Vipassana, or mindfulness meditation, was first taught by the Buddha 2,500 years ago. In this style of meditation, widespread today in Southeast Asia and increasingly popular in the West, one learns to watch what arises without judgment or reaction. In so doing, the mind can become clear and steady, and we begin to see things as they really are, without the distortion of our hopes, fears and confusion. Some apply mindfulness to reduce stress and control pain, and many find the practice a help with daily life, but the Buddha's purpose was clear: this way of seeing leads to freedom from suffering.

We gather on Wednesdays, and welcome others ... the merely curious, the earnest beginner, the dedicated practitioner ... to join us. We generally begin with 30 minutes of silent meditation with enough guidance to introduce visitors to the basics. Afterwards we hear a dhamma talk from a visiting teacher (most, but not all of whom, are primarily grounded in the Theravada tradition of Buddhist practice). There is usually time for Q&A at the end of the evening, or for another short sitting. There is no charge for the teachings, but we welcome donations to support the teachers and our hosts at the hostel.

Teachers and Topics -- Sometimes we know the topic of a dhamma talk ... such as when we have arranged a series of talks on a specific topic ... but often a visiting teacher will talk on whatever is foremost in their life and practice at the moment.

New! Coastside Vipassana Dhamma Talk Archive: click here

July 2010

• July 14: Misha Merrill (part 2 of 3 dhamma talks)
Misha Misha is the primary teacher for Zen Heart Sangha in Menlo Park and Woodside, California and has been practicing Zen since 1984. She was ordained as a Zen priest in 1988 and received Dharma Transmission in 1998 from her teacher, Les Kaye Roshi, the abbot of Kannon Do Zen Center and dharma heir in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, the founder of San Francisco Zen Center. Misha also teaches elementary and middle-school children at Peninsula School in Menlo Park where she is the librarian. She resides in Woodside with her husband.

• July 21: Misha Merrill (part 3)
• July 28: Jennifer Block (part 1 of 3)
Since 2004, Jennifer Block has served as the Director of Public Education & Chaplain at Zen Hospice Project, creating curriculum based on its mission and approach.  As one of the first Buddhist chaplains in the country, Jennifer brings 12+ years of hospice and chaplaincy experience to her work with caregivers, clinicians, chaplaincy students, and especially those who are facing the spiritual and emotional issues related to aging, sickness, dying and grief. In her role as a teacher and caregiver, Jennifer leads workshops and grief groups, offers presentations at regional and national conferences, and provides community outreach.  Her adept skills as an engaging teacher and facilitator are matched by the ease and authenticity of her spiritual caregiving abilities. In the foreground of her life are passions for Buddhist practice, the visual arts, adventure travel, and a deep abiding love for dogs
• August 4: Jennifer Block (2 of 3)
• August 11: Jennifer Block (3 of 3)

	Lighthouse, fog-signal building and Montara Mountain in the distance.

Pt. Montara Hostel is located on Highway 1 at 16th Street in Montara. We meet in the fog signal building next to the lighthouse. (The building is heated by a wood fire, but can still be a bit chilly on cold, foggy days; dress appropriately. The floor is carpeted, but you might want a pad or folded blanket if you plan to sit on a cushion. There are also plenty of chairs available.)

Please see these directions for getting here safely!

The hostel is run by a non-profit organization with the intent of "helping all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hosteling." Guests of all ages stay at Pt. Montara and at hostels world-wide. We are grateful to the hostel staff for their support.