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CONTACT Please feel free to contact us using the form below. If you have a question about a specific event we are hosting, you will get a quicker response by going to your eventbrite confirmation or reminder email and clicking on Contact the Organizer. You can find our list of events here also: http://bcims.eventbrite.com Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

MAKE A DONATION We welcome with gratitude your donations to support BCIMS Programs. ​ Thank you for considering a donation to support BCIMS in its mission to be a resource for anyone interested in learning about the liberating teachings of the Buddha. Your gifts and generosity help us not only to deliver high-quality programming, but also to directly support individuals and communities who have traditionally been underserved by Buddhist organizations. BCIMS is a non-profit organization and Canadian Income Tax receipts are issued for all donations. DONATE NOW How to Contribute One Time Gift We welcome with gratitude any donation you are able to contribute. Your gift supports BCIMS in its commitments to make the dharma available to anyone who seeks it, and to serving you, the Insight Meditation sangha in British Columbia. ​ Recurring Gifts We hope you will consider setting up a recurring (monthly) gift to BCIMS. Recurring donations allow you to spread out your donations. They are also a simple and effective way to support BCIMS by offering the organization a steady stream of revenue throughout the year. Even a small contribution per month adds up to a sizable gift by the end of the year. ​ Donating Publicly Traded Securities or Mutual Funds In addition to being of great benefit to BCIMS, a donation of publicly traded securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes do not apply when giving stocks or mutual funds to charities, BCIMS receives the full fair market value when the security is sold. More Info Leaving a Bequest in your Will We are pleased to discuss with you or your financial/legal advisor the different types of bequests. Click the link below some broad guidelines for ensuring your gift to BC Insight Meditation Society is received as you intend. For more information, please reach out directly to BCIMS at generosity@bcims.org More Info Where to Contribute It’s important to us that you have input for deciding how your gift is used. Currently, we are accepting donations to the following funds, or you can earmark your gift to be put towards the area of greatest need at BCIMS’s discretion. BCIMS Funds Area of Greatest Need Your generous gift to this fund allows us the flexibility to direct funds where they will have the greatest impact throughout the year. ​ Program Funding Contributions to this fund will be used for day-to-day operations at BCIMS. This fund is the primary vehicle that allows BCIMS to make the dharma available through retreats, classes, daylongs and other dharma activities. ​ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Fund The DEI fund was created to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at BCIMS. Its purpose is to:​ Subsidize events for the BIPoC community within our sangha Provide financial assistance to participants from marginalized groups to attend BCIMS long, in-person, retreats Offer extra support to BIPoC teachers leading BCIMS retreats and events Support dharma activities for groups traditionally underserved by Buddhist organizations ​ Financial Assistance for Retreat Attendees This fund is used to offer a 50% registration fee subsidy assistance to individuals who self-identify as requiring financial support to attend a long, in-person, BCIMS retreat. ​ Joanne Broatch Memorial Fund The Joanne Broatch Memorial fund offers a 100% registration fee subsidy for individuals who require financial assistance to attend a long, in-person, BCIMS retreat. The fund was set up in honour of Joanne Broatch, a founding teacher of the British Columbia Insight Meditation Society. Applicants for this scholarship are recommended by the BCIMS Teachers Council.

FAQ - Attending Retreats What is a Non-residential Retreat? Non-residential means that you leave at the end of each day of the retreat and return home. Each day includes: - alternating sitting and walking meditation session (approximately 45 minutes in length each). - instructions, guided meditaiton and dharma talks from the teacher - group Q&A sessions with the teacher What is a Residential Retreat? At a residential retreat, you stay at a retreat centre for the duration of the retreat. These retreats are usually 7 or 9 days in length (or even longer). A residential retreat provides the environment for deepening your meditation practice with sustained practice periods. What is dana? Dana (pronounced "dah-na") is a Pali word meaning generosity. Since the time of the Buddha, there has existed a mutually supportive relationship between those who offer the teachings and those who receive them. The teachings are given freely, since they are considered priceless. According to the Buddha, generosity - or sharing what we have - is one of the central pillars of a spiritual life. In the act of giving, we develop our ability to let go, cultivate a spirit of caring, and acknowledge the interconnectedness that we all share. The Buddha created a system to develop this quality of open-handedness whereby those who share the teachings are dependent on those who receive them. To this day in the East, monks and nuns go on daily alms rounds with a begging bowl, relying on the generosity of lay people for support in continuing their teaching and spiritual life. As this ancient teaching moves to the West, we hope to keep alive this joyful tradition. At BCIMS, our goal is to maintain reasonable fees for retreats and classes so that everyone in our community may participate in the programs we offer. Registration fees cover venue rental, food, and teacher transportation. None of this money goes directly to the teachers or residential retreat staff. To allow the teachers to continue their dharma work, support from students is needed. There will be an opportunity to contribute at the end of each retreat, class and daylong. The practice of dana is an expression of appreciation for something