About Us
The San Francisco Buddhist Center is part of the Triratna Buddhist Community, a worldwide network of independent Buddhist centers, communities, ethical businesses, and social projects in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and beyond.
Our Approach
We are a community dedicated to the study, practice, and communication of Buddhist teachings.
We share a commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha - the path of Buddhist practice and awakening. This is expressed through meditation, ethics, spiritual friendship, community, study, and ritual.
Spiritual friendship is central to our approach. We emphasize supportive, meaningful relationships as a key condition for practice to deepen and flourish.
Everyone is encouraged to participate at a level that feels right for them. Our community is both committed and welcoming, and we are always happy to see new and familiar faces.
What we offer
The Center offers classes and courses in meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhism for people at all stages of practice, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. We also host community gatherings and affinity groups, including LGBTQ+ events and Green Sangha, as well as day, weekend, and longer retreats that provide opportunities to deepen practice, build community, and step back from the busyness of everyday life.
Where we are
Located in the Mission District at 37 Bartlett Street since 1994, we are grateful to be part of this vibrant and diverse neighborhood. We respectfully recognize this land as the ancestral home of the Ramaytush Ohlone people. Land Acknowledgement
Meet Our Community
The best way to get a sense of who we are is simply to come along to a class, event, or retreat.
Wednesday Sangha Night is a welcoming place to meet members of our community, meditate, and explore Buddhist teachings. If you are new to meditation, our Introduction to Meditation is a good way to learn our main meditation practices, or you can sign up for a beginners' course.
Sangha
In Buddhist terms Sangha means the community of people practicing together. Our SFBC Sangha brings together long-time practitioners, newer Buddhists, and people who are just beginning to explore meditation and Buddhist practice. At the heart of the Sangha are Mitras (friends) and members of the Triratna Buddhist Order, who help support the life and practice of the community.
Mitras
Mitra literally means friend. A Mitra is someone who has made a personal commitment to practicing Buddhist teachings within the context of the San Francisco Buddhist Center and the Triratna Buddhist Community. Some people become Mitras after several months of involvement, while others take more time. Mitras have access to additional study opportunities, retreats, and ways to participate more deeply in the life of the community. Read about becoming a Mitra here.
Order Members
Members of the Triratna Buddhist Order have made a lifelong commitment to Buddhist practice. Ordination follows a period of training and preparation that typically takes several years and is rooted in a deep commitment to the Buddhist path.