Dharma Friends of Shenzhen

Information

A group of friends encouraging one another in spirituality and personal development

Location: Shenzhen
Members: 49
Latest Activity: Apr 22

A Few Questions Answered

1. Why "Dharma"?

Some may think of the word "Dharma" as meaning "The Buddha's Teaching" (as in "The Triple Gem" of Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). And it's true that I (James) have studied the BuddhaDharma closely, and often speak in those terms. But "Dharma" has many meanings, including "Duty," "Phenomenon," "Truth," "Religion," and "Wisdom." Here, let's take it to mean "Wisdom" or "Spiritual Truth."

2. Why "Friends"?

This is not a formal group of any kind. A "friend" is one who shares the Path and encourages others on the way. That's what we do. There is no "guru," no dogma, no worship. Just friends encouraging each others' personal development.

3. Is this group "religious"?

No. But we are "spiritual," in the sense that we encourage each other to grow in ways beyond the physical. For us, spirituality includes literature, art, music, appreciation of nature, and even everyday matters like work and family. "Religion" could be a part of all this, but Dharma Friends will not sponsor or engage in any religious activities that violate the laws of the PRC, including unregistered worship activities. We will, however, be happy to share news of legitimate religious opportunities that take place in duly registered entities like Meilin Church or Hongfa Temple.

4. What will "Dharma Friends" do?

We will have five main kinds of activities. The following list is suggestive, not exhaustive.

SOCIAL EVENTS:
--Vegetarian Dining and Picnics
--Uplifting Entertainment (movies, stage performances, concerts)
--Yoga or Tai Chi (Taiji) classes
--Parties (holidays, KTV, etc.)

FIELD TRIPS
--Site Visits (temples, historical sites)
--Nature Activities (beach, woods, mountain)

DISCUSSIONS
--Class-type Discussions
--Reading Groups

SERVICE
--Charity Events (like the A LIVE group)
--Service Opportunities (also like A LIVE)

INFORMATION
--Online Discussions
--Shopping for spiritual goods (books and DVDs, incense, veg and Indian foods)
--Veg restaurants, yoga and tai chi (taiji) classes, activities

To get it all rolling, we will start a weekly (for now) veg dining and discussion group. See "Events" for more.

Discussion Forum

Regular Wednesday Night Dinners, March - June 2010

Started by James Baquet Mar 14, 2010. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Hi, guys. Just to let you know we're haviung regular "Veg Dinner and Discussion" every Wednesday night until the end of June this year. See here for more:…Continue

Tags: Veg Dinner and Discussion

Veg Dinner and Discussion (12)

Started by James Baquet Dec 28, 2009. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Dinner this Wednesday (12/30) at 6:30 at Green Life, north of the Diwang Building. Informal discussion of "hopes for the New Year."Full listing:…Continue

Veg Dinner and Discussion (11)

Started by James Baquet Dec 21, 2009. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Dinner this Wednesday (and next) at 6:30 at Green Life, north of the Diwang Building. Informal discussion of "hopes for the New Year."Full listing:…Continue

Tags: event

Veg Dinner and Discussion 10!

Started by James Baquet Dec 15, 2009. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Check out this event at one of Shenzhen's best veg restaurants!

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Comment Wall

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Comment by xinxin on September 20, 2011 at 1:22pm: i would love to come over and join you guys on wed but i will be going home for a short holiday from this thursday. hopefully can join you when i come back :)

xin

Comment by Nicoletta Ponderosa on March 26, 2011 at 12:53am: Never mind, I think you are showing your best side here, so I thought it's good PR ~ ~~ ;o)

Comment by James Baquet on March 25, 2011 at 11:32am: Somebody call 911! That guy's going down! (Thanks, NP, for the flattering image.)

Comment by Nicoletta Ponderosa on March 24, 2011 at 12:17am

Comment by Jesse on March 19, 2011 at 1:18pm: attention dharma friends: if you are coming to the spring equinox bashment tonight, please note the party location has changed to the other awakening restaurant in che gong miao, accessible by metro. here's the addy: 福田区车公庙泰然四路泰然酒店一楼东侧，电话：82504570, 82504571, 82504572 地铁可到 please pass this info on to others you know who might come! thx

Comment by PermaYogi Eric on February 9, 2011 at 11:34am: Hey Dharma Friends - looking for a roommate? I am currently in Dameisha, but looking to move to the city so I can start teaching yoga/English. I found a great place, but need a roommate to fill it, or I can fill an empty room in your home! Please contact me here or QQ 1541271387

Namaste, Eric

Comment by R V™ on July 22, 2010 at 10:58pm: hey ppl i m in ;)

Comment by Ilan Keshet on November 26, 2009 at 1:50pm: yesterday at dinner i mentioned the Babylonian creation myth about Marduk killing Tiamat and creating the world from her dead body;
if any body is interested here is the Wikipedia page for it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiamat

also while looking i came across this very interesting Wiki page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creation_myth

Comment by James Baquet on November 24, 2009 at 11:42pm: The answer to both questions is actually the same: the process by which a symbol which meant one thing came to mean another is both the "how" and the "why" of it... Come find out!