Mission | Governance | Committees | Schedule | Bylaws/Articles

Mission

The Washington Mindfulness Community, formed in 1989, is composed of men and women inspired by the teachings of Buddhism and of Thich Nhat Hanh, a contemporary Vietnamese Zen Master, peace activist and writer.

The mission of the Community is to nurture mindfulness, love, and understanding among those who participate in its activities and in the larger society.

Members come together to meditate, to deepen their understanding of the practice of mindfulness, to encourage and inspire each other through dharma discussions and mindful actions, to support each other through difficult times, and to celebrate the joys and wonders of life.

Recognizing that each person's peace and happiness are interwoven with the peace and happiness of others, the Washington Mindfulness Community offers activities that welcome the children, families, and companions of members. The community also organizes retreats, lectures, and other public events; supports communities and causes in accord with the Community's mission; and works with groups that relieve suffering through compassionate actions.

The WMC is now incorporated as a Maryland non-profit religious institution, and all gifts are tax-deductible. The governing structure of the community includes a Practice Council, which makes decisions impacting community mindfulness practices and community life, and a Board of Directors.

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Governance

The WMC has a Board of Trustees and a Practice Council, two entities which make day-to-day decisions affecting the community.

The Board of Trustees manages the business and affairs of the WMC. In making major decisions, the Board of Trustees consults with and receives input from the larger community. The Board of Trustees grounds all of its decisions on the wishes and needs of the whole membership of the congregation of the WMC. As the elected representatives of the community as a whole, the Trustees are entrusted by the community with holding the well-being of the community in their heart and with embodying in their actions the needs of the community as a whole.

The Practice Council oversees the spiritual life of the community and supports the mindfulness practice of community members. The Practice Council looks for guidance from the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and from Dharma teachers from his tradition. Before making substantive changes to established practices, the Practice Council will consult with and receive input from the larger community.

Community Gatherings

Four times per year, the WMC holds meetings of the congregation, called Community Gatherings. During these gatherings, Committee Coordinators report to the congregation about ongoing committee work and gather feedback on questions their committees are considering.

Besides Community Gatherings, the community newsletter, Sangha Reflections, and the community email announcement list, are also used to solicit feedback for proposals and ideas raised by the Board of Trustees and Practice Council.

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Committees

The WMC has a strong, effective committee structure comprised of members who understand mindfulness practice and conduct themselves in the spirit of practice. The WMC encourages sangha members to become involved with committee work so that an undue burden is not placed on a few individuals. It is expected that community members serving on the Standing Committees listed below, as well as other Standing Committees which may be created in the future, will commit to serve on such committee for one year and will comply with the committee’s attendance requirements.

1. Communications Committee. The purpose of the Communications Committee is to coordinate the WMC web site, newsletter and other outreach efforts.

2. Operations Committee. The purpose of the Operations Committee is to support Sunday evening WMC meetings and other activities.

3. Community Care Committee. The purpose of the Community Care Committee is to provide support for individuals and groups of congregants who are experiencing difficulties. More...

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Schedule

Sitting and walking meditation: Sunday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m.
Dharma Discussion from 8 to 9 p.m.
Social Time from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

Special but regular events:

• Community Meetings Biannually
  Elections every Spring, at our Community Meeting on the second Sunday in March
  WMC election for 2 board members and 2 members of the practice council
  Requirements to vote:
  • Member of WMC for at least 6 months
  • Registered to receive or fill in ballot
• Special collection of funds for biannual donations in August and February to the Washington Buddhist Vihara.
• Three WMC Community Retreats
  • two Buddhist Family Retreats (spring, fall)
  • one Adults-only Silent Retreat (winter)
• WMC Study Groups – various book groups usually meet twice-monthly
• “Second Body” – 1-on-1 partnering for deeper sharing and support
• WMC Library Month -- February is “renew annual $5 WMC library membership” month
• "Day of the Dead" Ceremony -- 1st Sunday in November

Location:

The Washington Buddhist Vihara
5017 16th St. NW, Washington DC
tel: 202-723-0773 (please call between 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. e.s.t.)

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WMC Articles of Incorporation
WMC Bylaws

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