Spanish-language Sangha Eight-Fold Path series / Sangha en español serie sobre el Noble Óctuple Sendero (January/Enero 2027)

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First Thursday of every month starting January 7, 2027
Primer jueves de casa mes, a partir del 7 de enero de 2027
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA
in the Sarana Kuti (small building at the south end of the east parking lot)

You are invited to join the IMCV Spanish-language Sangha for an eight month series on the Noble Eightfold Path starting in January 2027, with the first session on January 7. This series in based on the Insight Meditation Center’s Eightfold Path Program. Meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month during the Spanish Sangha’s regular meetings 7:30-9pm. The format is a 30 minute lightly guided meditation, a 30 minute Dharma Talk on the month’s path factor, and a 30 minute conversation. We’ll be using Gil Fronsdal’s book Steps to Liberation, the Buddha’s Eightfold Path as the primary text for the series. Gil’s exercises to practice weekly each path factor in different ways will be offered, so that deeper understandings and experience with each path factor is obtained. Content from Bikkhu Bodhi’s The Noble Eightfold Path will also be included in the series. All three texts have been translated into Spanish, and everyone who participates will have access to them. The teachers are Brian Johnson, Kristina Isberg, Pablo Gonzalez and Peter Fenczik. The four teachers are graduates of the IMC Dharma Leader Training program. For more information, please contact the Spanish Sangha Coordinator Janet at janet.ruiz.18@gmail.com

Está invitado a unirse a la Sangha en español del IMCV para una serie de ocho meses sobre el Noble Óctuple Sendero que comenzará en enero de 2027, la primera sesión será el 7 de enero. Esta serie se basa en el Programa del Óctuple Sendero del Insight Meditation Center. Las reuniones se llevarán a cabo el primer jueves de cada mes, durante las reuniones habituales de la Sangha en español, de 7:30 a 9:00 p. m. El formato consiste en una meditación ligeramente guiada de 30 minutos, una charla de Dharma de 30 minutos sobre el factor del Sendero de ese mes y una conversación de 30 minutos. Utilizaremos el libro de Gil Fronsdal, Pasos hacia la liberación: el Sendero Óctuple del Buda, como texto principal de la serie. Se ofrecerán los ejercicios de Gil para practicar semanalmente cada factor del Sendero de diferentes maneras, con el fin de obtener una comprensión y una experiencia más profundas de cada uno de ellos. También se incluirá en la serie contenido de El Noble Óctuple Sendero, de Bikkhu Bodhi. Los tres textos han sido traducidos al español, y todos los participantes tendrán acceso a ellos. Los maestros son Brian Johnson, Kristina Isberg, Pablo González y Peter Fenczik. Los cuatro maestros son graduados del programa de Capacitación de Líderes del Dharma del IMC. Para obtener más información, por favor contáctate con la coordinadora de la sangha hispana, Janet, al janet.ruiz.18@gmail.com.

Monday Evening Meditation & Dharma Talk – Weekly Starting September 28, 2026

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Monday, September 28, 2026 and every Monday thereafter
7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA
in the Sarana Kuti  (small building at the south end of the east parking lot)

Beginning Monday, September 28, IMCV will be starting a weekly Monday evening meeting. The meeting will include a period of meditation followed by a Dharma talk.

The meetings will be held online only, from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m., and will continue every Monday. Login information is provided below. For additional information, please contact Charlie Wheeler at charlie@imcv.org

Topic: Monday IMCV Zoom Meeting (weekly)
Time: Mondays, 7:00–8:15 p.m. Pacific Time
Beginning: September 28, 2026
Meeting ID: 841 8781 9008
Passcode: Metta
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84187819008?pwd=9YgYeKDRgJRHwUSLrhdKAkPfQV9Ze6.1

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation course beginning February 11, 2026

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Wednesdays beginning on February 11, 2006 (five sessions) until March 11, 2026.
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA in the Sarana Kuti  (small building at the south end of the east parking lot).

We will be offering an Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation course this winter that will consist of five 1:30-hour sessions from 6:30-8:00 pm beginning on Wednesday February 11th, 2026. We will meet at the same time each week with our last session on March 11th. The course will consist of basic instructions in mindfulness meditation taught sequentially, starting with mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, emotions, thinking, and the application of mindfulness in daily life.

