Buddhism

**The Inner Path: Meditation, Wisdom, and Spiritual Guidance** **Wednesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm** **With various Kadampa Teachers** True happiness and freedom comes from training the mind in meditation and wisdom. In this series, based on The New Meditation Handbook by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, we will explore essential meditations that lead us to lasting inner peace and spiritual realization. We begin with the meditation on Tranquil Abiding, learning how to develop strong mindfulness and concentration and overcome the obstacles that prevent inner calm. We then turn to Emptiness, Buddha’s profound wisdom that reveals the true nature of reality and frees us from ignorance and self-grasping. Finally, we conclude with the meditation on Reliance on a Spiritual Guide, the foundation of all spiritual attainments. Each class includes guided meditation, practical advice, and discussion. Everyone is welcome — from beginners to experienced meditators. **Schedule** March 4: Learning to Meditate: Finding Focus and Peace March 11: Mindfulness and Concentration: The Tools of Tranquil Abiding March 18: Overcoming Obstacles to Meditation March 25: Abiding in Stillness: The Joy of a Concentrated Mind April 1: What Is Emptiness? Understanding the True Nature of Reality April 8: Emptiness of the Body: Letting Go of Attachment *April 15: No Class: Celebration of Buddha’s Enlightenment Day- Special Prayers* April 22: Emptiness of the Self: The Key to True Freedom April 29: The Power of Spiritual Guidance **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/lamrim-meditation/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

This group is for anyone who wants to explore Buddhist meditation in a relaxed and supportive setting. Each session includes a short meditation, a simple teaching from Buddhist psychology, and an open discussion about how these ideas show up in everyday life. While our foundation is Buddhist practice, we love weaving in wisdom from other traditions whenever it helps us grow, find peace, and support each other. Members of our community come from many different backgrounds, and you do not need to consider yourself a Buddhist to attend. All are welcome. The session runs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with doors open from 6:30 to 9:00. Come early or stay after if you’d like to enjoy some quiet reflection or casual conversation with the community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a potluck meal. Bring a dish if you’d like, but the most important thing you can bring is yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

Tuesdays\, Wednesdays \| 12:15pm\-12:35pm Take an afternoon break and intentionally cultivate inner peace, mindfulness and concentration, No previous experience is necessary. No special clothing is required. Just show up! Each 20 minute session will include: * A short introduction to the meditation for the day * A guided meditation to relax and refresh body and mind * Advice for the day ahead No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome! **REGISTRATION** Standard: $5 \| Financial Hardship Available \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/quick-class-registration/#top) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Treat your children to GALita’s ***Séneca, ratón de biblioteca (Séneca, The Library Mouse)***, a bilingual play by Chilean playwright Jorge Díaz with original music by Iván Navas. Directed by Elena Velasco, this fun-filled play touches on the importance of reading and respecting differences, and runs March 14 through March 28, 2026. When a brainy library mouse meets a swaggering crew of street mice, sparks fly and stories take off—spilling from the shelves into a world of comic chases and big laughs. Along the way, unlikely friendships form and lessons unfold about listening, learning, and belonging. Brought to life through imaginative puppets and original music, ***Séneca, The Library Mouse*** invites young audiences to celebrate difference, delight in the joy of books, and discover confidence and pride in who they are—proving that brains, creativity, and curiosity can be just as powerful as bravado. **PERFORMANCES:** Weekdays from March 16-20 and March 23-27 at 10:30 am, and Saturday, March 14, 21, and 28 at 3 pm. This family show is about 60 minutes long and suitable for ages 5 and up! **TICKETS:** General admission tickets are $10 children and $12 adults. **[GET TICKETS HERE](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245619)** **CAST:** Daniela Lock as Séneca, Delbis Cardona as Rafael, Ramón, and Raúl, Máximo Cáceres as Benigno (Dog), Rachael Small as Bellaco (Cat), and H. Christian Aguilar as Ensemble/Understudy. **CREATIVE TEAM:** Scenic Design is by Gisela Estrada with Lighting Design by Luis García, and Costume Design by Rukiya Henry-Fields. Iván Navas is Composer, Angélica Huertas is Sound Designer, and Properties Design is by Isabel deCarvalho. Solis Pettitt is Stage Manager and Sherry González is Assistant Stage Manager. Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, and Anson Stevie is Technical Director.

**Easy ways to connect with Divine Spirit every day** **Join the Spiritual Discussion!** The practice of Gratitude **When life hands you lemons, what do you do?** **Do you want to get better or be bitter?** **It’s a powerful practice to take responsibility for all that happens in our lives.** **In this uplifting discussion, we’ll explore how gratitude:** * **Opens the heart to Divine Guidance** * **Shifts perspective from lack to abundance** **Brings peace, clarity, and spiritual strength** **Join and discover simple, practical ways to practice gratitude daily—and see how it can transform your inner and outer life.** **On Zoom at: [Online Spiritual Discussion](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83717909160?pwd=4z00SOFYWKhdIKzfl02SCZiTGSLwei.1)** **Meeting ID: 837 1790 9160** **Passcode: 790616** **Dial-In: (301)715-8592** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **[MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)** **Presented by the MD & DC Satsang Societies, Inc., Chartered Affiliates of Eckankar.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: **4:00 PM local time** 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Compass Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After attending, you’re welcome to join the Washington DC Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected and suggest spontaneous meetups: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwwHR0npG3aB8VykYjN3hw **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave.

