https://www.wsdharmacommunity.org/

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

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].

02/23/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues Feb 24 630PM

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

"Daily Dharma" Reflections with Karen Garrido
Tricycle magazine offers a "Daily Dharma" app that features short, inspirational quotes and articles from leading Buddhist teachers and writers each day. This week, Karen Garrido will share a collection of her favorites for reflection along with a guided meditation.

WSDC Retreat Schedule UPDATE! (2026-29): 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.

Schedule (Tues., Feb. 24)
5:30PM -6:15PM Practice Discussion (Optional)
6:30-6:35: Announcements
6:35-7:05: Sitting Meditation
7:05-7:15: Walking Meditation
7:15-8:00: Tricycle's "Daily Dharma" (Karen Garrido)

Upcoming Schedule
March 3: On the Simile of the Heartwood Sutta (Jim Garrido)
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
The Monthly Practice Discussion Group will meet this week before our regular meeting (February 24, 5:30pm) The last Tuesday of each month, we 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 to check in and support each other in Practice. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none 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].

02/08/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues Feb 10th 630PM to 8PM
The Shepherd’s Center 1700 Ebert St, WS, NC 27103

On Spiritual Friendship w/ Amanda Espinoza

What does “spiritual friendship” mean from the perspective of the Buddhist tradition, and how is it cultivated in practice? This week, Amanda Espinoza will explore the Buddhist literary tradition, insights from contemporary teachers, and her own reflections on spiritual friendship—especially why it is such a vital dimension of the path. Amanda will draw in particular from two early Buddhist discourses—the Upaddha Sutta (SN 45.2) and the Mitta Sutta (AN 7.35)—which highlight the central role of wise and caring companions in the life of practice. For those interested, here is a LINK to a short collection of excerpts on “admirable friendship” (kalyāṇamittatā), which Amanda will also touch on.

Upcoming Schedule
February 17: Handshake Practice (Joanna Kelly)
February 24: Tricycle's Daily Dharma (Karen Garrido)
March 3: On the Simile of the Heartwood Sutta (Jim Garrido)
March 10: On Dukkha, Pt. I (Joan Wilkins)
March 17: On Dukkha, Pt. II (Joan Wilkins)
March 24: Lojong ("Cultivating the mind") (Wendy Farrow)

Announcements

Just 3 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, three 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.

The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (next gathering February 24, 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.

Half-day Retreat--Saturday, Feb 21st.
The Sangha will host a half-day meditation retreat on Saturday, January 24th, 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 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].

01/19/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues Jan 20th 630PM to 8PM

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

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)

Half-day Retreat--Saturday, January 24
The Sangha will host a half-day meditation retreat on Saturday, January 24th, 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 Part--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 Shelter 1 across from the park parking lot at Westover and Bellview 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].

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.

01/12/2026

Winston-Salem Dharma Community Tues. Jan 13th, 630PM

1700 Ebert St, WSNC 27103

Buddhism & Reality--Part I of a Two-Part Series w/ Jay Ford
This week, Jay Ford will offer the first of a two-part series on "Buddhism and Reality." Jay will explore how Buddhism understands the nature of reality and why this matters for everyday life. Drawing on core teachings--impermanence, dependent origination, not-self, and emptiness--the series aims to show how these are not isolated doctrines but interconnected ways of seeing experience more clearly. The first talk focuses on impermanence and dependent origination, highlighting the idea that change itself is not the problem; suffering arises from how we respond to it. By learning to notice the patterns through which experiences and reactions arise, we begin to develop greater clarity, resilience, and compassion in daily life.

Upcoming Schedule
January 20: Buddhism & Reality, Part II (Jay Ford)
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)

Half-day Retreat--Saturday, January 24
The Sangha will host a half-day meditation retreat on Saturday, January 24th, 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 [email protected]

Walking Meditation in Miller Part--Fridays at Noon Start at Shelter #1.
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 [email protected]

The Monthly Practice Discussion Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (next gathering January 26, 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.

Winston-Salem Dharma Community

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