dharma heart program (DHP)
A 2 Year Program of Study, Contemplation, and Meditation
Program Start Date: January 2026 - 2027
DHP Retreats: The exact dates TBD.
January
April
October
The program is designed for the dedicated dharma student who wants to go deeper into their practice and aspires to awaken to their true nature. Over the two years, we will explore the teachings directly from the Buddha as well as those shared by other great masters, reading from the Pali Canon and selected Mahayana Sutras. In addition, we will be practicing both shamatha (calm abiding) (Tib. ཞི་གནས་) and vipassana (insight) meditation techniques and encouraging contemplative investigation into the nature of self. The basis of all the teachings will be on the integration of our dharma practice into our lives and seeing into the nature of our thoughts, concepts, beliefs, and emotions.
Studying the dharma, teachings of the Buddha and other masters, we will learn what it is to be a practitioner and how to be on the path of the Dharma. These masters shared their wisdom with their disciples to help them see the way out of suffering. Keeping this in mind, we will be studying the teachings with the aspiration that the seed of insight springs forth and helps us to realize our own true nature.
Contemplation is part of integrating what we hear, study, and experience, making it a living part of our lives. Our spiritual lives cannot be separate from our daily lives. By sitting with the teachings and actively engaging with them through contemplation, we transform our study from a purely intellectual endeavor into a powerful tool for transformation. Looking closely into the nature of reality changes the way we work with our own minds and hearts.
Meditation is a core component of this program is a commitment to a daily meditation practice. Through enthusiastic effort and an aspiration for realization, we lay the ground for our evolution on the path. In order to accomplish the fruit of practice, consistent effort is needed. Diligent practice opens our hearts and transforms the way we work with our minds.
Details
All participants are encouraged to go through the entire program. If circumstances arise that prevent this from happening, you are encouraged to speak with Dana. The commitment is completely up to you. For those who live outside of Boise, you can participate in two ways: by traveling to attend retreats in person or engaging on Zoom in real time or recorded videos of the retreats on your own time. We may have guest speakers to cover certain topics You may be asked to do some writing and reading between retreats.
If you have participated in this program in the past, you are welcome and encouraged to join again. The topics are always presented in a new way.
Apply
If you are interested in joining the Dharma Heart Program, please send an email to apply to boisesangha@gmail.com.There will be 3 retreats a year for 2 years covering topics from Hinayana and Mahayana. As part of the program, you will have access to the retreat teachings online. You will also have an opportunity between each retreat to speak with Dana about your practice.