of great value that has been freely given. Your support allows BCIMS to flourish and others to benefit from the teachings. May your practice be for the benefit of all. What do I need to go on a residential retreat? Not much. Here is a brief list of what you will need: - Comfortable clothing; layers to adjust to the temperature in the dharma hall. Sometimes a light shawl or blanket is useful. Please bring “quiet” clothing: do not bring nylon jackets into the meditation hall. You’ll need outerwear for walking periods outdoors, and shoes to walk between dormitory, dining hall, and meditation hall. As a refinement of courtesy to other retreatants, please do not bring clothing with lots of text on it, and please stay relatively covered-up (t-shirt and long shorts in warm weather rather than halter top and short-shorts). - Something to sit on. Your options are a chair (usually supplied); a zafu (a meditation cushion) which is usually set on a firm mat or folded blanket; or a meditation bench, which also is set on a mat or folded blanket. Most bring their own zafu or bench but if you’re just starting a practice you might want to experiment before you invest. At some residential retreats there may be some extra benches and zafus for you to try. - Unscented personal products (soap, shampoo, body lotion, etc.) out of consideration for persons with sensitivities. What don't I need on a residential retreat? You can leave books, journals, pens, drawing tools, portable audio devices, cell phones, and other technological devices at home. You support the inner journey when you minimize your usual outward distractions. What should I bring to a non-residential retreat? There are three things to remember to bring on the weekend ... a bag lunch, a blanket or shawl because the meditation hall can sometimes be quite drafty and cold and a mug for the hot water that will be available during lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Please bring any tea that you wish to use. There are chairs provided. If you wish to sit on the floor, you will need to bring your own sitting gear (cushions, mats, pillows, etc) What should I not bring to a non-residential retreat? Please do not bring perfumed products on your person or on your clothing. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. What is Noble Silence? The retreat will be held in silence. This means that we do not talk with one another while we are practising. Please preserve the silence in the hall and throughout the building. Anything else I should know about retreats? It helps to know a little retreat etiquette. Here are a few things to keep in mind: - Keep Noble Silence: this includes avoiding unnecessary direct eye contact, signals, and notes except to the manager and teacher. It’s useful practice to keep your mind to yourself. You’ll find it’s a full-time job! - Help to maintain a tranquil environment by taking off nylon jackets and undoing velcro, zippers, and noisy snaps outside the dharma hall. - Be on time: out of respect for the practice, your fellow retreatants and yourself, be settled in your place when a formal sitting period starts and stay until after the sitting has ended. - Wait until the teacher has left before getting up from the sitting. - Unless you’re not well (in which case, let the teacher know), keep to the schedule: it’s designed to support your inner process. - Learn the vipassana sneeze and cough: cover your coughs with the crook of your elbow, or upper arm, not your hand. - Keep track of the information BCIMS will share about Covid safety precautions for your retreat. - At the centres where we run retreats, vegetarian food is provided, with options for dairy-free and gluten-free retreatants. There is also space (shelves and refrigerators) to store food that you bring from home.

TEACHERS Senior Dharma Teacher Teacher Council Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Students Guest Teachers Practice Interviews Senior Dharma Teacher Adrianne Ross Adrianne Ross (she/her), a retired family physician, has been involved in meditation and healing since 1976. She began practicing insight meditation with Theravada teachers in 1984 and began teaching in 1995. She co-founded BCIMS with the late Joanne Broatch over 20 years ago and was also the guiding teacher for Saskatoon insight for many years. ​ She is influenced by both Thai and Burmese streams of the Theravadan tradition, as well as Tibetan (Mahamudra and Dzogchen) practice. She teaches classes, weekend and residential retreats in Canada and the US. ​ She has been involved in teaching and mentoring students in the Dedicated Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner (now LEAP) Programs through Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. She is happy to see how the dharma has flourished in BC and in particular that there are a growing number participants from a wider diversity of backgrounds. She is committed to supporting the increase of safety and availability for people of various identities and capacities, both as students and becoming teachers sharing the dharma.​ Teacher Council Senior Dharma Teacher Teacher Council Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Students Guest Teachers Practice Interviews Rachel Lewis Rachel Lewis (she/her) began practicing insight meditation in 2003, while completing her physics PhD at Yale. Since then she has spent many months on retreat, including two three-month retreats at IMS. Since 2011, she has taught dharma and meditation classes and retreats in British Columbia and beyond. She completed the IMS/IRC 4-year teacher training in 2021, as well as the Dedicated Practitioner Program (2010) and the Community Dharma Leader program (2012) at Spirit Rock. Her dharma teaching interests include the power of music, humour, and creativity to increase our capacity for learning, as well as the way that practice supports and is supported by social justice work. See her upcoming events on her website . James Lowe James Lowe (he/him) completed Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader Program in 2012 and Spirit Rock’s 4-year retreat teacher training program in 2020. After experimenting with meditation since the mid 1980’s, James made a commitment to Theravada practice in 2004 that includes