Programs & Meditation — Vihara Volunteers

Weekly Schedule

Join Us This Week

All sessions are held at the Vihara, 5017 16th St NW, Washington, DC. No registration required — just come.

Friday 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Candlelit Guided Meditation

Relax your mind and find inner peace with our candlelit guided meditation session. Suitable for all levels, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner. Come as you are.

Saturday 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Meditation & Nature Walk

Start your Saturday morning with tranquility. We begin with guided meditation at the Vihara, then come together to process emotions and support one another through fellowship, silence, and respectful sharing. Weather permitting, we continue with an optional walk through Rock Creek Park — we skip the walk on bad weather days. A beautiful way to connect with nature, the Dhamma, and fellow friends on the path.

Our community — connecting in nature after Saturday morning meditation.

Questions or WhatsApp contact? Reach out to us at viharavolunteer@gmail.com for the latest schedule updates and to connect with the group.

Retreats

Upcoming Retreats & Special Events

We periodically offer half-day and full-day retreats, as well as special events tied to the Buddhist calendar — including Vesak (the celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing), and the annual Kathina Ceremony marking the end of the Rains Retreat.

Retreat dates are announced on Dandelion (a DC community events platform) and shared through our WhatsApp community group and other DC meditation community listservs. Join our WhatsApp group or check our Dandelion listings to stay informed.

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Join Our WhatsApp Group

Our WhatsApp community is the fastest way to hear about upcoming retreats, schedule changes, and announcements.

Email us and we'll send you an invite link directly.

Request Invite Link

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Find Us on Dandelion

We host monthly daylongs and multi-day retreats through Dharmigos. Browse our events below — registration opens on Dandelion.

Energetics and Awakening: Level 2 Weekend Immersion ↗ Upcoming Jun 20–21, 2026
The Broom and the Breath: A Day of Service and Mindfulness at the Vihara Jun 6, 2026
Liberating the Beautiful: An Ancient Love Awakening Practice for Our Times May 9, 2026
Energetics and Awakening: A Weekend Immersion Apr 18–19, 2026
Being Together Before Our Last Breath: A Daylong on Death, Rebirth and the Deathless Apr 4, 2026
Out of Control and Into Life: A Valentine's Day Retreat on Surrender Feb 14, 2026
A Healing Ground: Opening the New Year for Healing Intentions and Practices Jan 17, 2026 · Sold out (31+ attended)
New events added monthly — join our WhatsApp group for announcements.

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Day of Mindfulness

Monthly full-day silent retreat days held at the Vihara. Guided sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma talk, and a shared vegetarian meal.

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Vesak & Buddhist Holidays

Special observance programs throughout the year aligned with the Theravada Buddhist calendar. All are warmly welcome.

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Kathina Ceremony

The annual robe-offering ceremony marking the end of Vassa. A joyful, multicultural celebration drawing the entire DC Buddhist community together.

Wake Up with Dharmigos