teachings
BCIMS retreats are taught by qualified local Senior Dharma Teachers and Community Dharma Leaders, and by visiting teachers from other vipassana centers such as Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA, Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, MA and Gaia House in Devon, England.
Senior Dharma Teachers
BCIMS's Senior Dharma Teachers have generally practiced insight meditation for over twenty years. Over the years, they have each been invited into a formal teacher training group by the most senior Western Buddhist teachers based on their depth of practice, maturity of understanding and compassionate heart.
The training they have received incorporates systematic study of Buddhist texts, extensive training in meditation practices and techniques, study of our Buddhist lineage and history, and teacher role studies. It also includes hundreds of hours of practice interviews and assisting at many retreats and classes as preparation for assuming full teacher status. BCIMS Dharma Teachers lead classes and retreats both locally and nationwide. They also continue as students themselves, dedicated to ongoing study and dharma practice and to deepening their understanding and embodiment of the Buddha's teachings.
Community Dharma Leaders
Community Dharma Leaders have completed Spirit Rock's 2 1/2 year training program for senior vipassana students who wish to offer classes and daylong retreats to their local sanghas. Participation is by application and requires a recomendation from a senior vipassana teacher who is willing to mentor the student for the entire program.