The course will be held at IMCV located on the grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County at 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA. We can be found in the small, stand-alone building at the south end of the east parking lot of the church. (See our locations and directions page for more info.)

The course will also be offered on Zoom for those who wish to attend virtually.

Please email Charlie at charlie@imcv.org for the zoom link or if you have questions. 

It is recommended that you attend all of the classes to get the most benefit from this course.

If you are new to meditation, or if you would like to refresh your meditation practice, please register for this course using the form below.

Although there is no cost for any of our programs, we are grateful for any donations to support IMCV.

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Serie Introductoria en Español – Domingos en Persona

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Los domingos desde el 14 de septiembre hasta el 5 de octubre.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA en la Sarana Kuti (el pequeño edificio en el extremo sur del estacionamiento este).

La Sangha en Español se reunirá en persona durante cuatro domingos: el 14, 21 y 28 de septiembre, y el 5 de octubre, de 1:00 p.m. a 2:30 p.m. en la Sarana Kuti.

Esta serie será una introducción a la meditación. Cada sesión se centrará en un tema diferente: la respiración, el cuerpo, las emociones y los pensamientos.

Los maestros son del Insight Meditation Center y están aprendiendo a enseñar el Dharma en español (no son hablantes nativos).

Todos son bienvenidos, no se necesita experiencia previa en meditación.

Para más información, contacte a Janet Ruiz: (408) 726-3901

September 8, 2024: Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

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Sundays beginning on September 8, 2024 until October 6, 2024 (five sessions)
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA in the Sarana Kuti  (small building at the south end of the east parking lot).

We will be offering an Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation course this fall that will consist of five 1:30-hour sessions from 1:00-2:30 pm beginning on Sunday September 8th, 2024. Each session will meet at the same time each week ending on October 6th. The course will consist of basic instructions in mindfulness meditation taught sequentially, starting with mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, emotions, thinking, and the application of mindfulness in daily life.

The course will be held at IMCV located on the grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County at 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA. We can be found in the small, stand-alone building at the south end of the east parking lot of the church. (See our locations and directions page for more info.)

It is recommended that you attend all of the classes to get the most benefit from this course.

If you have questions, you can email Charlie at charlie@imcv.org or use the form below.

If you are new to meditation, or if you would like to refresh your meditation practice, please register for this course using the form below.

Although there is no cost for any of our programs, we are grateful for any donations to support IMCV.

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May 4, 2024: Mindfulness Daylong with Bruni Davila

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Saturday, May 4, 2024
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA
in the Sarana Kuti  (small building at the south end of the east parking lot)

This daylong retreat will include guided meditations, dharma talks, and alternating periods of sitting and walking. Instructions and guidance on mindfulness of breathing, body, emotions, thoughts, and open attention will be provided. This daylong retreat is an opportunity to strengthen mindfulness, develop concentration, practice in community, and ask a teacher questions. This daylong is appropriate for beginners and those with more experience. Please bring a bagged lunch.

About the teacher:
BruniBruni Dávila (she/they) is an Insight meditation Dharma teacher in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. She teaches at the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) and Insight Retreat Center (IRC) in CA. Bruni has been practicing Vipassana and Zen since 1995, and completed the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies Chaplaincy and the Eco-Chaplaincy Trainings. Her previous work in the environmental field, and their ancestry of Puerto Rican heritage, have supported her understanding, connection, healing and reconciliation between the human and the natural worlds.

This day is freely offered to all.  Donations are important to support the teacher’s livelihood and our future offerings, but there is no obligation to make a donation.

For additional information, please contact Charlie Wheeler at charlie@imcv.org

If you plan to come, please register by filling out the form below. Thank you!

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May 18, 2019: Vesak Celebration and Practice

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Please join us for a celebration of Vesak on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10am to 3pm at the Sarana Kuti. We will have a Vesak celebration from 10am to noon, followed by a vegetarian potluck lunch from 12-1pm, and an opportunity to practice in the afternoon from 1-3pm.

Vesak is the most sacred holy day of Theravada Buddhism. Also called Visakha Puja or Wesak, Vesak is an observation of the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinibbana) of the historical Buddha.

