From the 32nd Newsletter
Due to popular demand, after discussions with Subhana and Jeremy Southern Insight has decided to offer a further series of DFPs. There will be three retreats in the series, all taking place at the end of a scheduled meditation retreat or dharma gathering, and participants will be expected to make a commitment to attending all retreats in the series. Once a series has started it will not be possible for new participants to join. There are practice criteria for attending a DFP – please see below. Those who have completed a DFP previously are welcome to attend any session and do not have to attend the whole series.
What is a DFP?
Over the past ten years, Insight teachers across the world have recognized the need for some kind of training for those who are interested in supporting a sangha in their local area, perhaps facilitating a sitting group, or organising retreats. DFPs are offered in the USA, England, Europe, Israel and Australia.
The DFP is a programme designed for experienced practitioners of the Dharma to deepen their understanding, share experiences with others, explore central Buddhist texts and develop leadership and facilitation skills for the benefit of the wider community.
If you’ve had five years of committed contact with the Dharma, you are eligible to join the Dharma Facilitators’ Programme. These requirements are a little flexible, so if you are uncertain please make contact and we can talk about whether it would be suitable for you.
The programme aims to
- present sutta study with the intention of transforming the sometimes complicated suttas into direct intuitive realization
- deepen one’s understanding of the Dharma through inquiry, meditation, interactive group processes, discussion and dharma talks
- promote group facilitation skills to apply to whatever sphere of life one is engaged in
- provide a supportive sangha (community) to deepen friendships, cultivate wisdom, and enable insights to flourish
- encourage compassionate action based on profound wisdom and understanding
We will share our experiences and understanding of the Dharma both from the standpoint of practice and ultimate ways of seeing into the nature of things. We will look into our strengths and discover what areas we need to develop. We will examine the place of formal meditation (the use of method and technique) whether on retreats or at home, and the place of formless Dharma in daily life, integrating the Dharma into whatever field of work or activity we may be engaged in.
We need to know in advance who would be interested in entering into the DFP, so if you are thinking of attending, please make contact with Julie:
email: angulijulie@gmail.com
phone: 03 348 1462
Participants from the last DFP Retreat write:
What a retreat! I’m finding the whole depth of it is still resonating with me – it’s really beautiful. I just feel so grateful, for the teachings, for the process of the DFP and I thought Subhana was absolutely superb, allowing, but gently steering us. We are very, very fortunate with Subhana. And also Jeremy and I, we go back a long way, and his and my relationship gets better and better, and I really respect what he’s bringing as a teacher to our meeting. I think he’s just amazing.
It was very impressive and I enjoyed being involved with it. Just little things, I remember doing the men’s song, people’s really wonderful warmth, it all just flowed from one activity to another. he whole environment of safety and lovingness - what an extraordinary opportunity. And being involved with everyone’s presentations was really lovely. I went with some expectation that I was going to take some risks, to volunteer for everything that was on offer. And I did, and I felt that was really great, I feel like celebrating about that - I put myself out and it was really worthwhile to do that. That incredible depth that we settled into, the intimacy, the courage of everyone to let all the stuff go, to drop it off and to bask in the love of everybody. It was so respectful, it was safe, it was really inspiring. The things that we learnt were absolute jewels for my work as a counselor. It was just one great retreat.
Ramon
I found myself thinking that this has been one of the best things I have done, and why is this? Coming together as a group over time allowed a trust in one another to grow and out of this process I experienced moments of deeply nourishing heart connection with the sangha. The highlights included the dharma presentations, which became a showcase for some of the hidden (or not so hidden!) talents of sangha members, and having the opportunity to 'bear witness' to other’s courage and hear how the dharma touches peoples lives. All in all it was a time for community and creativity, which was supportive and inspiring. I will be back for more…
Sarah
Thank you all for the fabulous weekend of deep work, insight, camaraderie, and fun. I came prepared for it to be the final meeting, but the awakening to the finality of our gatherings hit me a few days later. 2010 seems so far away. I really cherish being part of the DFP and being together with everyone. Thank you for being such a meaningful part of my life. I'll miss Christchurch also. Thank you for your good work.
In Gratitude,
Deborah