Newcomers

UPDATED COVID PRECAUTIONS: Masks are now optional at the Center. We are no longer requiring vaccination for Center visitors. We will continue to use the HEPA filter and open windows, weather permitting.

Whether you are a beginner in meditation practice or a visitor, the Yellow Springs Dharma Center welcomes you. A good place to start is with our Orientation on the second and fourth Monday nights of the month at 7:45 p.m. This provides an introduction to the center and to basic meditation practice, the most universal Buddhist practice.

A good follow-up to the Orientation is to attend one of our Introduction to Meditation Classes which are led by senior students in the three traditions of our center: Vipassana, Zen and Vajrayana. Check the calendar for times.

If you would like to begin or end your day with silent meditation, the center offers 40 minutes of silent meditation at 8:00 AM, Mon – Fri,  and a 30 minute silent meditation at  7:00 PM., Mon – Thurs.

Newcomers often enjoy attending our occasional book discussion group which meets on Thursday nights. The group selects books from various Buddhist traditions.  Check the calendar for the current discussion.

Newcomers and beginners are always welcome to the practice groups at the center:
Zen Saturdays at 7:30 a.m [please e-mail zen@ysdharma.org for an orientation to our Zen practice], Vipassana Sundays at 8 a.m. and Vajrayana practice 2nd and 4th Sundays at 11:00 as well as other times posted on the calendar. See Our Traditions section for more information.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our Center.

You can download a membership form here:  YSDCmemform