Welcome to Insight Western Mass (IWM)
Drop-In Practice - for more information, scroll down
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 drop-ins are recommended for students with some experience because they are led by a peer facilitator rather than a Community Dharma Steward.
We are also happy to host Recovery Dharma, an independent group. Recovery Dharma hosts meetings at the center in-person on Fridays from 7:30-8:30pm. For more information, please contact Dan: 413-325-3485.
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 drop-ins are recommended for students with some experience because they are led by a peer facilitator rather than a Community Dharma Steward.
We are also happy to host Recovery Dharma, an independent group. Recovery Dharma hosts meetings at the center in-person on Fridays from 7:30-8:30pm. For more information, please contact Dan: 413-325-3485.
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: [email protected] 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, and Thursday, 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, and Thursday, 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: Meditation 5:30 - 6:00 pm; Brief Dharma description 6:00 - 6:15pm; Discussion/Questions 6:15 - 6:45.pm These sessions, from 5:30 to 6:45pm, are led by a Community Dharma Steward and will include a silent meditation period, a brief talk on the dharma topic of the night, and an opportunity for discussion. Community Dharma Stewards - formerly known as practice leaders - are members of our sangha who are approved to lead community meditation sessions; these sessions will include guided meditation and facilitated group discussion about the Dharma and practice. The second and fourth Mondays are (usually) in person, sometimes hybrid, at IWM’s space in Eastworks; all others are on Zoom.
In March and April, we return to the Paramis, or Perfections - wholesome qualities of heart and mind that the Buddha urges us to cultivate on the way to Awakening. According to teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo, "the paramis are qualities that help us develop and reach true happiness, our highest potential." Kittisaro, cofounder of Sacred Mountain Sangha, speaks of them as “the essential qualities of heart that carry us safely through the swirling floods of existence to the unshakeable groundedness and well-being of our true nature."
In March and April, we return to the Paramis, or Perfections - wholesome qualities of heart and mind that the Buddha urges us to cultivate on the way to Awakening. According to teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo, "the paramis are qualities that help us develop and reach true happiness, our highest potential." Kittisaro, cofounder of Sacred Mountain Sangha, speaks of them as “the essential qualities of heart that carry us safely through the swirling floods of existence to the unshakeable groundedness and well-being of our true nature."
- April 28: Eighth Parami: Resolve - in person/hybrid with Holly Bishop
- May 5: 5:30-6pm ET - Lovingkindness meditation - Zoom with Jennifer Delozier
- May 12: 9th Parami: Metta - in person with Hal Fales
- May 19: 10th Parami: Equanimity - Zoom with Jaya Karlson
- May 26: Thoughts for Contemplation: Buddhist teacher Kritee on "Reindigenizing" - in person with Holly Bishop
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.)
Social Justice Group - First Meeting: Saturday May 31, 10:30am-12pm, in person
A Social Justice Group is forming within the sangha at IWM. We will gather to practice Meditation in Action and Engaged Buddhism regularly. Some of the activities we can engage in include sitting outdoors for justice, attending rallies, having discussion, writing postcards, hosting potlucks and phone banks, folding origami cranes for peace, and doing everything and anything we are drawn to do together.
We will be attending the Socially Engaged Buddhism Panel at IWM on Monday May 5 and hope to connect with folks there. Our first gathering is planned for Saturday May 31, 10:30am-12pm EST, in person only.
If you can't make it on May 5 or May 31 and want to learn more about the newly forming group, please email Cheryl Kiras at [email protected] and your message will be passed along.
We will be attending the Socially Engaged Buddhism Panel at IWM on Monday May 5 and hope to connect with folks there. Our first gathering is planned for Saturday May 31, 10:30am-12pm EST, in person only.
If you can't make it on May 5 or May 31 and want to learn more about the newly forming group, please email Cheryl Kiras at [email protected] and your message will be passed along.
Saturday Sangha - Every Saturday 8:45-10:00am
Beginning on the first Saturday in January 2024, Saturday Sangha is a weekly gathering incorporating a mix of shared practice - including chanting, mindfulness, and metta practices - and social time. While the practices are offered with children, families, and newcomers in mind, everyone is warmly invited to join. As a welcoming space for people of all ages to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha, Saturday Sangha is a space to enjoy connecting in community.