Kabbalah

**Inner Safety in an Uncertain World** Thursdays, 7:15pm - 8:30pm In a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, we naturally look for something to rely upon — yet so often our sources of security let us down. In this two-week series, we will explore the Kadampa Buddhist practice of refuge, a powerful method for discovering a stable, inner source of protection and peace. Rather than turning outward, Buddha taught that real refuge is found within our own mind through developing wisdom, compassion, and inner strength. Through practical teachings and guided meditations, you will learn how to rely upon the Three Jewels — Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha — to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. This course is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. **Class Titles:** June 11: What Is True Refuge? Finding Safety Within June 18: Living in Refuge: Bringing Protection into Daily Life **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 for a transformative sound and vibration journey, where you'll experience the profound energy of Light Language. Unlike traditional languages with fixed alphabets and agreed-upon meanings, Light Language is a vibrational expression that transcends human limitations and speaks directly to your soul and DNA. Some would call Light Language the “Language of the Soul.” This multidimensional, non-linear communication is best described as an experience, originating from within the soul, the Earth's guardians, or star nations. It uniquely resonates with each individual's vibrational needs, facilitating clearing, balancing, and aligning the body with newfound clarity. During the evening, Bill Sanda will guide the group through three Light Language meditations, with discussions in between. Investment: $20 Space is limited so a RSVP is required. This also helps to notify you if any changes or updates FIRST TIMERS: No prior experience necessary. All are welcome as long as you come with an open mind and respectful heart. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. With Love & Gratitude

Join us for a transformative sound and vibration journey, where you'll experience the profound energy of Light Language. Unlike traditional languages with fixed alphabets and agreed-upon meanings, Light Language is a vibrational expression that transcends human limitations and speaks directly to your soul and DNA. Some would call Light Language the “Language of the Soul.” This multidimensional, non-linear communication is best described as an experience, originating from within the soul, the Earth's guardians, or star nations. It uniquely resonates with each individual's vibrational needs, facilitating clearing, balancing, and aligning the body with newfound clarity. During the evening, Bill Sanda will guide the group through three Light Language meditations, with discussions in between. Investment: $20 Space is limited so a RSVP is required. This will inside be by the fire in our large great room FIRST TIMERS: No prior experience necessary. All are welcome as long as you come with an open mind and respectful heart. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. With Love & Gratitude

The pickleball courts are situated on the far side of the playground, past the swing sets and picnic area. These courts (are] strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and we do not offer reservation for public use. The courts are frequently unoccupied, but sometimes few people utilize the courts. We've created a WhatsApp group for our Meetup community to help everyone stay connected and get event updates more quickly. It’s a great way to share important info, coordinate plans, and keep each other in the loop about upcoming meetups. Feel free to join so you don’t miss out on any of the fun! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bw0vxcNKRC1CeHixU41wTG

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. Instagram: artoflivingDMV aolf.live/secretstomeditation

**Some of the benefits of HU:** * **Releases stress, worry, and fear.** * **Opens the door to higher awareness and miracles in your life.** * **Deepens your connection to the divine, regardless of your belief** **Experience the Sound of Soul, pause in quiet reflection, and join a gentle spiritual conversation—at your own pace, with no obligation.** **Ways to participate:** **IN-PERSON** **MARYLAND ECK CENTER** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104,** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **ON ZOOM** **🔗[SOUND OF SOUL EVENT](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89597899210?pwd=reKwx1zJtFNylttx8N4LKs3zYJN7a3.1)** **Meeting ID: 895 9789 9210** **Passcode: 978196** **Phone: (301) 715-8592** **Questions?** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120; Email: [[MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)]([mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.or](http://mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.or/))** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. 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.**

**Some of the benefits of HU:** * **Releases stress, worry, and fear.** * **Opens the door to higher awareness and miracles in your life.** * **Deepens your connection to the divine, regardless of your belief** **Experience the Sound of Soul, pause in quiet reflection, and join a gentle spiritual conversation—at your own pace, with no obligation.** **Ways to participate:** **IN-PERSON** **MARYLAND ECK CENTER** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104,** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **ON ZOOM** **🔗[SOUND OF SOUL EVENT](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89597899210?pwd=reKwx1zJtFNylttx8N4LKs3zYJN7a3.1)** **Meeting ID: 895 9789 9210** **Passcode: 978196** **Phone: (301) 715-8592** **Questions?** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120; Email: [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.or)** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. 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.**

