The Lotus Institute

What if you had a community that met you exactly where you are?
Monthly dharma talks, meditations, and qigong — all rooted in the teachings of Dr. Larry Ward and Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward and guest speakers. Become a Lotus member and go as deep as you’re ready to go.

Join us for a live qigong class led by Matt Dorma, where we’ll enjoy gentle, easy-to-learn movement, along with breathwork and self-massage, all drawn from the internal martial arts of qigong and tai chi.

In the class, our shared intention is simple: move to feel. We draw attention to the whole body—especially to the parts we often overlook. We move softly, giving ourselves time to notice the subtle details of our body and our surroundings. We don’t push full effort, but instead do a little less so that we can make room for curiosity.

Thursday, June 11
12:00–12:45 pm ET / 9:00–9:45 am PT
Online via Zoom (Link in bio)

Today’s reminder — and tomorrow’s, and the day after’s.
“At least once a day, I want to be stunned by the miracle of being alive.” — Dr. Larry Ward

🌸 Are you ready to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself?
Join us for the Barre Retreat 2026 with Peggy Rowe Ward and Diane Little Eagle— a sacred weekend designed for everybody who are ready to go deeper. Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, this four-night retreat is your invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and return to what truly matters.
Over the course of four transformative days, you’ll have the opportunity to sit in reflection, share in meaningful conversation, and experience the quiet power of sisterhood. Whether you’re new to retreat or a seasoned practitioner, this space is for you.
📍 Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, 149 Lockwood Road, Barre, MA 01005
🗓️ June 10–14, 2026 | Wednesday – Sunday (4 nights)
Come as you are. Leave transformed.

June is Black Music Month. 🎶✨
Music is dharma. Sound is liberation. This month, we honor the deep roots and transformative power of Black music—rhythms that heal, uplift, and set us free.
Save the date: On June 17, join us for a special Dharma Talk with Dr. Kamilah Majied exploring the spiritual dimensions of Black music and liberation.

Dear friends,

We invite you to join us for a meditation practice with Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward, senior Dharma teacher in the Plum Village tradition, celebrated author and co-founder of the Lotus Institute.

For this session, Peggy will offer a guided visualization inspired by the spirit of summer and the community that lives and practices in harmony and awareness. What does it mean to take refuge? And how might the warmth of the season, the people you encounter, and the places you travel awaken a deeper sense of joy and belonging?
Wednesday, June 3
9:00–9:30 am ET / 6:00–6:30 am PT
Online via Zoom

Welcome June at Lotus 🌞🌿
Embrace the energy of summer with a vibrant lineup of heart-centered community gatherings, restorative meditations, and revitalizing Qigong sessions. Our June schedule is designed to help you nurture connection, ignite your inner light, and cultivate harmony as we journey into this season of abundance together.