Click the vajra to go to the main page Click the vajra to go to the front page Click the door to see the calendar

Home

Offerings
Calendar
Intro Classes
Retreats
Retreat calendar
Space Rental

Contact/About Contact and monthly email bulletin
Payments/donations
Buddhist Arts
FWBO

 What is the FWBO?
 What is an Order
Member?

 What is a Mitra?
 Local Order members
 Sangharakshita
Giving
  Dana Program
  Ways You Can Help
  More Ways You Can Help
  Who Does What

Resources
What is Buddhism?
What is Meditation?
What are Buddhist Ethics?
Recommended books
Audio talks
FWBO photos
Sites in N. America
Sites outside N America

Introductory Classes, Courses and Practice Days



Drop-in Introduction to Buddhist Meditation Class

A very brief introduction to two basic Buddhist meditation practices. The Mindfulness of Breathing and the Cultivation of Loving-kindness (metta bhavana) meditations are alternately taught, providing a balanced basis for the development of insight, clarity, and compassion. Come as often as you like - no pre-registration required.

Weekly on Thursdays, 7:15 - 8:15pm
(Doors close at 7:15pm)
Suggested donation: $10-$5/class*

Six-Week Buddhist Meditation Course

A comprehensive introduction to the art of Buddhist meditation, this course provides the opportunity to practice meditation in a supportive setting with practical instruction, guidelines and advice for anyone wishing to bring meditation into their life. We will introduce and practice the Mindfulness of Breathing, the Cultivation of Loving Kindness (Metta Bhavana), Walking meditation, Body awareness, posture, ways to work with distractions, and other topics arising from these experiences. Participants also benefit from practicing regularly with a consistant group and check-ins on individual practice. For start-dates, please see the calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.)

Pre-registration and a deposit are required for this course. How to register for SFBC events.

Six consecutive Tuesday evenings 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost $135 - $90*
Class size is usually 20-30 people.

For start-dates, please see the calendar

Go to top of this page


Six-Week Buddhism Course

How can we in the West understand and apply Buddhist teachings emanating 2,500 years ago from a very different culture and historical period? This course, offered three times a year, is not a lecture series but a practical, discussion-oriented exploration of some core principles of Buddhism and how they can meaningfully effect the way we live. For start-dates, please see the calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.) Each class begins with a short led meditation.

Pre-registration and a deposit are required for this course. How to register for SFBC events.

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

  • The origins of Buddhism and the life of the historical Buddha
  • A review of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism including the Threefold path (ethics, meditation and wisdom) and personal development
  • A survey of how Buddhist teachings have been expressed in different cultures
Six consecutive Tuesday evenings 7:00 - 9:15pm
Cost $135 - $90* + course text book $10 ("Introducing Buddhism" by Chris Pauling or Vadanya)
Class size is usually 10-15 people

For start-dates, please see the calendar

Go to top of this page


Introduction to Buddhism Days

Buddhism is an experientially-based religion that provides a set of practical tools (meditation, ethical precepts, etc.) that help us develop a greater understanding of our lives and the world around us. As opposed to belief-based systems, Buddhism puts an emphasis on deepening our personal experience of seeing things clearly. This introductory day provides an overview of the life of the Buddha, basic Buddhist teachings and an opportunity for questions and discussion. The class will include a short period of meditation for which no advance training is required. For dates, please see the calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.)

One-Day Saturday course, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $50 - $35 sliding scale*
Class size is 5 - 15 people

When dates are scheduled they are listed on the calendar.

Go to top of this page


Introduction to Meditation Days

This introductory day provides an overview of two basic Buddhist meditation practices with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Pre-registration and a deposit are required for this course. You can send an email (letting us know your name, email address, phone number and the class you want to attend) to register.

One-Day Saturday course, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: $50 - $35 sliding scale*
Class size is usually 5 - 15 people

When dates are scheduled they are listed on the calendar.

Go to top of this page

 

Practice Days

Practice days are like day retreats that offer a peaceful opportunity to deepen our meditation practice without leaving the city.

Practice Days, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $40 - $30 sliding scale; special day retreats $60 - $40*

When dates are scheduled they are listed on the calendar.

Go to top of this page


* A note about prices. The Bay Area Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) is a nonprofit organization that runs on donations and the support of those attending its events and classes. We would like to offer the Dharma to anyone with interest and are very happy to have reduced rates for those who need them. Please arrange reduced rates in advance when possible.
 

www.sfbuddhistcenter.org