Welcome to Insight Western Mass (IWM)
Formerly known as Insight PV
Drop-In Practice - All drop ins will be held via Zoom until further notice
Drop-in practice is an opportunity to support your practice together with other sangha members in a relaxed atmosphere. There is no fixed fee for most open practices, but an opportunity to practice dana, or giving, to the Center. On Wednesdays when there is a dharma talk, the suggested contribution is $7-25 with 60% for the teacher and 40% for the center.
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday drop-in community practice sessions are appropriate for all levels. No need to attend orientation first. The Tuesday and Friday drop-in are recommended for students with some experience because they are led by a peer facilitator rather than a practice leader.
Drop-in practice is an opportunity to support your practice together with other sangha members in a relaxed atmosphere. There is no fixed fee for most open practices, but an opportunity to practice dana, or giving, to the Center. On Wednesdays when there is a dharma talk, the suggested contribution is $7-25 with 60% for the teacher and 40% for the center.
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday drop-in community practice sessions are appropriate for all levels. No need to attend orientation first. The Tuesday and Friday drop-in are recommended for students with some experience because they are led by a peer facilitator rather than a practice leader.
Drop-In Sessions via Zoom
Use the button below to join any of our drop in sessions. Or you can dial in with: 646-558-8656 and then use the Meeting ID listed below.
Please note that you may need to download Zoom once you click the link, if it hasn’t been installed on your computer yet.
- You may need a few minutes to complete this process before you are able to join the program.
- Your microphone should be set on mute when you arrive. If it isn't please change it for the sit and talk, only enabling it if you would like to ask a question.
- If you have problems connecting, please contact the center: general@insightwma.org or 413-527-0388.
We ask your continued support of our center and teachers.
- Regular open sittings are opportunities for dana. Please give as you are able.
- For Dharma Talks the suggested offering is $7-25 with 40% going to the center and 60% to the teacher.
Click below to support Drop In Practices, Dharma Talks and Teachers.
CLICK BELOW TO JOIN A DROP IN PRACTICE
For Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, we'd like to keep it small to maintain and nourish the connectedness of each group. Please share only within the sangha.
For Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, we'd like to keep it small to maintain and nourish the connectedness of each group. Please share only within the sangha.
Dial in by phone for audio only:
Call (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 943 156 1684 Password: 242. |
Dial in by phone for audio only:
Call (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 943 156 1684 Password: 242. |
Mondays: Sitting 5:30 - 6:15pm, discussion 6:15 - 6:45pm ~ There is an optional discussion time for those who would like to participate. A practice leader will be present to facilitate the evening. On first Mondays, the discussion will be replaced with a Blessing Circle and on every other second Monday, the dharma discussion is replaced by a newcomer orientation. Both are described below.
Tuesdays, 7:45 - 8:30am ~ Led by a peer facilitator, we’ll sit for 45 minutes and then adjourn for optional tea and conversation. There is no practice leader and no formal discussion, so it is recommended for students with some experience.
Wednesdays: Sitting 7:00 - 7:30pm, dharma talk 7:35 - 8:30pm ~ On Wednesdays, the sitting is followed by a dharma talk by an IWM or guest teacher. Check the calendar for the Dharma Talk Schedule. If no teacher is available, or the talk takes place on a day other than Wednesday, there will be a regular open sitting led by a practice leader with a discussion afterwards.
Thursdays, 7:45 - 8:30am ~ Led by a practice leader, we’ll sit for 45 minutes and then adjourn for optional tea and conversation.
Fridays: Unguided sitting 5:45-6:30pm ~ There is no practice leader and no formal discussion, so it is recommended for students with some experience.
Fridays: Unguided sitting 5:45-6:30pm ~ There is no practice leader and no formal discussion, so it is recommended for students with some experience.
Blessing Circles
First Mondays during the 5:30 Community Practice
There will be an Open Community Meditation followed by a Blessing Circle Practice on the first Monday session of each month. The Blessing Circle will take place at the end of the meditation session and will involve cultivation of lovingkindness (metta) towards ourselves, a loved one, and the whole world. After the meditation, participants will be invited to share, if they wish to do so, about how the practice was for them. There is no obligation to share, but an opportunity to do so is available. Orientations moved to every other second Monday, beginning December 14, 2020.
Support Blessing Circles
Orientations
The orientation will give you guidance for the silent meditation at the beginning, then provide an overview of IWM history, mission, and guiding principles, as well as the basics of insight meditation and sitting posture. You do not need to attend an Orientation before participating in other events. Feel free to attend any Monday or Wednesday open sitting or many of our retreats or courses (many are labeled "suitable for beginners" or "suitable for all levels"). When you're ready you can then supplement your learning with an Orientation.
Support Orientations
Orientations are every other second Monday and begin with the open practice at 5:30pm.
Upcoming dates: Feb 15, Apr 12, Jun 14, Aug 9, Oct 11, Dec 13, 2021
First Mondays during the 5:30 Community Practice
There will be an Open Community Meditation followed by a Blessing Circle Practice on the first Monday session of each month. The Blessing Circle will take place at the end of the meditation session and will involve cultivation of lovingkindness (metta) towards ourselves, a loved one, and the whole world. After the meditation, participants will be invited to share, if they wish to do so, about how the practice was for them. There is no obligation to share, but an opportunity to do so is available. Orientations moved to every other second Monday, beginning December 14, 2020.
Support Blessing Circles
Orientations
The orientation will give you guidance for the silent meditation at the beginning, then provide an overview of IWM history, mission, and guiding principles, as well as the basics of insight meditation and sitting posture. You do not need to attend an Orientation before participating in other events. Feel free to attend any Monday or Wednesday open sitting or many of our retreats or courses (many are labeled "suitable for beginners" or "suitable for all levels"). When you're ready you can then supplement your learning with an Orientation.
Support Orientations
Orientations are every other second Monday and begin with the open practice at 5:30pm.
Upcoming dates: Feb 15, Apr 12, Jun 14, Aug 9, Oct 11, Dec 13, 2021