Events Archive

This page shows events that we hold regularly. 

Archived Events

Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into the conversation (David Whyte)
Sat, Apr 21, 2018

Continuing the theme of this month's Sangha Night we'll explore ways we communicate - out loud, in silence and through writing - that lead to more freedom and less suffering.

with Hridayashri
Sat, Jun 9, 2018

Meditation in the World - part of our Buddhist Action Month series.

This is an opportunity to take our practice outside and commune with nature.  Starting at 10am we will meet in Dolores Park.  Look for us on the grass above the tennis courts near the corner of 18th and Dolores St.  Mats and cushions are provided.  Please bring your own blankets, sunscreen, water, hat, and weather appropriate clothing. We will do a sit, walk, sit. Then share in a vegetarian potluck lunch.  Please register so we know how many cushions to bring.

with Viveka
Wed, Jun 20, 2018

Viveka facilitates breakthroughs with people building community power to shape a thriving world that is healthy, inclusive, and equitable. She has collaborated for 25 years within movements for racial, economic, gender and environmental justice and with dharma communities seeking to model and work towards a transformed, liberating society. She will share her reflections and engage us on these questions:

  • What is power? Different kinds of power?
  • How can we engage and shift toxic power in our society skillfully?
  • What is our power to co-create positive change in the world?
  • How do we wield that creative power ethically?
with Advayamati
Sat, Jul 28, 2018

Developed by Advayamati ‘body dharma’ workshops are based on shiatsu, loving- kindness and mindfulness. They support the integration of body, mind and spirit, leading us to a deeper experience of inter-connectedness. 

Advayamati has taught buddhism and meditation at the Ipswich Buddhist Centre (UK) for 14 years and been practicing shiatsu for 30. 

The workshops involve a combination of bodywork, chi chung, ‘do in’ (simple self shiatsu), and yoga stretching with mindfulness meditation that helps us take our practice deeper and bring more of our whole experience into  our meditation, helping to balance the flow of energy. There is some paired work.

Please wear loose clothing.

 

Led by Shantigarbha
Sat, Sep 15, 2018

I'll Meet You There

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi.

Based on his new book and drawing on many years of training in meditation, buddhism, non-violent communication (NVC)and mediation, Shantigarbha will lead through meditations, guided reflections, stories from the life of the Buddha, and practical exercises to help us develop our empathic listening skills. 

Shantigarbha is a Buddhist activist and mediator, and author of I'll Meet You There: a practical guide to empathy, mindfulness and communication, released in June 2018 from Windhorse Publications. Read the first chapter and order the paperback and e-book here

All welcome. No NVC or meditation experience required.  

Sep 19 to Oct 3
Wed, Sep 19, 2018

WHERE DHARMA MEETS ART: AN URBAN RETREAT, WITH VAJRADARSHINI

“Our meditation doesn't stay on the cushion. We are a studio and a laboratory, testing new ways to view life. Evoking curiosity and playfulness. Looking for meaning. Finding beauty.”

We are very happy that Vajradarshini will be back after many years to lead 3 weeks of urban retreat: Sep 17 to Oct 7.

Vajradarshini has been teaching and leading retreats since 1997. “In all that time the aspect of practice that I loved the most was bringing the Buddhist teachings together with art. Something would happen, the art illuminated the dharma and the dharma illuminated the art.” She currently lives in Sweden. Take a look at her website.

Events:

SANGHA NIGHTS: THE LIFE OF OBJECTS - FALL IN LOVE WITH LIFE AGAIN

Three Wednesday Evenings, 7pm to 9pm 

  • Sep 19: Bringing Objects to Life
  • Sep 26: A Mutual Relationship
  • Oct 3: Everyday Ritual Objects

When we realise how much the world we live in is influenced by mind, we also discover that we can choose the kind of a world we want to live in. 
When we realise that what we experience is not the ‘thing out there’ but our own perception, our relationship with things is suddenly changed. The teapot and the bowl are no longer separate from us, but intimately connected to us, even a part of us.  

We encourage you if you can to come to all three evenings, but please drop in to just as many as you can. Along with the Day Retreat Sep 22, these events are open to anyone interested in Art, Meditation or Buddhism and/or a combination of all three.  No experience necessary. 

More information about our Wednesday night program here

 

DAY RETREAT: DHARMA DOORWAYS IN THE WORLD OF ART

Saturday 22 Sept, 10am to 4pm - more information and registration here.

The way I see it, meditators and artists are often on a similar mission. The mission to get close to reality. The mission to have an experience that is, somehow, ‘truer’. 

We’ll take the essential Buddhist teaching of the vimoksa mukhas, this teaching points to the idea that we can find doorways to freedom in our own minds, and we'll ask if art can open these doorways? 

Whether you make art or simply value it in your life, if you want to make new connections between meditation and art this day retreat is for you. 

 

CORE SANGHA WEEKEND RETREAT: THREE REALMS: TIME - ENERGY - SPACE. THREE DOORWAYS TO FREEDOM

Weekend Retreat for Core Sangha Sep 28 to 30 - more information here.

A writing workshop, led by Acarasiddhi
Sat, Oct 13, 2018

Our theme for October is Creative practice.  During this daylong workshop Acarasiddhi will share ways to connect with our natural creativity through writing.  

The workshop will be positive, friendly, encouraging and productive, with helpful and inspiring writing exercises to get us started, and reflections on the link between words and practice. 

No writing or any other experience required. Bring your curiosity and your favorite writing tools (although pens and paper will also be available if you need them).

Acarasiddhi is an author and poet, usually as Tony Press. His short story collection "Crossing the Lines" was published in 2016.  "Equinox and Solstice", his e-chapbook of poems, appeared in 2018 at Right Hand Pointing. He has also led many useful and enjoyable writing days. 

Please pre-register - see "add to cart" below. If you are unable to afford the suggested rate please just pay what you can. 

Lunch is not provided but there are plenty of nice restaurants very close to to the SFBC, or you can pick something up at the local grocery store. 

 

led by Padmatara
Fri, Nov 9, 2018 to Sun, Nov 11, 2018

Our annual women's weekend retreat is a wonderful opportunity to spend a weekend practicing together in the relaxing natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. We hope you can join us!

This year's theme is Finding Stability in Turbulent Times.

Whether the turbulence feels internal or external, or both, when we are able to turn towards our physical, emotional and mental experience with compassionate curiosity, we cultivate a sense of stability that, in turn, allows us to respond more creatively to anything and everything we meet in our lives. On this retreat we will gently explore our tendency to argue with, avoid or hold on to experience, and encourage our natural capacity to welcome all of it.

Padmatara will guide this retreat, bringing a love of meditation and an enthusiasm for teachings that help us navigate the worldly winds more effectively - including Dharma, Poetry, Focusing and Insight Dialogue. Feel free to email her with any questions.

