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Sangha Gatherings

In our monthly Sangha gatherings, what we call One Community, we come together as a community to deepen our understanding of the Dharma and connect with our fellow Sangha members. Each gathering is facilitated by a different Namchak teacher, thought leader, or staff member and will revolve around a particular Buddhist topic. 

These Sangha gatherings are two hours in total. The first half consists of a Dharma talk, and the second half offers an opportunity for participants to reflect on the teachings through small group discussions in short break-out sessions. These group discussions will be followed by a Q&A session with the teacher.

Participation in small group discussions is encouraged but not required. You can always sit these out! We encourage Learning Circles and meditation buddies to attend together. Inviting friends, partners, family members, neighbors, and co-workers is always welcome.

Lama Tsomo together in Sangha

What You’ll Learn

Students will learn Tibetan Buddhist practices and concepts that can applied on and off the cushion. These Dharma talks focus on the triple gem, Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. After each event, students will receive a recording of the teaching, along with key moments, takeaways, supportive readings, reflection questions, practices, and more. We encourage you to apply the teachings to your own life. As Lama Tsomo reminds us, “Inner work goes hand-in-hand with outer work to create something powerful that can manifest in the world.”

What You’ll Gain

  • Clarity around Tibetan Buddhist concepts and teachings
  • Time to connect with other practitioners from around the world
  • Time for Q&A to help deepen your understanding of Buddhist topics and teachings
  • Resources to help support your meditation practice and journey with the Dharma
  • Motivation for your practice and community support 
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Who should attend?

Everyone is welcome! Our One Community Dharma talk event is free and open to the public; you do not need to be in a Learning Circle or have a mediation buddy to join. If you’re interested in Buddhism, connecting in Sangha or community, or would like to learn more about the Dharma, these monthly talks are perfect for you!

Details + Logistics

  • Our One Community Dharma talk is on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm MT/MST
  • Attend in-person in Missoula, MT or online via Zoom
  • Students will receive the teachings and practice resources for that session the next day via email
  • You can sign up to receive updates for the One Community Dharma Talks below!

What is a Dharma Talk?

A Dharma talk is an opportunity to learn concepts and teachings central to Buddhism. Namchak teachers prepare discourses that provide an opportunity to help us deepen our innate wisdom and cultivate more compassion, kindness, perspective, and right understanding.

Will there be time for meditation?

These monthly events are centered around Dharma teachings and community discourse. Therefore, we do not meditate together during these events. If you would like to meditate with others, you can explore our free Morning Meditations that are hosted Monday through Friday from 10 to 10:20 am MDT. Learn more.

How Can I Register?

Our free One Community event is offered at the beginning of each month. Interested in joining us? Sign up below to receive updates about this monthly Sangha gathering.

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Topics We've Covered

Topics We’ve Covered

  • Bodhicitta relative, ultimate/aspirational and Engaged Bodhicitta.
  • The Paramita of Generosity – Letting Go, and the power of releasing attachment.
  • The Paramita of Discipline – avoiding negativity, gathering virtue, and working for the welfare of beings.
  • The Paramita of Patience – Keeping the Peace (an undisturbed mind).
  • The Two Truths: UnderstandingConventional and Ultimate Reality –Part One
  • The Two Truths: UnderstandingConventional and Ultimate Reality –Part Two
  • Hearing, Contemplation, and Meditation– Methods for Studying Dharma
  • The Sixth Paramita of Wisdom. Knowing things for what they are, discernment, ultimate (sublime) intelligence, as it is (seeing reality) and the topic of emptiness.
  • Ngöndro and the Tantric Path
  • The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind
  • Sixteen Reasons You Think You Don’t Have Time to Practice According to Tibetan Buddhism
  • Your Guide to Personal Retreat

You can explore our previous One Community Dharma talks on our YouTube Channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are these events online or in-person?
    Our One Community events will always be available online, with the option of being in-person in Missoula, Montana on occasion. Our Dharma talks will be made available online after the teaching.  
  • I am totally new to meditation, is this event for me?
    Absolutely! Our One Community events are oriented at making the Dharma accessible to all. Our teachers do their best to provide context, reference points, and stories that are easy to understand and approachable. If you are new to meditation, we encourage you to learn more about our Introduction to Meditation program or try one of our free eCourses. 
  • I’ve meditated before, is this event for me?
    Yes, of course! These events intend to convey Tibetan Buddhist insights and wisdom to Westerners. They offer a chance to learn concepts that we can apply to our lives to live with more happiness and presence. 
  • Who is Namchak? We are a Tibetan Buddhist organization that works to preserve and share the teachings of the Namchak lineage. Our mission is to help Westerners learn and develop a meditation practice to embody more compassion and wisdom.  
  • I signed up for the One Community and can no longer attend. Now what?
    No problem! You will still receive the post-teaching email with all of the resources from the event. This email will also include a link to a recording of the teaching. 
  • Who leads these events?
    A Namchak teacher or guest speaker will lead the Dharma portion of the event. The second half of the evening will be led by Namchak staff. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the event.
  • How much is the registration for the One Community gathering? 
    Our One Community gatherings are absolutely free! You can sign up to receive event updates using our interest form or browse our upcoming events to find more details about next month’s gathering. 

What People Are Saying

I most enjoyed the feelings of warmth, sincerity, patience, generosity, loving kindness, and insight into the teachings that came through from all of you. I quickly felt safe and at home and in the company of people who could share meaningful insights and support – and the joy of that! Very good feeling. Thank you all!
– Hannah

Thank you so much for offering this, I’ve attended two sangha gatherings with Namchak, and I always walk away with new skills and a feeling of gratitude.
– Patti

I am deeply grateful for all that Namchak offers to spiritual seekers. I’m so glad I found you!
– Julie

Sangha is Namchak! Let’s dive deeper into the Ocean of Oneness.
– Lori

I am grateful for finding a community that embraces me in all my human complexity. For the chance to connect with others who ponder over the “big” questions: about life, nature, the mind, the self, and the universe. For the feeling of being “at home” that comes with such shared vulnerability and mutual compassion.
– Wyn