Portland Dharma Club is a socially engaged meditation group in Portland, OR. The group is facilitated by Samantha Smargiassi, out of her own personal need for a certain kind of gathering, in hopes that it may be what others are needing too.
Each month we explore a teaching from activists and leaders in Buddhist and Hindu spirituality—teachers such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Angel Kyodo Williams, Ram Dass, Joan Halifax, and Joanna Macy. Through group discussion we identify what resonates for each of us, clarify what feels true, and consider how to integrate those insights into our lives.
Meditation is central to our practice. At every meeting we practice heart opening meditaiotns, in order to make our inner truths more accessible.
In addition to meetings, the club organizes quarterly community service days in Portland. These are simple, practical activities—sharing food with people experiencing homelessness, and caring for local natural areas. The service component will evolve as the group learns what matters most to us
Our core belief is that all beings deserve to be free from suffering. Through these practices, we hope to send ripples of peace to all beings everywhere.
Portland Dharma Club 