Each day will begin with meditation. Mid morning and afternoon sessions will include instruction, guided, mindful dialogue, and more meditation. There is space for hiking, yoga, nature gazing, or relaxing in the hot tub in the afternoon. In the evenings we will have some ritual practice. Silent periods will encourage the deepening of experience. 

All activities are optional and while we invite you to enjoy the flow of the schedule and stretch your comfort zone just a little, we also encourage you to listen to your body and participate in whatever way is most helpful. We share cooking and cleaning. 

Accommodation is in yurts, or there are places to camp if you prefer. 

Register by Oct 31.

Open to all levels of experience, but if you have not taken one of our meditation courses please contact us. See our Newcomer page for information about our meditation classes and courses.

10am to 4pm, with Prasadachitta
Sat, Nov 10, 2018

AWAKENING TO OUR OWN IMAGINATION

Led by Prasadachitta

Our imagination is arguably to most powerful force that works upon the mind. We have only limited evidence of what is happening around us and we rely on our imagination to fill in the blanks. Even what is happening within the sphere of our own being must rely on imagination to have any coherent story or meaning. 

How can we learn to make the imagination an ally in creating harmony and well-being for ourselves and others? How can we avoid the pitfalls of imagination and not become a slave to unhelpful views of ourselves and others? We need an imagination that is awake, vibrant, pliable and most of all helpful. 

During this day retreat, and on Sangha Nights in November, let's try and help each other imagine how this can become true in our lives and by extension the world.  

imagination - noun:

- the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.

• the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful

• the part of the mind that imagines things

10am to 12 noon
Sat, Dec 8, 2018

Join us for a simple morning of meditation - sit, walk, sit.

No instruction - just perhaps a couple of poems or relevant teachings - but there will be an opportunity for anyone interested to hang out and talk about meditation afterwards.

Open to anyone with a meditation practice. 

led by Vimalamoksha and Padmatara
Sat, Dec 22, 2018 to Sat, Dec 29, 2018

Register by Dec 10 - see below.

Our annual winter meditation retreat is a priceless opportunity to spend a week away from our normal conditions, in silence, supporting each other to go deeper with meditation, and being supported by the natural beauty of Nature.

Silence: the retreat will be mostly silent except for teachings, meditation reviews and some mindful communication. It's a rare chance to take a break from making conversation and to see what happens when we let ourselves be.

The theme this year is Loving the Dream, and we will contemplate these words from the Diamond Sutra, along with other teachings and poems, exploring what (if anything) they might mean for the way we live our lives. 

Each object in this fleeting world is like a lightning flash,

a bubble in a stream,

a wisp of smoke, a cloud,

a drop of dew,

a fading star at dawn,

a breath, a dream.

Food and Work Periods: Vegetarian food and simple menus are provided and cooking and cleaning are shared by everyone on the retreat. If you have a preference please let us know in advance.

Free Time: There will be plenty of time to explore or hang out among the trees or sit by the fire. 

Meditation experience is strongly recommended for this retreat. If you have not taken one of our meditation courses please contact us or drop-in to our Thursday classes.

Marking Black History Month Feb 2019
Fri, Feb 15, 2019

Friday Feb 15, 7pm 

"13th", 2016, Documentary, Directed by Ava DuVernay.

Rotten Tomatoes: "The title of Ava DuVernay's extraordinary and galvanizing documentary refers to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which reads "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States." The progression from that second qualifying clause to the horrors of mass criminalization and the sprawling American prison industry is laid out by DuVernay with bracing lucidity. With a potent mixture of archival footage and testimony from a dazzling array of activists, politicians, historians, and formerly incarcerated women and men, DuVernay creates a work of grand historical synthesis."

The Guardian: "Ava DuVernay’s incendiary film is a wakeup call that steers clear of broad brush Michael Moorisms to offer a brutal analysis of race and the law in the US"

See full review.

10am to 4pm, with Danadasa
Sat, Feb 16, 2019

How would it be if we could look at everything that happens in our world, including, or perhaps especially, the annoying or difficult things, as tools to help to wake up?  In February we'll explore this question in many different ways as we kick off our 2019 theme - Bringing Everything to the Path - with this Day Retreat and a new Sangha Night Series

Buddhist Ethics - it's not about being good.

When you yourselves know: "These things are bad; these things are blamable; these things lead to harm and ill," abandon them.'

When you yourselves know: 'These things are good; these things are not blamable; these things lead to benefit and happiness,' enter on and abide in them.

The Buddha

The trajectory of our lives is shaped by our habitual actions. Where are our habitual actions leading us? And is this where we want to go? Please join us as we explore these questions and more on this day retreat.

These monthly day retreats are a great opportunity to experience the benefits of retreat without leaving the city. Each month, through meditation, reflection and discussion, we will explore a different aspect of practice and see for ourselves how it relates to living well today. They are open to anyone interested in the topics, and no particular experience is required, though if you haven't meditated before you might consider taking on of our introductory classes.

March 22 to 24, at Jikoji - register by March 10 (extended)
Fri, Mar 22, 2019 to Sun, Mar 24, 2019

This annual retreat aims to provide a space to reconnect with beginner's mind - our natural capacity to see through expectations and prejudice and respond to our inner and outer worlds with gentle curiosity and wisdom. People with many years of experience as well as actual beginners are invited to give your practice a refreshing boost, surrounded by the quiet, natural beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains. Meditating together and supporting each other, away from our usual schedule, gives us the chance to go deeper and refresh our perspective on life.

This year's theme is Mirror-like Wisdom as an aspect of beginner's mind - our ever-present potential for seeing experience just as it presents itself, nothing added or taken away. It's like the bright dawn right before the sun rises, when the air is clear and cool and the the light is blue and mysteriously revealing. 

Each day will begin and end quietly with meditation. Mid morning and afternoon sessions will include instruction and guided, mindful dialogue. Weather permitting we plan to spend a fair amount of time outside in nature. 

All activities are optional and while we invite you to enjoy the flow of the schedule and stretch your comfort zone just a little, we also encourage you to listen to your body and participate in whatever way is most helpful. 

Food Work Periods: Vegetarian food and simple menus are provided and cooking and cleaning are shared by everyone on the retreat. If you have a preference please let us know in advance. 

Free Time: Jikoji is a beautiful place and there will be time to explore the area, hike up to the ridge, and/or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Meditation Experience: There will be meditation without instruction in the morning and evening so if you have not taken one of our meditation courses we recommend dropping in to one or two of our Thursday 7pm classes. Contact us for more information. 

