Throughout history, the way we perceive ourselves in relation to others has profoundly shaped societies, relationships, and even the course of global events. A common source of division and conflict is this mistaken construct to which we cling of "self" and "other" - the psychological and social boundaries we draw to separate ourselves from those we consider different. Understanding how this construct, this fetter, arises and its consequences can help us recognize and address the roots of many conflicts.

From early childhood, we learn to define, to “name” ourselves by our experiences, beliefs, and affiliations. This process of identity formation, while essential for personal development, often involves drawing sharp distinctions between "us" (the self) and "them" (the other). These distinctions might be based on anything—race, religion, nationality, ideology, or even minor preferences.

This construct of self and other is not inherently negative. It helps us navigate the world in a relative way and form meaningful connections. Our problems arise when these distinctions are mistaken for absolute truths rather than the fluid, ever-changing, socially constructed categories that they are. When the self is seen as entirely separate from others, it becomes easier to dehumanize, distrust, or even fear others.

The mistaken belief in a rigid boundary between self and other fosters division on multiple levels. Socially, it can manifest as prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion. Group identities become sources of pride, but also of rivalry. My Country. My Tribe. My Team. Etc. When we focus on what we falsely believe separates us from others, empathy and understanding diminish, making concord even more difficult.

On a larger scale, this division can lead to social fragmentation, where communities fail to communicate or work together. Political polarization, religious conflicts, gang violence, and even wars often stem from the entrenched belief that "we" are fundamentally different from "them." Such divisions are reinforced by narratives, stereotypes, and propaganda that exaggerate perceived differences and overlook our shared humanity. Just open your Facebook feed.

Once division is entrenched in our minds, conflict becomes more likely. The "other" is seen not just as different, but as a threat to the self and our interests. Perhaps even “evil”. We use this perception to justify defensive or aggressive actions - from exclusionary policies to outright violence. History is chock full of examples of conflicts fueled by this delusion, whether between nations, religious groups, or political factions.

At an individual level, this unskillful construct of self and other can lead to interpersonal misunderstandings and resentment. People may misinterpret intentions, become hostile, shut down, and refuse to engage in dialogue, all because they believe their identities are incompatible, threatened, or opposed.

How do we move beyond this ego construct? We might start by recognizing that the boundaries between self and other are not as fixed as they might seem. We can employ a mantra of “not self”. This is a crucial step toward reducing division and conflict. The Buddha emphasized interconnectedness—the idea that all beings experience dukkha and share the desire to be happy. This is the very thing which connects us all.

Cultivating empathy, engaging in open dialogue, and seeking common ground can help dissolve the artificial barriers we create. When we see ourselves in others and recognize that we all experience dukkha, it becomes easier to cooperate and resolve conflicts. Perhaps one day we might even build more inclusive and compassionate societies.

May ALL beings be well and happy.

Drew Consalvo, IMFW Guiding Teacher

Our mission is to provide for the study and practice of Insight (Vipassanā) Meditation according to the Theravāda Buddhist religious tradition and to support and encourage the development of community based upon Buddhist ideals, teachings and practices.

“Understanding Peace Amongst the Chaos of the World” is the theme of the teachings for the IMFW fall retreat. Joan Staubach is returning to teach.

We welcome Tri-State Dharma teacher, Joan Staubach, back to Insight Meditation Fort Wayne to guide our fall retreat, October 17, 18, and 19.  The retreat opens up Friday evening at 7:00 pm with a talk that is open to the public.  Saturday, the retreat is scheduled 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am – noon.  This non-residential retreat is in person only at 2332 Sandpoint Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

If you would like to register for this retreat, or get more information please sign up at https://www.imfw.org/retreat-fall.

This is a nonresidential retreat, meaning you go home every night.  Please bring a lunch for yourself on Saturday. This retreat is in person, only (no Zoom).

There is no fee for this retreat, but you will be given the opportunity to offer dana (Pali for generosity) in whatever amount you’re comfortable with.

Joan Staubach is an active member and president of Tri-State Dharma. She is an experienced practitioner of Insight Meditation. She started practicing Insight Meditation in 1999, and has been on over 40 week-long or longer residential retreats. She has taught and co-taught Tri-State Dharma’s New Year’s Retreat for many years, led daylong retreats, and taught numerous Insight Meditation classes. She has taken training retreats with Matthew Flickstein on Sharing the Dharma.

