CIMC has been a refuge for silent practice and support to thousands of practitioners over the years. The many practice groups, workshops, retreats, and affinity groups offered to create a thriving, busy dharma center. Yet, seeking a balance between providing a space for silent practice and providing space for “talking” activities that build community and connection has always been challenging.
Comprised of meditators who want to practice together in the Vipassana style, these spiritual friendship groups can be valuable for supporting our practices.
One form that has evolved for enriching individual practice and building a community of like-minded meditators is to form small groups that meet regularly outside of the Center, usually in each other’s homes or online.
Many have formed over the past 30 years, often comprised of friends or acquaintances who met each other in classes at the Center. They may go by different names: practice groups, covenant groups, dharma groups, sanghas. One popular name is a “KM group” which is short for kalyana mitta group. Kalyana Mitta means “spiritual friend” in the Pali language.
Join or form a KM group
This Google Group helps members of the CIMC community to either form a Kalyana Mitta (KM) or spiritual friend group or connect with an ongoing group. CIMC does not organize or endorse particular groups.
Send an email to the google group with your intention to join or form a KM group.
Groups must be self-forming and self-governing with their own processes for resolving conflicts.
Some groups are more peer-led, with the facilitation tasks rotating. Groups might gather once weekly, every two weeks, or once a month. Generally, there will be sitting time initially, followed by personal check-in time. Then, there may be a discussion on a Dharma theme, a book, or a sutta. A commitment to confidentiality is essential. Creating a covenant or agreement for group members is a good idea.
Here is a sample covenant from one sangha that meets locally.
Questions?
A CIMC member volunteer with KM group experience will be happy to speak with you. We hope you’ll create your own KM group and find that it deepens your practice and nurtures the community.