Come share candlelight, poetry, and sacred practice to welcome back the sun on Thursday, December 21! Tibetan bells offered by Brian Sparks. No registration required. This event is in-person only. Nourish yourself spiritually and physically with refreshments provided by the Bozeman Insight Community!
Freely offered, donations gratefully accepted.
Please note these holiday schedule changes for the week of November 20th. The Tergar Bozeman Joy of Living Practice Group will not meet on Wednesday, November 22nd. The BDC will be closed on Thursday, November 23. There will not be a noon sit or meeting of the Bozeman Insight Community that day. May you all be well and find ease in your circumstances.
This month’s celebration of our 10 year anniversary highlights a few of our amazing volunteers. We so appreciate all of you who help keep the Dharma Center clean, beautiful and financially viable. Our volunteer base is well more than 20 strong from Board members, Committee members, and practitioners who show up to care for the space. On average, volunteers put in about 150-200 work hours a month and save the BDC over $100,000 annually with their efforts.
We asked our volunteers to reflect on why they donate to the Bozeman Dharma Center. Here are some of the responses.
From Linda Young, Fundraising Committee Volunteer: I wanted to volunteer on a committee to learn more about the BDC, and to feel connected to the people on the committee, knowing that in itself would support my practice- and it has. I totally enjoy the people, and better understand the history, challenges and successes faced by the sangha. That connection is important to me.
From Beth Renick, longtime Wednesday noon bellringer: I have loved volunteering at the Dharma Center since we were in the building on the east end of Main Street. Being part of such a wonderful group of people and meditating at the center has contributed to my personal growth and life balance. I am blessed to be part of the Bozeman Dharma Center!
From Casey Cassidy, bellringer, retreat host and many other tasks: I feel it is a privilege to offer time and financial support to the Bozeman Dharma Center, and teachers, considering how much they and the community enriches my life and practice! By offering what I can I feel I am contributing to the benefit not only to the Bozeman Dharma Center – but also the other members of our dharma community, and as a ripple effect, our Bozeman community, and our world. Thank you for being there, and all you do!!
From Marilia Librandi – Flower and Library volunteer: When I take care of BDC flowers and books I learn about transience and permanency altogether. It is a gift of kindness, calm, and self-observation.
If you missed the conversations with the founders and the board, you can find links to them below!
Conversation with the BDC Founders
Conversation with the BDC Board
There’s a schedule change for afternoon meditation hosted by the Bozeman Zen Group. These drop-in sits will now be offered on Mondays and Fridays from 5:20-6 PM. There will be a 35 minute silent sit followed by a short chant. These sits are in person only. All welcome!
Join the Bozeman Zen Group in welcoming Brad Warner, Zen teacher, Punk Rock musician, blogger, and all-around Not A Jerk! Brad will help us learn more about our ancestor, Eihei Dōgen through the writings of Dōgen in a weekend retreat November 10-12.
A “Friday night only” option is available at registration. No one turned away for lack of funds.
You can learn more about Brad on his website: Hardcore Zen.
Wondering what “Dharma” is or how to start a meditation practice? Interested in checking out the BDC space? Tuesday, November 7 from 5-5:30 PM is your chance to get questions answered, look around, and receive basic meditation instruction at our Newcomer Orientation. All welcome. No registration; just drop by!
On Saturday, October 21 from 10 AM – 4 PM, visiting Insight teacher, Dave Smith, will offer a daylong retreat in person and via Zoom. Dave will reflect on both the early traditions of Buddhism and secular practices based on happiness research. How can we use our practice of the Dharma to create genuine happiness for ourselves, for others and for this world?
On Friday, October 20 from 7-8:30, visiting Insight teacher, Dave Smith, will talk about the four qualities of an Awakened life and how we can better develop these as we progress on our journey. There will be a guided meditation, talk, and Q&A.
Join Michael Smith and Karen DeCotis on Saturday, October 7, for an easeful morning of sitting, walking and reflection as we take a dive into Working with Koans. Hosted by the Bozeman Zen Group, but all are welcome to this half-day retreat. No need to have prior Zen or koan experience.
Please note that there’s been a time change for the Metta-Infused Insight Practice daylong retreat with Melissa McKay on Saturday, September 30. The retreat will begin at 10 AM and go until 4 PM. Enjoy what promises to be a transformative day of practice!
