Dharma Refuge
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        • 2018-2019 Video and Transcript Archive - 37 Bodhisattva Practices
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Dharma Refuge Practice Circles

Practice Circle participants deepen spiritual practice and connections with other participants from the sangha.

How do they work?
Each Circle has 7-12 participants who meet monthly to meditate and share thoughts, feelings and experiences related to their own spiritual life. In some communities groups like these continue for 10 years or more. They have proven to be fertile ground for growing caring, durable connections while strengthening spiritual development. Newcomers to meditation and experienced practitioners are all welcome.
 
Circles typically meet once a month for 2 hours, daytime or evening depending on participants’ availability. Groups currently meet via Zoom. Once it is possible, they will resume rotating meeting in each other’s homes (individuals who can’t host a meeting may bring refreshments to someone else’s house), and rotate facilitation. Each session has 2 co-facilitators who develop the session plan and oversee the agenda. (see sample agenda in right column)
 
After meeting for 6-12 months, some Circles might also begin volunteering as a group or in subgroups – e.g. helping with a Dharma Refuge volunteer need or doing something in the broader community. This is not a requirement – just an option that some might enjoy.

Requirements to participate
Newcomers to meditation and experienced practitioners are all welcome. To best support the continuity of the group, we ask that participants be Members of Dharma Refuge. Learn more about Membership at Dharma Refuge.
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Learn more. Join a Circle.
To join a Circle or get more information, email Jane Bleeg, Membership Coordinator.

What does a typical Practice Circle look like?
While each group can create its own format, a typical agenda might include:
​
  • Opening reading or dedication
  • 10 minute meditation period
  • State of the heart – each person shares briefly (typically about 1 minute or so) anything they want to say about how they are feeling and what is going on in their lives.  Passing is always an option.
  • Discussion of the topic for the night – the co-facilitators will pick a topic – could be a phrase, brief reading, practice question, responses to a recent Dharma teaching, etc.  Early topics might include:
    • Who and what helped shape your practice?
    • How did you come to Buddhist practice?
    • What does your regular practice include?
    • How have you been stretched by Buddhist practice?
    • What questions do you have related to your practice?
    • How is your practice informing your everyday life?
  • Confirmation of future meeting dates, hosts, and facilitators
  • Closing dedication
  • Socializing for those who wish to remain

The Sangha is an island of peace.
—Thich Nhat Hanh

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Our regular, weekly practices are held over Zoom due to COVID.
​
Dharma Refuge is located at Covenant United Methodist Church (2nd Floor)
1124 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609
​

Copyright 2021 Dharma Refuge; Dharma Refuge is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation.
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Teachers
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Volunteers
  • Practices & Events
    • Calendar
    • Participating FAQs
    • Zoom Info & Link
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Member Stories
    • Donor Account Management
    • Members' Dharma Library >
      • Video Library of Dharma Talks
      • Lineage & Bodhisattva Training Library >
        • Welcome, Overview, General Resources
        • 2016 Video Archive - The Three Vehicles
        • 2017 - Four Foundations of Mindfulness >
          • 2017 Video Archive
          • 2017 Reading and Guided Meditation >
            • Mindfulness of Body
            • Mindfulness of Feelings
            • Mindfulness of Mind
            • Mindfulness of Dharmas
        • 2018-2019 Video and Transcript Archive - 37 Bodhisattva Practices
  • Programs
    • Walking the Path: Members' Lineage Training
    • Bodhisattvas Everywhere Talks
    • Practice Circles
    • 2022 Sangha Study - The Way of The Bodhisattva >
      • Program Overview
      • Program Schedule
      • Preview of Program Resources
      • Full Program Resources
      • Topic Outline of Text
      • Commitment to the Awakened Mind
      • Sign Up for Sangha Study
      • Donate to Support Sangha Study
  • Giving
    • Practicing Generosity
    • Give a One-Time Gift
  • Resources
    • Books, Prayers, Documentaries and Links
    • The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism
    • Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
    • Green Tara Practice
    • Racial Equity and Buddhist Practice
  • Contact
    • E-Newsletter Sign Up