Boston Meditation Center

Date: Thursday, June 4
Time: 7:15-8:45pm

https://zoom.us/j/603302859

Weekly drop-in class on Zoom: no registration required.

Note: This class meets every Thursday. There is a guest teacher when Chris is not scheduled to teach.

This event is offered in the tradition of dana (Pali for giving or generosity): while there is no set cost of attending, we invite you to consider making a donation to support the teacher and The Boston Meditation Center.

Morning Meditation is offered on-line, every Tuesday morning, from 8:00-8:45am.

Just click on the Zoom Link to enter the class: https://zoom.us/j/603302859

Morning Meditation is taught by Chris Crotty and a rotating schedule of visiting teachers and facilitators. See Boston Meditation Center’s website for a complete schedule.

Seeds of Harm, Seeds of Care: Exploring Whiteness in a Racist World
A Program for White People

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
– Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Only keep the question, ‘what is the best way of helping other people.’
– Zen Master Dogen

Program Details
Monday July 27 & Monday August 3 (two evenings)
* Please commit to attending both sessions

Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm (with a 15 minute break)

Registration
Boston Meditation Center

Program description
We have inherited a legacy of racism that is not in alignment with the Dharma’s aspiration of freedom for all people. The truth of this indicates a gap in our learning as a society and as individuals. For this to change, white people must develop a greater understanding of what whiteness is and what it means. It is only with this knowledge that white people can effectively reduce harm caused through body, speech, and mind, while beginning to take steps towards acts of wisdom that challenge and uproot the causes of systemic inequality and violence in our society. 

This program begins by examining a core tenet of Buddhism, which is that all views and perceptions either cause suffering or alleviate it. Using meditation, readings, reflection questions, and discussion, we will first work to become more aware of our own views, and then together we will explore how certain views form biases and prejudice which can cause discrimination and uphold racism within our communities. The program will include a presentation aimed at defining key terms and providing participants with a conceptual foundation and vocabulary for discussing whiteness, privilege, and power.  

Who this program if for
This program is for people who identify as white or may be perceived as white in their community. This program offers an opportunity for white people to explore critical questions related to whiteness and racism, to gather together as white people to support each other in developing greater racial awareness, and to learn how to become more accountable for, and responsive to, racism in our society.    

More about this program
Conversations about whiteness and racism can be uncomfortable, because invariably, many of our most long-standing and deeply held views are challenged. It is imperative that participants bring an open mind and heart, alongside a strong desire to learn. 

This is not a professional training, nor is the facilitator an anti-racism educator. This is a peer-led workshop for white people who want to work together to develop a better understanding of how to reduce the negative and harmful impacts of racism within ourselves and our society.  As part of this program, participants will receive a resource list with suggestions for ongoing education and study.    

There is no cost for this program, nor is the teacher accepting dana (generosity).  However BMC encourages and continues the tradition of giving at all of its programs–please consider making a donation to NAACP Boston Branch or Black Live Matter Boston or Massachusetts Bail Fund.

Sangha, Solace, and Meditation: Insight Meditation Retreat

August 1
9:00-12:30pm

Registration
IMCN

Since the time of the Buddha, community (sangha) has played a vital role in meditative development. Current events responsible for the uncertainty and restrictions that we now live with have reshaped our relationship to one another, our various communities, and our access to the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. In this summer retreat with Chris Crotty, we will gather together (in-person or virtually) for periods of meditation practice, reflection, and discussion. Meditation instructions in insight (vipassana) will be given for both sitting and walking meditation, and Chris’s teachings will explore how meditative insight can help us develop effective strategies for uncommon challenges.      

The retreat is open to everyone; beginners welcome and encouraged. Your participation 

Loving-kindness Retreat 2021
with The Venerable Sayadaw U Indaka, Chris Crotty, May Myint Oo

Dates: June 1-6 (5 nights)

Location: Won Dharma Center, Claverack NY 

Registration: Boston Meditation Center

Program:
The practice of loving-kindness (mettā-bhāvana) includes sitting and walking meditation to cultivate a loving, friendly, and benevolent attitude towards all living beings. For over 2600 years, loving-kindness meditation has been practiced to ensure that good-will surpasses all forms of enmity and ill-will. The well-being of mettā is a natural support for the development of insight and wisdom.

In this unique retreat, participants will have the opportunity to be guided by

Burmese meditation master, The Venerable Sayadaw U Indaka, who is renowned in Burma as both a mettā and vipassanā teacher. He will be joined by Western teacher Chris Crotty and Burmese translator May Myint Oo.

This fifth annual retreat will take place at the beautiful and spacious Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY, where nature will play an important and supportive role in our meditation practice. Beginners and experienced students welcomed and encouraged.

Attached and Unattached: The Dharma of Relationship
with Chris Crotty & Julia Barry, LMFT