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Dharma Talk with Jean Esther - 2-26-25

Meeting Worldly Conditions Rooted in The Refuge of the Dharma: Part 1

Open Community Practice and Dharma Talk with Jean Esther

Wednesday February 26 2025, 7-8:30pm

in-person/hybrid at IWM

Suggested donation: $7-25*


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


Description:

How do we relate to changing conditions impacting us and others in ways that shake our sense of safety and well being? The Buddha himself lived in troubled times of war and injustice. How did he respond to this? What did he teach about it? In his very first sermon, he gave clear direction on engaging with our lives in three distinct yet intersecting aspects of the Dharma: Sila, Samadhi, and Panna (Conduct, Practice, and Wisdom).

In this gathering, we will sit together, investigate the teachings of this Eightfold Path, and explore through discussion which aspects of these teachings we draw upon and take refuge in at this time.

PLEASE NOTE: Given the general interest in this as a current topic, it will be offered as a two-part series (2/26 and 3/19). Each session will vary in emphasis. Participants are welcome to join either or both. I look forward to seeing you at this in person/hybrid offering.

Jean EstherMSW 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 43 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 with a social justice understanding. Jean serves on the Guiding Teacher's Council at Insight Western Mass and is a Guiding Teacher of True North Insight in Ontario Canada. 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 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 stay home and join us 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

Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://zoom.us/j/9431561684?pwd=YVQ1N1VzNWE3dGR4RERSZ1l3Zks0Zz09


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Send checks to: Insight Western Mass, 116 Pleasant Street #242, Easthampton, MA 01027. When sending a check, please specify which Dharma talk (date/teacher). 

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