Waking Up in This Very Life
Open Community Practice and Dharma Talk, in-person/hybrid at IWM in Eastworks
with Jean Esther
Wednesday, May 31, 2023; 7:00-8:30pm
Suggested donation: $7-25*
In-person/hybrid at IWM in Eastworks; vaccination required and masks optional (same-day testing required if you plan to remove your mask)
Practice together with other sangha members in a relaxed atmosphere (7:00) and enjoy a dharma talk (7:35).
Description: What does ‘waking up’ mean to you? In terms of the Buddha’s teachings, what are we waking up to? What are the Core Teachings of the Buddha that inform our lives, that infuse our understanding, that direct our speech, our actions and our relationship with the world we live in, with ourselves, with each other, and with the the life we are engaged in?
In this ever changing and often difficult world, is happiness and peace possible? Let’s investigate these questions together following reflections on some of the Buddha’s teachings on the development of happiness and the release of suffering through wise understanding.
This evening will include silent meditation, dharma reflections, and group discussion.
IN-PERSON LOCATION: IWM at Eastworks; 116 Pleasant St, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA
Chairs and cushions available.
Please bring your own covered water bottle.
Covid Protocols:
• Vaccination required
• Masks optional; same-day testing required if you plan to remove your mask
• If you have COVID concerns (new symptoms or think you've been exposed), please stay home and join us via Zoom.
• Field Control Trio Plus portable air purifier will be running (H13 HEPA with an ultraviolet light component).
See Zoom link below.
Jean Esther, MSW began formal meditation training in 1975. She has been training in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition since 1982 with senior Western teachers as well as Burmese and Western Monastics. Since 2008, she has undertaken extensive teacher training in both Vipassana practice and non-dual awareness. Jean's dharma teaching is informed by over 42 years of practice as a psychotherapist integrating spiritual inquiry and somatic awareness with psychological understanding. For over 20 years, she trained with renowned Jungian analyst Marion Woodman, exploring the awakening of consciousness through the body, psyche and the arts. The wellspring and root of her work are the Buddha's teachings on love and wisdom. Jean is a Guiding Teacher of True North Insight in Ontario, Canada. A senior teacher at InsightWM, she also teaches at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and across the US and Canada. In addition, she has a private psychotherapy practice in Northampton, MA.
*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, in-person, 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
