IMCC members with an established meditation practice or who have completed an introductory meditation course can apply to join a Spiritual Friends or Kalyana Mitta (KM) group. KM groups are gatherings of "spiritual friends" who support one other’s study of the dharma and its application to everyday life through meditation and dialogue with an emphasis on mindful listening and speaking. Groups may general or have an organizing theme such as Buddhist book study, age demographic, or the environment, for example. Groups meet on a regular basis (once or twice a month). Members commit to regular attendance and participation in their groups. Meetings often begin with a period of silent meditation followed by a "check-in." Most groups offer an opportunity to further discuss topics and themes raised during check-in. Our guidelines and mindful sharing etiquette provide an overview of how to start a group and what to expect. To Apply to Join a Spiritual Friends or KM Group -- or Discuss Creating a New One:If you’re interested in joining an existing group or creating a new one, please email opsdirector@imeditation.org. In this recording IMCC teacher Susan Stone speaks with members about their experiences being in Spiritual Friends groups. | Admirable friendship
"These four, young householder, should be understood as warm-hearted friends: he who is a helpmate, he who is the same in happiness and sorrow, he who gives good counsel, he who sympathises...
–DN31 |