HOME GROUPS

Year to Live Dharma Buddies

The Buddha spoke of the value of Kalayana Mitta, or spiritual friendship. Having wise friends with whom to discuss Dharma practice supports and deepens our understanding.

Having Dharma Buddies is helpful in keeping the Dharma topic, A Year to Live, in our awareness. Also, checking in with one another supports us with keeping ourselves accountable to our commitments. Below we give you some Home Group Dharma Buddies Guidelines, creating a container where you can explore the monthly Reflections and Explorations together. You are finding how to support one another in this process.

You may wish to keep a list of questions that come up for you and bring them to your group, the Year to Live class or submit them on the Resource Page under QUESTIONS .

HOME GROUP DHARMA BUDDIES GUIDELINES

• Support one another by keeping the focus on the Dharma topic
  There are monthly reflections to explore. They will be posted on the Resource Page .

• Honor time commitments
  Setting a timer for allotted times can be useful. There are some great apps for phones such as Insight Timer.
  It can be wise to allow for some flexibility, but it is important to value and honor each other’s time.

• Share time equally
  It is important to equally be seen and heard. Staying with equal set sharing times can build a sense of balance and harmony. If you both agree, you can set time for a back and forth discussion, but remember to honor the sharing of this time.

• Speaking the Truth
  As much as possible be present in the body. Remembering to pause, taking a breath or two before you speak can be helpful.
  Share truthfully what you feel comfortable sharing.
  Allow yourself to be surprised and curious in your exploration.

• Deep listening
  As a Dharma Buddy we are invited to hold the space and listen deeply to the other person so that they may hear themselves. We are creating space for their own investigation.
  As much as possible be present in the body. You may watch the energy arise to speak. Can you let that go, let it be, and be present for the other person.
  Only engage in cross talk when that has been agreed upon, ordinarily after both have shared.

• Trusting the process of the practice and the unfolding wisdom
  Allow space for silence
  Not having answers is part of the exploration
  There may be an urge to fix or offer solutions. Is it possible hold that sacred space for learning and remain silent, trusting their process?
  You are invited to create a list of questions to bring to the discussion group.

• Confidentiality
  You are creating a safe container for one another and respecting each other’s privacy.