Zen Buddhism

⚔ Spiritual Heroism and the hero's journey ⚔ “*[T]he student-teacher relationship is similar to that in the martialarts. You could get hurt severely if you are too tense. [...]You could read a book about it, but it doesn’t mean very much unless you have that very immediate and direct experience —which is frightening [...] We have to learn fearlessness that is without hesitation but is not based on blind faith.*” (Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche) Turning to the inside, investigating who one truly is, facing challenges and obstacles on the search for truth, is heroic. Whether the story of the great hero Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, Atalante in Greek mythology or David in Christianity - our ancient stories are full of heroines and heroes. Heroism seems to be an attribute of the mystic archetypes (Gods) considering the legends of Kali's victory over the demons, Siva Nilakantha's rescue of the Universe from poison, or Ragnarök in nordic and Titanomachy in Greek mythology. Books like "*The way of the superior man*" or simply biographies of great spiritual beings like the Tibetan Princess, Yeshe Tsogyel, Co-founder of Tibetan Buddhism suggest that there is something that Heroism can contribute to the spiritual Quest. And then there are things like the Bodhisattva Vow - spiritual actions that seem heroic in nature. "*'Would you like to leave your subjects and go off to practice the Dharma? Would you l ike to leave the palace and go to practice the Dharma? [...] Do not try to do what you are not capable of doing: Practicing the Dharma. Do what you know how to do: Be a housewife.'* Nangsa responded: '*Helpful mother, Nyangtsa Seldron, listen to me [...], Nangsa Obum! The sun shines in the four corners of the universe: When the sun stops shining I will stop desiring to practice the Dharma and stay at home. If the sun keeps going, I will go also to the Dharma.'*” (Nangsa Obum - quote taken from the book "Women of wisdom" by Lama Tsultrim Allione) **Let's share for an afternoon about the hero's journey in spirituality!** 💫 **What this event offers for you:** * Guided Meditations for arriving, calming the mind and tuning into your intuition * Meeting people interested in spirituality (all levels) * Safe Space for sharing - non-hierarchical and non-judgemental * Opportunity to ask just about any question **👀 You may watch one or few of the following Videos for inspiration:** * Sadhguru on "Hero or Zero" : [https://youtu.be/-9iebN1Rp3g?si=4ohMVIXvuTvMa1Gu](https://youtu.be/-9iebN1Rp3g?si=4ohMVIXvuTvMa1Gu) * Lama Tsultrim Allione on "Feeding your demons": [https://youtu.be/aEbJ_maF_fo?si=PWUWJsIME2nPqJNM](https://youtu.be/aEbJ_maF_fo?si=PWUWJsIME2nPqJNM) * Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on "Using adverse circumstances": [https://youtu.be/-doY-wf0P2Y?si=1QoPWWHS66WTaUDd](https://youtu.be/-doY-wf0P2Y?si=1QoPWWHS66WTaUDd) * Tantra Teacher Uriel Yariv on overcoming obstacles: [https://youtu.be/tTql0O5XAP0?si=JFr5vzCcSTjUxdTF](https://youtu.be/tTql0O5XAP0?si=JFr5vzCcSTjUxdTF) * Alan Chapman on his journey including the "Abyss": [https://youtu.be/GQ99PULR5NY?si=MIJ0_Fi1H_QFkjOR](https://youtu.be/GQ99PULR5NY?si=MIJ0_Fi1H_QFkjOR) * Pema Chödron on "Being brave": [https://youtu.be/zVzV_RCMqNU?si=O5CpCX25XbISBP4e](https://youtu.be/zVzV_RCMqNU?si=O5CpCX25XbISBP4e) * Dzontsar Khyentse Rinpoche on the story of the horse thief: [https://youtu.be/wjpUQaFROFA?si=EbI_RcWLnvLAzbSD](https://youtu.be/wjpUQaFROFA?si=EbI_RcWLnvLAzbSD) * Tantra Teacher Blandine Wegener and Uriel Yariv on facing fears: [https://youtu.be/LTHAzHZm1Mc?si=bEN227_m56zF81rv](https://youtu.be/LTHAzHZm1Mc?si=bEN227_m56zF81rv) * Tantra Teacher Uriel Yariv on the path of the hero (Vira) for men: [https://youtu.be/eeawuvFXgbg?si=jTUGTC3nXPDeCDb8](https://youtu.be/eeawuvFXgbg?si=jTUGTC3nXPDeCDb8) **🧘 About the Organizer** Martin is a certified Mindfulness Teacher, Systemic Coach, Yogi and Altruist by heart who teaches Meditation and Martial Arts in different formats. However, in this meetup Martin focuses on the altruistic intention to open a space for people to share while offering as much facilitation as needed in the moment. "*From a spiritual point of view it's not advantageous to be a rabbit. It's better to be a tiger, [...] Rabbits are very nice and cuddly but they don't have much potential for breaking through. Tigers, on the other hand, are very wild but that pure energy, if used skilfully, is exactly what's needed on the path. All the great saints were very passionate people. It's just that they didn't dissipate their passions into negative channels. They used them as fuel to send them to Enlightenment.*" (Tenzin Palmo) "*The search for reality is the most dangerous of all undertakings for it will destroy the world inwhich you live. But if your motive is love of truth and life, you need not be afraid.*" (Nisargadatta Maharaj)

