Sangha Nights in July and August: the Healing Power of Meditation
Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm, in person only
Samadhi Paramita – the Perfection of Meditation
True meditation is not about escaping reality but becoming fully present to it. It is about seeing things as they truly are and responding with wisdom and love. ~ Sangharakshita
The breath is not just a tool for calm—it’s a doorway to wisdom, to seeing how we construct our experience moment by moment. ~ Vessantara
Continuing our Wednesday night theme – Hearts that Heal – in July and August we will focus on the power of meditation to transform and heal.
Over 8 weeks we’ll explore the 16 verses of the Anapanasati Sutta and their meaning for us.
The Anapanasati Sutta (“Discourse on Mindfulness of Breathing”) outlines a progressive meditation practice beginning with simple awareness of the breath and culminating in profound insight and awakening. The Buddha presents 16 steps grouped into four tetrads: mindfulness of the body, feelings and emotions, mind itself, and wisdom – mirroring the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This sutta is cherished in the Triratna tradition as a short yet comprehensive path to awakening, integrating calming and insight practices into a single seamless path.
Sangharakshita emphasized it as a complete and balanced approach to meditation that fosters both tranquility (samatha) and clear seeing (vipassanā). He encouraged practitioners to explore the breath as a living, evolving presence that unites body, feeling, and mind—ultimately pointing to the nature of reality itself.
Anapanasati Sutta Instructions pdf
July 2 and 9: Prasadachitta will give an overview of the practice and explore the first verses
Inquiry into the experience of the Body
July 16 and 23
Inquiry into the experience of Feelings and Emotions
July 30 and Aug 6
Inquiry into the experience of Mind itself
August 13 and 27
Inquiry into the experience of Wisdom
August 20: Special Event
Join us for a very special evening marking the personal commitment of some of our regular sangha members who have decided to become mitras at the SFBC. It’s a very moving and significant event for both those becoming Mitras and also for those witnessing. The simple ceremony takes place within the context of a puja, or devotional practice.
Everyone is welcome to Sangha Night
Go here for more information about the 2025 theme: Hearts that Heal