Community Events

IN THIS NEWSLETTER: •   From The Wisdom Seat •   The Wisdom Seat Events •   Programs To Consider •   A Teaching When we pause and reflect on our lives, we most likely can recall dozens of friends and loved ones who brought color, joy and surprise to our lives: a kind-hearted cafeteria worker or quirky teenage boyfriend; a rambunctious canine or hilarious roommate; a trusted boss or loving parent. Such memories can bring smiles and tears.     Chances are many of those we

By Alison Driscoll Hearing about the teachings before taking the vows The Refuge & Bodhisattva Vow ceremonies took place at Pawo Khandro Ling, The Wisdom Seat meditation hall, both live and online, on Sunday, September 28th. Capably led by Michael Carroll, as preceptor, the ceremonies were uplifted and inspiring. Michael spoke about the view, practice, and conduct of each of the Refuge and Bodhisattva vow and prior to the ceremony spoke with each of those who took one or the

This Summer SOULstice gathering was the third annual mini-retreat, and the excitement in the air was unmistakable. Coming together in person felt incredible. Sharing food and practicing together were highlights of the day. The pot-luck format encouraged everyone to contribute their favorite dishes. It was a beautiful reminder of how food can unite us, fostering connections and lively conversations that flowed as freely as the laughter around the table. With around 15 people a

By Susanna Lack, Retreat Director In October 2024, we held the first Wisdom Seat  (TWS) Retreat at the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD)  monastery in the delightful upstate New York Catskill Mountains.  Michael Carroll, cofounder of The Wisdom Seat, led this transformative 8-day practice intensive, supported by members of T​WS staff. The retreat was designed to help participants deepen their mindfulness-awareness meditation and integrate it into daily life. The retreat includ

This retreat, held from June 26th to July 6th at Drala Mountain Center, was guided by esteemed teachers Michael Carroll, Susan Piver, Michele Sapanaro, and Maho Kawachi, the retreat explored the concepts of authentic presence and the feminine principle. Over the course of ten days, participants immersed themselves in a supportive and spacious community, engaging in deep study, meditation, and the practice of letting go.

In this all-day mini-retreat with Corina Benner, we celebrated the beginning of summer at Pawo Khandro Ling.

From June 20th to June 26th, we gathered at Drala Mountain Center to explore the mindfulness-awareness meditation practice.

On March 9, 2024, we held offered refuge and bodhisattva vows, with elders and guests in attendance.

The Wisdom Seat hosted a Vajra Gathering for Ngondro Practitioners titled “Deeper Still” from July 27 to July 31, 2023 at Pawo Khandro Ling in Wallingford, PA. The event was an opportunity for new and long-term vajrayana practitioners to deepen their understanding of these preliminary practices both on and off the cushion, and to expand their vajra sangha through teachings, dialogue, and spending time together. The retreat began with an evening program on Thursday and continu

We celebrated the Summer Solstice with an All-Day Mini Yoga and Meditation Retreat at the Wisdom Seat on Saturday, June 24th from 9:30 am – 6 pm, led by Corina Benner. The day began with coffee and fruit, ended with a healthy feast, and in-between included Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and a few sessions of meditation. There was some free time to frolic on the gorgeous property, opportunities to get to know one another, the freshest, healthiest lunch and beautiful poetry. The mornin

The Wisdom Seat hosted the Prajna Moon Retreat March 18-19 for practice and discussion

In early July, 2022, we held an all-day retreat and celebration for our new meditation teachers . The retreat was organized by Al & Corina. Participants discussed the role of a meditation teacher, and their personal view of how to hold that role. Matt DiRodio and Michael Carroll offered instructions as senior teachers.

Exploring the path of meditation, with Kaya Fruchtman. During this program we explored the practices of mindfulness-awareness meditation, body scanning, stress reduction and socialize, while enjoying a spring day together. Corina Benner led yoga practice. "I loved the Spring Teen Retreat! It was a very enjoyable and relaxing experience that I strongly recommend to others. Kaya was a fantastic meditation teacher and helped guide us through traditional and walking meditation. A

A panel discussion on traveling the Buddhist Path Photo by Rachel Homer WHEN :   Sept. 20, 2021, 7pm – 8:30pm EDT WHERE:   Zoom Link Will Be Sent After Registering TEACHERS:   Susan Piver, David Nichtern, Michael Carroll HOSTED BY:    Al San Valentin, and Bill Moriarty "As long as a person has a cynical attitude, everything presented by the Buddha develops organically, automatically. It is workable." Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche The new book “Cynicism and Magic” explor

With Kaya Fruchtman Saturday July 31, 2021 11:00am – 4:00pm During this program we will explore the practices of mindfulness-awareness meditation, body scanning and stress reduction and spend some time socializing and enjoying a summer day together.

Dear Sangha & Friends At the request of several practitioners, we will be offering Refuge & Bodhisattva Vows at an in-person event this August 21, 2021. These vows will be offered by Michael Carroll who has been authorized by Judy Lief to impart these vows in the tradition and lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. These vows are taken as part of traveling the Buddhist path and are usually taken separately over a period of a few years. Taking Refuge essentially is how we make

Living a Fearless and Gentle Life: The Slogans of a Shambhala Warrior with Michael Carroll April 7th—May 12th, 2021 Offered by The Durham Shambhala Center

Lending A Hand: Avalokitesvara And The Art Of Mind Protection​ A 5 week immersive program with Michael Carroll co-sponsored by the Open Heart Project April 12 @ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET Additional Event Dates: April 19, 26; May 3, 10, 2021

This was a unique online program studying Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior from October, 2020 thru February 2021. The success of this offering during the COVID pandemic is what caused The Wisdom Seat to significantly grow our online community.