https://www.wsdharmacommunity.org/

Winston-Salem Dharma Community, 1700 Ebert Street, Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

08/03/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues 8/4 630PM
The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WA NC 27103

The Teaching of Buddha Nature--An Overview
What does it mean to say that all beings possess "Buddha nature"? This influential Mahayana teaching has inspired confidence, compassion, and a radically hopeful understanding of spiritual practice--but it has also generated some controversy along the way. We will trace its textual origins and development from India to Japan, explore why it resonated so deeply across several Buddhist traditions, and consider some ancient and contemporary critiques of the teaching. We'll conclude with exercises for reflection and practice. In next week’s companion talk, Bosco Farr will explore Buddha nature through the lens of many years of Zen practice.

Schedule (Tues., Aug. 4)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Walking Meditation
7:15-8:00: The Teaching of Buddha Nature--An Overview (Jay Ford)

Upcoming Schedule
August 11: On Buddha Nature in the Zen Tradition (Bosco Farr)
August 18: The Amata Sutta (SN 47:41) (Jim Garrido)
August 25: On Anger (Visiting Teacher Jissan Michelle Nicole)
Sept. 1: Teaching Meditation in Law (Mark Rabil)

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 August 25th. 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.

HALF-DAY RETREAT THIS SATURDAY (Auust 15, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) The Sangha will host a half-day meditation retreat on Saturday, August 15, at the Full Life Counseling Center, located at 983 Mar-Don Drive, Winston-Salem. (just off Jonestown Rd. near Highway 421). The retreat will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a brown bag lunch for those who wish to stay. To sign up (required), contact Bosco Farr via email at [email protected].

WS Dharma Community October 2026 Retreat Registration Open
Winnie Nazarko has agreed to come to North Carolina to teach a five-night retreat entitled "Knowing the Moment with Balance" at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. The retreat begins at 5 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026, and ends with lunch on Friday, October 9. Registration is now open. We expect this retreat to fill up quickly.

07/27/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues 7/28 630PM
The Shepherd Center 1700 Ebert St WSNC 27103

Thich Nhat Hanh on Cooling Anger
This week, Wendy Farrow explores Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames, and his compassionate approach to one of our most difficult emotions. Rather than viewing anger as something to suppress or unleash, we will learn to recognize it, hold it with mindfulness, and look deeply into the suffering beneath it. Through meditation, reflection, and practical teachings on mindful breathing, deep listening, loving speech, and compassion, we’ll explore how anger can become a doorway to greater understanding and freedom. Together, we’ll consider what it means to hold our anger like a mother holds a crying baby, and also discover how caring for our own suffering can help us respond to the suffering of others with greater wisdom and compassion.

Schedule (Tues., July 28)
5:30-6:15: Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets (optional)--See details below
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Sitting Meditation
7:15-8:00: Thich Nhat Hanh on Cooling Anger (Wendy Farrow)

Upcoming Schedule
August 4: On Buddha Nature--An Overview (Jay Ford)
August 11: On Buddha Nature in the Zen Tradition (Bosco Farr)
August 18: Pali Sutta Reading (Jim Garrido)

Announcements
The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets this week (June 30) at 5:30 On the last Tuesday of each month, we 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 to check in and support each other. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none at all.

WS Dharma Community October 2026 Retreat Registration Open
Winnie Nazarko has agreed to come to North Carolina to teach a five-night retreat entitled "Knowing the Moment with Balance" at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. The retreat begins at 5 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026, and ends with lunch on Friday, October 9. Registration is now open. We expect this retreat to fill up quickly.

Winnie is a Guiding Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where she teaches at both the Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge and serves as the Board Chair for the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. She started dharma practice, asking, “Why does there have to be suffering in the world?” She teaches to help individuals realize their full potential for clarity, balance, kindness, and wisdom. We are touched (and honored) that Winnie is bringing her wisdom to North Carolina. Winnie’s past teachings can be found on DharmaSeed.

The registration fee includes lodging, meals, and organizing fees. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fee. This five-night retreat offers two types of rooms: single occupancy ($900, with a $450 deposit due upon registration) and double occupancy ($500, with a $250 deposit due upon registration). Scholarships are available. You can learn more about the retreat at this announcement.

