Investigating the Nature of Fear: For Experienced Meditators

with Michael Grady

4 Mondays: Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14; 7-8:30pm ET

This course will be held virtually, via Zoom.

This 4 week class is an opportunity to apply the Insight practice in developing a wise and compassionate understanding of fear and anxiety. Rather than relating to fear and anxiety with aversion and taking these states as self, we will explore fear and anxiety as conditioned phenomena that are characterized by their impermanent and not-self nature.

By learning to recognize these states as changing phenomena and by letting go of claiming these habits as “me” or “mine”, we can unburden our hearts and discover more inner freedom as we move through our ever changing lives.

Suggested donation: $32-80 registration + teacher donation (we encourage you to consider giving teacher dana equal to or greater than what you gave for registration)*

Michael Grady began practicing Insight Meditation with Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg in 1974 when they first returned from Asia. He has also been a student of the late Chan master Sheng Yen who taught the practice of Silent Illumination - a practice which emphasizes relaxing the body and mind while practicing awareness without expectations or an agenda. Michael is a Core teacher at IMS in Barre, MA and was a Guiding Teacher at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center for more than 20 years. Michael moved to Western Mass several years ago and is currently on the Teacher Council of IWM. Having taught extensively in both intensive retreats and in an urban dharma center, Michael encourages an attitude towards practice which is wholistic - that all of life is viewed as an opportunity for awakening to freedom.

ZOOM LINK:  https://zoom.us/j/9431561684?pwd=YVQ1N1VzNWE3dGR4RERSZ1l3Zks0Zz09  

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

*In keeping with the Buddhist tradition of dana (generosity), the suggested registration amounts for our classes and retreats do not include any payment for the teacher. The teachers are paid entirely out of the students' generosity. Please consider giving a donation to the teacher in order to support their ability to continue to share the dharma. We encourage you to consider teacher dana equal to or greater than the amount you gave for registration. You may give a donation at the time of registration and give later donations through our teacher dana link. Everyone is welcome to all of our events regardless of ability to donate.

You can give online or send checks to Insight Western Mass, 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA 01027.