Open Community Practice and Dharma Talk, in-person at 40 Center St, Northampton MA and via Zoom
Two Kinds of Thought
with Deborah Ratner Helzer
Wednesday, July 20, 2022; 7:00-8:30pm
Suggested donation: $7-25*
Practice together in-person or via Zoom with other sangha members in a relaxed atmosphere (7:00) and enjoy a dharma talk (7:35). Zoom participants may post questions in the chat.
"Two Kinds of Thought" - This talk will focus on the Buddha's instructions for working with thinking based on the sutta by that name.
IN-PERSON LOCATION: The Group Room at 40 Center St, Northampton MA
See COVID protocols and parking info further below.
Chairs and cushions available. Please bring your own covered water bottle.
Deborah Ratner Helzer first took up Buddhist meditation 30 years ago to reduce stress while working on her engineering degree. She has been teaching at IMS since 2004, as well as with theInsight Meditation Community of Washington, DC where she lives. She has studied and practiced with both western and asian teachers, including a year as a nun with the late Sayadaw U Pandita. Her teaching style reflects the influence of the 20th century Burmese master Mahasi Sayadaw and his emphasis on clear, non-judgmental awareness. Since becoming a mother, she has also been actively exploring practice within family life. For more info, visit http://yogideb.com/.
COVID PROTOCOLS:
- Participants must wear 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 attending.
- There are windows we can open to provide fresh air and cross-ventilation.
- The room has an improved air filtration and circulation system.
- A Field Control Trio Plus portable air purifier will be running (like they have at IMS; H13 HEPA with an ultraviolet light component).
PARKING:
There is no on-site parking, please do not park in the big lot behind the building. 40 Center St is close to Masonic Street public parking, which is free after 6:00pm. TD Bank closes at 5pm, so if there isn't an attendant in the box, you can park there. There is also ample street parking.
*If you have the means, please consider a donation tonight. Dana, which is the ancient Pali word for “generosity”, is a fundamental aspect of the Buddha’s teachings. Our teachers have historically received 60% of the dana given for dharma talks, and while this is still true, since the pandemic, we do make sure teachers receive a minimum guaranteed amount. Insight Western Mass operates entirely on the sangha's acts of generosity. Those who donate more are helping to make the center accessible to all. 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