07/20/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues July 21 630PM
The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St WS,NC 27103

The Bodhisattva Ideal and Why it Matters
Who, or what, is a bodhisattva? Why did this ideal become so central to Mahayana Buddhism, and what relevance does it have for us today? In this talk, Jay Ford will explore the origins of the bodhisattva path, its relationship to the early Buddhist ideal of the arhat, and how its emphasis on compassion and service continues to inspire Buddhist practice across all traditions.

Schedule (Tues., July 21)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-8:00: The Bodhisattva Ideal (Jay Ford)

Upcoming Schedule
July 28: Thich Nhat Hanh on Anger (Wendy Farrow)
August 4: On Buddha Nature--An Overview (Jay Ford)
August 11: On Buddha Nature in the Zen Tradition (Bosco Farr)

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 July 28th. 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.

WS Dharma Community October 2026 Retreat Registration Open
Winnie Nazarko has agreed to come to North Carolina to teach a five-night retreat entitled "Knowing the Moment with Balance" at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. The retreat begins at 5 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026, and ends with lunch on Friday, October 9. Registration is now open. We expect this retreat to fill up quickly.

Winnie is a Guiding Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, where she teaches at both the Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge and serves as the Board Chair for the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. She started dharma practice, asking, “Why does there have to be suffering in the world?” She teaches to help individuals realize their full potential for clarity, balance, kindness, and wisdom. We are touched (and honored) that Winnie is bringing her wisdom to North Carolina. Winnie’s past teachings can be found on DharmaSeed.

The registration fee includes lodging, meals, and organizing fees. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fee. This five-night retreat offers two types of rooms: single occupancy ($900, with a $450 deposit due upon registration) and double occupancy ($500, with a $250 deposit due upon registration). Scholarships are available. You can learn more about the retreat at this announcement.

Walking Meditation in Miller Park--Fridays at 10:30 AM
Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (600 Bellview) on Fridays at 10:30 AM. Bosco will arrive at 10:15 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at 10:30 for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at [email protected].

07/13/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues July 14 2026 630PM

The Dharma & Recovery
A simple and nonclinical explanation of addiction is suffering with a dependency on substances or behaviors that cause suffering to increase. This dependency makes release from suffering complicated. There are more than a dozen books on Buddhism and Addiction. Bosco Farr will talk about the history of Buddhist Addiction Recovery methods and how they have become a vital path to recovery in the last 20 years. He will also reflect on how these practices have impacted him and how they can be applied in various ways to almost anyone seeking an end to their suffering.

Schedule (Tues., July 14)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Walking Meditation
7:15-8:00: "The Dharma & Recovery" (Bosco Farr)

Upcoming Schedule
July 21: The Bodhisattva Ideal and Why it Matters (Jay Ford)
July 28: Thich Nhat Hanh on Anger (Wendy Farrow)
August 4: On Buddha Nature--An Overview (Jay Ford)
August 11: On Buddha Nature in the Zen Tradition (Bosco Farr)

Announcements:

Half Day Retreat (July 18th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
The Sangha will host a half-day meditation retreat on Saturday, July 18 2026 at the Full Life Counseling Center, located at 983 Mar-Don Drive, Winston-Salem. (just off Jonestown Rd. near Highway 421). The retreat will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a brown bag lunch for those who wish to stay. To sign up (required), contact Bosco Farr via email at [email protected].

Walking Meditation in Miller Park--Fridays at 10:30 AM
Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (600 Bellview) on Fridays at 10:30 AM. Bosco will arrive at 10:15 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at 10:30 for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at [email protected].

05/25/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues May 26, 630PM
The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WS,NC 27103

The Hindrances, Part V: On Doubt
For the final talk in our ongoing series on the Five Hindrances, this week, Bosco Farr will explore the hindrance of doubt (vicikiccha)—not healthy questioning or curiosity, but the kind of uncertainty that clouds the mind, undermines confidence, and keeps us stuck. In Buddhist practice, doubt can manifest as hesitation about the teachings, the path, or our own capacity for awakening. Together, we’ll reflect on how mindfulness and wise investigation can help us meet doubt with clarity rather than fear.

