Insight Dialogue is an interpersonal meditation practice that brings together meditative awareness, the wisdom teachings of the Buddha and interpersonal relationship to cultivate insight into the cause and release of human suffering.

During this course, we will practice with the six guidelines of Insight Dialogue
step-by-step to cultivate freedom from suffering, explored through mindfulness
practice out loud, in relationship with others.

For four weeks, each two-hour session will include guided individual meditations,
instruction on the Insight Dialogue guidelines and contemplation practice in
breakout rooms with meditation partners. One optional 15-minute 1-on-1 practice
meeting with Rachel will be offered to participants wishing to receive personalized
guidance for their practice.

Insight Dialogue benefits from and is interwoven with individual, silent meditation.
But Insight Dialogue also takes one beyond what can be known in individual
practice by harnessing the power of relationship to amplify, refine, and accelerate
the development of mindfulness. At the same, Insight Dialogue is a channel for the
wisdom of Dhamma to enter the heart and mind in an immediate and embodied
way that is instantly applicable in daily life.

During the course, we will recommend reading from Gregory Kramer’s book, Insight
Dialogue: The Interpersonal Path to Freedom. The reading is suggested to provide
contextual learning to complement the focus on experiential practice during class.

Prerequisites:

This course is ideal for those new to Insight Dialogue as well as experienced ID
practitioners. A regular meditation practice is required. No
previous Insight Dialogue or relational meditation experience is needed.

Attendance:

We ask participants to kindly commit to attending all four sessions. Sessions will not
be recorded. Because each week’s instructions build on the previous week’s practice
experience, we do not recommend taking this course if you will need to miss a
session.

Materials:

Suggested Reading: Insight Dialogue: The Interpersonal Path to Freedom, by
Gregory Kramer.   Prior to first class: Pgs 1 – 99

Location:

This class will meet virtually over zoom. Participants will receive a zoom link several
days before the first meeting on the 17th.

About the Teacher:

Rachel Hammerman (they/them) teaches in the Insight Meditation lineage for the
Community Meditation Center of New York and the Nalanda Institute for
Contemplative Science. A co-founder of the Queer Insight Dialogue Sangha, they
facilitate interpersonal meditation practice with the Insight Dialogue Community
and at centers including the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and New York Insight
Meditation Center. Rachel is a graduate of the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative
Science 2-year Contemplative Psychotherapy Certificate Program, the Mindfulness
Training Institute’s Mindfulness Teacher Training with Mark Coleman and Martin Aylward, and is a member of the Insight Dialogue Teacher Development Cohort. As
a career, business development and communications consultant, Rachel helps
people integrate mindfulness and heart practices into their livelihoods and
relationships to live, work and speak with ease. Rachel lives part-time in Los Angeles with their beloved dog, Blue, when they are not practicing on retreat.

Open Door Policy:

Our intent is to share the Shambhala Buddhist teachings with all who are interested in
participating, regardless of financial circumstances. Most of our programs have a Sustaining Price — which represents the amount needed to cover the center’s costs, and includes things such as our rent, materials and supplies, etc. Our programs also have an Enriching Price — for those who are able to offer more than the Sustaining Fee. Your generosity in offering the Enriching Fee helps cover the costs for those who are not able to pay the full price. The donations of members and program fees allows PVSC to continue offering classes and a space in which to practice. If the full Sustaining Fee is an obstacle for you, please offer as much of the Sustaining Fee as you can by clicking the “Pay what you can afford” option when registering. Additionally, if you are able to give more, please consider donating a greater, or Empowering, amount.