Sliding scale: Please pay what you can afford within the range: $265-$200.  Plus optional dana for the teacher. (SFBC teachers are volunteers - all fees go to support running costs.) Paying the higher end of the scale helps those who need a lower rate - this is particularly helpful this year as Jikoji's prices have risen. If you are unable to come because of money please contact us as we are sometimes able to offer reductions.  

 

10am to 4pm, with Karunadevi
Sat, Mar 30, 2019

The only thing that will not change is change itself.

It is through change that we grow, heal, learn, engage, suffer, age, and die. We experience pain and disappointment as well as joy and gratitude.

Through the acceptance of change we can transform our habits, our hindrances, negative mental states and emotions, and see through our delusions; we can tread the creative path toward liberation.

On this day retreat we will use meditation, reflection, journal writing, and discussion to explore our views and experiences of change and share ways we can respond creatively and recognize the continuity in the midst of change.

Lunch will be provided.

These monthly day retreats are a great opportunity to experience the benefits of retreat without leaving the city. Each month, through meditation, reflection and discussion, we will explore a different aspect of practice and see for ourselves how it relates to living well today. They are open to anyone interested in the topics, and no particular experience is required, though if you haven't meditated before you might consider taking on of our introductory classes.

See also our Sangha Night Series: The Wisdom of Change

10am to 4pm, with Viradhamma and Danadasa
Sat, Apr 20, 2019

In the Honeyball Sutta (a teaching of the Buddha), the Buddha describes the conditions that give rise to conflict. And with a clear understanding of these conditions, we can also see a pathway leading to the dissolving of conflict and the arising of peace. Please join us to explore this ancient wisdom and how to apply it to our modern lives.

See also our April Sangha Night Series: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World.

These monthly day retreats are a great opportunity to experience the benefits of retreat without leaving the city. Each month, through meditation, reflection and discussion, we will explore a different aspect of practice and see for ourselves how it relates to living well today. They are open to anyone interested in the topics, and no particular experience is required, though if you haven't meditated before you might consider taking on of our introductory classes.

10am to 4:30pm, with Advayamati
Sat, May 4, 2019

The anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) sutta is a much-loved teaching from the Buddha that quietly and beautifully guides us towards real tranquility and wisdom through awareness of the breathing body.  

On this day retreat we will explore experientially the key themes from the sutta - body, feelings, mind and wisdom - to enhance our experience and practice of both mindfulness and metta (kindness).

The day will include meditation, reflection, body work and communication. 

At lunch time we will have a vegan pot luck - please bring food to share, or you can pick something up nearby if you prefer. 

Open to everyone. 

Advayamati has taught buddhism and meditation in the UK for 15 years and has practiced shiatsu for over 30. He is particularly interested in combining bodywork with meditation and dharma. 

 

June 2019
Sat, Jun 1, 2019

June 2019 - follow Triratna events online at https://thebuddhistcentre.com/action. See also Sangha Nights in June. 

Buddhist Action Month (BAM!) was initiated by the Network of Buddhist Organisations (NBO) (www.nbo.org.uk) to inspire and support social change and care for the environment. In 2015 Triratna Buddhist Centres across Europe got involved and in the years that followed BAM was represented by actions and activities across Britain, in Europe, Australia and North America.

 “For the month of June, BAM encourages Buddhists of all traditions to take their practice off the cushion and into the world, to exemplify compassion, ethics, meditation, and insight in the real world and in contact with others. BAM invites us to make more conscious the connections between our ethical commitment as Buddhists and the needs of other beings – human and otherwise, our society and our environment; and it offers us the opportunity to explicitly explore and discuss the ethical issues facing Buddhists in the 21st century.” (NBO-website)

Saturday June 22, 10am to 4pm
Sat, Jun 22, 2019

If an approach to practice is not working for you, do you just carry on doggedly hoping that it will somehow improve? It’s not very likely that this will work!

This is as true of dhyana or absorption practice as any other area. So, on this Day Retreat Tejananda will be suggesting approaches people have found to be helpful and effective in opening to dhyana through exploring body, breath and awareness. By exploring and uncovering the actual nature of our bodily experience, resources for entering dhyana can be discovered right here, already present – just waiting to be noticed.

Meditation experience is recommended.

Lunch is not provided but there are many restaurants, cafes and stores in the neighborhood. 

Please pre-register.

Saturday July 27, 10am to 4pm
Sat, Jul 27, 2019

Mindfulness in an urban environment. How do we manage? What are the challenges?

Special guest Paramabodhi will lead us in meditation, reflection and discussion as we step back for a day from our usual routine to explore ways to respond with more kindness and care when we return.

Paramabodhi helped get the SFBC going back in the early 90's before going back to London to work on his art.  He has remained a good friend to us and visits regularly to share his interest in Mindfulness practice and creativity. 

Open to everyone, though some meditation experience will be useful.

Please pre-register. 

with Acarasiddhi
Sat, Sep 21, 2019

During this daylong workshop Acarasiddhi will share ways to connect with our natural creativity through writing.  

The workshop will be positive, friendly, encouraging and productive, with helpful and inspiring writing exercises to get us started, and reflections on the link between words and practice. 

No writing or any other experience required. Bring your curiosity and your favorite writing tools (although pens and paper will also be available if you need them).

Acarasiddhi is an author and poet, usually as Tony Press. His short story collection "Crossing the Lines" was published in 2016.  "Equinox and Solstice", his e-chapbook of poems, appeared in 2018 at Right Hand Pointing. He has also led many useful and enjoyable writing days. 

Saturday, October 12, 10am to 4pm
Sat, Oct 12, 2019

A Day Retreat with Special Guest, Aryajaya, from the UK

What does Buddhist practice have to say about being human? Using the traditional Buddhist teaching of the Wheel of Life this day retreat will explore the advantages and opportunities of being in the mental states of the human realm. We'll meditate, reflect, discuss and maybe answer the question by the poet Mary Oliver, 'What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious human life?'

Aryajaya is the current International Order Convenor for the Triratna Buddhist Community, taking over from Parami in 2018.  Her work is to connect and deepen the Order worldwide in many, varied ways. She moved to the UK from Australia in 2000 to participate in Triratna's team based business Windhorse Evolution and the ordination process. Ordained in 2006 she continued to work at Evolution until the closure in 2015. She enjoyed the challenge of creating an ethical working environment and community in a commercial setting. She now lives at Adhisthana and enjoys meditation, the mythic realm, yoga and wild swimming.  Her name means Noble Victory.

Other Worlds are Actual
Sat, Oct 19, 2019

Once again the SFBC will participate in this extraordinary event in San Francisco's Mission District. The theme of our reading is Other Worlds are Actual.

Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy hearing from some great local writers and readers: R. Krishna Chaganti, Tony Acarasiddhi Press, Mary Salome, Laura Blackwell, Mary Wagner, Matthew Keuter.

