Community Spiritual Friends (KM)




...my KM group has allowed me to meet and get to know IMCW people in a way that has made all of my IMCW experiences fuller. 
~ Sangha member

Kalyana Mitta (Spiritual Friends) groups offer a smaller and more intimate venue for exploration of practice in daily life and the Buddhist teachings, with an emphasis on mindful listening and speaking.

 

The IMCW Kalyana Mitta (Spiritual Friends) program offers you a small group of like-minded people in your local area, who share your interest in meditation and the Buddhist path.  

Please click on the questions, below, to find answers about Kalyana Mitta groups and and read how to join.

To Join a Group

Information about current KM groups--open (needs an additional member), closed (not seeking new members at this time), and forming, will be continually updated on this webpage. Each KM group follows a similar meeting format, but each has its own personality, so we will be including descriptions of each of the groups.

To request to join a group or to express interest in forming a new KM group, please first log in to our site, then complete the KM questionnaire.

Your questionnaire will be reviewed ASAP, and IMCW will contact you if there are any questions. Placement in a KM group will be determined, in part, by what groups are available, and by whether someone volunteers to host the group. 

Depending on your needs and KM group availability, placement can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months.

Waitlists/Forming Groups

If no current groups meet your needs, we will place you on a waitlist. As other people express a similar interest in a meeting location and/or KM interest area, we will post a “forming” group on the KM page to solicit more interest.

To Start a KM Group

If you would like to facilitate and/or host a KM group of your own, please contact Glen Harrison, our KM coordinator.

Current Groups

Remember to continue to keep in touch with IMCW's KM Coordinator. You'll want him to know when you need new members, or if your group has enough members for now, so he can keep your group status updated. 

It will also be helpful to have a good description of your group on the website, so applicants can see what different KM groups are doing.

PLEASE NOTE that groups are arranged by:

  • D.C.
  • Maryland
  • Special Focus Groups
  • Virginia

Current KM Groups

  • D.C. Adams Morgan KM

    Location:
    Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Alternate Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    We use the IMCW KM format, i.e., a 30-minute silent sit, check-in, dialogue about the reading, our practices, lives, etc. in relation to the topic in the reading, address any administrative matters, and a final short sit.  We generally focus on a chapter of a book about Buddhism but readings are optional, and members who don't choose to do the reading are welcome to participate.

  • D.C. Connecticut Avenue, NW KM

    Location:
    Northwest DC
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Tuesday evenings
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • D.C. Gallery Place, NW KM

    Location:
    Northwest DC
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    1 Monday/month
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • D.C. Georgetown KM

    Location:
    Georgetown, Washington, DC; occasionally meet in Silver Spring, MD
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Alternating Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    1/2 hour catching up, 1/2 hour for meditation, 1/2 hour for discussion. We have, on occasion, gone on field trips to concerts, which is out of the realm of meditation, but within the realm of friendship.

  • D.C. Q Street, NW KM

    Location:
    Washington, DC
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Alternate Monday evenings
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Annapolis KM

    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    1rst & 3rd Monday each month
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Bethesda KM

    Location:
    Bethesda, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    2nd/4th Mondays
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Bethesda KM

    Location:
    Bethesda, MD
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Alternate Monday evenings, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Bethesda KM

    Location:
    Bethesda, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Alternate Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Cabin John KM

    Location:
    Cabin John, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Alternate Monday evenings, 2 hours
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Eastern Shore, Easton KM

    Location:
    Easton, MD
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    1rst & 3rd Monday each month, 7-8 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    Initial sitting, checking in and sharing, final sit. On the 3rd Wednesday, there is a Dharma talk after the initial sit.

  • MD Gaithersburg KM

    Location:
    Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Tuesday evenings
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD North Bethesda / Kensington KM

    Location:
    Kensington, MD
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    alternating Thursday evenings, 7:30-9 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    Our meetings generally include an opening meditation, a "check-in" period for sharing ideas or issues in our personal lives, a reading or two, a discussion period, and a closing meditation.