This pilgrimage hike follows the **Baruther Linie regional trail**, leading us from Dahlewitz through heathland and villages to the shores of Rangsdorf Lake. It is a gentle, reflective walk about simplicity, honesty with ourselves, and exploring what we might need less of. 📅 **Date & Time** * **Date:** Saturday, February 14, 2026 * **Start:** 10:04 AM at Dahlewitz Train Station *(Travel via RE8 from Berlin Hbf at 9:38 AM – also stops at Potsdamer Platz and Südkreuz)* * **Duration:** Approx. 4–5 hours * **End:** Blankenfelde Train Station *(Frequent return connections via RE8, RB24, or S2 every 5–10 minutes)* 🗺️ **Route Highlights** * [Komoot tour](https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2735010242) * Walking through the Dahlewitz Heath (Dahlewitzer Heide) * Time at Rangsdorf Lake with an optional swim at the lakeside beach * Passing small Brandenburg villages * Nature reserve Former Lake Blankenfelde 🤔 **Why This Hike?** In the week following this hike, Lent and Ramadan begin – two traditions that remind us of the value of conscious restraint and simplicity. This pilgrimage invites reflection on questions such as: * What does “letting go” mean for me right now? * What habits, thoughts, or expectations might I need less of? * What becomes possible when I create space? No religious background is required. The walk is open to people of all beliefs and none. This pilgrimage is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and reflect on life’s important questions. We’ll walk at a relaxed pace, share thoughts, and take time for moments of silence – about 30 minutes to an hour– to listen to nature and our inner voices. 🔔 **What to know & bring** * It’s winter, dress for the season and the weather. Important: hiking or running shoes, warm layered clothing, hat and gloves. * Bring enough food and water for the whole day, as we won’t stop anywhere to buy snacks or drinks. A thermos with hot tea or coffee is highly recommended! * Don’t forget your public transport ticket for the way there and back. * There may be an option for a quick winter dip. If you’d like to try it, bring swimwear, a towel and extra clothes to warm up afterwards. 📩 **Questions & Registration** If you have questions or need help with planning your trip, feel free to reach out. You’re also welcome to join our WhatsApp group for updates and connection before the hike. Feel free to contact Pilgrim Guide Alexander via WhatsApp message (+4915757652601) or email (alexander.steinfeldt@outlook.com). **Waitlist = You're in! 😊** Currently, only 10 members can officially register on Meetup (due to the restrictions of the free version). However, you’re welcome to join the hike by joining the [Whatsapp group](https://www.alexander-steinfeldt.de/hikes/berlin-pilgrims/) for this event.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of mantras with Sri & Band, where music and spirituality meet in perfect harmony. This Mantra session uses the power of supportive words to redesign the architecture of your mind, let go of limiting beliefs about yourself, and become aligned with your heart. When your inner critic is overreacting and you have lost touch with who you truly are, this chanting session will guide you back to yourself. With each mantra as your anchor, you’ll plant new seeds in the garden of your mind, take agency of your internal world, and feel the immediate enlivening effects. You dont need previous experience in Singing/Chanting. You can listen to Sri´s music here https://shorturl.at/laIwU