More information and writer bios will follow on Lit Crawl's website and our segment here.

Sangha (Community) Night
Wed, Nov 6, 2019

Every year on a Sangha Night close to Day of the Dead (Dia de los muertos) we take the opportunity to get together and celebrate the lives of those we have lost in the recent past.  Please bring photographs or souvenirs to place on the shrine to remember your loved ones. 

Showing "The North Pole Show"
Fri, Nov 15, 2019

The SFBC Green Sangha will host movie night Friday November 15, 7pm.  We will show the web series "The North Pole", "a comedic web series about three best friends born and raised in North Oakland, CA, who struggle to stay rooted as their neighborhood becomes a hostile environment".  http://www.thenorthpoleshow.com/about/

This event is a fundraiser for RAICES whose mission is to defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families and communities, and advocate for liberty and justice.

You can donate here or donate through the SFBC at this event. 

There are also other ways to donate, including giving air miles or a portion of your fare if you need to get a ride with Lyft. 

led by Singhashri
Fri, Dec 6, 2019

UPDATES

Commuter Meditations

Reading Materials and links

Insight Dialogue Groups beginning Thursday Jan 10

Focusing on meditation and Singhashri's Sangha Night talks these will be structured along the lines of Insight Dialogue. Sign up requested as numbers are limited. 

TOPIC AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION                                                                                                                                           

Our Annual Rainy Season Retreat is an opportunity for Mitras and Order Members Members at the SFBC to spend time practicing together.  The schedule so far is below, and you can also see it in calendar form here or if you want a printable version here.  Suggested donation: $50 to $100. 

This year we're very happy that Singhashri is visiting from England to lead the Retreat. Many of you will remember her since she lived and taught here for many years before moving to London. Here is her invitation: 

Sangharakshita has said: 'We are the path.' On this retreat, come and discover how this might be true for you through an exploration of the Triratna System of Practice.  How do we bring more and more of ourselves into our practice, with a spirit of unconditional love, towards realizing the true nature of reality?

“The path is a symbol, representing the fact that we can change… The path itself is not out there; it is in here. The path simply represents the individual solution to your own particular predicament. If you know and understand yourself as you are now, that puts you in a position to develop in your own way. The path is you in the process of organising your mental states in such a way that growth and development will take place in a positive direction.”  Sangharakshita.

Many of us begin our journey as spiritual practitioners with all sorts of ideas about what we might achieve and how we should go about it. But, as our practice deepens, we may find that simply doing as we’re told isn’t enough, even as ideas about the goal and how we might reach it become less clear. We begin to understand that in order to realize the Dharma, we are going to have to find creative and personally meaningful ways to work through our unique set of habits in the service of ever deepening freedom from suffering.

This will be different for each of us, but there is something that unites us on our journeys: those are the principles that we practice by. These principles help us in understanding what is unfolding, how to meet that unfolding with curiosity and love, and how to turn that meeting into the means for awakening. These principles have been clearly communicated to us by our teacher through the five stages of our system of practice: integration, positive emotion, receptivity, spiritual death and spiritual rebirth.

During the Rainy Season retreat we will explore the System of Practice by getting curious about how the foundational meditations of mindfulness of breathing, metta bhavana and just sitting support us on our journey. We will specifically explore:

-    How do we create the conditions for a calm, peaceful mind that can more fully turn towards and be with our direct experience?
-    How can we meet difficult sensations, thoughts and emotions with a non-judgmental attitude, and cultivate curiosity?  
-    How can we begin to see more clearly our habitual reactions and the suffering they create?
-    What else is possible?

Saturdays 10am to 4pm

  • Jan 5, Opening Ceremony and Practice Day
  • Jan 12, Practice Day
  • Jan 19, Order Day in Annex and Mitra Day on ground floor  
    • ***Mitras will meet from 10-1 only for meditation, followed by a talk on Buddhism and Ecology, and discussion of topics that arise from the talk and the retreat. 
  • Jan 26 - Practice Day

Wednesday Sangha Nights - 7pm to 9pm

  • Jan 9, 16, 23, 30

Fridays - Social/Movies/Pujas 

  • Jan 11 - Movie - Into Great Silence, 7pm 
    Pete and Padmatara will host "Into Great Silence" Friday Jan 11th starting at 7pm, with Pete's special silent cookies, and Padmatara's quiet (fake) mimosas.  Friends and family welcome. Please arrive early for a 7pm start.
  • Jan 18, 25 - nothing scheduled yet

Sunday Jan 13 - 10am to 4pm

  • Teaching Kula Training 

Meditations

  • 7:30 am Mon to Fri
  • 12 Noon Tue, and Thur
  • 6pm Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri (not Mondays, as there's a renter 5:30 to 6:30 - please try not to disturb).

Mondays - Going for Refuge and Prostration Practice, with Karunadevi, 7pm (there is a group renting the center till 6:30 so please try not to disturb them - thanks!).

(for Order Members and Mitras in the Ordination Training)

  • Jan 7: Reporting in, Prostration Practice - 7pm, or arrive at 6:35 for a review of the practice (see note about renter above).
  • Jan 14, 21, 28:  Prostration Practice followed by study of selections from Creative Symbols of Tantric Buddhism. The book is difficult to get as it is out of print, but here is a link for the kindle version: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079Y3M3J3/ref=dbs_a_w_dp_b079y3m3j3

Insight Dialogue Groups

Groups with Singashri will be offered Thursday evenings and possibly Tuesdays depending on numbers.  Sign up by email or at Sangha Night.  They will focus on meditation and the system of practice talks on Sangha Night, structured along the lines of Insight Dialogue  - here's some  information about that. 

Sitting, Walking, Lying Down
Sat, Dec 14, 2019

A spacious, mostly silent morning of meditation – walking, sitting, and lying down. Open to anyone with some meditation experience. 

We’ll also have an opportunity at the end for those who wish to share what we’ve learned and ask questions.

Limited Public Program in January
Wed, Jan 1, 2020

Each January our core sangha of Mitras and Order Members take time to practice together and simplify their lives.  During this time we do not offer our regular TuesdayWednesday and Thursday classes. These will resume in February 2020.

Morning meditations will continue Monday to Friday except during the Winter Retreat - Dec 21 to 28.

Day Retreat, Sat Feb 22, 10am to 4-m
Sat, Feb 22, 2020

Many Suttas in Buddhism  show the Buddha quietly and beautifully guiding his followers towards real tranquility and wisdom through awareness of the body.  As part of our "Simply Practice" theme this month and year, Prasadachitta will explore with us the power of simply paying attention to the senses. 

