Bozeman Insight Meditation Community

Vipassana Meditation is focused on awareness (mindfulness) of the present moment. The instructions direct us to observe mind and body without judgment or commentary. This meditation technique was discovered by the Buddha over 2500 years ago. It is a system of training (Bhavana) that cultivates wisdom, concentration and ethics.

Almost all meditation practices are one of two types. In “Concentration” or “Tranquility” meditation, one places one’s attention on a single object until the mind enters a concentrated state. One eventually develops enough concentration to still the mind and even reach states of tranquility and bliss.

In the practice of Insight Meditation, one develops mindfulness in order to see (through one’s own experience) the three characteristics of existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and the impersonal nature of our own existence (referred to as selflessness). All activities are brought into the realm of Mindfulness-our actions, emotions, feelings, thoughts, as well as the interaction we have with fellow sentient beings. Nothing is outside the scope of our awareness. By practicing Insight Meditation we come to see the true nature of mind without trying to control it. We understand that happiness can be found, but not in the places and mind states where we are conditioned to look. We find happiness by seeing that worldly happiness cannot be had without worldly unhappiness, pain and disappointment. Seeing this, we stop looking for happiness by manipulating external conditions, and instead look in a different direction. We look at the present moment and see that happiness is independent of outside influence and worldly affairs. We loosen our attachment to these ephemeral states.

Is Insight Meditation a form of Religion?

No. The historical Buddha was a person like us who saw that neither self-mortification nor self-indulgence was the path to freedom from the suffering of this existence. He chose instead a “middle way” that lies beyond the two extremes. This middle way lies in following a path to liberation based on ethics, concentration, and wisdom, as described in the Noble Eightfold Path to Awakening. Insight Meditation is compatible with all religious beliefs.

Floyd Fantelli has been mentored by Insight Meditation Teacher, Ginny Morgan, and has completed advanced teacher training under the direction Matthew Flickstein, a former monk in the Theravadan tradition. Floyd has taught Vipassana Meditation as part of hospital Wellness Programs and has practiced meditation for many years. While his background is in Vipassana in the Theravadan tradition, non-dual teachings form an integral part of his teaching philosophy. He is available by phone or email (florio2@wildblue.net) for dharma questions. Individual discussions with Floyd are also possible prior to and/or after Sangha on Dharma Talk days (please try to schedule these with Floyd in advance.)

Dana (Generosity Offerings)
Dana is a Pali word meaning generosity; to practice Dana means much more than simply giving. It means giving from a heartfelt place of Loving Kindness, Compassion, and Renunciation. Renunciation (Nekkhama) in the Pali language has a slightly different meaning than it does in English. In Pali (the language used for much of the Buddha’s discourses) renunciation means resisting the pull of craving. We don’t “give up” anything. We merely stand our ground and resist the tug of a craving mind.
Because the teachings of the Buddha are considered priceless, teachers do not charge a fee for their teachings. At teacher-led events, participants are invited to practice Dana in order to support the continuity of the teachings and to cultivate an open and generous heart. Whenever a teacher is offering teachings, the Dana box is put out for collecting contributions for that teacher. The Dana box is also put out at our weekly meetings for those who would like to contribute to the ongoing Sangha expenses (rent, supplies, etc.). We are grateful for your Dana offerings.
See also: Ginny Morgan’s thank you letter.
Other Insight Meditation Groups
Madison Valley Meditation Group meets in Ennis on the first and third Sunday of each month from 6:30-7:45 pm, at the Rising Sphinx Yoga Studio just west and across the road from City Hall. Format generally includes 40 minutes of sitting meditation, 15 minutes of walking meditation, a reading, and then an open discussion. A $1-2 donation will help defray rental costs for the studio. Questions call Metta at 599-8215 or Janet at 682-4463.
Insight Meditation and Discussion in Butte, MT, meets Sunday afternoons, 10am-11:30am, and holds day-long retreats every other month on Saturday. For more information email Marion at timberbutte@montana.com.
The IMC Steering Committee
The IMC steering committee consists of members who attend events fairly regularly, share a commitment to the well being and development of the Sangha, and are willing to give time and energy to its maintenance. The committee meets as needed, usually four or five times a year. We would like very much to have additional members to help with Sangha affairs. If you have suggestions or comments, or would like to join our group, contact Floyd at 406-763-4077.