Facilitated Drop-in Discussion Sessions

Sangha-wide Common Read of Radical Friendship

February 1 - 20, 2023

Dana* given for the Common Read Facilitated Drop-Ins will go to IWM's general fund.

From February 1st to February 20th, as another way to join with other sangha members in the Common Read of Radical Friendship, there will be five drop-in discussion groups offered. You can attend all five groups if you want, or however many work for you. Each group will focus on two chapters of the book; you can also bring whatever questions or insights you might want to share about anything in the book to any of the groups.

Below is the schedule of the drop-in groups. You do not need to register for any of these drop-in discussion groups. They are all virtual, using the IWM public zoom link found on the home page of the website, except Sat Feb 18 at 10:30 AM, which will meet in person at the Center, 116 Pleasant St, Suite 242 in Eastworks and be offered as a hybrid.

Much gratitude to all our facilitators! 

See schedule below as well as some themes and questions the discussions might start from: 

Wed Feb 1,  7:00pm-8:30pm: Chap 1 - "Friendship as Freedom" - facilitated  by Candace Cassin

In Chapter 1, Kate Johnson invites us to consider friendship and the qualities of friendship as a compass to guide all our interactions.  She also reminds us of how essential it is for all levels of the liberation of our bodies, hearts, and minds to make friends with ourselves.  While our practice is not only for our own liberation, the friendship we learn to offer to ourselves strengthens our capacity to move in the world for the liberation of all beings.  Meditation is a foundational support in making friends with ourselves.

Thurs Feb 9, 7:00pm-8:30pm: Chapters 2 & 3 - "Give what is hard to give and Do what is hard to do" - Facilitated by Jaya Karlson

Chapters 2 & 3: Going beyond the edges of our comfortable habits of interaction to expand the boundaries of our hearts and minds.

Wed Feb 15, 7:00pm-8:30pm: Chapters 3 & 4 - "Do what is hard to do and Endure what is hard to endure" - Facilitated  by Jean Esther

Chapter 3: "Liberation” as the Third Noble Truth: "Where do I see the seed of that liberation beginning to sprout right here and now? 

Chapter 4 Anatta: How have you experienced the sense of self showing up in your relationships? Where do you find power and privilege intersecting with comfort and discomfort in your friendships? 

Sat Feb 18, 10:30am-12:00pm: In person/hybrid at IWM at Eastworks, Chapters 5 & 6 - "Tell secrets and Keep secrets" - facilitated by Cathy Repetti    

Chapters 5 & 6: In the practice of radical friendship, “telling our secrets” is how we allow ourselves to be seen and known; Compassionate listening relieves suffering for both the speaker and the listener.

Mon Feb 20, 9:00am-10:30am: Chapters 7 & 8 - "Don't abandon and Don't look down" - facilitated by Lore Detenber

Chapters 7 & 8 Belonging; What is a “good enough” community? Seeing the goodness in others and ourselves; Commitment to harmlessness; Equanimity. 

FEB 25th, 10am-12pm - Kate Johnson is coming -- in-person/hybrid - The Garden House at Look Park - vaccination and masks required - to read more and register for Feb 25, please click here.

All Drop-Ins on Zoom except for Feb 18th (in-person/hybrid).

February 18th IN-PERSON/hybrid LOCATION: IWM at Eastworks; 116 Pleasant St, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA

Chairs and cushions available.

Please bring your own covered water bottle.

Feb 18th IWM Covid Protocols:

• Vaccination required

• Masks required (preferably N95/KN95)

• If you have been traveling or caring for unvaccinated children or people, we ask that you take an antigen test before attending.

• Field Control Trio Plus portable air purifier will be running (H13 HEPA with an ultraviolet light component).

*Dana, which is the ancient Pali word for “generosity”, is a fundamental aspect of the Buddha’s teachings. If you have the means, please consider a donation tonight. We operate entirely on the sangha's acts of generosity. Your donation will provide support to the ongoing operations of the sangha. Everyone is welcome at all of our events, regardless of ability to donate. Therefore, those who donate more are helping to make the center accessible to all.

You can give in-person, online or send checks to Insight Western Mass, 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA 01027. FYI: we check for mail once per week.

Zoom Link
Password: 242. 

Dial in by phone for audio only: Call (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 943 156 1684. Password: 242