**\*"It Was Just An Accident"\*** Feel free to join if you're interested. :) Why the movie is important: * **A Symbol of Resistance:** Filmed in secret within Iran without government permission, the movie is a defiant act by Panahi, who has faced multiple arrests and a long-standing filmmaking ban. * **International Recognition:** It won the prestigious [Palme d'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Was_Just_an_Accident) and became the first Iranian film nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes. * **Personal and Collective Truth:** The story is deeply informed by Panahi's own 2022–2023 imprisonment in Evin Prison and the real-life testimonies of fellow inmates he met there. * **Breaking Taboos:** It is one of the first major Iranian films to show women without the mandatory hijab, reflecting the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement and contemporary Iranian reality. * **Moral Complexity:** Rather than a simple revenge story, it forces the audience to grapple with the agonizing cycle of violence, questioning whether mercy or retribution is the true path to justice. Unraveling against the ever-present backdrop of authoritarianism, the film coalesces into a climactic act of resistance by an Iranian auteur who is no stranger to unjust detainment himself. Powered by thrilling momentum and peerless craft, France’s Best International Feature Film entry to the 98th Academy Awards asks us to consider – and reconsider – the line between right and wrong. The winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes is a fearless tour-de-force from cinematic luminary Jafar Panahi. Both urgently political and deeply humane, this new moral classic confronts truth and uncertainty, revenge and mercy, head-on. **Tickets: Free seat selection** https://lichtblick-kino.org/ein-einfacher-unfall/

***Please reserve your spot*** **through [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/womens-circle-cacao-breathwork-journey-tickets-1981419683612?aff=oddtdtcreator)[.](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/full-moon-ceremony-womens-circle-cacao-dance-tickets-1297686929539?aff=oddtdtcreator)** ♥ ⌇ On February 14th (aka Valentine’s Day), you’re invited into a loving circle of women — a space to soften, open, and let love move through your body and heart. We’ll begin with **ceremonial cacao**, gently opening the senses and the heart, before dropping into a **conscious connected breathwork journey** that supports deep connection, presence, and inner warmth. We all long for more love. But what if you could become your own source? This journey is an invitation to fill your cup: with gratitude for your heart, your life, and your body. To remember that love doesn’t need to be earned or waited for. It can be breathed into, right here, right now. Breathwork is, for us, one of the most powerful and beautiful tools we know. It can move emotions, expand awareness, release stored tension, and support deep connection — physical, emotional, and energetic. Every experience is unique, and you’re always invited to listen to your own rhythm and limits. If you’re unsure whether breathwork is right for you, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to connect. We’ll keep the group intentionally small, creating an intimate space where you can fully arrive, feel held, and breathe in love. **What to expect:** * Grounding Meditation * Cacao Ceremony * Conscious Connected Breathwork Journey

✌︎ HELLO WEEKEND — HELLO SELF-CARE Beginne deine Wochenende genau so, wie es sein soll! • YOGA This yoga practice is suitable for all levels. With individual support, adjustment/alignment of your asana practice. Flowing sequences of asanas will energise your body, release tension and activate the whole system to wake up and start your weekend in a positive way. • HOW CAN YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS …if you don't have one with yourself? We must revolutionise the rules of society that have us believe self care is selfish. In your practice we create more room for yourself to stay whole, healthy and happy. • LIMITED to 12 SPOTS • • The balance recommended: Donation-Drop-In 15€ 5 x Donation-Card 70€ 10 x Donation-Card 140€ 20 x Donation-Card 240 € Hugs (0€ pro Klasse)Free USC (M, L, XL) • USC Members Welcome: M, L, XL • 90 Min. Class • LOCATION YOGA at Lobe Block Böttgerstraße 16, 13357 Berlin right elevator, ring bell • HOW TO GET THERE 5 Min. walk from Gesundbrunnencenter near Magic Mountain Kletterhalle U8 Gesundbrunnen S42/41 & S1 BUS N7, 247, RE5 GOOGLE MAPS: https://tinyurl.com/yal3wf2x How can you have relationships with others, if you don't have one with yourself?