Our day retreats are an opportunity to get a taste of retreat without leaving the city.  They are open to everyone, though some meditation experience recommended. Lunch is not usually provided but there are many restaurants and grocery stores very close to the SFBC. Please feel free to email with any questions.

Register below.

 

The Black Power Mix Tapes: 1967-1975
Sun, Feb 23, 2020

The Black Power Mixtapes: 1967 - 1975

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

2011. 97 minutes. (Award-winning) documentary.

"Assembled from 16mm footage shot for Swedish television, most of it in black and white, the documentary takes a chronological approach to the civil rights movement, the Black Panthers and related phenomena. The years covered seem to coincide with Sweden's period of greatest disgust with the U.S., which is clearly linked to the Vietnam War. "

https://www.npr.org/2011/09/08/140146806/mixtape-black-power-stories-seen-from-afar

Open to all.  Please arrive by 6pm at the latest - no registration required. 

 

Simplifying Kindness
Wed, Mar 18, 2020

March 18: Married to Amazement (from the poem by Mary Oliver)

 - a fresh look at the third of the illimitables - Mudita or Joyful Appreciation

Check in, meditation, short talk. This is part of a 4 week series but you are welcome to attend any evening. 

While we are getting used to this new format we ask that you  register in advance so that we can be prepared and also to see if we have enough interest.  Please register below by noon of March 18 if you would like to attend and we will send you the link by 2pm on Wednesday 18.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

Suggested donation $10 to $5 or whatever you an afford.

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!  Registration now closed. Please join us next time.

Simplifying Kindness
Wed, Mar 25, 2020

Simplifying Kindness: In March, with the help of meditation, poetry, and buddhist teachings, we have been looking at ways that kindness and gentle presence can open our hearts and simplify our lives.

March 25: Everything is waiting for you  (from the poem by David Whyte)  - looking at kindness and the difference between Equanimity and Indifference

Please register below by noon March 25 if you would like to attend and we will send you the link by 2pm on Wednesday 25.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $10 to $5 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but optional - if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0.

Ethical Practice, the Earth, and Our Wallets
Sun, Apr 5, 2020

Join the San Francisco Buddhist Center's Green Sangha for conversation with organizers from Stop the Money Pipeline. This broad coalition has been organizing to "demand that banks, asset managers, insurance companies and institutional investors stop funding, insuring and investing in climate destruction."

We will discuss the nexus of the Buddha's teachings and Climate Action, and there will be opportunities to learn more about ways we can engage with mindfulness and compassion during the 3-day climate strike (April 22nd-24th) that marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AMRb-LQ_T5q5N-8zuC3g-Q

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

 

new from Dharma Toolkit
Wed, Apr 15, 2020

A great, encouraging conversation from New York City and San Francisco. The mythic sense of things is never far away in today's conversation: at the most intimate levels of close, personal friendship; and also culturally, historically, politically, and spiritually as we try to meet the moment of crisis to which we are all witnesses.

Join Upayadhi and Viveka on this week's podcast

You can also join Viveka on Sangha Night April 15

Saturday April 25, 10am to 12 noon
Sat, Apr 25, 2020

The Myth of Meditation: Restoring Imaginal Ground through Embodied Buddhist Practice

Join us for a special morning meditation with Paramananda - joining us all the way from London.  

Paramananda was instrumental in getting the San Francisco Buddhist Center started back in the 90s and was our Chair until 2001, when he returned to the UK.  

He is a well known and widely respected meditation teacher, based at the West London Buddhist Centre, but leading classes and retreats around the UK and internationally. He is the author of several popular books about meditation and Buddhist practice, most recently The Myth of Meditation (published 2019), and also including the best-selling Change Your MindA Deeper Beauty, and The Art of meditation: The Body

Please register below by noon April 24 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link by 2pm that day.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $40 to $20 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

dedicated to Sangha in India
Sat, May 9, 2020

Remembering a beautifully long day involving Triratna communities from New Zealand to the West Coast of the USA. You can relive the story of the day on this page.

The day was offered on a dana (donation) basis with all funds offered to our sangha members in India, who face great hardship as the coronavirus crisis disproportionately impacts their lives. The goal is to raise £150,000 – and at time of writing we have nearly £45,000 donated – many thanks!

If you can, donate now and help their work to alleviate terrible suffering and bring hope back to the lives of many Dharma friends.

Thank you from the Buddha Day team – and from the online community around the world!

The program included a talk by Viveka at 4pm: The Buddha as Social Revolutionary, and a closing ritual with Viradhamma. 

You can rewatch here: https://thebuddhistcentre.com/stories/toolkit/buddha-day/

Saturday May 23, 10am to 12, on Zoom
Sat, May 23, 2020

Body - Heart - Love

Metta is unconditional and, ultimately, unconditioned love. Even though we learn to cultivate metta through phrases and imagination, it is by nature a quality or expression of our whole being. If we open to metta through the 'aliveness' of our body and heart (soma) it opens out and finds its true nature and home. We'll explore this, in practice, during this Saturday morning.

Tejananda has been visiting San Francisco to lead retreats for almost 20 years. He lives and teaches at Vajraloka Retreat Centre in Wales and has led events around the world. We're very happy that he is able to join us for this short online retreat.

Some meditation experience recommended. 

Please register below by noon May 22 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link by 2pm that day.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $40 to $20 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Connecting through Practice
Wed, May 27, 2020

Sangha Nights in May: Connecting through Practice

Register below for any or all Sangha Nights in May. We will send you the link to join Zoom online by 2pm on the day of each class.  (There is a different link for each class.)

Sangha (community) nights are open to anyone interested in connecting through an interest in meditation and buddhist practices. Usually there's a meditation followed by a talk and optional discussion groups.  

May 6: The Meaning of Sangha, with Karunadevi

Why Do We Have a Buddhist Community?  Karunadevi and others will explore this question and our relationship to community.

May 13: Practicing with Uncertainty, with Viveka

May 20: Embracing Aloneness and Interconnectedness, with Pete

This subject has received an enormous amount of attention, and the current situation has made it feel even more important and urgent. Buddhist practice invites us to sit peacefully with aloneness, encourages us to engage wholeheartedly with friendship, and provides a path for the integration of these two aspects of our experience. In keeping with the theme of simplicity we will consider this topc through the simple lens of kindness, curiosity, and the benefit of all beings  

May 27: Discovering the simple meaning of what we do, with Prasadachitta

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per class.  Donations are very much appreciated but optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. 

Thank you!  

June 13 and 14, 9am to 12noon both days
Sat, Jun 13, 2020

Saturday and Sunday June 13 and 14, 9am-12pm both days

Abiding in Peace, Here and Now, with Bodhipaksha

Following a transformative retreat in April, Bodhipaksa will introduce further radical yet simple approaches to meditation that allow experiences of peace, joy, and calmness to unfold effortlessly within us. These tools are accessible regardless of whether or not you attended his first retreat.

