Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Buddhism & Reality–Part II of a Two-Part Series w/ Jay Ford
What do Buddhist teachings mean when they say there is “no self”? And how can the idea of emptiness be liberating rather than unsettling? In the second talk of this series, Jay Ford turns to the Buddhist teachings of not-self (anatta) and emptiness (śūnyatā), exploring what they reveal about identity, experience, and freedom from suffering. Building on last week’s reflections on impermanence and dependent origination, this talk examines how the sense of a solid, separate self is formed–and how loosening our grip on that assumption–can ease reactivity and open the way to equanimity and compassion. Far from denying experience, these teachings invite a more flexible, responsive way of living within a constantly changing world. 
It is not essential to have attended the first talk. However, if you’d like to listen to that talk or review the handouts, both are available on the WSDC website.

Upcoming Schedule
January 27: Reading the Suttas (Jim Garrido)
February 3: Topic TBA (Tess Wise)
February 10: Spiritual Friendship (Amanda Espinoza)
February 17: Handshake Practice (Joanna Kelly)
February 24: Tricycle’s Daily Dharma (Karen Garrido)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) Walk for Peace: Walk for Peace is a pilgrimage of Theravāda Buddhist monks walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC, as an embodied practice of nonviolence, mindfulness, and compassion. Traveling on foot, the monks bear witness to suffering, call attention to the causes of conflict, and invite reflection on peace—both inner and social. Here is a LINK to the group’s website. And here is a LINK to the Facebook Page that provides daily updates. 
At present, the group is projected to pass through Lexington, NC, and Thomasville, Sunday, Jan. 18, and Greensboro, NC, Monday, Jan. 19. If you would like to support the effort, you can find more information and a donation link here: DONATION LINK. 

(2) The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (next gathering January 27, 5:30pm)
The last Tuesday of each month, we will host a monthly peer-led Practice Discussion Group where members can share their experiences with Practice. We’ll share joys, frustrations, and questions about our practice as a way of checking in and supporting each other in Practice. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional home practice, or no home practice at all. 

(3) WSDC March 2026 Retreat with Vance Pryor–WAITING LIST
The Winston-Salem Dharma Community invites you to join us for another retreat at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. The retreat, from March 26-30, 2026, is entitled Seeing Clearly: The Four Noble Truths, with Vance Pryor returning as our teacher. Vance first taught us in 2024, to rave reviews. We are thrilled to have him back! You can listen to his talk, The Paramis — Ethics/Virtue, at this link. THE RETREAT IS NOW FULL, BUT YOU CAN ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST IN CASE SOME HAVE TO CANCEL THEIR REGISTRATION. YOU MAY ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST AT THIS LINK.

(4) Resource for Past Talks
On the WSDC website, we post many previous Dharma talks to listen to as you would a podcast. Here is the LINK to that page. 

(5) WSDC Retreat Schedule UPDATE! (2026-29)
The Winston-Salem Dharma Community will continue to host periodic retreats for members and non-members alike. Here is a preliminary list of retreats planned for 2026 through 2029. We will provide additional details and registration schedules as these dates approach. But for now, you can “pencil them in” if interested. All of these retreats will take place at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC.

• March 26-30, 2026 (four nights)–Vance Pryor, teacher..
• October 4-9, 2026 (five nights)–Winnie Nazarko, teacher.
• February 21-25, 2027 (four nights)–Matthew Brensilver, teacher
• October 5-10, 2027 (five nights)–Teacher TBA
• January 30 -February 3, 2028 (four nights)–Teacher TBA
• January 10-14, 2029 (four nights)–Matthew Brensilver, Teacher