annual three- to four-week retreats. James has been an adult educator since 1992 and is a counsellor and instructor in his work life. He’s interested in the workable day-to-day practice of Metta and Mindfulness at home, work, school and community. He incorporates the dharma in his counselling and leadership work, thereby translating the dharma into everyday language and practice. See his upcoming events on his website . Tempel Smith Tempel Smith (he/him) began practicing vipassana and metta meditation in 1989 within the Theravada Buddhist tradition at Insight Meditation Society (IMS). Tempel focused his younger years on service and activism within nuclear disarmament, environmental protection, and working in crisis shelters for homeless and abused youth. In 1997 he spent a year in Myanmar (Burma) as an ordained monk with both Ven. Sayadaw U Pandita and Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tempel began teaching meditation and Buddhist psychology to a wide variety of people including prisoners, activists, youth, service providers, and those with severe and chronic illnesses. He worked for the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in Berkeley coordinating the B.A.S.E. and Young Adults programs, and also has led pilgrimages in Thailand, Burma, and India for the past ten years. See his upcoming events on his website . Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Dharma Teacher Teacher Council Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Students Guest Teachers Practice Interviews Julie Blais Julie Blais (she/her) started to practice meditation in 2001 at Chom Tong monastery in Thailand where she ordained as a nun in the Theraveda Mahasi tradition for 7 months under Ajahn Tong and completed multiple 10-day intensive meditation retreats during her staythere. Over the years, she has returned many times to the monastery to assist her retreat teachers Kun Thanat and Kate Chindaporn; she has also completed retreats under various meditation teachers from Asia, Europe and America. Julie has completed Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader and Dedicated Practitioner programs. She is also a Certified Awakening Joy Teacher from James Baraz and authorized mentor from Mindfulness Mentor Program by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Julie has done a 3-month silent retreat at IMS and is currently teaching meditation classes for beginners and advanced students. She is Certified Functional Health Coach and loves to teach and take mindfulness to outdoors activities with her students. Brock Brown Brock Brown (he/him) is a founding member and Chair of the Victoria Insight Meditation Society where he teaches and leads meditation retreats. He has been dedicated to the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings in the Theravada tradition for over 30 years, and is inspired by the Thai Forest tradition. He is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Dedicated Practitioners Program and the Community Dharma Leader Program and completed the Birken Forest Monastery Upasika program. Brock enjoys studying the suttas and making them relevant to our everyday lives. Karen Lawrie Karen has been practicing meditation for over 30 years, with experience in both the Zen and Vipassana traditions. She spent ten years in residential training at the Rochester Zen Centre under her teacher Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Upon returning to the West Coast 15 years ago, she also completed Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program under James Baraz and Tara Brach. She currently leads weekly sitting groups and monthly Days of Mindfulness in Vancouver. She is actively involved in supporting her own and others practice in meaningful ways that promote the embodied integration of Buddhist meditation practice in everyday life. Janet Lironi Janet Lironi is a Community Dharma Leader on Gabriola, who received training through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. After years of exploring diferent meditation and spiritual practices, she has, for the past 20 years, dedicated herself to the practice and study of Buddhist teachings from a Theravada or Insight perspective. In her support of Sangha on Gabriola, she leads weekly sits, yearlong study groups, beginner meditation classes, and daylong retreats. She is beginning to assist her core teacher Arinna Weisman at residential retreats. Janet is also trained as a counsellor and has taught Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program (developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn). Janet’s intention is to live with kindness and compassion for herself, all beings, and the earth. Margo McLoughlin Margo McLoughlin (she/her) completed her training to be a Community Dharma Leader at Spirit Rock in 2012. A writer, storyteller, and teacher, Margo holds a Master of Divinity from Harvard where she studied Pali and Sanskrit. She continues to study Pali with Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi and has done intensive practice in Burma and the U.S. Her teachers include Joseph Goldstein, Thanissara, Steve Armstrong and Kamala Masters. Currently, Margo leads retreats and gives classes (online and in-person) with the Victoria Insight Meditation Society and Satipañña Insight Meditation Toronto. She is a former board member of the BC Association for Living Mindfully and draws on her storytelling skills to teach mindfulness to children. Pari Ruengvisesh Pari was born and raised in Thailand. Growing up in a predominantly Theravada Buddhist culture, she became familiar with Buddhist teachings and living the teachings as an embodied way of life. She has been living in Vancouver since the late 90’s. In 2004, she started formal Vipassana and Metta Meditation practice with Linda McDonald, and later on, with Michele McDonald and Steven Smith, as well as other western teachers and Asian monastics. Pari is committed to formal meditation practice on intensive retreats and applying the teachings in her daily life. Her primary practice is the Four Establishments of Mindfulness in the Mahasi Tradition. She has practiced under the guidance of the late Sayadaw U Pandita and Sayadaw U Lakkhana of Burma, and since 2010, Sayadaw U