About this IMS Online Retreat

Friday, March 21, 2025 - Sunday, March 23, 2025

During this three day online retreat, we will explore how and why we conceptually impose internal and external boundaries upon a world that is naturally boundary free. Each time we draw a line of demarcation internally (my body, my mind, my persona) or externally (others, the external world, nature) we establish a narrowing definition of ourselves while increasing our psychic distance from others. We believe we gain control by establishing boundaries but are usually unaware of how it restrains and limits our freedom.  Since boundaries establish our sense of self and other, a life without boundaries would reveal a truly interconnected world. 

Since this retreat is intended to call into question the conventual way we assume reality to be, we are requesting the prerequisites for this course be 10 years of practice in Insight, Zen, or Chan Meditation including extensive retreat experience.  

The important question we would ask perspective retreatants is, does the topic of living a life free of boundaries invite your curiosity? A healthy curiosity grounded in mental stability is indispensable for dismantling consensus reality. We encourage participants to fully engage in the entire weekend retreat. 

Join us on this three-day exploration of boundaries, which will also explore the sanity of setting healthy personal boundaries and establishing principled ethical limits. This weekend retreat will include dharma talks, silent and guided meditations and inquiries, Q&A sessions and Qigong with Ellen McCown. 

Choose your enrollment fee

Schedule

This retreat begins on Friday, March 21, at 11:00 am ET and concludes Sunday, March 23, at 8:00 pm ET. A full home retreat schedule and instructions will be offered. The live session schedule with the teacher is as follows:

Friday, March 21, 2025 - Sunday, March 23, 2025

11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET (check local time)

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm ET (check local time)

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm ET (check local time)

4:15 pm - 5:00 pm ET (check local time)

7:15 pm - 8:00 pm ET (check local time)

Meet Your Teacher

Rodney Smith

Rodney Smith disrobed as a monk in 1983 and for the next 35 years taught Insight Meditation throughout the U.S. and for many of those years worked in hospice care. In 2017 he retired from most work related obligations, allowing him to explore a life unconstrained by time. He is the author of four books including Touching the Infinite: A New Perspective on The Buddha’s Four Foundation of Mindfulness. His teaching style is direct and undeviating, emphasizing the immediacy of awakening and the embodiment of awakened values.

More Information

  • Equity Pricing Model

    As one part of our ongoing effort to expand access to the teachings of the Buddha, all IMS Online programs feature equity-based registration fees, including the opportunity to self-select a low-cost scholarship rate. No-fee enrollment is available for those who request a fee-waiver at [email protected], no questions asked. Our system supports the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive community and is made possible by our generous donors and those who choose to support other students by contributing at the “Benefactor” level.

  • Registration Deadline

    Registration for this program closes on March 21, 2025 at 9:00 am ET.

  • Program Recordings

    This program will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing after the live sessions. On-demand videos will be available to registered participants only for 90 days.

  • Additional Questions

    If you have additional questions please contact us at [email protected].