**✧ FOR YOU ✧** Maybe you want to release daily tension and reconnect with your body. Maybe you love good music and want to dance outside the club. Or maybe you’re simply curious to find more freedom in your movement. Whether you’ve danced a thousand times or never before —come as you are and bring some curiosity with you. ***No previous experience required.*** **✦ WHAT IS x-dance ✦** x-dance blends dance, self-expression, and meditation. There are no steps to learn or follow here - it's an invitation to spontaneous movement. Guided by an eclectic wave of sound and inspirational prompts, you’ll move through the 5Rhythms — five life energies that rise and fall like a wave. **✺ Three ingredients shape each journey ✺** ✺ Celebration of you - Nothing to get "right" ✺ Invitations - Follow what feels true for you ✺ Presence - Dance becomes a meditation in motion **⟢ CONTRIBUTION ⟣** ⟢ €15 \(Reduced\) \| €20 \(Regular\) \| €25 \(Supportive\) ⟢ Buy via[ this link](www.samarlinn.com/events/x-dance) or cash at the door **⋰ WHAT TO EXPECT ⋱** ⋰ Entry from 19.15 - Please note entry after 19.45 isn’t possible. ⋰ Warm-up + Introduction ⋰ Guided music wave — move, release, reconnect ⋰ Take it further - open space after class to connect ⋰ No phones on the dance floor

**Meditation – One Hour of Presence (All levels) by STUDIO B (https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/)** This one-hour meditation session is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. We begin with a short and gentle breathwork exercise to regulate the body, calm the nervous system, and bring attention inward. This prepares the transition into meditation. This is followed by a 15–20 minute introduction to the meditation practice. During this phase, I explain the core principles of meditation and assign each participant a personal meditation task, tailored to their individual level of experience. The intention of this part is to create clarity, inner orientation, and a sense of safety for the silent practice. We then enter a first phase of silent meditation. After approximately 15–20 minutes, the silence is intentionally interrupted by a short walking meditation. This is not a break, but a conscious transition that integrates the body, releases restlessness, and deepens presence. Afterwards, we return to silent meditation. Each participant practices independently with their personal instruction, within a calm and supportive space. This session invites you to cultivate presence, quiet the mind, and either deepen an existing meditation practice or begin one in a grounded and accessible way. **Open to all levels. No prior experience required.** Payment is for the room. ​ \*\*\* ​Session structure - **duration: 60 minutes** **1\. Arrival & Breathwork \| 5–7 minutes** Gentle, regulating breathwork to calm the nervous system and gather attention. **2\. Introduction & Personal Meditation Task \| 15–20 minutes** Introduction to the meditation practice. Each participant receives a personal meditation task, adapted to their level of experience. **Purpose of this first phase:** to create inner orientation, clarity, and a sense of safety for silent meditation. **3\. Silent Meditation – Phase I \| 15–20 minutes** Guided entry into silent meditation with individual practice. **4\. Walking Meditation \| 5–8 minutes** Mindful walking meditation as a conscious transition. Integration of the body, release of restlessness, deepening of presence. **5\. Silent Meditation – Phase II \| 10–15 minutes** Return to silence. Deepening the practice after movement. **Optional: Short Closing \| 2–3 minutes** Gentle return and integration. \*\*\* ​Safety and integrity ​The session is guided in a trauma-sensitive and professionally held container. Clear instructions, pacing, and support are provided throughout. No prior meditation experience is required. ​ \*\*\* ​Facilitator ​The session is facilitated by a highly trained practitioner with extensive experience in meditation, trauma-sensitive breathwork, and somatic awareness practices. ​**Background includes:** * ​​12 years of Zen meditation practice * ​​100 hours Meditation Facilitator Training in Non-Dual Shiva Tantra * ​​200 hours Trauma-Sensitive Breathwork Training (IBF certified) * ​​Reiki Level II * ​​Training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) coaching * [STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/)

Chitta Walks is for people whose days move fast, while the mind never fully lands. Thoughts keep looping even when nothing is urgent. The body moves, but attention is elsewhere. Over time, this disconnect drains clarity and ease. This walk is a simple reset. We meet in Berlin’s Tiergarten and walk at a gentle pace. Parts of the walk are in silence, with light guidance and a few short prompts. The walk itself is the practice, bringing body and mind back into the same moment. No apps. No performance. Just a clear space to slow down and notice what is happening. If you want to slow down without withdrawing from life, join a Chitta Walk. ✨ **What to expect (approx. 90 minutes):** * A short arrival and orientation * A guided silent walk (phones off, no conversation) * One concise science-based impulse on attention or stress * Optional reflection in pairs or small groups * A simple takeaway or experiment for daily life 🚶**Who this is for:** * Professionals, creatives, and people in transition. * People who feel mentally busy and want more clarity and balance. * Those curious about mindfulness, but grounded and practical. * Anyone comfortable with silence and gentle self observation. 🔔 **Practical notes:** * Duration: 60-90 minutes * Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing * No prior experience needed * Group size is limited to keep the space quiet and focused 🧭 **Facilitator:** My name is Partha Sarathi, you can call me PS. I have lived in Berlin for over 12 years. With a background in physics and materials science, my interest in mindfulness grew through personal experience with stress and health challenges. I facilitate the space and structure of the walk, inviting shared exploration rather than instruction. 🤔 **Why Chitta Walks?** Chitta is a Sanskrit word referring to the mind or field of awareness, used here in a practical, non-religious sense. Chitta Walks is about noticing how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes thought patterns visible in real time, while moving and sensing in the world. The name points to a simple capacity: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. 🌿 **Possible effects:** A calmer nervous system. Clearer attention. A felt sense of being more present in your body. Subtle insights into how your mind reacts under everyday conditions. A quieter, more grounded way of moving through the city. **Come as you are. Walk. Notice. Leave with a little more space inside.**

