Course, in-person/hybrid at IWM in Eastworks; proof of vaccination and N95/KN95 masks required
Death, Impermanence, and Climate Change
with Nick Boutros
4 Tuesdays: November 15, 22, 29, and December 6; 7:00-8:30pm ET
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)*
Description:
Death contemplation is commonly taught in Asia but less commonly taught in the West. In Buddhism, its purpose is to help us grapple with the reality of impermanence and death so that we don't waste the precious time we have on this planet. In these four weeks, we'll study eight death contemplations from the Visuddhimagga, a fifth century meditation manual. We'll pay extra attention not only to how these meditations apply not just to us personally but to the world that we live in, including in the form of climate change, which represents the potential end of life as we know it.
We'll also review practices such as mindfulness of breathing and loving-kindness, which give us strength and courage to face these realities, and we'll regularly examine how we can bring more awareness of impermanence into our daily lives.
Because of the emotionally intense nature of this course material, some previous experience with meditation or self-soothing practice is encouraged. If you're unsure whether you're a good fit for this course, please consult with a mental health professional or meditation teacher (or talk to Nick) before signing up.
IN-PERSON LOCATION: IWM at Eastworks; 116 Pleasant St, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA
See COVID protocols below.
Chairs and cushions available.
Please bring your own covered water bottle.
Nick Boutros has been a Buddhist practitioner for over 20 years, and has practiced in both Vipassana traditions and the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. He received his Master's from Naropa University in Contemplative Psychotherapy in 2006 and is currently a psychotherapist in Northampton, where he specializes in therapy with LGBTQ+ folk, clinical hypnosis, and in the integration of spirituality and meditation in mental health.
IWM COVID PROTOCOLS:
Participants must be masked with N95 or KN95 masks; please bring your own (we will have some available if needed).Proof of vaccination required. If you have been traveling or caring for unvaccinated children or people, we ask that you take an antigen test before attendingA Field Control Trio Plus portable air purifier will be running (H13 HEPA with an ultraviolet light component).
*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/or give later donations on-line, by sending a check, or, when applicable, in-person at the course/retreat. Everyone is welcome to all of our offerings regardless of ability to donate.
You can give 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
