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Circle of Light Sangha

Hope Lutheran Church, 39200 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Photo of a sitting buddha statue, with multi-colored lights and patterns surrounding it
Photo of a sitting buddha statue, with multi-colored lights and patterns surrounding it
Photo of a group of clouds seen from above, with a heavenly light shining from afar
Photo of a group of clouds seen from above, with a heavenly light shining from afar
Illustration of a lit candle on a body of water, with mountains in the background
Illustration of a lit candle on a body of water, with mountains in the background

Second Mondays @ 7:00-8:30 pm

A forum for serious seekers to gain valuable insight, make new connections, and find their inner Light.

The Sangha meets on the second Mondays to meditate, contemplate on a topic, and have profound discussions over a cup of tea. Persons from all traditions and phases of evolution are welcome. You may actively participate in discussions or just sit back and listen. We request that you leave behind your preconceived opinions and come with a humble, open mind. We are all here to learn. ❤️

The session is free. Love offerings are greatly appreciated and will help us pay for the room rental and other expenses. ☕

Topics of Discussion:

  • December 8 - "Making Life a 24x7 Meditation" by Mark Ellison - Meditation is not an activity one performs but a state of relaxed awareness that one slips into.

    Mark will talk about meditation as it relates to his spiritual practice and will speak about:

    • Sitting meditation

    • Meditating on the presence of God

    • Making life a 24x7 meditation

    The group with have an opportunity to talk about what meditation practices work for them. Mark will lead the group in Qigong energy exercises if there is enough time.


    Mark has facilitated group meditations and dharma talks at numerous interfaith churches and organizations. He has also created a blog site that shares wisdom on how we can live more blissfully in the here and now, regardless of our circumstances. Discover more at www.livingheavenonearth.com.

    In this talk, he will share ways that people can enhance their spiritual practice with meditation. The talk will be proceeded and followed by a group meditation.

  • January 12, 2026 -- "Conscious Living and Dying" by Nancy Hayes

    A profound discussion on how to live - and perhaps more importantly - how to die consciously. Greek philosopher Plato saw death as liberation of the soul from mortal existence and not as an end. He suggested that philosophy is the practice of death and that we should "practice dying." What did he mean? Why practice dying, and more importantly, how?

  • February 9, 2026 -- "Makyo: A Fatal Trap" by Margaret Sullivan

    "Makyo" is a Zen term that translates to "boundary of demons." It describes when the ego hijacks our spiritual practice and takes us off course, preventing us from attaining liberation. Makyo is commonly experienced by serious spiritual seekers, including Jesus and the Buddha. Some people end up trapped in it for life. What are ways that we can recognize it, and how can we overcome it if it happens to us?

Past topics: Reincarnation-- Meaning of Life -- Morality & Liberation -- Prayer -- Is there a God? -- What is Enlightenment? -- What Happens When We Die? -- Mystical Experiences -- Surrender