The Buddha famously declared that spiritual friendship is the “whole of the holy life.” But what does that mean, and how does that manifest, in our daily lives? In this retreat, we will draw on the support of Insight Dialogue to inquire into the nature and experience of spiritual friendship. Insight Dialogue is a deeply heart-opening relational meditation practice with the same intention as silent meditation practice: to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and insight.
“Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the noble eightfold path.” (SN 45.2)
As in silent meditation practice, we bring mindfulness to bear on what is happening, moment to moment, but with attention to what arises as we listen and speak to others. A set of simple yet profound guidelines support this practice. This retreat will include periods of silent meditation, instruction, and in-depth practice of Insight Dialogue in pairs and larger groups.
This retreat is appropriate for all, including those new to Insight Dialogue and those with experience in the practice. Some previous meditation experience is recommended.
For more information about Insight Dialogue click here:
https://insightdialogue.org/relational-practices/insight-dialogue/
Donna Strickland has practiced Insight Meditation since 2004, when she joined Show Me Dharma in Columbia, Missouri. She feels deep appreciation for the many teachers she has learned from over the years, especially Phil Jones, Ginny Morgan, and Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia. She began teaching, under the mentorship of Phil Jones, in 2011, first at Phil’s Silent Mind-Open Heart sangha, and later at Show Me Dharma. She has also practiced Insight Dialogue since 2006, and has facilitated a number of Insight Dialogue classes since 2011. She was formally recognized by the Insight Dialogue community as a teacher in 2024. Gregory Kramer, Gary Steinberg, and Mary Burns have been important ID mentors and teachers. She also served on the Board of Mid America Dharma from 2008-2020. A former English professor and a current psychotherapist, Donna understands relationality and care to be key supports in awakening.
showmedharma.com/teachers-board
Sue Brown has been meditating in the vipassana tradition for 25 years, and fell in love with Insight Dialogue practice in 2006. Since that time, ID has been her primary insight practice; Gregory Kramer, creator of ID, has been her primary teacher. She began offering ID online and in person in 2011, and has been co-leading a weekly online sangha since that time. Finding that ID brings the Buddha’s teachings directly into life as it is actually lived—relationally—Sue now offers daily and weekend retreats and supports communities of ID practitioners in various locations. In addition to retreats with Gregory Kramer and other ID teachers, Sue has attended retreats over the years with Leigh Brasington, Phillip Moffit, Kamala Masters, Richard Shankman and others. She also co-created a racial awareness curriculum for white-identified people that is grounded in ID practice and continues to co-lead monthly practice groups for those who have participated in the course. Sue is a retired attorney and mediator, and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
insightdialogue.org/teachers/10074/sue-brown/
insightdialogue.org/programs/9481/monday-weekly-drop-in-sessions/
Deferred Payment is available on our website.
Registration closes on: June 3, 2025