Vivekananda of Panditarama Lumbini, Nepal. In 2012 she completed the Community Dhamma Leader Program at Spirit Rock, California. She has been sharing the Dhamma in Vancouver, and since 2013, has been assisting Michele McDonald, Steven Smith, and Jesse Vega-Frey with their annual Spring retreat at Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC. Margot Sangster Margot has studied at meditation centers and monasteries in the USA, Thailand, Nepal, England, and Canada. She lived/volunteered at Spirit Rock and Wat Kow Tahm Meditation Center in Thailand. In addition to the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders Program, Margot completed the Buddhist Peace Fellowship BASE Program (Buddhist Alliance for Social Engagement), and the Zen Hospice Training. She has been teaching meditation to people from all walks of life since 1998. Margot holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her professional experience is diverse, and includes social services, non-formal education, and international development. Her work has taken her to Afghanistan and the Philippines. ​ For practice interviews email Margot or phone 604.831.9226 Judy Witheford Judy Witheford (she/her) began her spiritual training in the late 1970’s in the Rinzai Zen tradition under Joshu Sasaki Roshi. In 2000, she ordained as a Buddhist nun in Burma and from 2000 - 2008 spent 24 months in intensive silent meditation retreats in Burma at Chanmyay Yeiktha, Panditarama Forest Center and Sayadaw U Tejaniya's Shwe Oo Min. In 2008, she and Sayadaw U Indaka organized a free medical/dental clinic to serve 1900 poor rural families in two Myanmar villages. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock in 2008. In 2015 and 2016, she spent 4.5 months in intensive silent meditation in Lumbini, Nepal under the guidance of Sayadaw U Vivekananda and Sayalay Bhaddamanika. She has also participated in several six-week retreats at the Forest Refuge in Barre with Ajahn Sucitto, Joseph Goldstein and Sayadaw U Vivekananda. Judy teaches Vipassana Meditation and leads a weekly meditation group in Vancouver on Zoom. Senior Students Senior Dharma Teacher Teacher Council Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Students Guest Teachers Practice Interviews Jason Leslie Jason Leslie (he/him) first embraced mindfulness practice and Buddhist meditation as a way of life in 2004. He began sitting in the Insight tradition in 2011. He is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Dedicated Practitioners Program, and recently completed the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certificate Program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. He regularly sits long retreats and attended the 3-month retreat at the Insight Meditation Society in 2017. Formerly a lawyer, Jason graduated in May 2023 with a PhD in law, where his research focused on mortgage funding and economic justice in the Canadian housing market. Sānta Aloi Sānta Aloi (she/her) has practiced in the Vipassana tradition for over 30 years. She has sat many long retreats and has completed both the Dedicated Practioners Program and the Advanced Practitioners Program at Spirit Rock. She has been greatly influenced by the teachings of Ajahn Sumedho, with her main Vipassana teachers being Guy Armstrong, Adrianne Ross, Phillip Moffitt and Venerable Analayo. She has also studied with teachers in the Tibetan tradition, particularly Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Authorized by Adrianne Ross and Phillip Moffitt, she leads sitting groups and teaches classes. A former Professor of Dance at SFU, choreographer and dancer, she taught movement and improvisation from a place of mindfulness of body, mind and heart. Her aspiration has been to live and to share practices attuning the heart to the beauty of the dharma. Jenna Jordison Since 1984 Jenna has been attending yearly meditation retreats in the Theravada tradition. Her dharma journey has led her to train as an interfaith hospital chaplain where she has served patients and families at critical moments of their lives. She envisions a sangha where community members are supported with compassion at times of transition. Jenna has answered requests to lead sitting groups and teach introductory meditation classes. In the late 1990’s she managed the first local residential retreats of teachers Adrianne Ross and Joanne Broatch. Two meditation groups she started when her children were young continue now, over twenty years later. She is influenced by the teachings of Ajahn Chah from the Thai Forest tradition and Gregory Kramer's Insight Dialogue, among others. Guest Teachers Senior Dharma Teacher Teacher Council Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Students Guest Teachers Practice Interviews Ajahn Candasiri DaRa Williams Howard Cohn Nikki Mirghafori Steve Armstrong Anushka Fernandopulle Dawn Scott Jeanne Corrigal Pascal Auclair Tuere Sala Carol Wilson Greg Scharf Kamala Masters Phillip Moffitt Vance Pryor Christina Feldman Guy Armstrong Kristina Baré Roxanne Dault Practice Interviews Discuss your meditation practice in person with one of our community Dharma Leaders. ​ These interviews are by donation and usually 30 to 60 minutes in duration.​ Senior Dharma Teacher Teacher Council Commumity Dharma Leaders Senior Students Guest Teachers Practice Interviews Rachel Lewis James Lowe Margot Sangster Contact Rachel Contact James Contact Margot

