The Course for Families was started in order to make going to a meditation retreat possible for practitioners with children. This course, which takes place every year in the spring, offers a rare opportunity for the whole family to practice together and to meet other practicing families. In order to allow the parents the free time to meditate, there are activities held for children in the style of "Language of Listening," an educational program that helps children improve their ability to pay attention and listen .
In addition, there are family activities that encourage the development of attentiveness to one another, listening, and openness between family members. The Dharma talks in the course address the unique challenges of being a parent, and the ways in which Dharma can contribute to family life.