Shantigar Foundation
in Western Massachusetts
Creativity
Meditation and Engagement with Nature
Jean-Claude van Itallie, Founder
1936 - 2021
Meditation Sangha
with Marisa Viola
Wednesdays at 1:00 PM (us eastern time)
The Wednesday meditation sangha is an ongoing forum for deepening our understanding of the Buddhist teachings. We are currently studying the Tibetan teaching of Lojong Slogans. Sometimes described as mind training, Lojong involves the contemplation of 59 slogans, ranging from the most esoteric teachings on ultimate reality to utterly practical and even witty. For example –
In post-meditation, be a child of illusion
and
Don’t act with a twist
These slogans provide a kind of scaffolding, allowing practitioners to understand the mind and make choices that invite greater compassion and awakening. Truly inexhaustible in their wisdom and support, this transformative practice is made even more potent by our collective effort.
Ongoing Weekly Workshop
Cost $20 per session.
No one turned away for lack of funds.
To request payment options, please email us.
Marisa Viola has been meditating and studying Buddhism since 2008. She took Refuge and Boddhisattva vows in the Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa tradition with Venerable Robina Courtin and has had the good fortune to study with Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn and many great teachers of various lineages. She began teaching in 2013 after completing the Interdependence Project's Immersion and Teacher Training Program with Ethan Nichtern.
Marisa brings extensive experience to her practice, having taught meditation in monasteries, universities, corporations, prisons, and hospitals. As a faculty member of MNDFL in New York City, she taught thousands of classes and special events; she also taught and served as a mentor in the teacher training program. Marisa offers online meditation sessions and teachings through MNDFL, the Open Heart Project, Shantideva Center, and the Shantigar Foundation, as well as one-on-one.