Category Archives: Lineage

BIC Presents the Three Core Trainings

The tool kit of Insight Meditation practices includes three core teachings: concentration/tranquility practice, Insight/wisdom practice, and the development of heart qualities (the Brahma Viharas). On Thursday, March 23 from 7-8:30 PM, Suzanne Colón reviews the instructions for these three core teachings and clarifies how they each support awakening of the heart-mind.

Used skillfully in combination, these three meditation practices complete the path and give us a sturdy rudder through life’s 10,000 joys, 10,000 sorrows, and 10,000 things that gotta get done.

Drop-in, freely offered and appropriate for all levels of experience.

Find out more about this class or the Bozeman Insight Community here.

Formal Practice with Bozeman Zen Group

ZenMichael Palmer

The Bozeman Zen Group resumes formal practice in person on Sundays from 5-6:30 PM beginning March 12. These sessions will be an opportunity to practice in the Soto Zen style with our forms and practices. All welcome; no prior experience needed. More information about the Bozeman Zen Group can be found here .

Zen circle with depiction of priest inside

Unexpected Calm

Dharma Thoughts, ZenMichael Palmer

A Dharma Thought offered by Steve Allison-Bunnell

Another family medical emergency, another hospital in another city. Last week in Billings, where my wife was successfully treated for a subdural hematoma, I found myself almost strangely calm. Being surrounded with support from health care professionals, family, friends, and adequate insurance took away so many sources of worry. But I also had permission to tell the world, “Sorry, I’m not available to do all the everyday things right now.” With this Practice came the gift to experience that time waiting in that space apart as a form of retreat, as Thay says, “nowhere to go, nothing to do.” It was, perhaps in an odd way, comforting. Where do you find unexpected places of quiet in the midst of stress and uncertainty? Can you find others?

Making Practice Your Whole Life

ZenMichael Palmer

On Sunday, March 26, join the Bozeman Zen Group for a half-day sit with periods of sitting and walking meditation. Appropriate for beginners who wish to try a retreat practice opportunity as well as for experienced practitioners to deepen their practice.

Please register by Thursday, March 23.

See Confusion as Buddha & Practice as Emptiness

Dharma Thoughts, ZenMichael Palmer

This Dharma Thought is brought to you by Karen DeCotis of the Bozeman Zen Group, currently studying the book Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer.

From Norman:

If we could unhook ourselves for a moment from the blaming and the whining and the self-pitying and could look instead at the actual basis of what is in fact going on, what would we see? We would see time passing. We would see things changing. We would see life arising and passing away, coming from nowhere and going nowhere. Moment by moment, time slips away and things transform.

So we really can do less, not more in order to align with life and allow most things to take care of themselves. Especially in practice – what Suzuki Roshi called “effortless effort,” we can ease up on the “shoulds,” and relax as we endeavor to wake up, moment by moment. How is it….now?

Sit Still or Still Sitting?

Dharma Thoughts, Non-denominationalMichael Palmer

This is a new feature showcasing thoughts and musings about the dharma in our everyday lives by BDC leaders, teachers and community members. You can find these categorized as “Dharma Thoughts.” This contribution is from Steve Allison-Bunnell, leader of Joining Rivers Sangha:

Dear Friends,
Even with noticeably longer days, this latest cold spell has made it hard for me to get up in the morning to sit. When I have, it seems like my mind is everywhere else. Lofty goals of great concentration and wonderful insight while meditating fall away as I rehearse my day and mentally solve problems.”Sit still!” my inner adult admonishes. I open my eyes and look at my altar, seeing Thay’s serene face there next to the Buddha. Or I feel my hands tightening in my lap. The cats are outside the bedroom door begging for breakfast. I am back in the present moment. I may not be sitting still, but I am still sitting. And that quantum of patience I muster carries me out into my day.

Joining Rivers meets on Mondays from 7-8:30 PM and practices in the tradition of Plum Village & Zen Master the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.

Dave Smith on Zoom

InsightMichael Palmer

Dave Smith is guest teacher to the BIC via zoom on Thursday, Feb 23 at 7 – 8:30 pm. Dave will outline a framework and set of practices that bring the Four Noble Truths to life. Within the entire cosmos of Buddhist doctrine, across the many forms of lineages and traditions no single teaching carries as much weight as that of the four noble truths. It is the most fundamental aspect of Dharma. How can we bring the teachings of the four noble truths into our practice and cultivation of mindfulness? Together, we will discuss ways of integrating the time-tested and transformative aspects of these teachings.

Everyone welcome!! (Since Dave is joining via zoom, you may want to as well). Freely offered, great for all levels of experience.

Transforming Difficulty into the Path of Practice

ZenMichael Palmer

Because regular retreat practice is a cornerstone of Zen practice, the Bozeman Zen Group offers half-day sittings throughout the year, as well as weekend retreats. Join us for the next half-day sit on Saturday, February 25 for periods of sitting and walking meditation as well as teachings from the Compassion Trainings of the Lojong Practices. Appropriate for beginners who wish to try a retreat practice opportunity as well as for experienced practitioners to deepen their practice.

Please register by Thursday, February 23. Register here.

Buddhism Basics

Non-denominationalMichael Palmer

This three week dive into the heart of Buddhism begins February 15 and will offer central teachings of our 2500 year old tradition. Great for those new to meditation and Buddhist practice. Seasoned practitioners are warmly encouraged as well. Prior registration is required. In-person attendance limited to 30 participants, online Zoom participation is unlimited. Register here.