Class is Full – Waitlist Available
DEEPENING INTO LIFE
Information & Application
Thank you for your interest in the Deepening Into Life Immersion Class series.
Please note that the class is full, but a waitlist is available. Read below for details about the class, schedule, and application process.
Program Overview
This program is designed for those who wish to bring sincere, sustained attention to the process of awakening—cultivating insight not only on the cushion, but in the rich complexity of daily life. We’ll explore how to meet each moment with presence, discernment, and wholeheartedness, whether conditions are favorable or challenging.
A central question guiding our work together will be:
How can we experience freedom, kindness, and wakefulness, right here and now?
The program will be led by PIMC resident teacher Doug Pullin, with support from PIMC's two teacher trainees: Vik Anantha and Paul Lavigne.
Core Elements & Format
The program combines personalized mentorship with the support of a small practice community:
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Monthly Individual Mentoring (20–30 minutes)
One-on-one Zoom meetings with a program teacher will focus on:-
Formal and daily life practice
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Study and contemplation (guided by recommended readings, talks, and practices)
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Retreat planning and integration
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Inquiry into personal obstacles and support for awakening
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Monthly Group Sessions (1.5 hours)
Group meetings include guided meditation, dharma sharing, questions and discussion, and mutual support in the context of a committed spiritual community.
The cohort is limited to 10 participants to ensure depth and intimacy. Group sessions will be held in person and online via Zoom. The first cohort will begin on October 15th, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Subsequent dates will be (11/19, 12/17, 1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/15, 5/20). Scheduling for individual meetings with teachers will happen after registration.
Douglas Pullin, Resident Teacher
Paul LaVigne, Teacher Trainee
Vik Anantha, Teacher Trainee
Recommended Study Resources
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Mindfulness & Insight:
Analayo -- Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation: A Practice Guide
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Lovingkindness & Heart Practices:
Sharon Salzberg, Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
Who Should Apply?
This program is best suited for practitioners who:
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Have 2–4+ years of regular meditation practice
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Are deeply motivated to wake up and reduce suffering in themselves and the world
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Are familiar with core Buddhist teachings (e.g., the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Brahmavihara practices)
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Can commit to eight months of steady, focused engagement
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Are open to individual mentoring, group support, and in-depth self-inquiry
Commitments & Expectations
Participants will be asked to commit to:
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At least 4 hours per month for program meetings and preparation
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30–45 minutes per day of formal meditation
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3–5 hours per week of study, reflection, or other practices
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A 3–6-day retreat during the program period (recommended but not required)
What You’ll Receive
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Personalized mentorship from experienced Dharma teachers
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A structured framework for deepening your insight and commitment
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A dedicated community of fellow practitioners
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Ongoing access to teachers for support and guidance
Donation for Deepening Into Life:
The program is offered on a dana (generosity) basis.
The suggested contribution is $40–$65 per month, paid in monthly installments for the eight-month period (or a one time payment of $320–$520 total). This program is offered on a dana basis. No one turned away due to an inability to pay. (Sliding scale and alternative arrangements are available).
How to Apply
The class is now full, but if you'd like to be considered for the waitlist, please send a one page statement to douglaspullin@gmail.com describing:
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Your meditation background and Dharma experience
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Why you wish to join this program
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What makes this the right time for deeper commitment
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Any relevant personal or professional context
Once you have been accepted to the program you will be asked to register online via a link that will be provided in the introduction email.
Deadline for Application:
Please apply by September 10th, 2025. Once your application has been approved you will receive more information about how to register. You will then receive a Zoom link and course outline.
About the Teachers
Douglas Pullin (he/him)
Douglas Pullin has been practicing and teaching mindfulness and Insight Meditation for over 40 years. He is a lineage holder in the U Ba Kin and Ruth Denison tradition, and a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader training (with Tara Brach and James Baraz). He currently studies with Mathew Flickstein in the Bhante Gunaratana lineage and has completed teacher training in that tradition.
Douglas holds graduate degrees in counseling psychology and clinical social work, and is a licensed mental health provider. He brings decades of experience in mindfulness-based psychotherapy, nonprofit leadership, and Dharma teaching at PIMC and beyond.
Paul LaVigne (he/him)
Paul is a lifelong seeker and insight meditation student of over 12 years. You may recognize him from his participation in many events at the center over the years. As a teacher, he offers caring guidance, encouragement, and perspective to his fellow travelers and seekers as we all come face-to-face with the truth of suffering.
Vik Anantha (he/him)
Vik has been studying and practicing Insight Meditation (Vipassana) since 2013. Before the COVID-19 pandemic and forest fires interrupted the program, he led a monthly Mindful Wilderness Hike, where participants connected with nature and explored their true nature. His current practice and teachings center on self-discovery through a deep, embodied understanding of the three characteristics: impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and not-self (anatta).