Category Archives: Non-denominational

March Newsletter

Apart from this website, our monthly newsletter is one of the best ways to find out what’s happening at the BDC. If you missed the March edition, click here to catch up! (You’ll need to click on this post’s title for links to work.) If you haven’t subscribed to the BDC newsletter, you can do that here!

Sit Still or Still Sitting?

This is a new feature showcasing thoughts and musings about the dharma in our everyday lives by BDC leaders, teachers and community members. You can find these categorized as “Dharma Thoughts.” This contribution is from Steve Allison-Bunnell, leader of Joining Rivers Sangha:

Dear Friends,
Even with noticeably longer days, this latest cold spell has made it hard for me to get up in the morning to sit. When I have, it seems like my mind is everywhere else. Lofty goals of great concentration and wonderful insight while meditating fall away as I rehearse my day and mentally solve problems.”Sit still!” my inner adult admonishes. I open my eyes and look at my altar, seeing Thay’s serene face there next to the Buddha. Or I feel my hands tightening in my lap. The cats are outside the bedroom door begging for breakfast. I am back in the present moment. I may not be sitting still, but I am still sitting. And that quantum of patience I muster carries me out into my day.

Joining Rivers meets on Mondays from 7-8:30 PM and practices in the tradition of Plum Village & Zen Master the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.

Buddhism Basics

This three week dive into the heart of Buddhism begins February 15 and will offer central teachings of our 2500 year old tradition. Great for those new to meditation and Buddhist practice. Seasoned practitioners are warmly encouraged as well. Prior registration is required. In-person attendance limited to 30 participants, online Zoom participation is unlimited.  Register here.

Commitment to Transparency

We are grateful to the Bozeman Dharma Center community for participating in our Maha-sangha/Community meetings in November 2022. Between the conversations and the worksheets, the Board of Directors gathered great information about our community feels we are doing and where you see the BDC going. Using this information we created a three year vision for the BDC and first steps to take in 2023 to get us there.

As part of our commitment to transparency, these goals for the BDC are on the website. Click here to view!

Did you know?

You can volunteer to help out at the BDC! Volunteers donated over 1800 hours of their time in 2022– the equivalent of $49,000! Being in our own space and ramping up programs means we need volunteers more than ever. If you are interested in bell ringing, helping keep the center tidy, providing and arranging flowers and many other tasks, please contact Karen at karen@bozemandharmacenter.org.

Beginner’s Mind Zen Retreat

On Feb 3-5, join visiting Zen priest, Michael Mugaku Zimmerman and the Bozeman Zen Group for an open-to-all Friday night talk followed by a weekend retreat. Practice the Zen aspiration to continually approach all of life, people and situations with “beginner’s mind”– that is, with curiosity, openness, and receptivity to whatever may emerge, free of expectations or prejudgment. Limited space, pre-registration requested.

Schedule Changes

MindSpace, our under 40 meditation group, will begin meeting on Tuesdays at 7PM on January 10th. Tergar Bozeman starts meeting this Wednesday, January 11 at 5:30 PM. The Bozeman Zen Group will host a drop-in sit from 5:30-6:15 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays beginning January 9th. We are thankful for so many opportunities to practice!

Intro to Meditation

Learn practices from the Insight, Zen and Tibetan traditions during this class series (Jan 18, Jan 25, and Feb 1). Meditation can help to calm the mind, open the heart, and awaken wisdom. It is a means to study ourselves by contacting our inner life. When we know ourselves well, we are better able to relate to others in the world with integrity and confidence. In the Buddhist tradition there are several meditation styles that can aid us in developing the qualities of peacefulness and wisdom. Join us for any or all of this series, if you would like to begin a meditation practice or renew the one you already have.

Open House

If you haven’t seen our new space, here’s your chance! We will have an open house on Friday, January 13 from 5:30-6:30 PM. Bring your questions. Meet staff, volunteers, and group leaders and other like minded-people. There’s a rumor that snacks will be available.