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 not a suggested donation amount for open practices; there is 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. Dharma talks are currently being held via Zoom or as in-person/hybrid ; please see the offering page for more information.
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 Community Dharma Steward.
For a downloadable flyer with all open practice information, click here.
Drop-in practice is an opportunity to support your practice together with other sangha members in a relaxed atmosphere. There is not a suggested donation amount for open practices; there is 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. Dharma talks are currently being held via Zoom or as in-person/hybrid ; please see the offering page for more information.
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 Community Dharma Steward.
For a downloadable flyer with all open practice information, click here.
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.
Please click the "support" button below to give online. Alternatively, you can send checks to Insight Western Mass, 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA 01027. Everyone is welcome at all of our offerings, regardless of ability to donate.
Click below to support Drop In Practices.
Dharma Talks have their own links, please see our offering page for upcoming Dharma Talks.
Dharma Talks have their own links, please see our offering page for upcoming Dharma Talks.
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.
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 Community Dharma Steward will be present to facilitate the evening. On first Mondays, there will be a Blessing Circle and on second Mondays, a newcomer orientation, both occurring after the meditation. (Community Dharma Stewards - formerly known as practice leaders - are members of our sangha who are approved to lead community meditation sessions; these sessions may include guided meditation and facilitated group discussion about the Dharma and practice.)
- Blessing Circle
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.
Support Blessing Circles and access Zoom link
- Orientations
Second Mondays during the 5:30pm Community Practice.
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 and many of our retreats o r courses are suitable for beginners (unless the description states "for experienced practitioners").
Support Orientations and access Zoom link
Tuesdays, 7:45 - 8:30am ~ Led by a peer facilitator, we’ll sit for 45 minutes and then reconvene for optional tea and conversation. There is no Community Dharma Steward 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 offering page 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 Community Dharma Steward with a discussion afterwards.
Thursdays, 7:45 - 8:30am ~ Led by a Community Dharma Steward, we’ll sit for 45 minutes and then reconvene for optional tea and conversation. (Community Dharma Stewards - formerly known as practice leaders - are members of our sangha who are approved to lead community meditation sessions; these sessions may include guided meditation and facilitated group discussion about the Dharma and practice.)
Fridays: Unguided peer-led sitting 5:45-6:30pm ~ There is no Community Dharma Steward and no formal discussion, so it is recommended for students with some experience.
Fridays: Unguided peer-led sitting 5:45-6:30pm ~ There is no Community Dharma Steward and no formal discussion, so it is recommended for students with some experience.