Dharma Jam Starter Kit

Intentions

* To support and broaden Buddhist practice, for individuals and groups

* To explore, refine, and expand the Dharma Jam practice

* To gather and dialogue around findings from Dharma Jam practice

Regional Dharma Jams

I propose maintaining the name "Dharma Jam" for new Jams.  This will nominally connect the Jams.  I also suggest sharing the same skeletal structure, as outlined below, giving some common ground to participants' experiences.  Beyond these commonalities, I envision ample room for each facilitator and Jam to take on its own character, specific Buddhist orientation, music quality, etc. 

I'm happy to mentor new facilitators in whatever means might be helpful, such as sharing details on past themes, playlists, or facilitation reflections.  I am also happy to oversee adding information about regional Dharma Jams to this website.

Logistics

Model:

opening circle

Dharma talk/presentation of theme

meditation/reflection

contemplative movement into free-form dance

closing circle

Jam Frequency:

I run the Jams monthly.  Thusfar this feels like a sustainable frequency, though this factor largely depends on the resouces of the facilitator and interest/availability of the audience.  With other pursuits taking up much of my time, a month has felt like enough time for me to gather new ideas for themes and new music for playlists.  In the right circumstances, Dharma Jams could thrive as a weekly event.  I also think they don't need to be continuous to be beneficial.  Seasonal Dharma Jams could be a great way to supplement Buddhist practice throughout the year.

Jam Duration:

With my current studio rental, I have 2 hours total, about 30 minutes of which is initial set up time.  With the 90 minutes I have left, the Dharma talk and meditation together take up about 20-30 minutes, and the moving and dancing takes up about an hour.  Our closing circles have rested in the few spare ending minutes.  If possible, I'd recommend having at least 2 hours for the whole structure, leaving at least 20 minutes for opening and closing and at least an hour for moving and dancing.

Music:

Working somewhat from a "barefoot boogie" model, I plan my playlists as gradual and eclectic progressions, beginning with spaciousness and building the intensity.  I like to transition into and out of movement in silence- not all moving needs to be supported by music.  My leaning is away from easily recognizable/mainstreamed tracks.  Also, my last track is generally slowed down- a time for gathering and deepening the intention.  With appropriate attention before hand, these playlists have worked well to hold the space and free me up to be both a facilitator and dancer.  Other possibilities worth trying out are working with a live DJ or live musicians and playing with the duration of moving in silence.

Themes:

My first series of Dharma Jams began in September of 2008 and ran monthly through April of 2009.  Themes for these Jams include selflessness, fluidity, and similes of the Four Jhanas.  I've found suttas that use imagery or metaphor to be especially ripe for use as movement scores.  Sources for these themes have been both current and ancient, Theravada and Mahayana.

Networking:

I have adverstised my Boston Dharma Jams to the local dance, Buddhist, and college communities.  These seem to be sensible starting points for networking.  I put up fliers a week in advance of each Jam and also announce on relevant listserves.