves both your own development as well as the group. We ask that you commit to the dates and to participate wholeheartedly.

In addition to course meetings, participants will have opportunities to participate in smaller consult groups with the teacher throughout the program term.

For participants wishing to receive CE credits: In order to receive Continuing Education Credits, participants must attend all sessions live, on time, and in full. Your attendance is tracked carefully to grant your CE credits. Board regulations prohibit partial credit for partial attendance, therefore, incomplete attendance nullifies CE credit eligibility. No exceptions. More information on Continuing Education (CE) credits below.

For participants not wishing to receive CE credits: Attendance at both two-day retreats (January and May) is mandatory. We expect that all participants will also attend each monthly daylong, however, we understand that sometimes there are unavoidable emergencies.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We generally only offer financial assistance one time a year per person. Choosing the fee you can reasonably afford helps make courses available to all, regardless of ability to pay. No one turned away for lack of funds, as space allows. If you are in need of financial assistance, please email registration@spiritrock.org.

CANCELLATION FEES:
$50 cancel fee* = if cancel >1 week prior to program start
$100 cancel fee* = if cancel between 1 week and 2 days prior to program start
No refunds = if cancel <2 days prior to program start
(*fees reduced for scholarship folks)

QUESTIONS? Please email us.

DATES: Registration open until October 15, 2021. Materials available as soon as you register; August – December, 2021.
Sliding scale: $199 – $1,008. Code SB2N21.

Description:
With a focus on interactive discussion, community building and current events, Sylvia (via video recording) and Heidi (live via Zoom) will share practical, accessible tools to respond to, practice in, and live in these uncharted times with mindfulness, presence, and an open heart. (Re)connect and be nurtured by the support of like-minded sangha, shared stories, and meaningful moments. Join us as we explore how to bring our practice more fully into everyday life and out into the world!

This iteration will be interactive discussion-based, led by facilitating teacher Heidi Bourne, and will include Dharma talks, discussion and reflection, guided meditation, and Q&A.

Course material (included): 11 video-based teachings with Sylvia on how to make your day-to-day experience a basis for mindfulness practice. Filmed at her home, Sylvia offers reflections, teachings, and instructions for everyday experiences such as drinking coffee, driving, preparing food and even walking your dog. Videos recorded in 2014.

With easy, accessible instructions based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as well as Lovingkindness (Metta) practice, this class offers an opportunity to take your practice off of the cushion and into the world.

COURSE INCLUDES:
• 6 live Zoom sessions with Heidi Bourne (recorded and posted for later viewing)
• 11 recorded video teaching segments with Sylvia Boorstein
• A downloadable course manual

LIVE ZOOM SESSIONS:
6 weeks, Mondays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
October 4 – November 8, 2021
Session dates: Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8

REGISTRATION AND ACCESSING COURSE MATERIAL:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the course page. This course is useful for newer students as well as more experienced meditators who want to refresh their knowledge. The course materials will be available until December 1, 2021. Videos originally recorded in 2014.

Dates: 6 Sundays; September 19 – October 24, 2021; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. US Pacific Time
Class dates: September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; class time is the same for all 6 Sundays.
Sliding Scale: $108 – $240. Code: TE5C21.
Important Note: All participants must attend the first class meeting. Students are expected to attend at least 4 sessions.

Registration limit: 23 students. Series fills quickly so register early! No late additions unless by teacher approval.

ALL TEENS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND ARE WELCOME

Description:
What would it be like to love yourself, trust yourself, and accept yourself… completely?

To be able to show up fully, in your own unique way?

Come join us! Let’s co-create a safe space to discover and nurture our authentic selves. A community where we can bring forth our joys and sorrows…and have honest conversations about what really matters.

In this six-week teen series, we’ll explore deep practices of mindfulness and lovingkindness…play with art and creativity…and connect through games, discussions, and one-on-one time.

Dates: 8 Sundays, October 3 – November 21, 2021; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sliding Scale: $50-$1008. Our sliding scale options include financial support for our teachers. Code WA1C21.

Registration open until September 30, 2021.

Please Note: This program is offered online only. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

A Benefit for the East Bay Meditation Center and Spirit Rock’s Dr. Marlene Jones Scholarship Fund
Co-sponsored by Spirit Rock and The East Bay Meditation Center

Designed for self-identified white folx, or for whom whiteness is a significant part of your identity.

