photo of two young people with hands in anjali
BMC group photo 12/2018
BMC summer retreat at IMCN
Chris, Sayadaw, Mimmi
Chris and Rod
About
Boston Meditation Center (BMC) is a Buddhist sangha in the Insight tradition serving greater Boston and the East Coast. Emphasizing the development of wisdom and kindness through traditional practices made accessible and relevant to modern-day lives, BMC welcomes everyone who seeks greater freedom and happiness in their lives. Central to our vision is the belief that the path of awakening is attainable by all and should be available to all. Our guiding teacher is Chris Crotty.
We offer weekly meditation classes and dharma talks, as well as daylong and residential retreats. We are currently located in Cambridge (Harvard Square).
Weekly Meditation
BMC meets every Thursday from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at Karma Yoga Studio in Harvard Square (1120 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge). Meetings typically begin with 20 to 30 minutes of guided meditation, followed by a dharma talk and discussion with our guiding teacher, Chris Crotty, or another teacher or facilitator. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Though grounded in the Theravada tradition, we strive to expose our members to diverse approaches to the dharma by occasionally hosting teachers from other traditions, such as Tibetan or Zen Buddhism.
Next Day Program:
August 10: Attachment and Nonattachment: The Dharma of Relationship
A Half-Day Workshop with Chris Crotty, MA, and Julia Barry, LMFT, SEP
Description
One of the basic tenants of Buddhist practice is that attachment causes suffering. Western psychology, on the other hand, promotes secure attachment in relationship as central to physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, health, and happiness. How do we resolve this paradox? How do we resolve our need for deep connection in relationship alongside our wish for the deep happiness espoused by Buddhist teachings? How can meditation help us achieve greater ease, skill, and satisfaction in our relationships? In this program we will explore Buddhist teachings on impermanence and not-self, as well as attachment theory, which addresses how our early childhood relationships inform our adult views and behaviors. The format will include meditation instruction, Buddhist and Western teachings on attachment, and relational mindfulness practices. We are all in relationship, whether it be intimate partnership, family, friendship, or community – all are welcome and encouraged to attend this program!
When
Saturday, August 10
12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where
The Arlington Center
369 Mass Ave
Arlington, MA
Cost
$45 Base
$55 Sustaining (actual cost of the program)
$65 Contributing
Paying at the highest level you can afford helps us make our programs available to as many people as possible. There is also an opportunity to offer additional dana (generosity) for the teacher at the end of the program. Please let us know if finances are an obstacle.
Registration
To register, select your preferred pricing option from the drop-down menu below and then click the button to submit payment via PayPal; in a day or two you will receive a confirmation email. Please email us at info@bostonmeditationcenter.org with any questions.
Next Residential Retreat:
September 19-22: The Dharma Life: Exploring the Eightfold Path
Integrated Meditation & Study Retreat
With Chris Crotty
Description
Following his awakening the Buddha taught a systematic and integrated path of practice, The Noble Eightfold Path. Organized into three areas of practice – meditation, wisdom, and integrity – this path provides a practical blueprint for a life that embodies our deepest potential as human beings. In this retreat we will explore the Buddha’s teachings as a living tradition–the intention being to explore the Eightfold path to discover its applicability to our whole life. As a meditation and study retreat, silent practice will be integrated with teacher led study periods focused on translating the teachings in a way that are personally and socially relevant, accessible, and meaningful to each students own authentic development of the Dharma.
All are welcome – open to beginners and experienced students. Enrollment will be limited to a small group – early registration strongly recommended.
When
September 19-22, 2019 (Thursday to Sunday)
Where
Angel’s Rest Retreat Center
Leyden, MA
Cost
Base: $390
Sustaining: $440
Supporting: $490
There are three payment levels; paying at the highest level you can afford allows us to offer our programs to as many people as possible.
Registration
To register, click the link below to download the registration form; if you need financial assistance, you may also download the scholarship application form. Fill out and return the registration form either by mail or email; to pay, you may send a $200 deposit along with your registration form, or you may pay in full now by selecting a payment option below and clicking “Register.” Further details are on the forms, but if you have questions, please email us at info@bostonmeditationcenter.org.
Registration Form and Waiver
Scholarship Application Form
Teacher
Chris Crotty is a Buddhist teacher, pastoral counselor, and adjunct professor in alternative medicine. Practicing meditation since 1998, he has taken retreat with Burmese monastics Sayadaw U Inndaka and Sayadaw U Tejaniya, scholar-practitioner Bhikkhu Analayo, western monastics of the Zen and Thai Forest tradition, and senior western Vipassana teachers. Chris was authorized to teach Buddhadharma in 2015, and in 2016 was encouraged to teach vipassana and metta by Sayadaw U Inndaka.