We're a Portland-based Buddhist community that puts special emphasis on deep dharma, the integration of practice into daily life, the relevance of both liberating meditation & heartful ethics, as well as creating the conditions for a real sense of sangha / community.
After the sit and a short talk, roughly half the evening is spent in meditative co-contemplation, including 1-on-1 conversations that go beyond the surface, large group discussions, and Q&A.
EVENING FLOW:
7:00-7:30pm — Lightly guided meditation
7:30-8:30pm — A blend of formal teaching, large group discussion, and small group discussion
At 8:30pm, we’ll wrap up the official gathering, and you can either depart or stick around for casual conversation and tea until 9:00pm.
LOGISTICAL NOTES:
We meet on the 2nd & 4th Mondays. No RSVP needed / just drop in.
Parking can be a little difficult, so plan to arrive 5 to 15 minutes early to get situated.
When you approach the building, walk down the rampway on the left of the building; it will lead to the community room where we’ll be.
EVENING THEMES:
We're going part by part through the Buddha's teachings on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Come to just one, whenever it works, or join for all!
6/9/25 — Foundations of Buddhist Mindfulness
6/23/25 — Mindfulness of the Body
7/14/25 — Mindfulness of Feeling-tone
7/28/25 — Mindfulness of Mind
8/11/25 — Mindfulness of the Hindrances
8/25/25 — Mindfulness of the Awakening Factors
9/8/25 — Mindfulness of the Sense Doors
9/22/25 — Mindfulness of the Aggregates (aka the sense of self)
10/13/25 — Mindfulness of the Noble Truths
COST:
Offered on the gift economy (aka, generosity or donation).
Your presence is the biggest gift, though if you’re able, monetary contributions are always appreciated & help keep the ship afloat.
I make my living entirely off of donation — I do not charge for classes, courses, retreats or 1on1 meetings. For more info on why I choose to teach entirely on donation, check out this article on “the gift economy":
https://www.pathofsincerity.com/gift-economy/
Donations can be made in person or electronically via this link:
https://www.pathofsincerity.com/donate/
TEACHER BIO:
A former Theravādin Buddhist monk, David Sudar has spent over 3 years on intensive meditation retreats, including a 21-month retreat in Myanmar with his core teacher, Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Since 2018 he has also been studying with Vipassana teacher, Carol Wilson. He currently works as a Buddhist and meditation teacher in Portland & virtually.
Visit here for more info and a fuller biography:
https://www.pathofsincerity.com/david-sudar-about/
TEACHING ORIENTATION:
We're rooted in the Theravada Buddhist / Insight Meditation tradition. We center around the Noble Eightfold Path, the earliest teachings found in the Pali Canon, as well as a contemporary sensibility.
The two books that most capture the teaching style you'll find in this group are "Relax & Be Aware" by Sayadaw U Tejaniya, which lays out a wisdom-centered meditation approach, and "The Issue at Hand" by Gil Fronsdal, which offers a brief yet Profound overview of the Buddhist path, especially for contemporary lay practitioners.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Portland, Nonprofit events in Portland, Workshops in Portland.
