PRACTICE GROUPS ARE 9 MONTH IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS TO DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE
Practice groups are offered as a way to deepen sangha connection with meditation practice while studying with other dedicated practitioners. Groups meet monthly, October through June. Group members commit to daily meditation, as well as readings and contemplations, to build a reliable meditation practice. Joining a practice group is a great way to create space for regular practice and to connect with a community of practitioners.
TRANQUILITY PRACTICE (October 2026–June 2027)
Registration for the 2026 - 2027 now open!
Tranquility Practice Group focuses on foundational meditation theory and practice but is open to anyone who is interested in being part of a group to help support and inspire their ongoing meditation practice. We will work with variations of calm abiding meditation to increase awareness, wisdom, and compassion and our relationship to our heart/mind. Practitioners of all levels are welcome to join and this is a wonderful entry point for folks new to Tibetan Buddhism.
We will explore meditation through group and home practice, discussion, and by reading Mingyur Rinpoche’s book, Joy of Living: Unlocking the secret and science of happiness, available at the KSC bookstore.
Monthly sessions will be guided by Sue Kretschmann. Sue has been studying and practicing at KSC since 2009. As a student, she is devoted to the teachings and our Lamas. Her key practices are Calm Abiding and Tonglen. Sue is an enthusiastic student and enjoys reading and discussing dharma commentaries.
No prerequisites for this group.
The group meets for monthly sessions on Sundays, beginning October 11th and concluding in June. The group will meet at KSC in-person.
Base Tuition: $165 (KSC’s cost to offer this program)
Sponsor Tuition: $200 (Allows KSC to offer a reduced price level to those on a limited income)
Reduced Tuition: $125 (For those on a limited income)
Payment plans available; contact the office at: office@kscashland.org
INSIGHT I & II PRACTICE GROUPS
(OCTOBER 2026 – JUNE 2027
Registration for the 2026 - 2027 now open!
The Insight and Awareness Practice Groups works with the Calm Abiding meditation, but take it a step further with contemplating and exploring the mind. Open to new and returning members at the October meeting. Books for this group will be announced (available in the KSC Bookstore).
Prerequisites for Insight I: Tranquility Group membership of 2+ years or equivalent experience, and the lama’s permission is required.
Prerequisites for Insight II: Insight I Practice Group membership of 2+ years or equivalent experience, and the lama’s permission is required.
Permission of Lama Pema is required to attend either Insight group. Please contact her at lamas@kscashland.org.
Base Tuition: $165 (KSC’s cost to offer this program)
Sponsor Tuition: $200 (Allows KSC to offer a reduced price level to those on a limited income)
Reduced Tuition: $125 (For those on a limited income)
Payment plans available; contact the office at: office@kscashland.org
JOYFUL EFFORT PRACTICE GROUP
(October 2026 - June 2027)
Registration for the 2026 - 2027 now open!
Joyful Effort Practice Group focuses on the Ngöndro or Preliminaries meditations. This series of Vajrayana (visualization*) practices prepares the mind to receive and integrate Mahamudra teachings, by deepening our connection to the resources of the path, clearing our mind of negativity, strengthening our natural generosity, and creating a strong bond with our teachers.
During this group, we will focus on each of the four practices, for two months at a time. At the first meeting, the instructions for the first chapter, Refuge and Bodhicitta, will be given. Registration is required, and the text will be needed for the first meeting (available in the KSC Bookstore).
No prerequisites for this group.
*For further information about the Tibetan Buddhist style of meditation called “visualization,” please read the following teaching:
Base Tuition: $165 (KSC’s cost to offer this program)
Sponsor Tuition: $200 (Allows KSC to offer a reduced price level to those on a limited income)
Reduced Tuition: $125 (For those on a limited income)
Payment plans available; contact the office at: office@kscashland.org