Description:
In this course, we will use mindfulness practice, mindful dialogue, and the teachings of the Buddha to investigate the ways in which the conditioning of whiteness creates a barrier to our own freedom, alienating us from ourselves and others. We will seek to uncover the deep nourishment and connection that arise from sustained practice, inspired not just by the urgency of the moment, but by our shared commitment to the long journey to freedom.

We will offer didactic presentations, small and large group discussion, experiential exercises, and recommended readings. We will also invite you into a daily meditation practice designed to support your learning. By gathering in this affinity space, we aim to create the conditions for our own deep learning without placing undue emotional, psychological, and/or spiritual demands on Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BIPOC).

Class objectives:

• Examine the dynamics of privilege and oppression within the framework of nonself and the Four Noble Truths
• Explore the ways in which this work is an integral part of the Buddhist path, bringing us toward greater awareness, (inter)connection, and freedom
• Increase awareness of the ways our behaviors, values, social norms, and leadership practices perpetuate the harm of the status quo, and explore alternatives.
• Develop our capacity to stay present in the difficult experiences and conversations that can bring healing to our minds and hearts.
• Cultivate the commitment to values and connection that are the basis for sustained effort and change.

When we first offered this class at Spirit Rock, many of us were reeling from the recent murder of George Floyd, and deeply stressed by a new level of overt racist rhetoric and behavior at the highest levels of government, while also being inspired by the blossoming of the Black Lives Matter protests. Our collective investigation of whiteness was empowering and enlivening, and many of us finished our time together with a new level of commitment to equity, connection, and inclusion. Much has happened in the last year; so where are we now? What has really changed?

This course is designed as a guided, collaborative exploration for people who self-identify as white, or for whom whiteness is a significant part of their identity. Previous experience with whiteness work and/or meditation is not required in order to benefit from this course, though it is certainly helpful; and we invite those of you who took the class last year to join us on this continuing path. Please bring your beautiful hearts and your open minds to this important exploration.

We ask that you commit to attending at least 6 of the 8 class meetings, because a lot of the value of the class is in the live discussions and Q&A sessions. We will make partial recordings available to participants who need to miss a class.

*Spirit Rock as an organization (including our founding teachers and current faculty) continues to be dedicated to this anti-racist work and these teachings of non-harming and interconnection. In order to do this, we are honored to hold space for various affinity groups (such as womxn, LGBTQIA+, and families) to fully explore, awaken to, and unpack their experience and conditioning in relevant containers. It is particularly important that self-identified white people do this work without causing further spiritual/emotional/psychological/physical harm to the Black, Indigenous, People of Color community – intentionally or unintentionally. We are honored by and grateful to be able to support and share these teachings. Thank you for being part of our sangha as we continue our journey towards a greater awakening of ourselves and each other!

Dates: Wednesday to Wednesday, October 20 – 27, 2021 (7 nights). Code 304R21.
Sliding Scale: $350-$2450, PLUS a donation to the teacher(s).
Arrival Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Departure Time: 11:00 a.m.

RETREAT TO BE HELD ON THE LAND!

Description:
Do you wish to understand more deeply what mindfulness and awareness are? The Buddha taught mindful awareness as a direct path to liberation.

Mindful awareness allows us to be present with clarity, insight, and equanimity. It is the foundation for wisdom, compassion, and awakening. Though Buddhist teachings offer ways to cultivate mindfulness, we will explore how this quality is naturally available.

In this silent meditation retreat, we will explore this innate quality of awareness – what it is and how to recognize, cultivate, and abide in awareness. We will inquire into what interferes with knowing and stabilizing in mindful awareness both in meditation and in ordinary activity. As mindfulness grows, we will see how this innate wakefulness is available in every moment.

There will be sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks, inquiry, and Q&A. Ideally, participants have attended at least one silent mindfulness retreat.

Scholarship offerings: In returning to the land, we will also be returning to our pre-pandemic scholarship options and policies. All scholarship rates require a minimum fee ($50/night). While we are not able to offer “no one turned away”-type of scholarships for in-person retreats, they are still available for online offerings.

Hemera Fellowships – are you eligible? Learn more…

IMPORTANT – Details on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats.

Teacher(s): Dawn Mauricio
Sliding Scale: $0 – $108 ($15 – $30 Suggested). Code 43BV21.

Our sliding scale options for this drop-in program include financial support for our teacher(s).

