The LGBTQIA+ Quarterly Group Meeting is a support and discussion group for anyone who identifies as a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community. You are welcome to join us at our quarterly meeting as we gather together to provide a safe refuge. Each meeting features two diverse speakers who will offer and share their personal stories of identity and zen practice and how they both inform and intersect practice and the noble path. Meetings will also invite discussion and support as we flourish and reinforce one another. Any questions can be sent to the group coordinators at lgbtqia@dharma.net.
1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
An online Sangha Practice Group- Sutra reading
Book 39 of The Avatamsaka Sutra
You are invited to read, recite, and listen to Entry into The Realm of Reality. Join us as we follow the journey of the boy Sudhana and his meetings with remarkable teachers; a wide array of “good friends” including 21 female teachersand 32 male teachers: child, adult, human, divine, and 9 Night Goddesses! We will screenshare the text from Thomas Cleary’s translation. Please register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have questions, contact baconwarren915@gmail.com.
Selected Fridays Monthly, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
At the Dharma Well — a monthly women’s meeting: Since ancient times women have gathered at the well not only to draw water, a necessity for life, but to share what was happening in their lives. Whether they were going through a difficult time or celebrating something joyous, women at the well could hold it all. Women returned home renewed from sharing with their sisters. Join seniors Chikei Levister and Shinji Hoffman, once a month, and get to better know your Dharma sisters. Meet us at the Dharma Well for inspiration, encouragement, and support. We will follow the process for an affinity group where everyone has the opportunity to share and there is no crosstalk. The purpose will be to give and receive unconditional love in a safe and non-judgmental space. We hope we will develop a better understanding of each other, and our friendships will grow.
Join us for on these Fridays: Sept 22, Oct 20, Nov 10, and Dec 15 from 12 to 1:30pm. Register here for the new zoom link
First Sunday of the month, 3:00 p.m.
People of African Descent (PAD) Sangha Gathering & Book Study:
Currently we are reading “Grieving While Black: an Anti-Racist Take on Oppression and Sorrow” by Breeshia Wade. Discussions are led by one of us on a rotating basis. Please contact wells.robin@gmail.com if you would for more information or to sign up.
Third Sunday of the month, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
“What is Whiteness?” Sangha Affinity Group
This group is for those who identify as white and is part of an ongoing monthly inquiry—based in Dharma practice—into Whiteness and its many biases and blind spots. You are welcome to join this group at any time at its monthly meeting the 3rd Sunday of every month, 1-2:30pm. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact Yunen to get connected.
Hojin Sensei and Hogen Sensei are each meeting with their formal MRO Students over Zoom for face-to-face teaching. Students should already have signup instructions but if you would like assistance with this, please contact the registrar at registrar@dharma.net; 845-688-2228.
Hojin Sensei: 2nd Wednesday of each month 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Hogen Sensei: Sundays & Mondays 9:45-11 a.m. (exceptions: prior to, and after ango sesshins)
One-to-one Meetings with Seniors
You may find it helpful to speak with a lay practitioner about tending to your practice or taking care of life’s challenges. Please email seniorstudents@dharma.net if interested and someone will get back to you. This opportunity is open to anyone who identifies as a sangha member, regardless of any formal affiliation. The following senior lay students are available for one-on-one phone or video calls. Feel free to mention by name the person you’d like to speak with, if you have a preference.
Chris Yudo Abraham, Michelle Seigei Spark, Katie Yosha Scott-Childress, Maureen Jisho Ford, Patrick Yunen Kelly, Prabu Gikon Vasan, Michael Chizen Brown