Drew Consalvo, guiding teacher at Insight Meditation Fort Wayne, is offering an Introduction to Insight Meditation Class, beginning Monday, November 3, and continuing for four weeks. Drew’s teaching will be based upon the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as practiced in Theravada Buddhism.  

This four-week course will offer an introductory look at mindfulness of body and breath, feeling, mind, and phenomena. These classes may help you discover ways to benefit from a dedicated meditation practice and perhaps learn a bit more about Buddhist practice in general. 

These classes will be offered at Sangha House, 2332 Sand Point Road. Please join Drew every Monday, November 3 through November 24, 2025, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and learn about meditation from the Theravada tradition.  

To register, please fill out the form here.

For further information, contact us at insightmeditationfw@gmail.com.

This class is offered freely. Please consider donating to IMFW to help us continue to offer programs like this. Donate here.

In difficult times, it’s even more important to call to mind the most fundamental teachings of the Buddha. Mindfulness of Breathing seems like a simple instruction that's easy to follow, but when reading the Sutta, one can become a bit confused by what can seem like obscure language that is no longer relevant for contemporary meditators.

The sixteen steps of the Ānāpānasati Sutta are a liberating practice that sometimes gets overlooked in its in-depth guide and precise instructions to calm the mind and realize the Buddha’s most profound insights. 

Tammy Dyer will lead a seven-week course that meets bi-weekly, based on Bhikkhu Anālayo’s book, Mindfulness of Breathing. The classes will meet every other Wednesday evening, from February 25, 2026 to April 8, starting at 6:00 pm to include time for instruction, meditation, and Q&A, wrapping at 7:30 pm.

To register click here. For more information contact Tammy at tamaradyer6@gmail.com.  It is recommended that students have completed an introductory course in The Four Foundations of Mindfulness, which includes the Introduction to Insight Meditation offered spring and fall at IMFW. 

I first heard of the satipaṭṭhāna-sutta last year when I was looking for a retreat to go on, something I hadn’t done since my first Buddhist retreat in 2008, the year I moved to Fort Wayne. That retreat, led by John Travis of Spirit Rock, California, was held at the Oakwood Retreat Center, located on a farm near Muncie, Indiana, and was my first introduction to Buddhist meditation other than from books. That was also where I first met Tammy Dyer, founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Fort Wayne sangha.

Last summer I chose a second retreat at the Oakwood Retreat Center, this time on the practice of Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation, led by Dawn Scott, also from Spirit Rock. I began the week having no knowledge of the satipaṭṭhāna-sutta or what a sutta was; however, Dawn drew us in with her soft, melodic voice as she explained the four satipaṭṭhānas: contemplation of the body, of feelings, of mind and of the dharmas (hindrances and awakening factors). I was learning a new language and had lots of questions. At Dawn’s suggestion, I enrolled in an online class on Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation through the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. The class consisted of weekly teachings taught by Bhikkhu Anālayo (a resident Buddhist monk), weekly zoom classes with a teacher and about twelve fellow students, weekly readings from Anālayo’s text, weekly written reflections on course material, and daily meditation practice at home with the guided meditations. We did this for a total of nine weeks. The experience of learning with others from other countries as well as my own, and with many different backgrounds, opened up a new world for me. Many of us went on to take Bhikkhu Anālayo’s class on Mindfulness of Breathing (anāpānasati-sutta) which corresponds to and builds upon the satipaṭṭhānas, combining all four satipaṭṭhānas into a unified practice. The anāpānasati-sutta is considered the fulfilment of the satipaṭṭhānas by way of cultivating the awakening factors, leading to knowledge and liberation. Don’t let the words, if new, scare you. I’m reminded of Helen Keller, when her teacher Anne Sullivan held her hand in the running water from a well spigot, tracing the letters w-a-t-e-r on her palm, and Helen’s “aha” moment that opened the door to a new world. Eventually, there will be “aha” moments and things will begin to make sense. They did for me. If this is something that interests you, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Barre, Massachusetts can be found at: Home - Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Study of these foundational suttas and what they teach us about the practice of meditation can lead to embodied mindfulness not only on the cushion but also as an integral part of everyday life.

With metta,
Dora