Category Archives: Lineage

Sit Still or Still Sitting?

Dharma Thoughts, Non-denominational

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.

Dave Smith on Zoom

Insight

Dave Smith is guest teacher to the BIC via zoom on Thursday, Feb 23 at 7 – 8:30 pm. Dave will outline a framework and set of practices that bring the Four Noble Truths to life. Within the entire cosmos of Buddhist doctrine, across the many forms of lineages and traditions no single teaching carries as much weight as that of the four noble truths. It is the most fundamental aspect of Dharma. How can we bring the teachings of the four noble truths into our practice and cultivation of mindfulness? Together, we will discuss ways of integrating the time-tested and transformative aspects of these teachings.

Everyone welcome!! (Since Dave is joining via zoom, you may want to as well).  Freely offered, great for all levels of experience. 

Transforming Difficulty into the Path of Practice

Zen

Because regular retreat practice is a cornerstone of Zen practice, the Bozeman Zen Group offers half-day sittings throughout the year, as well as weekend retreats. Join us for the next half-day sit on Saturday, February 25 for periods of sitting and walking meditation as well as teachings from the Compassion Trainings of the Lojong Practices. Appropriate for beginners who wish to try a retreat practice opportunity as well as for experienced practitioners to deepen their practice.

Please register by Thursday, February 23. Register here.

Buddhism Basics

Non-denominational

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

From the Board, Non-denominational

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!

Mugaku Retreat Postponed

Zen

We’re sorry to have to cancel the Feb 3-5 talk and weekend retreat with Michael Mugaku Zimmerman. But, we promise to invite Mugaku to Bozeman again and will let you know when we have new dates set.

Did you know?

Non-denominational

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

Non-denominational

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

Non-denominational

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!