Half-day Retreat, via Zoom
Grounding Antiracist Practice in the Dhamma
Saturday, March 25, 2023; 9:30am - 12pm ET
With Lore Detenber, Bernadine Mellis, and Jen Cannon
Suggested donation: $15-30 registration + facilitator dana (we encourage you to consider giving facilitator dana equal to or greater than what you gave for registration)* Everyone is welcome to all of our offerings regardless of ability to donate (see the "full scholarship" option).
Description: This is a half-day retreat for people who identify as white and want to bring Dhamma qualities of mindfulness and compassion to the process of learning about racism, white supremacy culture, and identity. We will offer guided practices, time for discussion, and materials on the topic of racism and Dharma for contemplation. Our work together will be held in a space of care and openness.
Lore Detenber is member of IWM's Beloved Community Builders committee and other working subcommittees of the IWM board. She co-facilitates White & Awakening in the Dharma and a Kalyana Mitta (Spiritual Friends) group. She is also a retired counselor, health educator, mother of an adult daughter and support for her elderly mother. She lives in Florence with her life partner, Mary and beloved furry companions. She was first introduced to the Dhamma in 1995 and the gifts and direction of the path rang true immediately. Primary teachers have been in the Ajahn Chah/ Thai Forest Tradition and more recently the teachings of Sayadaw U Tejaniya. The mutual support and guidance from friends on the path are some of the most treasured aspects of her life.
Bernadine Mellis recently completed the True North Insight Community Meditation Teacher Mentorship Program and is a part-time student in divinity school. She is currently participating in Sacred Mountain Sangha’s Dharmapala Training. She co-facilitates White & Awakening in the Dharma and leads The Sure Heart (a group for children and families) at Insight West Mass, where she has also been involved in the past as a Board Member and a member of the Beloved Community Builders Committee. Alongside her path in the Insight lineage, Bernadine has been engaged in pagan earth-based spiritual practices, working closely with her mentor on that path for many years. She is also a filmmaker and a mother.
Jen Cannon (Community Dharma Steward; White & Awakening in the Dharma Facilitator)
Zoom Link
Password: 242.
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 facilitators. The facilitators are paid entirely out of the students' generosity. Please consider giving a donation to the facilitators in order to support their ability to continue to share the dharma. We encourage you to consider facilitator 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 through our facilitator dana link or 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.