  • MD Psychologist/Therapists KM

    Location:
    Bethesda, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Friday afternoons, 4-6 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    We use the IMCW KM format, i.e., a 30-minute silent sit, check-in, dialogue about the reading, our practices, lives, etc. in relation to the topic in the reading, then addressing any administrative matters, and a final short sit. We generally focus on a reading from a book about Buddhism. 

  • MD Takoma Park KM

    Location:
    Takoma Park, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    1st & 3rd Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Takoma Park KM

    Location:
    Takoma Park, MD
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Alternate Sundays, 6:30-8 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • MD Wheaton KM

    Location:
    Wheaton, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Sunday evening
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion. Closed while regrouping, may accept new members in the future.

  • MD Women's KM

    Location:
    Chevy Chase, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    1st & 3rd Monday mornings
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    Our format is that of personal sharings and how the dharma has affected our daily lives. We are not looking for any additional people at this time.

  • Special Focus, 12-Stepper KM

    Location:
    Takoma Park, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Alternating Sundays, 6-8 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion, sometimes about how 12-step program and Buddhism relate.

  • Special Focus, LGBT Group DC

    Location:
    Washington, DC
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Not currently meeting.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • Special Focus, LGBT KM Virginia

    Location:
    Northern Virginia
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    1st & 3rd Monday evenings, 7 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • Special Focus, Retiree Group KM

    Location:
    Bethesda, MD
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    3rd Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Retired/transitioning from the workforce: Retirement and transition can be a good time to connect with others. This change brings forth many new challenges for our ego and letting life flow as we adjust. We can share these challenges in a mindful way with support. Join us!

  • Special Focus, Retiree Group KM

    Location:
    TBD (Central to VA and MD?)
    Status:
    Forming
    Meeting Day:
    TBD
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    This is a new Retiree group. We have a mentor available and are looking for a host/coordinator as well as a meeting location, date and time. Please apply if interested. 
    Retired/transitioning from the workforce: Retirement and transition can be a good time to connect with others. This change brings forth many new challenges for our ego and letting life flow as we adjust. We can share these challenges in a mindful way with support. Join us!

  • VA Alexandria / Mt. Vernon KM

    Location:
    Alexandria/Mt. Vernon, VA
    Status:
    Forming
    Meeting Day:
    Alternating Thursday or Sunday evenings
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Brief greeting/intro, brief silent mediation, mindful speaking on related topics and practice issues, a longer meditation, closing.

  • VA Centerville KM

    Location:
    Centerville, VA
    Status:
    Forming
    Meeting Day:
    3rd Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    Silent meditation and check-in, followed by group discussion.

  • VA Fairfax County KM

    Location:
    Fairfax, VA
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    3rd Sunday/month, 6-9 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    An optional pot luck will be from 6–7 p.m. followed by silent seating and talk focused on the dharma and Buddhist practice. 

    The group was formed to meet the logistic needs of those living between the Reston/Herndon and Vienna/Oakton Area.

  • VA Falls Church / Annandale KM

    Location:
    Falls Church/Annandale
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays 6-8 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:
    We use a rotation which gives each member the opportunity to lead. As for meeting topics, we have gone back and forth between discussing a particular topic, and allowing the leader to choose the topic for a particular meeting.

  • VA Falls Church / Arlington KM

    Location:
    Falls Church/Arlington, VA
    Status:
    Closed
    Meeting Day:
    Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    We start with a 45-minute meditation followed by check-ins. Our group is mostly long-time meditators (13-30+ years) but we welcome people of all experience levels.

  • VA Falls Church / McLean KM

    Location:
    Falls Church/McLean
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    We start with a 45 minute meditation followed by check-ins. Our group is mostly long-time meditators (13-30+ years) but we welcome people of all experience levels.

  • VA Reston KM

    Location:
    Reston, VA
    Status:
    Open
    Meeting Day:
    1st Monday of month, 7-9pm
    Contact:
    Interested? Apply here
    Description:

    This is a new KM group that is now meeting and working on a flexible meeting schedule.

    We have a brief greeting/intro, then a silent mediation, mindful speaking on related topics and practice issues, a shorter meditation, and a closing.