Tuesday, March 3, 2026
On the Heartwood Sutta with Jim Garrido
As part of our ongoing exploration of the Buddha’s discourses, this week Jim Garrido will reflect on the Greater Discourse on the Simile of the Heartwood (Mahāsāropama Sutta). Using the powerful image of a tree whose true core is easily missed, this text examines the subtle ways practitioners can mistake secondary attainments—such as ethics, concentration, or knowledge—for the final goal, and thus leave the path incomplete. It is a profound teaching on discernment and Ego/Self-based pitfalls, reminding us to look beyond appearances to what is essential. For those who would like to read ahead, Jim will be using Bhikku Bodhi’s translation.
Upcoming Schedule
March 10: On Dukkha, Pt. I (Joan Wilkins)
March 17: On Dukkha, Pt. II (Joan Wilkins)
March 24: Lojong (“Cultivating the mind”) (Wendy Farrow)
March 31: Topic TBA (Tess Wise)
April 7: Mindfulness in Nature (Marc Farrow)
April 14: Sutta Reading (Bosco Farr)
April 21: Tonglen (Wendy Farrow)
April 28: Series on Hindrances–Introduction & “Desire” (Tess Wise)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) a/perture Cinema presents “The Trials of Darryl Hunt.” Wednesday, March 18 (6:00 pm) FREE SCREENING. This feature documentary is about a brutal rape/murder case and a wrongly convicted man, Darryl Hunt, who spent nearly twenty years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Both a social justice story and a personally driven narrative, the film chronicles this capital case from 1984 through 2004. Darryl Hunt’s attorney, Mark Rabil, a longtime member of the WS Dharma Community, will be present for the Q&A following the screening
(2) The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (next gathering March 31, 5:30pm)
On the last Tuesday of each month, we will host a 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.
(2) Walking Meditation in Miller Park–Fridays at Noon
Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (400 Leisure Lane) on Fridays at Noon. Bosco will arrive at 11:45 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at Noon for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at devonmfarr@gmail.com.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 and 2027. 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
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SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND LINKS TO PAST TALKS & HANDOUTS (http://wsdharmacommunity.org/)
In addition to general information about our group, the website offers an easy-to-reference calendar, event listings, online resources, contact information, and an easy way to sign up for this weekly newsletter. Feel free to share this link with friends or anyone who may be interested in learning more about meditation practice or Buddhism.