Exploring the Heart of Freedom: An IMS/BCBS Intensive Study and Practice Program (2026 - 2027)

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in Exploring the Heart of Freedom II, a 16-month program jointly offered by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS) and the Insight Meditation Society (IMS).

This course is designed to cultivate our understanding of the core teachings of the Buddha as they appear in the Pali suttas, deepen our meditation practice, and help us to embody the dharma in spiritual friendship and community.  (It is not intended to be a teacher training program or to provide a stepping stone to becoming a dharma teacher.)

While this is not a social justice training, we will, at times, explore how the dharma may support us in addressing oppressive social structures.

The small group meetings will be an important part of the program, helping to strengthen our connections as a sangha. While processing in groups may be necessary at times to maintain kind and clear communication, exploring the dharma in our lives will be the primary focus of our meetings.

The curriculum is structured to gradually deepen an embodied understanding and practice of the foundational teachings in the Pāli Canon in a way that is relevant and responsive to the diverse and, at times, challenging conditions of contemporary life.

Thank you for your interest in this program.  We look forward to receiving your application.  

Jeanne, Nic, Roxanne, William, Yong