As well as new meditation skills, you'll come away with an understanding of the significance of dhyana in the Buddha’s path to Awakening, and especially how it leads to insight. And crucially, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of how peace and joy can be found in every moment.

The SFBC is joining with the Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver Sanghas for this retreat. 

Bodhipaksha has taught meditation around the world and online for many years. He is also the author of several books, most recently This difficult thing of Being Human: The Art of Self-Compassion, and the founder of Wildmind Meditation

Please register below by Thursday June 11 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link by the end of Friday June 12.

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart.

Suggested Donations: 

All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, then click 'pay later' on the payment page to ensure your registration goes through.

$75 - Full price for the weekend

$25 to $50  - I'm concerned about money but I still have an income

$100 to $125 - I don't have to worry about money and want to support Dharma activities in the west coast centers

Thank you!

Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm
Wed, Jun 24, 2020

Our theme this year is Simply Practice - connecting with the heart of our practice, in meditation and in action, so that we might sustain ourselves and others and respond with kindness to whatever arises in the days and months ahead.

To mark Buddhist Action Month we are donating all June Sangha Night contributions beyond our regular budget of $200​ to two organizations working with people impacted by COVID-19:

Undocufund San Francisco, a local organization founded in March to provide direct assistance to undocumented workers and families; 

and Nagaloka, a Buddhist organization in Nagpur, India associated with Triratna, who provide support and basic necessities to some of the most vulnerable communities in India. 

Register below for any or all Sangha Nights in June. We will send you the link to join Zoom online by 2pm on the day of each class.  (There is a different link for each class.)

Sangha (community) nights are open to anyone interested in connecting through an interest in meditation and buddhist practices. Usually there's a meditation followed by a talk and optional discussion groups.  

June 24: Living the Questions: how can we support anti-racism in our world, our sangha and our hearts and minds?​

Buddhist teachings can shed light on our conditioning and help us to question previously unconscious or ignored biases and delusions that cause suffering. This Sangha Night is an opportunity to consider what questions we can ask to help us stay conscious generally and support anti-racism specifically. How aware am I of my own conditions and reactions when the issue of race comes up? Is my response helpful? What is the impact? Do I have to choose between working with my mind and heart and supporting action for external change? How can buddhist teachings help me stay engaged and not turn away? 

Padmatara will introduce the evening but the intention is for an interactive conversation, with a chance for each of us to share our experience, our intentions, ways we might support each other, and resources and teachings that have helped.

Previous Sangha Nights in June 

June 3: Responsibility and Receptivity in the Age of Covid, with Karunadevi

June 10: Sangha in India today, with Viradhamma

June 17: Grieving, with Mokshasi

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. 

Thank you!  

Listening to the Buddha
Wed, Jul 29, 2020

Listening to the Buddha.  

Wednesdays July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7pm to 9pm, online.
One of the oldest records of teaching by the historical Buddha is found in the Sutta Pitaka. These texts were written down on palm leaves after hundreds of years of being preserved through memorization and communal chanting. 

The Buddha is said to have expressed the dharma in different ways so that it was accessible to each individual personality and circumstance. In this literature it helps to imagine the context and environment in which the Buddha gave compassionate instructions to wake up. Prasadachitta and Danadasa will host the five Sangha nights in July and share a selection of these moments with the Buddha.    

Sangha (community) nights are open to anyone interested in connecting through an interest in meditation and buddhist practices. Usually there's a meditation followed by a talk and optional discussion groups.  Our theme this year is Simply Practice - connecting with the heart of our practice, in meditation and in action, so that we might sustain ourselves and others and respond with kindness to whatever arises in the days and months ahead.

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in July: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.

Thank you!  

 

Touching the Earth
Wed, Aug 26, 2020

Mudras are gestures, usually of the hands and fingers, that express compassion and wisdom in action, pointing us to a deeper understanding of buddhist teachings and helping us to embody them and take them to heart. In this series we'll take 4 Mudras and explore their potential to keep us open-hearted, grounded and connected to our deepest values as we navigate these times:

Aug 5 with Shunyamala - The Varada or Giving Mudra is an open hand, expressing generosity, flowing, letting be, non-grasping, connecting.  

Aug 12 with Prasadachitta - The Dhyana or Meditation Mudra  - hands held in the lap - expresses deep meditation, love and wisdom.

Aug 19 - Meditation and check in

Aug 26 with Mary Salome - Touching the Earth (Bhumisparsa) is the mudra of the Buddha on the shrine at the SFBC: his right hand touches the earth. When we form this mudra it can be a reminder to acknowledge where we are and the conditions that brought us here, to start where we are, and to wake up.

Sep 2 with Karunadevi - The Abhaya or Fearlessness Mudra - right hand raised with palm facing outwards (as if we're saying Stop), creates a pause and connects us to the courage we need to turn towards our experience. 

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in August: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.

Thank you!  

Saturday Sep 12, 10am to 12 noon on zoom
Sat, Sep 12, 2020

Mountains are Mountains Again

wabi sabi and the notion of a ‘modest awakening’

“Before one studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are no longer waters; after enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters.”

— DOGEN

What is awakening? 

Each of us will answer that question differently. The answers may tell us more about ourselves, about what we value, than about the nature of awakening. 

It seems that the only thing we can predict about insight, as each stage unfolds, is that it will be the complete opposite of what we were expecting! Ha ha ha ha ho! 

Our session together takes this question as its starting point and together we’ll get curious about what a wabi sabi awakening would look like. 

As Andrew Olendzki says: 

What if the nirvana experienced by the Buddha in Bodhgaya turns out to be something considerably less magnificent than that of later mythic tradition, yet at the same time, by virtue of its being actually attainable by ordinary folk, something of unparalleled value?

Vajradarshini is known for her creative approach to dharma and meditation.  Here's her current website: Red Ladder Studio: Where Dharma Meets Art.  We're very happy to have us visit again, this time through zoom.  

Please register below by noon Sep 11 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link by 2pm that day.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $40 to $20 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Vitality in Stillness and Motion, with Manidha
Fri, Sep 18, 2020

 Vitality in Stillness and Motion

“The fastest way to still the mind is to move the body...There is no way out, but through the body.” Gabrielle Roth

We move throughout the day, but very few people are aware of how they are moving. Anyone can experience more vitality and aliveness through movement with awareness. Stillness, the background of all experience, can then naturally arise. Using meditation and somatic practices grounded in neuroscience, Manidha will guide you through a process of awakening the whole body and tapping into the brain’s unlimited potential for transformation. Anat Baniel Method Neuromovement, Continuum Movement, and Polyvagal Theory are some of the areas we will explore to rewire your brain and strengthen your nervous system.