Schedule (Tues., May 26)
5:30-6:15: Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets (optional)--See details below
6:30-6:35: Regular meeting begins with Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Walking Meditation
7:15-8:00: On the Hindrance of Doubt (Bosco Farr)

Upcoming Schedule
June 2: On Dukkha (suffering), Part III (Joan Wilkins)
June 9: Sutta Reading (Jim Garrido)
June 16: Words to Support Us on the Path (Mary Beth Blackwell-Chapman)
June 23: TBA
June 30: Mountains & Rivers (Jim Garrido)

The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets this week (May 26) at 5:30
On the last Tuesday of each month, we 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 to check in and support each other. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none at all.

Walking Meditation in Miller Park--Fridays at 10:30 AM
Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (600 Bellview) on Fridays at 10:30 AM. Bosco will arrive at 10:15 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at 10:30 for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at [email protected].

05/18/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tuesday May 19, 630PM

The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WS, NC 27103

The Hindrances, Part IV: On Restlessness & Worry
As part of our ongoing series on the Five Hindrances, this week, Mark Rabil will explore the hindrance of restlessness and worry (uddhacca-kukkucca)—the agitated, unsettled states of mind that pull us away from presence and peace. In Buddhist teaching, this hindrance can appear as mental busyness, anxiety about the future, replaying the past, or the inability to simply rest in the moment. Together we’ll explore how mindfulness, steadiness, and compassion can help calm the heart and cultivate greater ease amid the turbulence of everyday life.

Schedule (Tues., May 19)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Walking Meditation
7:05-8:00: On the Hindrance of Restlessness & Worry (Mark Rabil)

Upcoming Schedule
May 26: Series on Hindrances--Doubt (Bosco Farr)
June 2: On the Statue of the Buddha (Mark Usher)
June 9: Sutta Reading (Jim Garrido)
June 16: Words to Support Us on the Path (Mary Beth Blackwell-Chapman)

The Shepherd’s Center (http://www.shepherdscenter.org/)
1700 Ebert St, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Announcements
The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (next gathering, May 26) On the last Tuesday of each month, we 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 to check in and support each other. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none at all.

Walking Meditation in Miller Park--Fridays at 10:30am--NOTE CHANGE IN TIME & MEETING ADDRESS !!! Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (600 Bellview) on Fridays at 10:30AM. NOTE: We moved up the time to avoid oppressive heat during the middle of the day. Bosco will arrive at 10:15 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at 10:30 for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at [email protected].

04/27/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues Apr 28 630PM
The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WS,NC 27103

Lojong--The Tibetan Practice of Mind-Training, Part II (Wendy Farrow)
This week, Wendy Farrow will offer Part 2 of our exploration of the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Lojong (“mind training”), focusing on the 7th Slogan: “Sending and taking should be practiced alternately. These two should ride the breath." Wendy will introduce the compassion practice of Tonglen, a meditation that helps us open the heart and respond to suffering with courage and kindness. Tonglen is a practice that offers clear instructions on how to approach situations with an open heart, meet fear and pain with courage, and bring mettā into everyday moments. And don't worry if you missed the first talk.

Reminder: the Monthly Practice Group will meet prior to our regular meeting at 5:30 PM. See details below.

Schedule (Tues., April 28)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-8:00: On the Tibetan Practice of Tonglen (sending & taking)

Announcements
The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets this week at 5:30 PM, prior to our regular meeting. On the last Tuesday of each month, we 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 to check in and support each other. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none at all.
Walking Meditation in Miller Park--Fridays at 10:30am--NOTE CHANGE IN TIME & MEETING ADDRESS !!! Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (600 Bellview) on Fridays at 10:30AM. NOTE: We moved up the time to avoid oppressive heat during the middle of the day. Bosco will arrive at 10:15 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at 10:30 for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at [email protected]

04/06/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues April 7th 630PM
The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WS,NC 27103

Mindfulness in Nature: A Series of Invitations

week, Marc Farrow will lead a series of guided meditations to cultivate our connection with nature. We will meet outside at The Shepherds Center, rain or shine. Please bring a folding chair, comfortable clothing, and practical shoes for outdoor walking in spring weather. Rain gear is recommended in the event of showers. You may want to bring an extra folding chair for anyone who may have forgotten to bring their own.