Online: We are offering this program online only via Zoom so you can join us remotely. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

Open to all self-identified BIPOC

Description:
The Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Sangha is a weekly gathering of self-identified BIPOC practitioners that provides a safe place to meditate and explore the dharma. As a beloved community, this sangha supports exploration of the dharma in light of our experiences. Together we will cultivate an environment that welcomes diverse voices and builds community.

All levels of experience are welcome.

Date & Time: Sunday, October 24, 2021; 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. US Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: $55-$275. Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Code AY1B21.

Please Note: This retreat is offered online only. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

A Benefit for Open Gate Sangha and Spirit Rock’s Scholarship Fund

Description:
We live in a world of ideas, assumptions, and ever-competing dogmas. To simply leap from one belief to another perpetuates the endless sorrow of humanity. There is no greater tool for conscious evolution than the art and spirit of inquiry.

Questioning our opinions, assumptions, beliefs, and ingrained identity is essential to all forms of spiritual transformation. To engage in the dynamic act of living with a questioning mind, grounded in the silence and stillness of meditation, is the doorway to transformation
of the heart and mind.

This daylong retreat will be an exploration of the art and spirit of inquiry and meditation, as we leap beyond the immense content of consciousness that humanity continues to accumulate. When we step out of this conglomeration of conditioning, we arrive at a freedom and love that is our own salvation, and the potential salvation of humanity.

As this is a benefit program, our “no one turned away” scholarships are not available for this specific program.

Teacher(s): Tuere Sala
Sliding Scale: $0 – 108. Code 43ML21.

Join us for “Spirit Rock Live: Monday Nights with Jack Kornfield and Friends”!

For over 35 years now, the Monday Night sitting group at Spirit Rock has been a welcoming refuge to gather, hear the teachings of the Buddha, and practice insight meditation together as a community. The program includes a 30-40 min guided meditation, a short break, and a dharma talk. Learn more here.

This program is broadcast via Zoom with Closed Captions available. If you are unable to join us on this day and would like a recording to view later, please register before the end of the day on the night of the program (US Pacific Time). You will have ~90 days from the original program date to watch.

Teacher(s): Heidi Bourne
Sliding Scale: $0 – $108 ($15 – $30 Suggested). Code 43WM21.

Description:
Program includes a 30-45-min sitting period, a talk, and a practice-oriented discussion. Suitable for beginners, as well as engaged practitioners.

Our sliding scale options for this drop-in program include financial support for our teacher(s).

Online: We are offering this program online only via Zoom so you can join us remotely. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

Teacher(s): Grace Fisher and Friends.
Sliding Scale: $0 – $108 ($15 – $30 suggested). Code 43TM21.

Description:
A meditation group for women to honor the feminine using silent and guided meditation, movement, seasonal rituals on the land, and group exploration in a safe, nurturing environment.

Our sliding scale options for this drop-in program include financial support for our teachers.

Online: We are offering this program online only via Zoom so you can join us remotely. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

Dates: Saturday to Sunday, October 30-31, 2021
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. US Pacific Time
Sliding Scale: $40-$200. Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Code AJ1M21.

Description:
“By our willingness to mourn, we slowly acknowledge, integrate, and accept the truth of our losses. Sometimes the best way to let go is to grieve.” – Jack Kornfield

Grief can visit our hearts in many forms and for many reasons. Losses of death, identity, relationships, aging, and other unnamed disappearances can beckon grief to shroud the heart.

Through the practices of community gathering, inner reflection, and alignment with Earth-based practices, we will create a sacred space to touch into the places where grief resides. We will tenderly invite the heart to reclaim joy and to open to the hidden gifts of sorrow and loss.

The weekend retreat for self-identified BIPOC will unfold with an opening ritual, Dharma practice, healing meditations, time with nature, and noble silence.

All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org.

Teacher(s): Tuere Sala
Sliding Scale: $0 – $108 ($15 – $30 Suggested). Code 44BV21.

Our sliding scale options for this drop-in program include financial support for our teacher(s).

Online: We are offering this program online only via Zoom so you can join us remotely. We invite you to try this creative form of practice as we take care of one another and respond skillfully to COVID-19.

Open to all self-identified BIPOC

Description:
The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Sangha is a weekly gathering of self-identified BIPOC practitioners that provides a safe place to meditate and explore the dharma. As a beloved community, this sangha supports exploration of the dharma in light of our experiences. Together we will cultivate an environment that welcomes diverse voices and builds community.

All levels of experience are welcome.