The Brahmavihāras:
Cultivating the Divine Abidings of the Heart
an Online Offering with Lotus Michelle McClatchie
Class 1 – April 2 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Class 2 – April 9 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Class 3 – April 16 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Class 4 – April 23 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Brahmavihāras — mettā (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (sympathetic joy), and upekkhā (equanimity) — are known in the Theravāda tradition as the divine abidings, or boundless qualities of the heart. In these challenging times, these teachings offer both refuge and guidance. In this four-week class, we will explore the Brahmavihāras as core Buddhist heart trainings that can be intentionally cultivated and gently strengthened through practice, grounded in ethics and supported by wise view.
We will look closely at compassion and mettā, including how compassion can sometimes become shaped by fear, over-identification, rescuing, or collapse — and how practice helps refine these qualities toward clarity, steadiness, and non-harming. Mettā will be explored as a way of gladdening and steadying the heart, supporting resilience and balance on the path without bypassing what is difficult. Together, we will cultivate these boundless qualities as living practices that sustain both our personal and collective well-being.
Click here to register by March 30th!
About the Teacher – Lotus Michelle McClatchie
I am an internationally certified mindfulness teacher trained through UCLA and a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling. My practice has been deeply shaped by silent retreat experience and long-term study within the Theravāda tradition, and I serve as a guest teacher with the Flagstaff Insight Meditation Community.
In addition to teaching meditation, I co-facilitate heart-centered transformational retreats designed to help participants reconnect with their inner light, release what weighs them down, and cultivate renewed peace, purpose, and joy in supportive community. I am devoted to walking the Bodhisattva path in daily life, and at the heart of my teaching is a commitment to the Brahmavihāras—the divine abidings of loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity—as liberating practices that support wise and compassionate engagement with the world.
I live in Cornville, AZ with my dog Rajah, and try to spend as much time as possible out in Nature.
For More Information:
Email registrar@flagstaffinsight.org
The teacher does not receive any compensation from the fees. This structure is based on the practice of Dana, a Pali word meaning generosity. At the end of the retreat you will be given the opportunity to offer a donation to the teacher and to FIMC. Your financial support allows Lotus to continue to offer these teachings and FIMC to offer future retreats. Click here to offer Dana and designate your Dana offering for Lotus.
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