Thich Nhat Hanh

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

Sensei Bob Ertman leads Reading & Writing Haiku (& other forms of short poetry) as the practice of attention & connection. This is not a class but a peer group of writers/explorers who may like to share something with the group or may simply sometimes like to encounter haiku. Beginners are welcome. You may enter at any time, since it is not a class, but your questions are welcome. Message us for the link & password. Time is actually the Zoom 40 min.

**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

* In this special one day retreat we have the opportunity to increase our lifespan, merit and wisdom through the special meditation practice of Buddha Amitayus. Our human life is our most precious possession because it gives us the opportunity to improve ourselves and attain the supreme happiness of enlightenment. We therefore need a long and healthy life. To engage successfully in spiritual practice we also need wisdom, as well as the merit or good fortune that gives our mind the strength to support the growth of inner realizations. By engaging in Amitayus practice, we can develop these qualities and eventually attain the deathless state of enlightenment. We can also use this practice to help remove obstacles endangering the lives of others, especially our close friends and family. **COST:** Free * * **Event Schedule** Session 1: 2:30 to 3:45pm Session 2: 4:15 to 5:30pm

\*\*TICKETS AT: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/now-thats-what-i-call-burlesque-vol-3-blue-da-booty-da-ba-di-tickets-1962695180118**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/now-thats-what-i-call-burlesque-vol-3-blue-da-booty-da-ba-di-tickets-1962695180118**) Join Elder Millennials Callie Pigeon and Delilah Dentata for a burlesque and variety tribute to the Y2K era! Did you shamelessly pirate music on Napster? Are you glad wide-legged jeans are making a comeback? Do you miss cryptically expressing your emotions in your AIM away message? Did you maintain a healthy sense of competition between your friends through Myspace’s Top 8? And, finally: Bath and Body Works’ Cucumber Melon or Love Spell? Rub on some body glitter, feed your Tamagotchi, grab your Motorola Razr, and join us at this burlesque and variety celebration of Y2K music, culture, and - for better or worse - fashion. Y2K-era outfits ABSOLUTELY ENCOURAGED. Delia’s, JNCO, Hot Topic, PacSun… whatever vibes speak to you. **FEATURING...** Betty Knockers Bunny Noir Cherie Sweetbottom London St. Juniper Mandi Fru Fru Nostra Dad Ass Orion St. Michael Rivie Wiles Sebastian Katz Storm Psycho 6 Venus von Squirtz **Doors:** 12 pm **Show:** 1 pm **GA:** $20 **VIP:** $40 **Day-of GA tickets:** $25

* **Explore or examine how we treat God’s creatures, other people, and ourselves** * **Learn new actions we can take, such as a new way of thinking or being** * **Open the heart to love and understanding** **Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom.** **Attend in person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **Join Zoom Meeting:** **[The ECK Light and Sound Service](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425712995?pwd=GoEk28Hlj95P5PPbmoCem6GP7tHqlm.1)** **Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995** **Passcode: 403417** **Dial-In: 301-715-8592** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **[MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)** **“The law of life known as the Law of Karma is the great teacher. As you sow, so shall ye reap. It’s not a vindictive law; it’s a law designed to open the heart to love and understanding.”** **—Harold Klemp, The Awakened Heart, p 89.** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.**

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

[Joyful Mind Zen Community ](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/)offers bi-monthly retreats for all people interested in silent meditation in Zen forms of Zazen, Walking Meditation, Dharma Talk, Teacher interviews, Dharma talk by Sensei Taikai. We are a friendly and inclusive group. All are welcome to this one day silent retreat, but it ***is recommended you have an established meditation practice*** and can sit in meditation for 25 minutes several times --in a chair or cushion. Event is free, but donations appreciated ($20 or any amount). Cushions and chairs are provided, tea and snacks provided. If you wish to stay for the evening meditation from 7-830 pm, bring a bag dinner. See schedule below. Questions or registration to [Information@joyfulmindzendo.org](information@joyfulmindzendo.org) **SCHEDULE:** 1:45 door open and be on your cushion or chair by 2 pm for the first bell 2:00-3:30 Zazen sitting meditation and walking meditation 3:30-3:50 Tea or rest break 3:50-5:15 Zazen sitting meditation, Dharma talk, teacher interviews, walking meditation 5:15-5:35 Tea or rest or stretch break 5:35-6:30 Zazen and walking 6:30-7pm Silent dinner break 7-8:30 Zazen and walking meditation and closing discussion

[Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC) is pleased to join with [The Ark of Compassion ](https://theaoc.org/)(AOC) to co-host Compassionate Conversations™ on Sunday, Feb. 1 at [Siena's Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/). **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/)** **Event Description** Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive [vegan menu](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu). . Questions? Contact [info@theaoc.org](mailto:info@theaoc.org) or Aashish Bhimani at [703-231-0291](tel:7032310291) (text preferred). **•** **Cost/Food: Order at the counter (no set ticket price)** **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/)** (AOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

The [The Ark of Compassion (AOC)](https://theaoc.org/) and [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](https://vsdc.org/) invite you to join us for a Compassionate Conversation™ on Saturday, February 1st to celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, a holiday rooted in renewal, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary** • Location: [Siena’s Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu) • Address: 4840 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD 20852 • Date and Time: Sunday, February 1st, 2:00–4:00 PM • Cost/Food: Order at the table (no set ticket price) Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive vegan menu, which includes: • Fresh salads
 • Homemade pizza and pasta
 • Mediterranean favorites
 • Plant-based options and easy modifications Siena’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to honor Tu B’Shvat’s themes of renewal, nourishment, and connection. Questions? Contact CompassionConvos@theaoc.org **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/) (AOC)** is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. --- **[The Veg Society of the District of Columbia](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC)** is the nation’s oldest continuously operating 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization promoting an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle through education, community-building, and social activities throughout the DC metro area. VSDC believes in treating all people, animals, and the planet with respect and kindness. We are committed to creating a more compassionate and caring world. We do this by creating a community of like-minded people who are on the path to an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle. Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this path, we offer resources and fellowship to support you. We make your journey easier, more enjoyable and meaningful.

● Explore or examine how we treat God’s creatures, other people, and ourselves ● Learn new actions we can take, such as a new way of thinking or being ● Open the heart to love and understanding Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom. Attend in person at: The Maryland Eckankar Center 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104 Silver Spring, MD 20903 Join Zoom Meeting: The ECK Light and Sound Service Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995 Passcode: 403417 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 MEC@eckankarmaryland.org “The law of life known as the Law of Karma is the great teacher. As you sow, so shall ye reap. It’s not a vindictive law; it’s a law designed to open the heart to love and understanding.” —Harold Klemp, The Awakened Heart, p 89. Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR. Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

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

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. 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 sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia