Welcome to the Buddhist Meditation Community at Duke

We are a culturally and ideologically diverse group that brings core Buddhist teachings and practices to bear on our modern lives and cultural contexts through experiential exercises and discussion. We are deeply committed to celebrating different identities and vantage points and welcome all who are curious, including beginners, experienced Buddhists, and those of other faiths or no faith.

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Connect

Monday Night Session. This session meets from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 148 of the Student Wellness Center. It allows students to practice meditation together and to listen to the Dharma Talk & Discussion, led by the Buddhist chaplain or an experienced meditation teacher and spiritual leader. Dinner is served before the session with a vegetarian option. 

Thursday Midday Session. Beginning the second Thursday of September, this session meets from 12-noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Meditation Room, Greenhouse Level 1, Bryan Center (Enter the Bryan Center through the "greenhouse" doors and go down the stairs; or, take the elevator to the basement and follow the Buddhist Meditation Community signs.) Whether you are new to meditation or have practiced before, all are welcome to sit in community with us. Buddhist Chaplain Cary Brief will lead the session with a gentle, lightly guided meditation. Between brief instructions, we will enjoy moments of silence, focusing on the breath, body, and occasionally exploring themes of joy, compassion, kindness, and gratitude. No prior experience is necessary—just bring an open mind and a willingness to be present. We look forward to sitting with you! 

Thursday Night Session. This session meets from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Meditation Room on Greenhouse Level 1 of the Bryan Center. It allows students to discuss and practice any topics they are interested in, such as Vipassana Meditation, Dharma Discussion, or another topic.

Off-Campus Trips. We will visit the Buddhist Temple in different traditions in the surrounding areas. Usually, we will travel on the weekend and some weekdays. 

Retreat. The Spring Break retreat is still in the planning stages. As soon as details are confirmed we will post the sign up and retreat details here.

One-on-One Appointments. Students who would like to talk one-on-one with Chaplain Cary Brief can contact him by email at cary.brief@duke.edu or by text at (919) 306-9495. He is typically on campus Mondays and Thursdays.  He will also have remote appointments available on Wednesday mornings.

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About the Buddhist Meditation Community at Duke

The Buddhist Meditation Community at Duke provides the opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students to learn about Buddhist teachings and practice meditation. Our Monday evening meetings include quiet meditation, group study, and discussion, and we regularly host local Buddhist teachers from across traditions to share their teachings with the group. We deeply value the role of friendship and community in supporting a thoughtful spiritual path of wisdom and compassion. 

Chaplain

A bald man with a slight smile looks at the camera. He has tatoos barely showing from under his shirt around his neck. He is standing in front of a stone wall.

Chaplain Cary Brief (he/him/his) is the Buddhist Chaplain at Duke. He leads the Buddhist Meditation Community and offers education on campus around mindfulness, meditation, and other teachings of Buddhism. Born in New Jersey, he has studied and practiced in multiple Buddhist traditions for many years. As a hospital chaplain, he has served at UNC and REX hospitals. Cary is the founding teacher of Sit Raleigh Meditation Society and leads weekly meditation classes, dharma talks, and study groups. He came to Duke in August of 2025, taking over leadership of BMCD from Rev. Prasert Ammartek while he is away on active duty. 

BMCD Executive Officers

  • Nancy Le – President
  • Omkar Bhat – Treasurer
  • Brandon Huynh – Vice President
  • Adelle Young – Communications Chair
  • Lewis Zhang – Event Planner
  • Joshua Wagner –  Lead Coordination Chair

Physical Address

Buddhist Meditation Community at Duke
037E Duke Chapel Basement
401 Chapel Drive
Durham, NC 27708