Sacred Texts, Shared Thoughts: A Religious Exploration Discussion Group
Sacred Texts, Shared Thoughts: A Religious Exploration Discussion Group is a biweekly, casual gathering that invites participants to explore the practical philosophies and lived wisdom of major spiritual traditions from around the world. No background in religious studies is required—attendees simply come ready to chat about how different traditions guide day-to-day living, ethical choices, and personal reflection. The first session, held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, kicks off a 12-week series that will cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism, Stoicism, Shinto, Yoruba, Animism, Christianity, Islam, and modern faiths. Readings are short, accessible excerpts available online, and the goal is conversational exchange rather than dense academic study.
When: Biweekly starting Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Venue: Upstairs at Rhizome DC, 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012.
Cost: Free to attend; a $5–10 suggested donation supports Rhizome's community space.
Registration: Registration is available via the event page, and attendance is open to all.
Discussion Focus: The first session (June 28) explores Hinduism through readings from the *Chandogya Upanishad* ("The Story of Shvetaketu") and the *Bhagavad Gita* (Chapters 2, 3, and 6 in the Eknath Easwaran translation). The discussion will cover the immortality of the soul, selfless action without attachment to results, meditation and mind control, and what it means to find a sense of self-worth independent of external success or validation.
Syllabus and Readings: A full 12-week working syllabus is available at tinyurl.com/explorefaiths. All readings are free and accessible online, though a few weeks are still being finalized to ensure easy web access.
Community: Join the group on Meetup at meetup.com/dc-religious-exploration-book-club/ for updates and ongoing conversation.
Contact: Questions, concerns, or reading suggestions can be directed to crichardson1399@gmail.com.
Note: This group is intended to be a long-running conversation; if interest continues beyond the initial 12 weeks, the discussions will extend further.