Category Archives: Non-denominational

Awakening Through Change with Elaine Huang

Half-Day Retreat, Non-denominational

In times of profound change and uncertainty, we are often presented with unique opportunities to explore our true nature. The pressures of the external world can lead us to inner shifts that elevate our awareness beyond the ordinary.

On Saturday April 26 from 9 am to noon, Elaine Huang will lead participants through guided practices, meditations, and insightful talks designed to help participants uncover and draw from their deeper essence. Attendees will learn about psychological and neuroscience based concepts, along with somatic and mindfulness practices that both foster resilience and stabilize their recognition of fundamental nature. By the end of the session, participants will leave empowered with practical tools that nourish this renewed clarity and resilience in their everyday lives.

Elaine is a seasoned mindfulness teacher and guide, recognized for her extensive experience and skill in the field. She is a dedicated meditator and a certified mindfulness instructor. Elaine adeptly facilitates mindfulness retreats in various settings as well as leadership trainings in corporate environments. With two master’s degrees—one in social work and another in clinical psychology—she brings a rich educational background to her practice. Elaine’s expertise lies in supporting individuals on their journeys of personal growth and spiritual transformation.

March SoundGate: Jessie Solon

Non-denominational, SoundGate

Join us on Friday March 7 from 7-8 pm for an evening of deep vibrational rejuvenation for the mind, body, and spirit! Jessie Solon facilitates relaxation through the use of sound healing instruments including crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, a symphonic gong, bells, & chimes, wave, and monochord. No registration necessary. Donations welcome. Any funds collected will be split equally between the BDC and the artist.

Dharma Thoughts: From Steve Allison-Bunnell of Joining Rivers

Dharma Thoughts, Non-denominational

For most of my life, I always smiled when I saw the bumper sticker that says, “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.”

Righteous anger in the face of the parade of injustices near and far was an essential part of my identity as someone who cared about the world and whose brain wiring includes an extreme sensitivity to unfairness. 

So today, when the opportunities for outrage come by the hour, I can only be grateful for Thay’s teachings on nurturing compassion when we would rather take comfort in the energy of anger. Instead of telling us to simply not be angry, Thay invites us to look at the causes and impacts of anger within ourselves. It is not easy, but, Thay offers, it is the path of peace.

What do you see when you look more closely at your anger? What happens when you befriend it?

Waking Up & Growing Up: A Transformational Weekend

Non-denominational, Weekend Retreat

The BDC is excited to welcome Diane Musho Hamilton for a retreat weekend with an evening talk on Friday March 28 form 7-8:30 PM and a daylong workshop on Saturday March 29 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

Waking Up is the profound experience of awakening to your essential nature, known across mystical traditions as Enlightenment, Cosmic Consciousness, or Unity Awareness. This transformational state has inspired countless seekers in traditions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufism, and Christian mysticism.

Equally essential yet often overlooked is Growing Up, the journey of personal evolution through the developmental stages of life—from infancy to adulthood and beyond. Research shows that Growing Up is key to cultivating emotional maturity, resilience, and meaningful relationships.

But what if you could explore both paths in one integrated experience?

This extraordinary weekend offers just that. Under the expert guidance of Diane Musho Hamilton—a Zen teacher and dedicated student of Ken Wilber for over two decades—you will explore:

Waking Up Practices

  • Meditation to still the Mind
  • Big Mind to discover Boundlessness
  • Techniques to Open the Heart

Growing Up Tools

  • Recognizing and transforming defensive patterns
  • Self-regulating your nervous system for resilience
  • Cultivating emotional maturity and interpersonal skills

This unique workshop weaves together the wisdom of Zen and developmental psychology to help you unlock profound, lasting transformation in your life. Whether you’re seeking recognition of your true nature or practical skills to navigate relationships and life’s complexities, this weekend offers tools, insights, and practices you need to make real, meaningful change.

Exploring Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

Non-denominational, Uncategorized

CANCELED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER! We’ll Reschedule at a later date! Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, and is known for its monasteries, fortresses, and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Did you know it is also known as the country of happiness?

On Friday February 7 from 6-7 PM you can see images and hear personal stories and impressions from Marilyn Raffensperger and Catherine Cussaguet from their ten day journey in Bhutan last November. No registration necessary. Free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted on behalf of the BDC. Photo courtesy of Catherine Cussaguet.

Newcomer Orientation

Classes, Non-denominational

Are you interested in starting a meditation practice or building a community around your practice? The Bozeman Dharma Center hosts a newcomer orientation on the first Tuesday of each month. Join us in February on the 4th from 5- 6 pm to find out more about the Center, get your questions answered, and receive basic meditation instruction. No registration required!

Intro to Meditation

Classes, Non-denominational

  Are you interested in starting a meditation practice? Join us on Saturday January 25, 9 AM – 12:30 PM to learn several different styles of meditation and find one that works for you.

Buddha overlaid with learn practice connect text

We will cover how to start a meditation practice at home, posture, breath practice, walking meditation, body scan guided meditation, working with a question, mindfulness, Metta practice, and Tonglen.

Mindful Creativity: Practice Word of the Year

Classes, Non-denominational

Join us on Sunday January 19 from 12:30 PM – 4 PM for an art and journaling workshop (Back by popular demand–it’s the same one as the New Year’s Workshop). We will focus on naming and expressing our practice intention for the new year.  We will use collage, markers, paint, and stencils to manifest our intuition and values on a 12” x 12” substrate.

Image of a collage art piece

Supplies will be provided. You do not need to know how to draw or paint to participate! Space is limited so please pre-register.

SoundGate with Yamama!

Non-denominational, SoundGate

On Friday January 3 from 7 – 8 PM, Yamama! will offer a meditative soundscape using drums, percussion and vocals. They are a four-woman, world music and dance ensemble who share their delight in sound and movement through performances, drum and dance classes, community education programs, and participatory community drum circles. No registration necessary. Donations welcome! Any funds collected will be split evenly with the guest artists.

picture of women drumming

New Year’s Intention Workshop

Classes, Non-denominational

Join us for a New Year’s Intention Setting Workshop on Saturday January 4 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. In this art and journaling workshop, we will focus on naming and expressing our practice intention for the new year.  We will use collage, markers, paint, and stencils to manifest our intuition and values on a 12” x 12” substrate. Supplies will be provided. You do not need to know how to draw or paint to participate! Space is limited; please pre-register.