Tuesday, June 9, 2026

With Vacchagotta on Fire Sutta (Jim Garrido) One of the most intriguing dialogues in the Pali Canon, “With Vacchagotta on Fire” (MN 72), records an exchange between the Buddha and the wandering ascetic Vacchagotta, who presses a series of profound questions about existence, non-existence, and what happens to an awakened person after death. The Buddha’s refusals to answer have puzzled readers for centuries. Why does the Buddha decline to affirm or deny these questions? What assumptions lie behind Vacchagotta’s inquiries, and why might those assumptions themselves be the problem? In this talk, Jim Garrido will explore how this often-misunderstood sutta points beyond ordinary habits of conceptual thinking and invites a radically different way of understanding reality, selfhood, and liberation. Whether you are new to Buddhist teachings or have studied them for years, this discussion offers an opportunity to engage one of the tradition’s most subtle and thought-provoking texts.

Upcoming Schedule
June 16: Words to Support Us on the Path (Mary Beth Blackwell-Chapman)
June 23: My Path to Practice (Tom Patterson)
June 30: Mountains & Rivers (Jim Garrido)
July 7: On the Buddhist Tradition of Dana/generosity (Amanda Expinoza)
July 14: Dharma & Recovery (Bosco Farr)
July 21: The Bodhisattva Ideal and Why it Matters (Jay Ford)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) The Monthly Practice Discussion Group
On the last Tuesday of each month, we host a peer-led Practice Discussion Group where members can share their experiences with Practice. The next meeting is scheduled for June 30th. We share joys, frustrations, and questions about our practice to check in and support each other. All are welcome, whether they have a dedicated home practice, an occasional one, or none at all.  

(2) Walking Meditation in Miller Park–Fridays at 10:30 AM
Bosco will also be leading a walking meditation practice at Miller Park in Winston-Salem (600 Bellview) on Fridays at 10:30 AM. Bosco will arrive at 10:15 and start a normal-paced mindful walk at 10:30 for 30 minutes. Anyone is welcome to join. For further information, contact Bosco via email at devonmfarr@gmail.com.

(3) WSDC Retreat Schedule (2026-29) [revised 5-1-2026)
The Winston-Salem Dharma Community will continue to host periodic retreats for members and non-members alike. Here is a preliminary list of retreats planned for 2026 and 2027. We will provide additional details and registration schedules as these dates approach. But for now, you can “pencil them in” if interested. All of these retreats will take place at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC.

• October 4-9, 2026 (five nights)–Winnie Nazarko, Teacher. REGISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT FORTHCOMING SOON!
• February 21-25, 2027 (four nights)–Matthew Brensilver, Teacher
• November 1-5, 2028 (four nights)–Mia Monos, Teacher
• January 10-14, 2029 (four nights)–Matthew Brensilver, Teacher

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SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND LINKS TO PAST TALKS & HANDOUTS   (http://wsdharmacommunity.org/)

In addition to general information about our group, the website offers an easy-to-reference calendar, event listings, online resources, contact information, and an easy way to sign up for this weekly newsletter. Feel free to share this link with friends or anyone interested in learning more about meditation or Buddhism.