We are inviting you to our next Evening of Meditation on **Sunday, the 15th of February**. These gatherings are not just about meditating on your own, but a step inward that we take together regarding a particular topic. This time we explore **Friendship in relationships**. What gives us a true, nurturing experience of friendship? Most of us grew up with limiting ideas about what friendship should and shouldn’t be and with what kind of people it is possible. But let’s discover what exactly gives rise to the beautiful experience of Friendship in relationships of any kind. 📍Where: [Yoga Sky](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kBxUvZrqo5yzRNe88?g_st=ipc), Am Tempelhofer Berg 7d, 10965 Berlin Follow the Yoga Sky signs in the yard, and take the elevator to the top floor. 🗓 When: Sunday, 15th of February, 19:00 - 20:30 Please arrive 5-10 min earlier to settle down. 🎟️ Entry: € 5, just to pay for the space (in cash or PayPal) For more info go to: [https://onenessberlin.com/](https://onenessberlin.com/) You’re welcome, no matter your background or experience. This is what has worked for us over many years and we love to share it with you. Looking forward to see you, Oneness Berlin Florian, Jazgul, Carla & Abhi

Join us for a transformative evening of sacred sound healing and chanting meditation. Immerse yourself in the power of mantras, as we come together as a community to elevate our consciousness and deepen our spiritual growth. Through the practice of kirtan, we will harmonize our energies and create a space of mindfulness and inner peace. Experience the healing vibrations of chanting as we open our hearts and connect with the divine. This satsang chanting and meditation event will be a soulful journey towards self-discovery and connection with others. Let the power of sound lead you on a path of spiritual awakening and conscious living.

A 60-minute Hatha-Kundalini practice designed to guide you back to a state of stillness and ease at the week's end. This session is a curated journey to calm the mind and strengthen the body, using grounding Pranayama (breath control), purposeful asana (postures), and potent Kriya sequences. We will explore finding ease even within physical and mental challenge, learning to steady the mind, release built-up anxiety, and reconnect with a deeper sense of self. The class is open to all levels, offering a mindful blend of challenge and relaxation. Bring your own mat or use one of ours.

**Shamanic Conscious Connected Breathwork by** [STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/) This group is dedicated to **Conscious Connected Breathwork**, a powerful somatic practice for deep emotional release (nervous system release). Intense states of awareness are possible. Through **conscious, connected breathing**, rhythmic music, and guided facilitation, participants are invited to access deeper layers of awareness, release stored stress and emotions, and reconnect with their inner resources. There are **no substances involved**. The work is grounded, body-based, and trauma-aware. Price is only for the room. ### This group is for you if you want to: * release stress, tension, and emotional blockages * explore non-ordinary states of consciousness through breath * experience clarity, emotional relief, and deep relaxation ### Each session typically includes: * introduction and intention setting * guided conscious connected breathwork * music-supported journey * integration and grounding ### Contraindications This practice is **not suitable** for people with any of the following conditions: * pregnancy * epilepsy or history of seizures * severe cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure not medically controlled * recent surgery or acute physical injury * glaucoma or detached retina * severe asthma * diagnosed psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe psychiatric conditions If you are unsure whether this practice is appropriate for you, please **consult your healthcare provider** or contact the facilitator in advance. **No prior experience is required.** Beginners are welcome. Sessions are guided with care, structure, and clear boundaries. This is a **safe, respectful space** for self-exploration, presence, and embodied awareness. Sessions are held in English & German. German participants are very welcome.[ABOUT US STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/)

This is a slow yoga class that guides practitioners into an embodied practice using somatic tools and yogic relaxation techniques\*\*.\*\* Suitable for all levels, this class brings forth the tradition of yoga with a contemporary twist. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, this practice supports physical, emotional, and mental relaxation. It’s an ideal way to unwind after a long day, reconnect with your inner world, and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. You’ll be guided through a nurturing sequence in a supportive space, with the intention of helping you feel restored, centred, and held. This class is held in English.

