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.
Learn more. Join a Circle.
To join a Circle or get more information, email Jane Bleeg, membership coordinator, 585-315-2406.

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