Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026

Questions We Carry: An Open Sangha Q&A What questions have been arising in your practice? Is there a Buddhist teaching you find puzzling, challenging, or difficult to put into practice? Something about Buddhist history or the different traditions that you’ve always wondered about? Or perhaps a question raised by one of our recent talks that has stayed with you. For this special gathering, we’ll set aside our usual talk or reflection and devote the evening to your questions. Members of the Steering Committee will respond where they can—not necessarily with definitive answers, but by sharing what the Buddhist traditions, their own study, and their practice might bring to the question. And we hope the conversation itself will invite insights from others in the room. Big questions, small questions, practical questions, and perplexing ones are all welcome. Questions may be submitted in advance by email, through a shared Google Doc. Big questions, small questions, practical questions, and perplexing ones are all welcome.

Upcoming Schedule
Sept. 15: Applying Not-Self to Difficult Emotions & Patterns (Tess Wise)
Sept. 22: On Dukkha–continuing series (Joan Wilkins)
Sept. 29: Tricycle’s Daily Dharma (Karen Garrido)
Oct. 6: Mindfulness in Nature (Marc Farrow)
Oct. 13: Group presentation on WSDC Nazarko Retreat 
Oct. 20: Emptiness Series-Introduction (Jay Ford)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) WSDC Insight Meditation Retreat with Matthew Brensilver (Feb. 21-25, 2027)–REGISTRATION OPEN
We are delighted to welcome back Matthew Brensilver following his deeply appreciated inaugural retreat with us. Matthew serves on the boards of directors for both Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Insight Retreat Center, where he also teaches. He has lectured at UCLA Mindfulness Center on the intersection of mindfulness, science, and psychotherapy, and conducted research at the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine. He leads online sessions most Wednesdays—learn more about his weekly classes and background here.
The theme of the retreat: The Necessity of Kindness on the Path of Insight. 
Location: St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, North Carolina
Details and Registration
     Click HERE for further details
     Click  HERE to register.
The retreat is close to full, but you can add your name to the waiting list at any time. Note also that we strive to make retreats as accessible as possible to everyone. Contact us if finances are a burden in any way at wsdharmacommunity@gmail.com. We will try our best to make this retreat financially accessible to you.

(2) The Monthly Practice Discussion Group
On the last Tuesday of each month, we host a peer-led Practice Discussion Group where members can share their experiences with Practice. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 29. We share joys, frustrations, and questions about our practice to check in and support each other. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none at all. 

(3) Walking Meditation in Miller Park–Suspended
Due to the ongoing oppressive heat, walking meditation in Miller Park will be suspended until further notice. 

(4) WSDC Retreat Schedule (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.

• October 4-9, 2026 (five nights)–Winnie Nazarko, Teacher. REGISTRATION CLOSED.
• February 21-25, 2027 (four nights)–Matthew Brensilver, Teacher. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
• November 1-5, 2028 (four nights)–Mia Monos, Teacher
• 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 interested in learning more about meditation or Buddhism.