Join us for a quiet, grounded Sunday evening practice in community. We typically gather with 6–12 practitioners for seated and walking meditation, along with a short Dharma talk or practice instruction offered by one of our teachers or senior students. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **6:45 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **7 pm sharp** *(If you arrive late, please wait in the hallway until the next bell.* *Someone will greet you)* * 25 minutes of silent sitting * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 25 minutes of sitting with Dharma talk * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 15 minutes of closing meditation or chanting * We close with tea and informal conversation On **first Sundays**, we offer a relaxed meet-and-greet with tea, discussion, and light snacks. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend—teachers are available for orientation and basic instruction. **Experience** No prior experience is necessary. You may sit on a cushion or a chair. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are welcome here. It is offered free of charge. **Location** Our Zendo is located in the **back** of Rockville United Church: [355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AABDrCx3sHvBPVBf9) After parking in front, please do **not** enter through the main church doors. Walk slightly downhill, then take the small rightward path up to the rear entrance. Look for posted signs. We meet on the lower level, past the double wooden doors. Guiding map: [https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy](https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy) **Who we are** [Joyful Mind Zen Community ](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/)offers Zen practice, teaching, sitting, and walking meditation on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in our Rockville Zendo. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.

Join us for a quiet, grounded Sunday evening practice in community. ***This evening, we invite a Zen student to give a "Way-Seeking" talk about their Zen journey.*** We typically gather with 6–12 practitioners for seated and walking meditation, along with a short Dharma talk or practice instruction offered by one of our teachers or senior students. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **6:45 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **7 pm sharp** *(If you arrive late, please wait in the hallway until the next bell.* *Someone will greet you)* * 25 minutes of silent sitting * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 25 minutes of sitting with Dharma talk * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 15 minutes of closing meditation or chanting * We close with tea and informal conversation On **first Sundays**, we offer a relaxed meet-and-greet with tea, discussion, and light snacks. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend—teachers are available for orientation and basic instruction. **Experience** No prior experience is necessary. You may sit on a cushion or a chair. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are welcome here. It is offered free of charge. **Location** Our Zendo is located in the **back** of Rockville United Church: [355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AABDrCx3sHvBPVBf9) After parking in front, please do **not** enter through the main church doors. Walk slightly downhill, then take the small rightward path up to the rear entrance. Look for posted signs. We meet on the lower level, past the double wooden doors. Guiding map: [https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy](https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy) **Who we are** [Joyful Mind Zen Community ](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/)offers Zen practice, teaching, sitting, and walking meditation on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in our Rockville Zendo. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.

Join us for a quiet, grounded Tuesday afternoon practice in community. We typically gather with 4–10 practitioners for seated and walking Zen meditation or practice instruction, along with brief Dharma instruction. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **4:30 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **4:45 pm sharp** *(If you arrive late, please wait in the hallway until the next bell. Someone will greet you)* * 25 minutes of silent sitting * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 25 minutes of sitting with Dharma talk * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 15 minutes of closing meditation or chanting * We close at **6:00 pm** with tea and informal conversation, sometimes followed by a simple soup dinner **Experience** No prior experience is necessary. You may sit on a cushion or a chair. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are welcome here. It is offered free of charge. **Location** Our Zendo is located in the **back** of Rockville United Church: [355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AABDrCx3sHvBPVBf9) After parking in front, please do **not** enter through the main church doors. Walk slightly downhill, then take the small rightward path up to the rear entrance. Look for posted signs. We meet on the lower level, past the double wooden doors. Guiding map: [https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy](https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy) **Who we are** [Joyful Mind Zen Community](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/) offers Zen practice, teaching, sitting, and walking meditation on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in our Rockville Zendo. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.

