Category Archives: Non-denominational

Yamama!

Explore meditation and connection through sound on Friday October 3 from 7-8 PM with Yamama!

Yamama! will offer a meditative soundscape using drums, percussion and vocals as guest artists for October’s SoundGate program. No registration necessary. Donations welcome! Any funds collected will be split evenly with the guest artists.

Mindful Creativity: Tibetan Singing Bowls

Learn about Tibetan singing bowls and how to ring them from Brian Sparks! He will offer an introduction to sounding the bowls on Sunday, September 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.

The class will introduce information on several therapeutic uses, bowl types, considerations on buying a bowl and a therapeutic set of bowls, how to play the bowls, mallet types, and physiological impacts of bowl sounds on the body and brain as well as some hands on practice with the bowls. 

 Brian received his spiritual teaching from several masters in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachers blessed his bowl work by giving him the specific “Prayer of Aspiration” and granted him many Buddhist empowerments. He has toured with notable Tibetan musicians, actors, and at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee.

He offers his practice of playing Tibetan bowls in service of healing, compassion and awakening.

If anyone is interested in learning how to become part of this tradition, they can talk with Brian after the session to discuss the structure and content of what is required to become a proficient bell ringer.

Mindfulness and the Addiction Economy

Dave Smith will lead a discussion on Sunday September 28 from 5-7pm on Mindfulness and the Addiction Economy. We can all see how our devices have become weapons of mass distraction, but by turning inward, taking an honest look at our pain and dissatisfaction, and coming to terms with what fuels our addiction, we can find hope in the future of our ever more connected world. In this talk, Dave Smith discuses using the four noble truths and mindfulness as an active framework for recovering the innate goodness of our humanity.

No registration necessary. Please consider offering a donation to Dave in support of his teaching.

Intro to Meditation

“To begin to meditate is to look into our lives with interest in kindness and discover how to be wakeful and free.” Jack Kornfield

Meditation is a simple but powerful tool that can help us cope when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed. Meditation is a useful tool at other times too with known health benefits. If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice and aren’t sure how to start, join us on Saturday September 13 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. We’ll discuss and practice different styles of meditation including practicing with the breath, body scans, working with a question, Metta practice and Tonglen. You’ll leave with an understanding of meditation fundamentals such as different postures that work well, how to work with attention, and ways to support your meditation practice.

Newcomer Orientation

Want to start a meditation practice? Or learn about the Bozeman Dharma Center? On Tuesday September 2 from 5 PM to 6 PM we will host our monthly orientation. Join us to learn about the Center, get your questions answered, and receive basic meditation instruction. No registration required. Free!

August Mindful Creativity: Origami

Enjoy an afternoon of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, on Saturday August 23 from 3:30-5 PM!

Repetitively folding paper can produce a calming, meditative state while also working on focus and concentration. And it’s fun! 

Our facilitator, Cam Palmer Warner, has been a folding fanatic since second grade and enjoys teaching others to fold. Cam will offer designs inspired by the Dharma such as lotus flowers and cranes (specific designs to be determined). 

You do not need prior experience to attend this workshop. Children and complete beginners welcome!

All materials supplied (but if you have paper you’d like to use, you’re welcome to bring it).

This event is in-person only.

Newcomer Orientation

Want to start a meditation practice? Or learn about the Bozeman Dharma Center? On Tuesday July 1 from 5 PM to 6 PM we will host our monthly orientation. Join us to learn about the Center, get your questions answered, and receive basic meditation instruction. No registration required. Free!

Mindful Flower Arranging

Join us for June’s Mindful Creativity class on mindful flower arranging on Sunday June 22, from 1 PM to 3 PM! The beauty and symbolism of flowers have long played an important role in Buddhist traditions. Erin Strickland will lead a guided sensory meditation using flowers and then participants will be free to create their own beautiful floral arrangements. Flowers will be provided by the BDC. Bring a vase (or use mason jars from the BDC) and take your arrangements home to enjoy. In person only. Register online.

SoundGate: Sounds of Compassion

On Friday June 6 from 7-8 PM, meditate to the healing sounds of Brian Sparks’ Tibetan bowl harmonics. Brian received his spiritual teaching from several masters in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachers blessed his bowl work by giving him the specific “Prayer of Aspiration” and granted him many Buddhist empowerments.

Brian Sparks with his Tibetan bowls

No registration necessary! Donations gratefully accepted. Any funds collected will be split evenly with Brian.