Partner & Community Events
To further Compassionate Houston's collaboration with local partner organizations, the Charter for Compassion, and our larger friend network of compassionate artists and organizations, we are sharing a variety of events highlighting our commitment to creating a compassionate city through education, innovation, collaboration, and advocacy. Enjoy inspiring virtual programs and in-person events. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a multitude of ongoing practice groups. You can also check the Charter for Compassion and our Partners’ websites for more happenings.
2025 Concert for Peace
rothko chapel & jaipur literature festival
Sunday, September 7, 9:00 AM
In honor of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, the Rothko Chapel will host a contemplative morning of music and poetry in collaboration with Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) Houston. This special program, held in September, will feature Indian classical music by acclaimed Carnatic vocalist Sandeep Narayan and original poetry by youth from The Fay School. Established by unanimous UN resolution in 1981, Peace Day is observed globally on September 21 as a shared call to action—a time to set aside differences and commit to building a culture of peace. JLF Houston, now in its 8th year, reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity through literature, music, art, and dialogue.
> Learn more and register
Welcome to Dawn Mountain
Dawn Mountain Tibetan Temple-Community Center-Research Institute
Sunday, September 7, 1:00 PM
Join founders Anne Klein (Lama Rigzin Drolma) and Harvey Aronson (Lama Namgyal Dorje) for a free, one-hour event introducing the heart and history of Dawn Mountain. Attend in person at 4803 San Felipe St., Houston TX 77056 or join via Zoom or YouTube. Discover Dawn Mountain’s story, explore current programs, and hear personal reflections from sangha members. There’ll be time for Q&A with the Lamas and the community. Register > here.
Introduction to Insight Meditation
Insight Meditation Houston
Mondays, September 8, 15, 22, 7-8:30pm
Insight Meditation Houston offers a welcoming three-part series for those curious about Insight (Vipassana) Meditation.
Each session gently introduces core practices—from mindfulness and breath awareness to the deeper teachings of wisdom and compassion. Whether you're brand new or returning to meditation with fresh intention, this series offers a grounding space to explore presence, clarity, and emotional resilience. For details, visit IMH’s website > here.
Global Read for Kids & Co.
Charter for Compassion
September 13, 11:30 AM
Join the Charter for Compassion for the Global Read for Kids with the book World of Wonder by Valarie Kaur. This is more than a picture book: it’s a journey of Revolutionary Love. We wonder about the earth and discover the awe that inspires care. We wonder about people suffering injustice and find that listening to stories inspires courage. We wonder about someone who inflicts cruelty—and discover the power of repair and connection. We wonder about our own emotions and the parts of ourselves we do not yet know. Wonder becomes the conduit to love; it creates the conditions for kindness, care, and courage. World of Wonder illustrates all three practices of Revolutionary Love—love for others, opponents, and ourselves. > Learn more and register here
Walking the Path of Peace
eternal gandhi museum houston
September 21, 2:00-4:00 PM
Join us for a transformative journey of intention setting, guided meditation, yoga, and sound immersion. The bilingual yoga class is from 2-2:50 pm followed by a sound meditation from 3-4 pm. Bring your yoga mat or purchase one from our gift shop!
> Learn more and register here.
IMH Fall 2025 Retreat: At Peace in the World
insight meditation houston
September 25-28
Join Insight Meditation Houston for a transformative 3-day residential retreat with Howard Cohn, a senior teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, at the serene American Bodhi Center in Hempstead, TX. Through Vipassana and Metta meditation, explore practical ways to live with greater peace and compassion. Includes guided meditations, Dharma talks, and noble silence. Comfortable accommodations, nourishing vegetarian meals, and access to scenic walking paths make this a restorative experience for body and mind. Registration closes September 14, 2025, and 50% scholarships are available for those with financial need. Space is limited—visit IMH Fall Retreat 2025 for details and registration. > Fall Retreat Flyer
Compassion Rising Workshop Retreat
Power of Compassion (formerly Houston NVC)
November 9-10, Brenham, TX
Ready to restore, reconnect, and reframe how you communicate? Compassion Rising invites you to a peaceful weekend of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practices designed to help you express your truth without guilt or blame, listen deeply without losing yourself, and transform conflict into meaningful connection
Hosted by Power of Compassion Board President Bren Hardt (alongside husband Bill and their beloved poodle Zoe), this intimate retreat takes place November 8–9, 2025, in serene Brenham, Texas. Fee: $325 (Early registration by September 25: $270) Sign up now for discounted admission > here.
Ongoing Partner Practice Groups
Join us as we collaborate with our partners to explore a variety of compassion-based practices, develop community, and share the challenges and celebrations that occur when we apply the practice in our daily lives. Please click on any image below for details on the applicable program. Check our partner’s websites for updates on in-person versus virtual attendance.
