Intro Session: Contemplative Practice Community

Welcome to the first gathering of our new Contemplative Practice Community!

This is an open, welcoming online conversation for anyone interested in meditation, contemplative practice, spiritual friendship, and meaningful community. We’re creating a space for people who want to explore practice together, learn from one another, and build authentic connection in a supportive environment; wIth both San Diego and online events.

This will be an open dialogue, not a presentation. Thomas will share a brief vision and framework, and then we’ll spend most of the session listening to people who are interested in participating. Your hopes, needs, and ideas will help shape what we become — this community is an experiment and will evolve with your input.

Our community will be rooted in Mahayana Buddhist values of compassion, wisdom, and awakening. We emphasize:

• Peer learning rather than a hierarchical teacher–student relationship.
• Spiritual friendship (kalyāṇa‑mittatā).
• Bridging contemplative practice with intellectual inquiry and creative expression.
• Supporting one another in bringing practice into daily life.
• Openness to all, while anchoring in traditional Mahayana teachings.

We operate on a donation basis so there are no financial barriers to participation. If you have time, please visit www.cpcommunity.org to get a sense of the initial vision.

Who this is for
Whether you’ve practiced for decades or are simply curious about contemplative life, your voice matters here. Come with your questions, hopes, and authentic presence.

Format

• Brief introductions
• Short overview of the initial vision
• Open discussion (main portion)
• Next steps and upcoming events

How you can contribute
We hope the community will grow to include many voices and forms of leadership. If you resonate with the Mahayana-inspired vision and would like to offer skills or lead something, please bring ideas to the session. We especially appreciate people with experience in:

• Tai chi, qigong, yoga, hiking, backpacking, or other embodied practices.
• Psychology, counseling, or group facilitation (especially for building healthy friendships and community).
• Visual or performing arts used as tools for reflection and transformation.
• Spiritual traditions interested in building interfaith bridges with Mahayana practice.
• Holistic health, nutrition, permaculture, or regenerative farming.

Camera optional but encouraged for connection. Zoom link provided upon RSVP.