Visakha is the name of the fourth month of the Indian lunar calendar, and “puja” means “religious service.” So, “Visakha Puja” can be translated “the religious service for the month of Visakha.” Vesak is held on the first full moon day of Visakha. There are diverse lunar calendars in Asia that number the months differently, but the month during which Vesak is observed usually coincides with May. For Theravada Buddhists, Vesak is a major holy day to be marked by a rededication to the Dharma and the Eightfold Path.

Please bring a vegetarian dish to share for lunch. Please label your dish if it contains any possible allergens to care for those who might need to avoid them (eggs, nuts, gluten).

The morning will include meditation, chanting and taking refuge and renewing precepts, bathing the baby Buddha, and a short dharma talk by Lori. The afternoon will consist of silent practice: sitting and walking meditation.

Please register by no later than May 12th if you plan to attend by filling out the form below:

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March 2, 2019: Garden Work Opportunity

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We will meet on Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. to spruce up the garden area around the Sarana Kuti. Bring your own work gloves and tools. Some gardening utensils will be provided.

It’s helpful to take practice off the mat and into daily activities. This is an opportunity to mindfully engage in generosity, care for the space where we practice, and kind actions in relationship with nature and fellow gardeners. Because our organization is supported solely by volunteers, your efforts are needed and appreciated to make our space welcoming and inviting to all.

Questions? Please contact info@imcv.org.

March 16, 2019: Mindfulness Daylong with Kim Allen: Wise Effort

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Saturday, March 16, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County
2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA
in the Sarana Kuti  (small building at the south end of the east parking lot)


Is it possible that many meditators need less striving and more effort? What does that mean? When we think of “effort”, we may think only of striving, pushing and strain. But Wise Effort flows from the heart. We put forth inspired energy from a place of love, compassion, joy and equanimity.

In this daylong, we will explore heartfelt engagement that leads to the strengthening and liberation of the mind. The daylong will include sitting and walking meditation, teachings and small group reflection.

About the teacher:
Kim Allen has been teaching Insight Meditation since 2008 and currently serves on the Teacher’s Council of Insight, Santa Cruz. She has spent a cumulative of two years in silent retreat and has studied mainly with Gil Fronsdal, as well as Joseph Goldstein and Bhikkhu Anālayo. Kim also has some training in Zen and Tibetan practices. She teaches around the Bay Area and beyond. Kim has a Ph.D. in Physics and a Master’s Degree in Environmental and Social Sustainability.

This day is freely offered to all.  Donations are important to support the teacher’s livelihood and our future offerings, but there is no obligation to make a donation.

There will be a potluck vegetarian lunch — please bring a dish to share, if you are able. For the sake of those who may have sensitivities or allergies, please do not wear scented or perfumed products, including essential oils.  Chairs will be available.  There are also a limited number of zabutons and cushions for use. This daylong is suitable for all-levels of practitioners.

For additional information, please contact Jeff Gianelli at info@imcv.org.

If you plan to come, please register by filling out the form below. Thank you!

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White Awake – Waking ourselves for the benefit of all – Fall 2018 Program

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A “White Awake” group is being offered this fall to those in our sangha who self-identify as white. Ken Schroeder will be facilitating the group using curriculum from WAIC UP (White Awareness Insight Curriculum for Uprooting Privilege),  whiteawake.org, and uuwhiteness.us.

The purpose of these sessions is to explore our deep conditioning around race, its reflections in the systems around us, the experience and impact of racism and whiteness on all beings, and ways we can skillfully engage with this toward liberation.
Our time together will include:

  • Meditation
  • Checking in
  • Exploring key questions that deepen our understanding
  • Reading recommended articles and watching videos in preparation for our conversations

The group will have a preliminary meeting on September 17th, and will then meet once per month on the first Monday of every month beginning in October, at the College Avenue United Church of Christ at 1341 College Ave, Modesto, CA 95350. The group will be a mix of participants from our sangha, the UUFSC, and the UCC. This is an 8-month curriculum. The preliminary meeting will answer questions and set the guidelines for the course.

Due to the nature of this group, it will be a closed group after the first meeting and drop-ins will not be allowed after the first meeting. Please sign up below if you wish to participate.

Ken is a member of our sangha and participated in a White Awake program that we offered last year, so he is familiar with the curriculum.

Please register below for the program by no later than September 1st, so we can get an idea of how many people may be attending. Even if you are “just interested,” please register below so we can communicate further information to you. Space will be limited and will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Once you are registered, you will receive further information, along with other materials.

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