The Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha (WBS) Provides
- Five Meditation or study groups every week.
- Special events, such as mini-retreats for meditation practice, guest teachers, etc.
- Periodic 6-8 week classes on aspects of Buddhism, Buddhist practice, and/or Mindfulness.
- Outreach to the local community, including giving talks.
- Social opportunities, such as a Sangha-wide potluck.
What to Expect at the WBS
All are welcome to our Meditation groups. No prior training or knowledge is needed. Even with the book group, there is no need to have read the book because we read it during group. There is nothing you need to bring. We typically sit in chairs (except for walking meditation), but you can bring a cushion and sit on the floor if you prefer. There is no cost for any of our groups or events, although we do accept donations.
Monday evenings
Rotating group leaders
At the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist Church
We typically introduce ourselves, have a settling-in meditation for about 5 minutes, one of our leaders gives a talk/discussion for about 20 minutes and then we meditate for another 20 mins. We typically sit in chairs, but occasionally participants us a mat/cushion to sit on the floor. In person and on Zoom.
Wednesday evenings
Rotating group leaders
At the Wesley Foundation
We typically introduce ourselves, have a settling-in meditation for about 5 minutes, one of our leaders gives a talk/discussion for about 20 minutes and then we meditate for another 20 mins. Sit in the provided chairs or bring a cushion. In person.
Thursday mornings
Led by Ben Thacker-Gwaltney
Thursday morning group reads/studies a book or a topic. Currently we are studying the “37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” by Tokme Zangpo. We typically introduce ourselves, have a settling-in meditation for about 5 minutes, discuss the book for about 20 minutes and then we meditate for another 20 mins. Zoom only.
Friday mornings
Led by John Chowning and Doug Austin
A small group gathers on Zoom to meditate. A leader presents a topic or a reading and then we meditate for about 20 minutes.
Saturday morning walking meditation
Led by Darrell Key
The group meets at the walking path behind Clara Byrd Elementary School and does walking meditation for about a half an hour. Brief discussion.
See the Meditation Groups page for schedules, locations, and other information.
Nicki and Cary Peet
Nicki Peet is a founding member of the Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha and was a long time teacher. Nicki and her husband, Cary, are facing a health crisis. Knowing many of our members know and care about Nicki and Cary, we wanted to share this information:
Recently, Nicki has had open heart surgery, and Cary has been diagnosed with an incurable blood disease. Cary is at home with hospice care.
Their expenses continue to mount. You can make a donation directly to them through their GoFundme page. The GoFundme account was created last winter. Their situation has grown more serious since then. You can access the GoFundme page by clicking >>HERE<<.
The Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists have set up a “Mealtrain”, through which you can sign up to bring the Peet family a meal. You can access it by clicking >>HERE<<.
A “Caring Bridge” site has also been set up for Cary. It has updates about their situations and more information about how to help them in this time of need. You can access the Caring Bridge site by clicking >>HERE<<.
If you have questions, email us and we will try to answer them Contact@