Mission Mission Board Contractors BCIMS aims to be a meeting place for anyone interested in learning more about the liberating teachings of the Buddha, in furthering their meditation practice and in living their realization of the dharma.​ ​ Board Members Laura Quilici (she/her) Board Chair Laura’s interest in meditation began in her late twenties after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was searching for tools to manage the physical and emotional symptoms of the disease. She is a second generation immigrant settler whose ancestors are from Southern and Central Italy and currently resides at Nexwlélexm (Bowen Island), located on traditional Indigenous territory. Mentored by Bonnie Duran, Laura is a participant in the Dedicated Practitioner Program 7 at Spirit Rock, where she continues to deepen her practice and understanding of the Dharma. She has a particular interest in trauma-informed and embodied practices of liberation for self and all beings. In addition to leading a weekly meditation group, she has been volunteering on the Board at BCIMS since 2019. Juno Kim (he/they) Board Vice-Chair Juno is a creative generalist committed to liberation for all beings. Juno first began meditating in their childhood, but let go of that practice in their 20s. After multiple burnouts marked by deep suffering, their healing journey connected them to Buddhism. Their practices have touched on multiple traditions, spending the bulk of their time with BCIMS, Radical Dharma, and InsightLA. Juno's intention is to explore and cultivate the conditions for all beings to connect to deep embodiment by investigating our collective traumas, shaping and conditioning. Michelle Garvock (she/her) Board Treasurer Michelle has been taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha for 20 years. She lives, with her partner, in North Vancouver. Michelle is very happily retired and enjoys walks with her partner and friends, golfing, sitting retreats and volunteering for BCIMS. She spends time with her 100 year-old mother and lots of BC and Manitoba family. Michelle completed the Dedicated Practitioner Program and co-leads an online North Van sitting group. Sānta Aloi (she/her) ​ Sānta has practiced in the Vipassana tradition for over 30 years. She has sat many long retreats and has completed both the Dedicated Practioners Program (2010) and the Advanced Practitioners Program (2017) at Spirit Rock. She has been greatly influenced by the teachings of Ajahn Sumedho, with her main Vipassana teachers being Guy Armstrong, Phillip Moffitt, Adrianne Ross and Venerable Analayo. She has also studied with teachers in the Tibetan tradition, particularly Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Authorized by Adrianne Ross and Phillip Moffitt she leads sitting groups and teaches classes. A former Professor of Dance at SFU, choreographer and dancer, she taught movement and improvisation from a place of mindfulness of body, mind and heart. And her aspiration has been to live and to share practices attuning the heart to the reality of the dharma for the liberation of all beings. Jim Quail (he/him) ​ Jim lives on Gambier Island and in East Vancouver. He is a semi-retired lawyer. In his legal career he worked in BC’s legal aid system for several years. Later, he represented consumers in telecommunication and utility regulation hearings, and conducted social justice litigation. He acts for workers and trade unions in labour law and regulatory matters. He has been practicing meditation since 2014. His practice has a central place in his relationship with himself and the world. He plays the fiddle and is an avid gardener. He has four grandchildren. He and his partner are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2023. He has long been active in community politics. Rachel Lewis (she/her) ​ Rachel Lewis began practicing insight meditation in 2003, while completing her physics PhD at Yale. Since 2011, she has taught dharma and meditation classes and retreats in British Columbia and beyond. She completed the IMS/IRC 4-year teacher training in 2021, and is a guiding teacher of the British Columbia Insight Meditation Society. Her dharma teaching interests include the power of music, humour, and creativity to increase our capacity for learning, as well as the way that practice supports and is supported by social justice work. Ruth Boogert (she/they) ​ Ruth began her professional life in private sector finance, but soon escaped overseas to volunteer on a nature reserve. On returning home a career re-think was called for, and after spells running a willow coffin weaving social enterprise and setting up a community café, she combined her love of spreadsheets and social justice and now supports local non-profits in the areas of finance and governance. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga as well as running, walking or sitting amongst the trees. She has a particular interest in mindful movement practices. Ruth was introduced to meditation in 2014 but drifted away until a chance invitation to attend a retreat on Salt Spring Island in 2018 gave her a new perspective. She has spent many years volunteering with animal welfare and environmental protection organisations and hopes to benefit all beings through practice and service with BCIMS. Mission Board Contractors Contractors Mission Board Contractors Jess Lee (she/her) Program Director Jess is a second generation Chinese immigrant whose ancestors are from Hong Kong and Guangzhou. She currently lives on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She began her meditation journey in 2015 when she participated in MBSR and MBCT courses. Since then, she has been joyfully deepening her learning through offerings from BCIMS, Spirit Rock, IMS, and other spaces, including AAPI and BIPOC communities in which she feels profound kinship and safety. She is grateful for the wisdom of teachers including Tuere Sala, Jeanne Corrigal, Nikki Mirghafori, Oren Jay Sofer, Dawn Mauricio, and many more. Jess is committed to deepening an intersectional feminist and anti-racist lens, and to ongoing learning and embodiment of decolonizing practices that are rooted in curiosity, kindness, deep listening, and community. Lee Anne Smith (she/her) Volunteer Coordinator Lee Anne has been a member of BCIMS since 2001 when she started meditating in the Thervadan tradition with teachers Joanne Broatch and Adrianne Ross. Since then she has annually attended as many BCIMS retreats as she can, along with retreats elsewhere, ranging from 3 - 14 days. She has volunteered as a BCIMS board member, newsletter editor and White Awareness Study Group facilitator. Her service to the Sangha provides her with a beautiful ground for Sati and Brahmavihara practice for lay life. As well as her daily home practice she sits weekly with Ayya Nimmala's group on Sunday mornings and once a month with Cascadia Insight Dialog group. Lee Anne came to the role of BCIMS Volunteer Coordinator after her work as Volunteer Coordinator for Richmond Public Library and loves supporting sangha members in their desire to support BCIMS.

