The current January 2010 Newsletter and Calendar of Events detail current scheuled meditations and activities of the Durango Sangha.

Family Program

The Durango Dharma Center Family Program has been created to serve as a resource to families who wish to practice mindfulness and compassion in everyday life. The program offers curriculum-based dharma teachings for children ages 5 to 10 years, as well as providing an opportunity for parents to develop a supportive spritual community for themselves and their children. See "Calendar of Events for date/time specifics"

We will meet on the third Saturday of the month (January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17 and May 15) 4:30 p.m. Riverhouse Children's Center, 495 Animas Veiw Drive in Durango. When we gather at 4:30 we join for a family activity focusing on the children's lesson for the day. We then adjourn to our respective groups for a 45-minute mindfulness activity.

We offer:

• free babysitting (in a fun-filled room) for younger children
• dharma teaching to children 5 to 10 years of age
• dharma teachng and guided meditation for adults

Following our session we gather again as one group for a vegetarian potluck.

The Durango Dharma Center Community Dharma Leadership Council provides leadership for the parents' group. Judy Austin, volunteer teacher, uses music, movement, stories, art activities, and games for children as well as age-appropriate meditation for children.

The DDC Family Program is not a drop-in event; we require every child present to be accompanied by at least one adult who will also stay for the parents' session.

For information please contact Bonnie Gnehm at bonniebliss@mac.com or at 970-259-3898.

Look for these offerings this Winter

Beginning Meditation Classes :

The Durango Dharma Center will be offering Beginning Meditation Classes lead by Katherine Barr, Community Dharma Leader. Classes will be THURSDAYS, JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 18, 2010, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Durango Dharma Center, 2530 Colorado Avenue, Suite IB, Durango, CO. This 6-week class is particularly suitable for all those who are new to and curious about Buddhist meditation. Everyone is welcome (experienced meditation practitioners too). Please come join us for this user-friendly introduction to meditation. There is no cost for these classes; participants will have an opportunity to practice generosity for teachings (dana). For information contact Katherine Barr at (970) 382-0338 or at katgb@frontier.net.

Essential Dharma Classes :

The Durango Dharma Center is pleased to announce the second year of the Essential Dharma Series beginning in February 2010. Registration Form.

Sitting Group for the Next Generation:

A monthly sitting, teaching, and discussion group for people 18-31 years of age led by Erin Treat, Community Dharma Leader. This group is designed to create sangha and to offer support for the practices of young adults within our community. Each month we will come together for a sitting and a brief dharma talk followed by discussion and community-building practices. All are welcome to join, including those new to meditation. If you are intersted in attending or would like more information contact Erin Treat Phone: 970-769-1604. See "Calendar" link for date/time.
treaterin@gmail.com

Current Talk Schedule

For our current meditation schedule please see "Calendar of Events" link on this page.

Our Monday night meditation is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and includes a dharma talk as scheduled below

Interviews Available with Community Dharma Leaders

Community Dharma Leaders (CDLs)offer interviews for those wishing to discuss their meditation practice. This is a dana-based offering by our teachers.

Bill Ball
Phone: 970-382-0398
william.p.ball@gmail.com

Katherine Barr
Phone: 970-382-0338
katgb@frontier.net

Erin Treat
Phone: 970-769-1604
treaterin@gmail.com

Kalyana Mitta Group

The Community Dharma Leader Council has adapted Spirit Rock's guidelines for forming Kalyana Mitta groups here at the Durango Dharma Center. Kalyana Mitta is a Pali term that means "spiritual friend" and can refer to anyone on the path of Dharma who is a guide, support or merely co-traveler. Kalyana Mitta groups were created at Spirit Rock to serve dharma students interested in having ongong support with their practice. The groups usually have 5-12 members who meet regularly to explore ways to apply the Dharma teachings to life experiencses. Contact the CDLC (see above) for guidance in beginning a Kalyana Mitta group.

Mancos, Colorado

The Mancos Sitting Group meets every other Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Please contact Christy Pollard (970) 749-9130, christypollard@gmail.com for more information about dates and location.