Our First Overnight Retreat
WBS retreatants came together for this photo after our first overnight retreat. The retreat was held at the historic Richmond Hill retreat center in Richmond. The retreat included a meaningful dharma talk and discussion with Marjolein Janssen of the Richmond Insight Meditation Community.
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 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 at 7:00 pm
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 at 7:00 pm
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. Our next book will be “Open Heart, Open Mind” by Tsoknyi Rinpoche. 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. We begin at 10:00 am.
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. We begin at 8:00 am.
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. We begin at 8:30 am.
See the Meditation Groups page for schedules, locations, and other information.
Monday evening Yoga before meditation
Led by Shomer Zwelling
We are now offering yoga immediately prior to the Monday Night Meditation Group – 45 minutes of Gentle Yin/Restorative Yoga from 6:00 to 6:45 pm
For more information, see our Meditation Groups page:
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