Dates: Friday Sept 18, 6:30-8:00pm, Saturday Sept 19 and Sunday 20, 9:00am-12:30pm (Zoom online)

Please register below by noon Sep 17 if you would like to attend this online retreat and we will send you the link by 2pm that day.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. 

These are just some helpful guidelines.  Please join us regardless of your ability to make a donation!

$5 - Times are extremely hard

$25 - I'm concerned about money

$75 - I still have a job

$100 - Full price, I'm ok

$125 - I'm doing well

$150 - I don't have to worry about money and want to support Dharma activities in the west coast centers

$___ - Custom amount

All donations are greatly appreciated and will be shared to support Vancouver, Seattle, Tacoma and San Francisco Buddhist Centers. Thank you!

Meditation and Awakening the Heart
Wed, Sep 30, 2020

Meditation and Awakening the Heart

Sep 9, 16, 23 and 30

May all beings enjoy happiness and the root of happiness;
May they be free from suffering and the root of suffering; 
May they not be separated from the great happiness devoid of suffering; 
May they dwell in the great equanimity free from craving, aggression and delusion. 

(Bodhicitta prayer)

This next four weeks in September, returning to our theme of simplicity, we’ll focus on meditation and the bodhicitta – the awakening heart/mind that longs for the well-being of all.  We’ll explore the depths of the mindfulness of breathing, loving-kindness, and related meditations. 

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in September: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.

Thank you!  

Listening
Wed, Oct 28, 2020

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens (attrib to Jimi Hendrix)

Listening can be a powerful tool for connecting and creating a space for transformation. This month a number of Sangha members will explore what listening means to them, what the Buddha and his followers had to say about it, and what makes it helpful and important for us today. 

Oct 7: Beautiful Listening, with Mokshasi

When you listen beautifully the world starts speaking to you in its own voice.

Oct 14: Listening to the wisdom of Dr. Ambedkar

Celebrating the anniversary of the mass conversion of thousands of Indians to Buddhism as part of his work towards social, intellectual, economic, political and spiritual freedom for Dalit people of India. With Viradhamma.

Oct 21: Listening through Writing (and reading)

In tribute to Litquake, since we're not participating officially this year, a number of Sangha Members will share their own original poems and prose on the topic of Listening. 6 writers, 5 to 8 minutes each.

Oct 28: Listening to the heart - an evening to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died over the last year, as we approach Day of the Dead.

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in October: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.

Thank you!  

 

Election Dharma with Viveka
Wed, Nov 25, 2020

Election Dharma - Nov 4, 11 and 18

“Be like water” - Bruce Lee

Viveka will lead and hold space for resourcing and steadying ourselves with the tools of dharma practice as the country navigates a highly charged and anticipated period immediately following the US 2020 Presidential election date . 

There are many different spaces to do the work of civic engagement. In this particular space, we will attend to cultivating a clear heart mind and the capacity to adaptively meet the moment, holding a vision of a world based in values of compassion and justice.

Nov 25

Pre-holiday evening, with Prasadachitta

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in November: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.

Thank you!  

Online Retreat: Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13
Thu, Dec 10, 2020

Registration now closed

A two-day online retreat with Vimalasara Mason-John and Kevin Griffin. 

Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13, 9am to 1pm Pacific, 5pm to 9pm UK.

Please email Claire at the Vancouver Buddhist Center with any questions. (This is not an SFBC event.)

Meditation: A Path to Recovery

Vimalsara (Valerie Mason-John) is the chairperson of Triratna Vancouver Buddhist Centre. She is the author of 8 books, including her dharma books, Detox Your Heart (working with anger, fear and hatred) and award winning book, Eight Step Recovery Using The Buddha’s teachings to Overcome Addiction. She works as a public speaker, and a trainer in leadership, anti bullying, restorative justice and Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR).

Kevin Griffin is an author, Buddhist Teacher, and leader in the Mindful Recovery Movement.

Registration and Payment

Please register below by noon Dec 10 if you would like to attend this online retreat and we will send you the link to join.

To register - enter the US $ amount you wish to donate* in the Event Donation box,

click add to cart, 

when you get to the "review your booking" page, in the payment section you'll have the option to pay through paypal or pay later by check. 

Suggested Donations*:

These are just some helpful guidelines.  Please join us regardless of your ability to make a donation!

Times are extremely hard (5 USD)

I'm concerned about money (30 CAD, 25 USD)

I still have a job (65 CAD, 50 USD)

The full price I am doing ok  (130 CAD, 100 USD)

I'm doing well and I want to support this retreat (185 CAD, 150 USD)

I don't have to worry about money I can make a generous donation ( )

All donations are greatly appreciated and will be shared to support the work of Vimalasara (Vancouver Buddhist Center) and Kevn Griffin's work. Thank you!

Wed, Dec 30, 2020

As this year comes to an end and a new one begins we will not be taking our usual winter break from Sangha Night as it feels really important to stay connected.

In December we'll celebrate friendship, intention and simply practicing together

December 2 - Shunyamala and Prasadachitta will host a celebration for Sangha Members who have made a personal commitment to become Mitras in the Triratna Buddhist Community.  

December 9 - Hridayashri - Farewell to 2020, a year that we will never forget, and hello to a new start in 2021. We will explore and reflect upon the moments of joy, triumph, resilience, and growth, and set intentions for the new year - how to find meaning, inspiration, and connection to our values. This will be an opportunity for us to come together and share how 2020 has impacted us and what we want to create moving forward. 

December 16 - Vimalamoksha zooming in from Dharmadhara in Lake County - The Art of Will: developing and maintaining clarity of direction and intention

December 23 - Danadasa

December 30 - Viradhamma

 

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in December: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.

Thank you!  

2 days of celebration around the world November 2020
Thu, Dec 31, 2020

Triratna Buddhist Center Online

Watch the Recordings: https://thebuddhistcentre.com/stories/toolkit/sangha-day-2020/

November 2020

What a year… Through dark days that have brought heartache for so many reasons, we’ve come together as a community time and time again. Resilient, reflective, remarkable. And now, as we head into winter in one hemisphere and summer in another, we invite everyone moved by the sangha in 2020 to gather again as one.

We’ll pass the torch around the world once more – starting at dawn in the south Pacific, ending with nightfall in the north – ringing Triratna with a blaze of light in a gorgeous online festival of Dharma.

From Pune to Paris, Sheffield to Sydney, we’re asking you to bring with you the glow of your practice, the fire of your heart – and connect with so many of us who have seen the Buddha’s bright shining and answered its call. The world has never needed more the exemplification of generosity and friendship that is the best of our sangha.

