Non-conforming: Dharma as Noble Authenticity

with Chris Crotty

Wednesday, October 4, 2023; 7:00-8:30pm

Suggested donation: $7-25*

via Zoom

Practice together remotely with other sangha members in a relaxed virtual atmosphere (7:00) and enjoy a dharma talk (7:35).

Chris Crotty, M.A., BCCC, BCPC, is a Buddhist teacher, pastoral counselor, and adjunct professor in wellness and alternative medicine.

Practicing meditation since 1998, he has taken retreats with Burmese monastics Sayadaw U Indaka and Sayadaw U Tejaniya, scholar-practitioner Bhikkhu Analayo, western monastics of the Zen and Thai Forest tradition, and senior western Vipassana teachers. Chris was authorized to teach Buddhadharma in 2015 by senior teachers in the west of Insight (vipassana) tradition, and in 2016 was encouraged to teach vipassana and metta by Sayadaw U Indaka (Chanmyay Myaing, Myanmar). Chris is co-spiritual director and guiding teacher of The Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, Wenham, MA. He is also an active member of the Center for Spiritual Care & Pastoral Formation (CSCPF), through which he participates in ongoing training in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care.

Chris’s teaching combines Theravada Buddhism’s emphasis on insight and ethics with the Mahayana ideal of compassionate action and synthesis of practice and study. He is particularly interested in exploring the roles of transparency and vulnerability in effectively teaching the dharma and how principles of integrity and kindness form the basis of caring communities. He is also influenced by ecopsychology, attachment theory, and contemplative, pastoral, and palliative approaches to sickness, aging, and end-of-life care.

*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