In-Person and Online Practice
Sundays and Wednesdays
Join us Sundays from 8 - 9 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8 pm either in-person at the Center or via Zoom video conferencing for practice and teaching with Michael.

Click the Zoom Video Link below and enter the password to join our video conferences.

Password: 362919
Zoom Video Link

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes


I awoke this morning to skies filled with smoke from nearby fires. It is smoke season after all! I thought about an old song, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, made famous by The Platters in 1958, although it was first sung in the 1933 musical “Roberta”. It is amazing how themes in Buddhism show up everywhere. Who says attachment to desire causes suffering? Or…What’s a little smoke?


They said some day you'll find

All who love are blind

When your heart's on fire, you must realize

Smoke gets in your eyes

Much Love,

🙏🏼Michael



P.S. Please remember sign up for upcoming classes/events that interest you.


For special events, please sign up at the center or register by emailing your intention through our website online. COCC class registration is through the college (see link below). And please join us for the Ngöndro practice and teachings on Wednesday evenings.

Upcoming Events

Highway Clean Up

Sunday, October 2, 10 am

Contact Jake Niles: [email protected]


This is an opportunity to gather and take stewardship of our two mile section of highway east of Bend. We can help make the planet a little tidier while walking and connecting with others.



Wheel of Life

Sunday, September 25, 9:30am - 1pm (following our usual practice)

$25 suggested donation


We will explore this symbol encompassing the entirety of Buddhist teachings regarding the arising of experience. This is a very accurate depiction of the individuation process and how it may be expressed through our delusions or from our natural wisdom mind.



Refuge Ceremony

Sunday, October 16, 9:30 am (Should take about an hour or so)


This is an opportunity to make a commitment to the Buddhist path. This ancient ritual energetically merges our mind into the midstream of all the buddhas and provides inspiration for a dedicated spiritual process.



Buddhist Point of View

Thursdays, October 13 — November 17, 7 - 9pm, $89.00

Register through COCC Community Education, click on link below.

Class is taught at the Dharma Center


Offered through Central Oregon Community College, this class provides a foundation for the study and practice of Buddhism by exploring the three yanas or vehicles of the tradition. Michael offers an in-depth exploration of how the Buddhist point of view can help us to remember the natural heart/mind of compassion.

COCC Registration

With Gratitude

We are grateful for your ongoing support of our in-person and online teachings and of our center.


To make a donation click the link below:

Donate
Dharma Journal Posts

Ngöndro Karma

We are now focusing, once again, on the Ngöndro practice during our Wednesday evening gatherings. This sadhana (ego transcending spiritual practice) is often referred to as the “extraordinary preliminary practice” of our tradition. Extraordinary,...

Read More
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Natural Mind Dharma Center | [email protected]rg