Dharma Sharing

Dharma Sharing Guidelines

    Dharma Discussion (sharing) provides a chance for us to connect, to share our insight and practice experiences, and to    deepen our examination of the teachings as applied in life.  Guidelines are offered so friends may participate comfortably and benefit from the discussions. These are not intended as hard and fast rules.

• This is a chance to practice conscious breathing, deep listening and mindful speech in order to create a calm and receptive environment. 

• If you wish to share, we bow in (or use another gesture, perhaps hand on our heart) and say your name. When finished, offer bowing/gesturing again to let us know you are finished. 

• Enjoy a few conscious breaths between each time someone shares. 

• Be thoughtful of how long you speak because we would like to ensure there is enough time for everyone to share who wants to. Which also means to limit yourself to sharing one time.

• We avoid crosstalk and speak to the entire group using I statements.  

• Share based on your own experiences rather than to explain an abstract idea or academic study topic. 

• Avoid giving advice, even if it is asked for.

• If  we ask a question, it generally will not be directly answered.(Practical questions-such as “Will the Sangha meet on New Years Eve?”--are sometimes the exception and may be answered during the circle or afterwards) 

• Any responses to a question should reflect our own practice experience with the question, not to present possible “solutions” for the questioner. It’s okay to let a question sit.

• Some personal topics are better left to private conversation after sangha.

• Out of respect, everything shared is confidential. Afterwards, we refrain from speaking to a person about what they said in the group without asking for their permission first.

• Sometimes the bell sound is offered to support dharma sharing practice guidelines and to bring us back to the present moment. If  you hear the sound of the bell, please join sangha in quietly taking 3 deep breaths.

June 2026 Update