Anne Conway (1631 – 1679) and Mary Astell (1666 – 1731) share a sex, intelligence, and the same unsettled century. After a long obscurity, their work has reemerged and invites the reader to consider how reason, belief, and the self might still be brought into harmony. **The Women** Anne Conway, born and raised in London, spent her youth wandering through the vast hallways of what is now known as Kensington Palace. Apart from being a woman, at least two other notable circumstances shaped Anne’s life – she lost a son in infancy and later suffered from severe pain. Pain as a concept found its way into Anne’s philosophy as a purgative, transformative experience. It was while seeking a relief from pain that she came into contact with the Flemish physician and philosopher Francis Mercury van Helmont, who later introduced her to Kabbalistic thought and to Quakerism. Anne converted to Quakerism shortly before she died. Mary Astell was a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. Unlike Anne Conway, Astell remained unmarried and eventually moved to London with little or no financial support. Her early philosophical writings are found in the correspondence with John Norris and were later published as *Letters Concerning the Love of God* (1695). After publishing the *Letters* and *A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, Parts I and II. (1694, 1697),* Astell became somewhat of a celebrity in London. Her two other well-known published works were *Some Reflections upon Marriage* (1700) and *The Christian Religion* (1705). In her later years, in keeping with her investment in female education, Astell managed a charity school for poor girls in the Chelsea neighborhood. **The Philosophies** Anne’s only surviving work, *The Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy*, was published posthumously and anonymously in 1690. It is said that Leibniz had a copy of *The Principles* in his library with Anne Conway’s name written on the front page. Anne’s vitalist conception of all being may have influenced Leibnitz’s own views, in particular his *Monadology*. *The Principles* is often viewed as a theodicy. The existence and nature of God occupy the central place in Anne Conway’s triadic philosophical system. The three “species” are God, Christ, and the “unity of multiplicities” where “the whole creation is just but one substance or entity.” God is the immutable and perfect maker of all things. God “wanted to create living beings with whom he could communicate.” Alas, God’s light was intolerable for his Creatures, and, after dimming the light a bit, God designated the Messiah’s soul as the Middle Nature and “a safe place” for all Creatures. Everything and everyone fall under the umbrella of Anne’s “Creatures.” Everything and everyone is a subject to eternal mutability. Creatures can metamorphose into other kinds of creature, growing more or less spiritual – more or less like God. Under the principle of similitude, Conway maintains, everything and everyone has some semblance to God and therefore must be in some sense spiritual and alive. Mary Astell sides with Descartes in his dualistic views and in the method of obtaining knowledge through clear and distinct perceptions. In her metaphysics, Astell distinguishes two kinds of beings—minds and bodies that come in various degrees of finitude and corruptibility. God is placed at the heart of her metaphysical system and is the “first intelligence.” Human minds and corporeal particles are finite and incorruptible, while human bodies and physical objects are finite, naturally corruptible entities. Within the created beings, Astell names four categories: minds, bodies, mind–body unions, and the particles that compose bodies. A mind-body union is mysterious. However, we “know and feel” it, and therefore it must be real. **Reading:** We will read and discuss Anne Conway’s *The Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy* and the second part of Mary Astell’s *A Serious Proposal to the Ladies.* Anne Conway, *The Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy,* 25 pages, [https://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/conway1692_1.pdf](https://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/conway1692_1.pdf) Mary Astell, *A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, [https://www.gutenberg.org/files/54984/54984-h/54984-h.htm](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/54984/54984-h/54984-h.htm)* **Additional Reading:** Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Mary Astell, [https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/astell/](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/astell/) Anne Conway, [https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/conway/](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/conway/)

Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: SUNDAY TIME: 1pm-3pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

# Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: Fridays TIME: 7:30pm-9:30pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

**From Tolerance to True Unity** *** Is tolerance enough? Or can it sometimes just be prejudice in disguise? Or even hate? In an increasingly divided society, does simply “tolerating” others sometimes inadvertently separate us all into “us” and “them” categories in our minds (and hearts!), only serving to further reinforce those divisions? How can spirituality and the dual concepts of the “Oneness of Mankind” and “Unity in Diversity” help us to see past our differences and regard all – whether family, friend, or stranger – as one of “us” and part of our own shared story? How can we see our differences not as something to be merely tolerated but rather as a source of strength for our communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the role of love for all of humanity in moving beyond tolerance. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how a spiritual foundation can enable us to work together for the betterment of ourselves, our families, our communities and our world. *“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”* – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

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.

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.