The Meditation Program

Class/Program Fees and Dana

Notes about Registration

The Meditation Program

The foundation of our meditation program is Insight Meditation (Vipassana). It is a simple and direct practice: the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind/body process through calm, focused awareness. It allows us to experience sensations, emotions, thoughts and consciousness with greater clarity and balance. This clarity frees our mind from conditioned patterns of self-centeredness, negativity and confusion; it opens our heart to deeper wisdom and compassion. This process of opening, non-judgmentally and compassionately to ourselves, moves from the sitting period to the whole of our lives. We begin to know each moment as practice for our growth toward wholeness and harmony. We balance insight practice with lovingkindness and a deepening awareness of our true nature, which is eternal and present now. Although the practices are derived from Buddhist teachings, no special religious beliefs are necessary; we perform no religious rituals. The meditation practices are suitable for those of any or no religion. In classes and retreat, we also work with other forms of meditation that nurture non-dual awareness and open the heart.

Class Levels

People  who take classes at Deep Spring come from different backgrounds and experience. To help students make a decision based on their personal experience and comfort level we have created a system to help them choose which class(es) would suit them best. Use these as a guide and if you have any questions contact the teacher or the Deep Spring office at om@deepspring.org.

• Level 1 - Classes are meant for those new, or fairly new, to insight (vipassana) practice. Beginning practice instruction will be offered in all level 1 classes, as well as topics helpful for those newly encountering meditation practice. Many find it helpful to repeat a beginning class several times before moving on to a level 2 class. A level 1 class is also recommended for those who are exploring insight practice and have a background in other meditation traditions (Zen, TM or mantra meditation, yoga).
• Level 2 - These classes focus on meditators who have some level of insight practice experience, and who may have attended a retreat or two. These classes may cover a number of topics, such as deepening one's practice, sitting on a more daily basis, and becoming skillful with unresolved issues that typically surface after practice becomes sustained. Basic dharma topics are introduced and developed at this level. 
• Level 3 - These classes are designed for students who have a significant commitment to their meditation, and who find insight practice has become an integral part of life. More advanced topics on the path of awakening, and sutra study is often a part of these classes.

Class/Program Fees and Dana

Many classes/programs at Deep Spring Center have a building fee, which goes directly to support the rental and operation of the facility. The rate is $7 per week of class, which equates to $49 for a 7-week session and $70 for a 10-week session. See specific class listing for detail. No one will be denied participation for financial reasons.

All Deep Spring teachers offer their time on a dana basis, joyfully sharing the teachings. Your free-will offerings to the teachers are welcomed.

With your support, we can continue to offer a range of programs and activities at Deep Spring Center.

Dana (pronounced “dah-na”) is a Pali word meaning “gift” or “giving.” It is closely related to the virtue of generosity and is expressed in many  forms—the offering and sharing of our time, energy, knowledge/expertise, material items and financial resources. Dana is a purely volitional act of giving in which we develop our ability to let go, convey our compassion and caring, demonstrate our commitment, and acknowledge our interdependence and connectedness.

Notes about Registration

To register for Deep Spring classes and programs, please submit program/building fee, your contact information—name, address, phone, email—and the class/program name to Deep Spring Center. Registration handled by another organization/individual will be so noted in the program’s description.

Classes at DSC: pre-registration required

Classes Registered Outside of DSC

Contacts for registration are included in the individual class listings.

The Ann Arbor Recreation and Education Department (Rec&Ed) classes, taught by DSC teachers and held in the public schools, offer basic and continuing instruction for insight meditation and continuing practice. To register for these classes, call the Adult Enrichment area at 734-994-2300, ext. 53203, or see Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Education and Recreation’s web page: www.aareced.com. Fee is paid to Ann Arbor Public Schools for the AA Recreation and Education Department classes. You may call the teachers listed below for further information.

Drop-In Programs and Other Opportunities

Day-Long Programs and Special Events

Affinity Events