This is an **event at 1801 Robert Fulton Dr., Reston, VA 20191** (All participants must have RSVP'd). We continue exploring the foundational Buddhist sutra: the **Heart Sutra**. This the shortest sutra but the most fundamental. Our meeting schedule will be as follows: * **40 minutes:** Sitting meditation * **5 minutes:** Break * **45 minutes:** Group discussion of the Heart Sutra. During the sitting meditation session, we will provide you with a non-roller chair (or feel free to bring in your own meditation pad/pillow). If you are a first timer, detailed instructions will be provided when you are here at 1801 Robert Fulton Drive).

Join us every Sunday, either in person or online, for our Shin Buddhist service. Dress is casual yet conservative, and everyone is welcome to come listen to the Dharma and learn the Nembutsu, chants and songs associated with our tradition of Shin Buddhism. As long as Fairfax County COVID spread rates remain low, face masks are optional. Our Dharma Discussion Group will meet immediately after the service. To attend the service and Discussion Group virtually, please use [this link](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUudOiprDwiHtITyC2arOLCYAsAYZfQl4J4) or visit our website at www.ekoji.org.

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! In this workshop students will learn the basics of bungee fitness; including equipment, terminology, and safety practices. Please note that you will learn to set up your lane, size your harness, and how to use and work with the bungee system. We will introduce you to a variety of movements with the bungee and link the movements together to create beginner sequences. The workshop will be a 35 minute set up, a 30 minute class, and a 10 min cool down. This experience will leave you feeling confident and ready for our bungee series! What is bungee? Bungee is a high intensity, low impact workout on your joints that is a ton of fun! This apparatus requires a pack of bungee cords and a harness worn around the hips and waist to support a person while they move their body into various shapes and practice creative movements from leaping, bouncing, to lunges, push-ups, squats, handstands, jumps, etc. This cardiovascular workout will build coordination, strength, and endurance all while toning your body! Cost of workshop: $65 Sign up: https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events **Important:** After registering, please email [info@flyingbuddhastudio.com](mailto:info@flyingbuddhastudio.com) with your weight (in lbs) and clothing size (S, M, L, XL, etc.) as soon as possible. This information is required so we can prep the correct harness and bungee setup for you. If we don’t receive your details on time, we can’t guarantee participation.

Tantra is a special inner science that teaches how we can change our mind, ourself and our life. Although the idea of Tantra is very popular these days, many people misunderstand its real meaning and so it is often misused. In reality, Tantra is a very special practice that harnesses the power of our imagination and the power of Buddha’s blessings to quickly lead us to a state of permanent peace and happiness. The profound Tantric practices show us how to overcome the limiting views of ourselves, others, and the world around us that give rise to fear, anxiety, and other painful thoughts. Tantra helps us create positive energy and wisdom through special meditations that lead us quickly to enlightenment. This series is open to everyone and in particular provides a great opportunity to prepare those who wish to receive Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerments. March 5: What is Tantra? March 12: Liberating the Imagination March 19: Our Blissful Potential March 26: Channels, Chakras & Mantras **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/thursday-evenings/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Join us every Thursday for Meditation and Chanting. No prior experience required, and all are welcome.

Spring in DC is especially beautiful with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. Join us for a special Open Day at KMC DC! Our community warmly invites you to explore our meditation center, learn more about our programs, browse our bookstore, and enjoy light refreshments throughout the day. Experience the beauty and tranquility of our sacred space through short, guided meditations and a meditation room tour. These peaceful sessions offer a simple, practical introduction to meditation and its benefits for inner calm, happiness, and clarity. Our gift shop will be open for meaningful shopping, whether you’re looking for meditation books, inspiring gifts, or something special for yourself or a loved one. * 15-minute guided meditations will be offered at: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm, each followed by a brief meditation room tour. We are conveniently located between the Navy Yard and Waterfront Metro stops on the corner of M Street and Canal. We look forward to welcoming you! * Event Schedule Sat., March 28 from 10am to 2pm

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Join Dr. Brook Ziporyn of the University of Chicago for an introduction to the thought of Tiantai Zhiyi (538–597), the founder of **Tiantai Buddhism.** Dr. Ziporyn will discuss the seemingly paradoxical emergence of Tiantai ideas of the eternity, omnipresence, blissfulness and ultimate reality of all things, as an immanent development of the early Buddhist ideas of the impermanence, non-self, and suffering of all things. Mahāyāna Buddhist notions of Emptiness, Two Truths, and Bodhisattvahood, and the surprising tweaks given to these by the main scripture of the Tiantai school, the Lotus Sutra, will also be discussed. ***Dr. Brook Ziporyn*** *is Mircea Eliade Professor of Chinese Religion, Philosophy and Comparative Thought. He is the author of "Emptiness and Omnipresence: An Essential Introduction to Tiantai Buddhism," (Indiana Univ. Press 2016). His latest work is "Experiments in Mystical Atheism: Godless Ephiphanies from Daoism to Spinoza and Beyond" (University of Chicago Press, 2024.)* **Join this program in person** in James Parlor, 2nd floor, 77 W. Washington St. Chicago (SE corner of Washington & Clark St.) **or via Zoom.** See our website for the link: [SwedLib.org](http://swedlib.org/)

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.