Course

Friendliness, Care, Joy & Steadiness:

Practicing with the Brahmaviharas

with Bernadine Mellis

Thursdays in March (March 6, 13, 20, 27), 5:30-6:45pm ET

In-person/hybrid at IWM 

Suggested donation: $50-110 registration + teacher donation (we encourage you to consider giving teacher dana equal to or greater than what you gave for registration)*

In this course, we will explore the four Brahmaviharas, a word translated variously as the Divine Abodes, the Four Immeasurables, the Four Infinite Minds, the Boundless Qualities, the Sublime Attitudes, and more.

These four qualities, which we already possess quite naturally, are metta (lovingkindness or unconditional friendliness), karuna (compassion), mudita (joy), and upekkha (equanimity). When we practice with the Brahmaviharas, we water seeds that are already present, growing our capacity to rest in a spacious mind and return to a steady heart, no matter the conditions. In strengthening these capacities, we can begin to generate a field of non-reactivity in a world that deeply needs our calm, clear presence. 

This course is open to everyone, from those who are new to meditation to long-time meditators who want to deepen their heart cultivation practice. 

Bernadine Mellis believes in the possibility of sangha as a true refuge for all who seek it, and works - through Dhamma-based mediation, facilitation, and teaching - to help manifest that reality. She serves as a teacher at Insight Western Mass, where she has been generously nurtured and mentored over many years by members of the Teachers Council, including Jean Esther and Tara Mulay, among others. At IWM she co-facilitates White & Awakening in the Dhamma and Saturday Sangha (for families and everyone), among other offerings. She completed her training as a Community Dharma Leader in 2022 through True North Insight, with deepest gratitude to the cohort and teaching team: Daryl Lynn Ross, Dawn Mauricio, Jozen Tamori Gibson, and Jill Davey. Bernadine is currently a student in Harvard Divinity School’s Buddhist Ministry Initiative, where she studies with Charles Hallisey. 

*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 through our teacher 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. FYI: we check for mail once per week.

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:

• Masks optional.

• If you have COVID concerns (new symptoms or think you've been exposed), please attend via Zoom.

• Field Control Trio Plus portable air purifier will be running (H13 HEPA with an ultraviolet light component).

Zoom Link
Password: 242. 

Dial in by phone for audio only: Call (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 943 156 1684. Password: 242