We will meet outdoors just beyond the picnic shelter at the end of the upper parking lot. This event will not involve hiking, only walking meditation for short distances, standing, and sitting.

Schedule (Tues., April 7)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-8:00: Mindfulness in Nature (Marc Farrow)

Upcoming Schedule
April 14: The Diamond Sutra (Bosco Farr)
April 21: Series on Hindrances--Introduction & "Desire" (Tess Wise)
April 28: On the Tibetan Compassion Practice of Tonglen (sending & taking) (Wendy Farrow)
May 5: Series on Hindrances--Aversion (Amanda Espinoza)
May 12: Series on Hindrances--Sloth/Torpor (Joan Wilkins)
May 19: Series on Hindrances--Restlessness/Worry (Mark Rabil)
May 26: Series on Hindrances--Doubt (Bosco Farr)

Announcements
(1) The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets ton the last Tuesday of each month (next gathering April 28) On the last Tuesday of each month, we 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) Going as a River-- A Day of Practice Together: On Saturday, April 11 (9:00am-2:30pm), the Winston-Salem Community of Mindful Living (affiliated with the Plum Village Tradition) will host a Day of Practice at Parkway United Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, titled "Going as a River, a Day of Practice Together." Organizers will discuss the origins and history of the Plum Village practice and transmit the Five Mindfulness Trainings to anyone who would like to take them or renew their vows. More information and a registration form are located here.
(3) 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 [email protected].

03/22/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues 3/24 630PM
The Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WS NC 27103

Lojong--The Tibetan Practice of Mind-Training (Wendy Farrow)
Drawing on teachings from The Compassion Book: Teachings for Awakening the Heart by Pema Chödrön, this two-part series, offered by Wendy Farrow, explores the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Lojong, or “mind training.” These teachings use short, memorable slogans to help practitioners transform everyday challenges into opportunities for awakening. In Part 1, we will explore several Lojong slogans and how they can help us work with habitual reactions such as irritation, blame, and defensiveness. Part 2 (April 28) will introduce the compassion practice of Tonglen (sending & taking), a meditation that helps us open the heart and respond to suffering with courage and kindness. Together, these teachings offer practical ways to bring wisdom and compassion into the ordinary moments of daily life.

Schedule (Tues., March 24)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:15-8:00: The Tibetan Practice of Lojong (Wendy Farrow)

Upcoming Schedule
March 31: Topic TBA (Tess Wise)
April 7: Mindfulness in Nature (Marc Farrow)
April 14: The Diamond Sutra (Bosco Farr)
April 21: Series on Hindrances--Introduction & "Desire" (Tess Wise)
April 28: On the Tibetan Compassion Practice of Tonglen (sending & taking) (Wendy Farrow)

Announcements
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.
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 [email protected].

03/01/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues Mar 3 630PM
Shepherd's Center 1700 Ebert St. WS NC 27103

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.

Schedule (Tues., March 3)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Walking Meditation
7:15-8:00: On the Heartwood Sutta (Jim Garrido)

WSDC Retreat Schedule UPDATE! (2026): 2 Spots Remaining! March Retreat with Vance Pryor
The Winston-Salem Dharma Community is honored to welcome back Vance Pryor for our upcoming retreat, Seeing Clearly: The Four Noble Truths. After his 2024 visit received rave reviews, we are thrilled to have him guide us once again. The retreat is at the serene St. Francis Springs Prayer Center from March 26–30, 2026. Due to a few recent cancellations, two spots have just opened up. If you’ve been considering joining us, now is the perfect time. Please complete this form as soon as possible, and we will be in touch shortly to confirm your registration.

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)

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 [email protected].

Half-day Retreat- 3/21/2026
The Sangha will host a half-day meditation retreat on Saturday, March 21st at the Full Life Counseling Center, located at 983 Mar-Don Drive, Winston-Salem. (just off Jonestown Rd. near Highway 421). The retreat will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a brown bag lunch for those who wish to stay. To sign up (required), contact Bosco Farr via email at [email protected].

Winston-Salem Dharma Community

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