Tame your mind. Open your heart. ​Serve the world.
​Awaken.
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Join us and explore ancient Buddhist wisdom and the bodhisattva path in contemporary life.
​We integrate both traditional Buddhist methods of study, self-reflection, inquiry and meditation with secular, empirically-based practices of mindfulness, altruism and self-compassion. 
Everyone is welcome!
All that's required is your wise and open heart.

For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, may I too abide to dispel the miseries of the world.
—Shantideva

Upcoming Special Events
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Taking Vows

We will be offering vows once we return to our Dharma Center. If you feel inspired to take Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows without delay, Sue recommends you consider taking them with one of her main teachers H.E. Garchen Rinpoche. His center has introduced a way for you to take them online, anytime.

To learn more about the Refuge Ceremony, visit our Refuge Ceremony web page. 
Outdoor practices and re-opening the Dharma Center

We're working through plans for a safe re-opening of the Dharma Center. Public health and safety guidelines are fluid and we're monitoring the situation with great care and optimism. Stay tuned!

We're also planning some outdoor practices as the weather improves. We expect to announce spring and summer dates and locations soon!

Stay current by signing up for our weekly newsletter.
The Six Transcendent States of Bodhisattvas Series Conclusion

In this new monthly series, guest teacher Greg Seton will be sharing teachings and guided practice based on the Six Pāramitās, also called the six transcendent perfections.

For anyone who wishes altruistically to awaken for the sake of all beings, these are the main practices of a budding bodhisattva on the path, and also the non-dual qualities effortlessly expressed upon awakening.

We are fortunate that Greg will be offering one final teaching to conclude the series.

The final teaching in this series will be offered on May 12



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Practices & Dharma Talks now online

Our welcoming center of spiritual refuge for all has temporarily moved online.

We're grateful to be working in partnership with the Church on re-opening plans for our Dharma Center. We will resume in-person practices, once it's safe and sensible for visitors, sangha members and volunteers. With palms together we look forward to your presence on Zoom until we can be together at the center.

Join us for Wednesday and Saturday practices and Dharma talks, now held through Zoom.

Wednesdays, from 7:00-9:00 pm or Saturdays from 10:00-11:30 am.

Join a Zoom Practice

Get more details. • Get meeting ID/Password to call in by phone • Learn to use Zoom or request support from us. • Get a link to cut and paste if the link above doesn't work.

We are continually adding guest teachers and speakers to our Wednesday evening practices online. We do encourage you to sign up for our newsletter and check out our practice calendar, Facebook and Meetup for new announcements.

Dharma Refuge
Capacity-Building Capital Campaign

Dharma Refuge is in the midst of its first ever Capacity-Building Capital Campaign. 

Our goal is to shift from being an all-volunteer organization to supporting a half-time Meditation Center Administrator. Beginning in 2021 we also hope to begin paying a salary to our teacher, who has served on a voluntary basis since 2008.

Recent Dharma Talk
Get to know our local teacher, Sue Kochan, through a recent Dharma Teaching offered on March 31, 2021 — Why We Take Vows

Untitled essay read during talk was written by Lise Kunkle.

"So Green" lyrics read from song written by Zach Kochan, recorded by Great Red. Listen on streaming services. Apple Music - SO GREEN • Spotify Link

For access to a video archive of teachings by Sue, consider becoming a Sustaining Member of Dharma Refuge.

Mission, Vision, Membership

Our Teachers

​We study and practice under the guidance of teacher and spiritual director Sue Kochan and our root teacher Anam Thubten Rinpoche, whose lineage and vision inspired the founding of our community.  We also invite guest teachers for special dharma talks and retreats. 
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Buddhist Resources

Check out our recommended Dharma books, publications, affiliated centers and online resources for Dharma as well as secular mindfulness and mindful self-compassion.

A welcoming space

Our practices, classes and retreats welcome everyone into a safe, non-dogmatic sacred space to explore the teachings of the Buddha and to experience the refuge within, our own awakened nature.

​Thanks to our sangha photographers who have so generously contributed their time, talents and photographs to Dharma Refuge! Bowing to: Carole Diamond, Michael Guida, Dave King, Sue Kochan, Judy Lombard of Bits and Peaces Photography, Ivan Ramos, Deb Pierce, Julie Gelfand and Steve Piper of GelfandPiper Photography
Sign up to receive our monthly practice and program announcements and to learn about special study and retreat opportunities. ​

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