Join us for a quiet, grounded Tuesday afternoon practice in community. We typically gather with 4–10 practitioners for seated and walking Zen meditation or practice instruction, along with brief Dharma instruction. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **4:30 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **4:45 pm sharp** *(If you arrive late, please wait in the hallway until the next bell. Someone will greet you)* * 25 minutes of silent sitting * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 25 minutes of sitting with Dharma talk * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 15 minutes of closing meditation or chanting * We close at **6:00 pm** with tea and informal conversation, sometimes followed by a simple soup dinner **Experience** No prior experience is necessary. You may sit on a cushion or a chair. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are welcome here. It is offered free of charge. **Location** Our Zendo is located in the **back** of Rockville United Church: [355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AABDrCx3sHvBPVBf9) After parking in front, please do **not** enter through the main church doors. Walk slightly downhill, then take the small rightward path up to the rear entrance. Look for posted signs. We meet on the lower level, past the double wooden doors. Guiding map: [https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy](https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy) **Who we are** [Joyful Mind Zen Community](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/) offers Zen practice, teaching, sitting, and walking meditation on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in our Rockville Zendo. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.

## Meditation as a key to spiritual development and the challenges we face in its pursuit We are excited to have Khaydroup in person to teach. About the Teacher: Khaydroup moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1981 to join a newly formed team of psychologists from The Naropa Institute led by the psychiatrist Edward Podvoll, whom Khaydroup eventually married in 1986. She would be the first roommate in their innovative home environment approach to treating those suffering from the extremes of psychological illness. This group, called Windhorse Associates, has now mushroomed both in the US and Europe. Khaydroup maintains keen interest in their accomplishments. Impressed by her colleagues, many of whom were students of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, she began to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings in earnest. In 1990, during a three month stay in India, many auspicious events led Khaydroup straight to the monastic community of the late Gendun Rinpoche in the Auvergne Region of France where she had the good fortune to be guided in two consecutive traditional Three Year retreats by this highly respected meditation master. After completing her second retreat in 1997, Khaydroup joined the women’s monastery and began teaching the Dharma in centers, schools and organizations in Europe and in the USA. At the request of the 14th Shamarpa, Khaydroup moved back to the US in 2000 to be a resident teacher at the Santa Barbara Bodhi Path Center. During the two years she was there, she helped found both the San Luis Obispo Bodhi Path and West Los Angeles Bodhi Path Centers. The West Los Angeles group moved to Pasadena in 2004 where Khaydroup continues as the resident teacher. Khaydroup was also a primary school teacher for 15 years, owning and directing a Waldorf Preschool for the last five of those years. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is now a lay practitioner and lives with her daughter, granddaughters, and assorted pets in South Pasadena. **In-Person** Fellowship Hall at the [Unitarian Universalist Congregation](https://www.uucr.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa0ZQVFBCdmJ3MzNOWEJoRwEeSoPXSHNPf_pRRTPn-UbSRXubgBfGor06l14v9_Z1cMfvxShmdngQDTcV-ao_aem_4x2F8VhluNx_5QC2unwCkw) of Rockville (UUCR), 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 ([[https://www.uucr.org/](https://www.uucr.org/) **Online via Zoom** (for Zoom information, click on the relevant tile for that Sunday’s meeting): [https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events](https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events) BodhiPath Washington DC is supported by donation.

Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A. The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings. This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives. All are welcome! This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams). You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/ About the teacher: Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.

Join us for a quiet, grounded Tuesday afternoon practice in community. We typically gather with 4–10 practitioners for seated and walking Zen meditation or practice instruction, along with brief Dharma instruction. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **4:30 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **4:45 pm sharp** *(If you arrive late, please wait in the hallway until the next bell. Someone will greet you)* * 25 minutes of silent sitting * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 25 minutes of sitting with Dharma talk * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 15 minutes of closing meditation or chanting * We close at **6:00 pm** with tea and informal conversation, sometimes followed by a simple soup dinner **Experience** No prior experience is necessary. You may sit on a cushion or a chair. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are welcome here. It is offered free of charge. **Location** Our Zendo is located in the **back** of Rockville United Church: [355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AABDrCx3sHvBPVBf9) After parking in front, please do **not** enter through the main church doors. Walk slightly downhill, then take the small rightward path up to the rear entrance. Look for posted signs. We meet on the lower level, past the double wooden doors. Guiding map: [https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy](https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy) **Who we are** [Joyful Mind Zen Community](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/) offers Zen practice, teaching, sitting, and walking meditation on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in our Rockville Zendo. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.