Leaving a Bequest in your Will We are pleased to discuss with you or your financial/legal advisor the different types of bequests. Below are some broad guidelines for ensuring your gift to BC Insight Meditation Society is received as you intend. For more information, please reach out directly to BCIMS at generosity@bcims.org . ​ Sample Wording When you draft or revise your Will, provide your lawyer, notary, or advisor with instructions to leave a bequest to: ​ British Columbia Insight Meditation Society, currently of 1160 E. 18th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5V 1H2, Charitable BN#: 851430322 RR 0001 ​ Specific Bequest Use to leave a specific sum of money or property (eg. Real estate, stocks, bonds, or other articles as agreed between the donor and BCIMS) ​ "I give to British Columbia Insight Meditation Society, Charitable BN#: 851430322R 0001, currently of 1160 E. 18th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5V 1H2, the sum of $ [insert amount]" ​ "I give to British Columbia Insight Meditation Society, Charitable BN#: 851430322 RR 0001, currently of 1160 E. 18th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5V 1H2, [insert description of property]…" e.g., 100 shares of Royal Bank of Canada ​ Residual Bequest "I give to British Columbia Insight Meditation Society, Charitable BN#: 851430322 RR 0001, currently of 1160 E. 18th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5V 1H2 all (or stated percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate..." ​ Use to give BCIMS all or a percentage of what remains of the estate after paying debts, taxes, expenses, and other bequests.​ ​ Contingent Bequest Use to give a gift that only takes place if the Testator is not survived by certain individuals. "If (name/s of primary beneficiary/ies) does not survive me, or shall die within thirty (30) days of my death, then I give to British Columbia Insight Meditation Society, Charitable BN#: 851430322 RR 0001, currently of 1160 E. 18th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5V 1H2,[describe amount of cash, property or percentage of residual interest]…" When making the beneficiary designation or making a provision in your will, the correct legal name to use is: ​ British Columbia Insight Meditation Society 1160 E. 18th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5V 1H2 treasurer@bcims.org www.bcims.org Charitable BN#: 851430322 RR 0001

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE It is our sincere wish that access to the teachings and the opportunity to learn in community be accessible to all who are interested. We encourage folks to please apply for financial assistance should this support you to attend BCIMS’ offerings. We are grateful to the generosity of individuals donating to our Scholarship Fund. More information about the fund can be found here . For Residential Retreats: ​ Financial assistance is available on all residential retreats. For more detailed information, we encourage you to please visit the Eventbrite link for the retreat you are interested in. The deadline for financial assistance applications is shared on Eventbrite, and is typically two weeks before registration opens up to public. To apply, please simply email registrar@bcims.org . Currently, we are inviting applicants to indicate the amount of assistance that feels supportive to them. We endeavour to meet folks at their request, but as financial assistance funds are limited, the number of scholarships per retreat is also limited. If the requests exceed our funds, applicants are entered into a random draw. Applicants will receive an email response regarding their application before registration opens. ​ ​ If you apply after the application date and if scholarship funds are still available for this retreat, your application will still be considered. As funds are limited, and to allow more yogis the opportunity to access support, there is a limit of one scholarship per year per yogi. ​ For Non-Residential Retreats, Online Retreats, Events and Classes: ​ BCIMS offers registration fees on a sliding scale for our non-residential retreats, online retreats, classes, and other events. We encourage you to choose the rate that you can joyfully offer. No one is turned away for lack of funds. If you require additional financial assistance to attend an event, please contact registrar@bcims.org . ​ ​ ​ PLEASE NOTE: Some of the retreats held by BCIMS are sponsored by outside groups. If you are interested in attending a retreat not sponsored by BCIMS, please contact the sponsoring/organizing group directly for financial assistance information.

TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN USER AND BC Insight Meditation Society The BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site is comprised of various Web pages operated by BC Insight Meditation Society. ​ The BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site is offered to you conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices. MODIFICATION OF THESE TERMS OF USE ​ BC Insight Meditation Society reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and notices under which the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site is offered, including but not limited to the charges associated with the use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site. ​ LINKS TO THIRD PARTY SITES ​ The BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site may contain links to other Web Sites ("Linked Sites"). The Linked Sites are not under the control of BC Insight Meditation Society and BC Insight Meditation Society is not responsible for the contents of any Linked Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Linked Site, or any changes or updates to a Linked Site. BC Insight Meditation Society is not responsible for webcasting or any other form of transmission received from any Linked Site. BC Insight Meditation Society is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by BC Insight Meditation Society of the site or any association with its operators. ​ NO UNLAWFUL OR PROHIBITED USE ​ As a condition of your use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site, you warrant to BC Insight Meditation Society that you will not use the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms, conditions, and notices. You may not use the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site in any manner which could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site or interfere with any other party's use and enjoyment of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available or provided for through the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Sites. ​ USE OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES ​ The BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site may contain bulletin board services, chat areas, news groups, forums, communities, personal web pages, calendars, and/or other message or communication facilities designed to enable you to communicate with the public at large or with a group (collectively, "Communication Services"), you agree to use the Communication Services only to post, send and receive messages and material that are proper and related to the particular Communication Service. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using a Communication Service, you will not: ​ Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others. Publish, post, upload, distribute or disseminate any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent or unlawful topic, name, material or information. Upload files that contain software or other material protected by intellectual property laws (or by rights of privacy of publicity) unless you own or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consents. Upload files that contain viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer. Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business purpose, unless such Communication Service specifically allows such messages. Conduct or forward surveys, contests, pyramid schemes or chain letters. Download any file posted by another user of a Communication Service that you know, or reasonably should know, cannot be legally distributed in such manner. Falsify or delete any author attributions, legal or other proper notices or proprietary designations or labels of the origin or source of software or other material contained in a file that is uploaded. Restrict or inhibit any other user from using and enjoying the Communication Services. Violate any code of conduct or other guidelines which may be applicable for any particular Communication Service. Harvest or otherwise collect information about others, including e-mail addresses, without their consent. Violate any applicable laws or regulations ​​ BC Insight Meditation Society has no obligation to monitor the Communication Services. However, BC Insight Meditation Society reserves the right to review materials posted to a Communication Service and to remove any materials in its sole discretion. BC Insight Meditation Society reserves the right to terminate your access to any or all of the Communication Services at any time without notice for any reason whatsoever. ​ BC Insight Meditation Society reserves the right at all times to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or governmental request, or to edit, refuse to post or to remove any information or materials, in whole or in part, in BC Insight Meditation Society's sole discretion. ​ Always use caution when giving out any personally identifying information about yourself or your children in any Communication Service. BC Insight Meditation Society does not control or endorse the content, messages or information found in any Communication Service and, therefore, BC Insight Meditation Society specifically disclaims any liability with regard to the Communication Services and any actions resulting from your participation in any Communication Service. Managers and hosts are not authorized BC Insight Meditation Society spokespersons, and their views do not necessarily reflect those of BC Insight Meditation Society. Materials uploaded to a Communication Service may be subject to posted limitations on usage, reproduction and/or dissemination. You are responsible for adhering to such limitations if you download the materials. ​ MATERIALS PROVIDED TO BC Insight Meditation Society OR POSTED AT ANY BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE ​ BC Insight Meditation Society does not claim ownership of the materials you provide to BC Insight Meditation Society (including feedback and suggestions) or post, upload, input or submit to any BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site or its associated services (collectively "Submissions"). However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Submission you are granting BC Insight Meditation Society, its affiliated companies and necessary sublicensees permission to use your Submission in connection with the operation of their Internet businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your Submission; and to publish your name in connection with your Submission. No compensation will be paid with respect to the use of your Submission, as provided herein. BC Insight Meditation Society is under no obligation to post or use any Submission you may provide and may remove any Submission at any time in BC Insight Meditation Society's sole discretion. ​ By posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Submission you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to your Submission as described in this section including, without limitation, all the rights necessary for you to provide, post, upload, input or submit the Submissions. ​ LIABILITY DISCLAIMER THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES INCLUDED IN OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN. BC Insight Meditation Society AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES IN THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE AT ANY TIME. ADVICE RECEIVED VIA THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION. ​ BC Insight Meditation Society AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY, RELIABILITY, AVAILABILITY, TIMELINESS, AND ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS CONTAINED ON THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE FOR ANY PURPOSE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ALL SUCH INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND. BC Insight Meditation Society AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO THIS INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. ​ TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL BC Insight Meditation Society AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE, WITH THE DELAY OR INABILITY TO USE THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE OR RELATED SERVICES, THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES, OR FOR ANY INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS OBTAINED THROUGH THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE, OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF BC Insight Meditation Society OR ANY OF ITS SUPPLIERS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES/JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE, OR WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS OF USE, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USING THE BC Insight Meditation Society WEB SITE. SERVICE CONTACT : alden@six.fish ​ TERMINATION/ACCESS RESTRICTION BC Insight Meditation Society reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your access to the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site and the related services or any portion thereof at any time, without notice. GENERAL To the maximum extent permitted by law, this agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Washington, U.S.A. and you hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in San Mateo County, California, U.S.A. in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site. Use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms and conditions, including without limitation this paragraph. You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and BC Insight Meditation Society as a result of this agreement or use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site. BC Insight Meditation Society's performance of this agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process, and nothing contained in this agreement is in derogation of BC Insight Meditation Society's right to comply with governmental, court and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site or information provided to or gathered by BC Insight Meditation Society with respect to such use. If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall continue in effect. Unless otherwise specified herein, this agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the user and BC Insight Meditation Society with respect to the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written, between the user and BC Insight Meditation Society with respect to the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to this agreement to the same extent an d subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form. It is the express wish to the parties that this agreement and all related documents be drawn up in English. ​ COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICES: ​ All contents of the BC Insight Meditation Society Web Site are: Copyright 2018 by BCIMS and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved. ​ TRADEMARKS ​ The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. ​ The example companies, organizations, products, people and events depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization, product, person, or event is intended or should be inferred. ​ Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. ​ NOTICES AND PROCEDURE FOR MAKING CLAIMS OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT ​ Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, Section 512(c)(2), notifications of claimed copyright infringement under United States copyright law should be sent to Service Provider's Designated Agent. ALL INQUIRIES NOT RELEVANT TO THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WILL RECEIVE NO RESPONSE. See Notice and Procedure for Making Claims of Copyright Infringement.

COVID Safety In-Person COVID-19 Safety Measures for BCIMS Events BCIMS is happy to welcome folks to in-person gatherings. While we are excited to be connecting in person, the safety of the sangha and our communities remains our priority. ​ Before you arrive We recommend everyone take the BC COVID-19 Self Check prior to your arrival. (https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en ) ​ If you have travelled outside of your home area in the last 14 days, please take a COVID test before the start of the retreat. We ask that you stay home if you have: Any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, shortness of breath, new muscle aches or headache, sore throat, new or worsening cough Close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 ​ When you arrive ​ COVID-19 Protocols ​ Each of our in-person gatherings will be planned in accordance with the BC Provincial Health Authority's guidelines for group gatherings. The protocols for each event will therefore evolve as needed to align with the needs of current conditions. Please visit specific Event Pages for details pertaining to each gathering. Beginning in September, masks will be encouraged but optional for BCIMS in-person gatherings, unless otherwise stated on the Event Page. To check on COVID safety measures of a specific offering, please visit the Program Page, and click "More Info" for the offering you are interested in. Maintain social distancing indoors as much as possible. Arrive early to help ease the check-in line ​ If you have any questions, please contact jess@bcims.org

RESOURCES Meditation Centres Meditation Centres Online Resources Karuna Sangha Support Engaged Dharma British Columbia Birken Forest Monastery D.I.Y. Dharma Hollyhock Salt Spring Island Vipassana Commu nity Sea to Sky Retreat Centre Victoria Insight Meditation Society Canada Regina Insight Meditation Community Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community True North Insight, Montreal Edmonton Insight Meditation United States Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, CA Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, MA Bhavana Society, WV Cloud Mountatin Retreat Center, WA East Bay Meditation Center, CA Insight Meditation Society, MA Insight Retreat Center, CA Metta Forest Monastery, CA Northwest Dharma Association, WA Seattle Insight Meditation, WA Spirit Rock, CA Vipassana Hawaii, HI Vipassana Metta on Maui, HI International​ Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, England Gaia House, England Sakyadhita: An international association of Buddhist women Online Resources Meditation Centres Online Resources Karuna Sangha Support Engaged Dharma Online Information on Buddhism Buddhanet: Buddhist Education and Information Network ​ Dharma Talks - audio ​ Dharma Seed Audiodharma Compassionate Action Sites Buddhist Peace Fellowship One Earth Sangha Buddhist Global Relief Fund Greater Vancouver Food Bank . Volunteer with or donate to the GVFB, which helps feed more than 26,000 people each week. Global Volunteer Network . A great organization that offers volunteer opportunities in community projects throughout the world. Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE ) Earth Sangha in Arlington, Virginia Green Sangha in the San Francisco Bay Area Spirit Rock Green Group Touch the Earth Forum Insight World Aid Karuna Sangha Support Meditation Centres Online Resources Karuna Sangha Support Engaged Dharma BCIMS has a Karuna (compassion) Sangha Support group to assist those in our sangha who may need help for various reasons from time to time. It's an opportunity for us to practice generosity, compassionate action and to support each other in concrete, caring ways. ​ For example, if there’s a sudden or prolonged illness, surgery or other unexpected crisis. In short, it's an opportunity to live the dharma, and the meaning of sangha, which is community. ​ We can also offer spiritual care in the form of home or hospital visits for those experiencing grief, loss, transition, or crisis who would welcome any of the following: compassionate listening, someone to meditate with, guided meditation, chanting or Healing Touch. ​ "Joanne Broatch and I personally experienced the generosity of this group. At that time we had both undergone surgery and needed support in various ways: I needed someone to stay with me for the first few days at home; we both needed people to supply a few hot evening meals and someone to take us to the occasional doctor's appointment. We felt supported and cared for at a vulnerable time. This is a valuable and important service to offer and it builds a stronger, caring sangha." ​ If you would like to offer help from time to time or if you are in need of support please contact karuna@bcims.org Engaged Dharma Meditation Centres Online Resources Karuna Sangha Support Engaged Dharma Bringing the dharma into daily life is how we manifest the naturally compassionate and altruistic heart. When we are aware of the abundance in which we live, it’s easy to to do this and to take advantage of the many opportunities available beyond the home and workplace. ​ BCIMS encourages and supports volunteering and involvement in existing groups that further the values of generosity and heartfulness. We encourage involvement in community projects such as those under the banner of Engaged Buddhism, Food Banks, Community Kitchens, and ”Runs”; as well as initiating specific projects in the dharma community, such as sit-a-thons, car-washes, and social fund raisers (usually in support of overseas Buddhist communities). ​ Buddhist Peace Fellowship The Buddhist Peace Fellowship aspires to help beings liberate themselves from the suffering that manifests in individuals, relationships, institutions, and social systems. BPF ’s programs, publications, and practice groups link Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion with progressive social change. ​ One Earth Sangha Go to One Earth Sangha , to explore how Buddhist teachings can inform and support awakening and response to climate change and other threats to our shared home, through education, sustainable living and advocacy. ​ Buddhist Global Relief Fund Founded by Bhikkhu Bodhi, BGR is an interdenominational organization comprising people of different Buddhist groups who share the vision of a Buddhism actively committed to the task of alleviating social and economic suffering. ​ Green Sangha Green Sangha is an organization that brings spiritual practice and environmental work together to heal our planet. Their mission is to bring healing to ourselves, one another, and the earth through thoughts, words, and actions rooted in love. ​ Compassionate Action Sites Greater Vancouver Food Bank . Volunteer with or donate to the GVFB, which helps feed more than 26,000 people each week. Buddhist Peace Fellowship . Through BPF, Buddhists of many different traditions are developing individual and group responses to socially conditioned suffering. Zen Peacemaker Community . A global civil society of organizations and individuals around the world working for social transformation. Global Volunteer Network . A great organization that offers volunteer opportunities in community projects throughout the world. Sign the Buddhist Declaration for Climate Change All concerned members of the international Buddhist community are invited to study the document and add their voice by signing the Declaration.