Join us November 27/28 for a celebration of our deep illumined connections. And let’s get ready together for 2021, resolved to grow and give as a community. Here come all of us to light the way!

 

Exploring Metta and Compassion, Sat Feb 6, 10am to 12
Sat, Feb 6, 2021

Saturday February 5, 10am to 12 noon

Tejananda invites us to explore the qualities of love and compassion in their depths through meditation, discovering what is readily available to us when we are grounded in our senses and able to "look" at our experience in particular ways. 

The morning will include Tonglen compassion meditation.

Tejananda has been visiting San Francisco to lead retreats for many years. He lives and teaches at Vajraloka Retreat Centre in Wales and leads retreats and events around the world, and now online. We're very happy that he is able to join us for another short online retreat.

Some meditation experience recommended. 

Please register below by noon Feb 4 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link by 2pm that day.

If you miss the registration deadline or have questions please email us and we'll respond if we're able. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $50 to $20 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and make sure to click 'pay later' on the payment page (to make sure your registration goes through).

Wednesdays March 3 to 31, 7pm to 8:30pm PST
Wed, Mar 31, 2021

Healing Communication on the Path (for the benefit of all beings)

This month we will continue our theme of Healing Communication with the framework of the Buddha’s Noble Eight Fold path. 

We’ll explore each of the 8 areas of practice – 

View/Understanding, Intention/Resolve, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Awareness, Meditation 

–  to discover the wisdom each of these can contribute to, and receive from, wise communication that heals and liberates all beings (including ourselves). 

March 

March 3: Action, with Mokshasi (Recording here.)

March 10: Livelihood, with Karunadevi (Recording here)

March 17: Effort, Other Power and Receptivity, with Nagapriya from Cuernavaca Buddhist Center. We're happy to have Nagapriya back with us for Sangha Night - he has recently published a new book on the 4 Noble Truths and the 8-fold Path. (Recording here)

March 24: Awareness/Mindfulness - Shunyamala

March 31: Meditation - Prasadachitta

(Recordings from February are available here.)

To register for any or all Sangha Nights in March: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is based on $5 - $10 per evening.  Donations are very much appreciated but always optional - if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0 in the box, and click 'pay later' on the payment page. We'll send you the zoom link by 2pm on the day of each class.  If you don't receive it by 2pm, or if you register after that time please email us.

Thank you!  

 

from Wednesday April 8, 7pm to 10pm to later in the year
Wed, Apr 7, 2021

We are sorry to announce that we are postponing this event.  We will update this page as soon as we know more. Thank you for your patience!  

Please join us for this very special San Francisco Buddhist Center Party celebrating 30 years in San Francisco and over 25 years on Bartlett Street in the Mission District!   It promises to be a fun night out - a San Francisco kind of evening,  happening at Foreign Cinema, our neighbors who are generously providing their artful space, food, and drinks in support of us and the work we do in the community.  

Program starts at 7pm! Watch for Ms. Ilaria and her tarot cards, an overflowing raffle and silent auction - think weekend cabin in the woods, city nest in the Mission, and more....

The Conspiracy of Beards serenade us at 8pm with Leonard Cohen songs a capella style, offering their beautiful voices in support of the San Francisco Buddhist Center.

And it's our Birthday - celebrating 30 years in San Francisco ! Which means cake served at 9PM along with surprise entertainment to cap off the evening. You won't want to miss a minute.

All we need is you!   And bring your friends and family too, as we celebrate our community and raise funds that enable us to provide the SF Buddhist Center's exquisite space for meditation, practice, and creativity in the Mission.

More ways to participate:

If you are not sure you can attend the party but would still like to donate to our annual fundraiser - please go to our donation page, and/or buy a "sponsor a guest" ticket. 

Raffle and silent auction donations - we would love to hear from local businesses wishing to make donations - please get in touch with us. 

Thank you in advance!  It is because of you that we are here and celebrating our over 25 years in the Misssion.  Have a tight budget?  Don't miss the early bird tickets  or contact us for options, we hope everyone can participate.

Buy your tickets now through Eventbrite.

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

We encorage public transportation as Foreign Cinema is close to the 24th St. BART station.  And there is a public parking garage at 21st and Bartlett St. if you want to carpool.   Otherwise Uber/Lyft are an option.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email us with any questions.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we will have a print-out sheet at the door with names of all ticket holders.  

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

All tickets must be purchased in advance for planning purposes. Available from Monday March 2 through Eventbrite.

 

Links to recordings
Mon, Jun 7, 2021

Courageous Conversations about Race is a series of 3 discussions curated by Vimalasara where members of the Triratna Buddhist Order will be talking about race from their personal experience.  

These conversations have been inspired by the recent uprisings against systemic and structural racism and the impact this has had on our Triratna Buddhist communities around the world. They are also a continuation of recent talks rooted in friendship between Viveka and Paramananda, and between Suryagupta and Subhuti

It’s hoped that as many institutions are reflecting on systemic racism, we as a Buddhist community can reflect on how we can make Triratna more diverse, and our sanghas more reflective of the populations that live where some of our centers are situated.  

Questions will be invited from the audience. These panel discussions are open to the whole of the Triratna Community and to all who wish to attend.

Conversation 1 with BIPOC/BAME Order members Saturday, July 25, 2020

Watch the recording here.

Moderator: Vimalasara

Panelists: Amaragita, Danadasa, Nandaraja, Padmadhara, Singhashri, Sujiva, Suryagupta, Viveka

Conversation 2 with white Order members Saturday September 5th

Watch the recording here

Moderator: Vimalasara

Panelists: Maitrisara, Parami, Prasadachitta, Ratnadharini, Ratnaguna, Saraka, Subhuti, Upayadhi

 

Conversation 3 with order members of mixed culture and race

Watch the recording here.

Moderator: Vimalasara

Panelists: Amaradipa, Amitamati, Bodhilila, Candramalin, Dayavasini, Dhivajri, Lokamitra, Maitriveer-Nagarjuna, Prasadacarin

 

Part of the Dharma Toolkit on The Buddhist Center Online

 

The Four Noble Truths may be the most well-known teaching of the Buddha, and as such it can be easy to overlook.  Prasadachitta will lead us in a 5 week exploration of this simple but important expression of the Buddhist path: Suffering, the origin of suffering, the end of suffering and the way to the end of suffering.  

See also Four Noble Truths Day Retreat on May 19.

with Hridayashri and special guests

In June we will be joining Triratna Centers around the world to participate in Buddhist Action Month (BAM).  During Sangha Nights, and our monthly Day Retreat June 9, we will explore the theme of "Transforming Self and World".  There will also be opportunities to join online communities. More information here: thebuddhistcenter.

June 9: What is Buddhist Action, with Hridayashri

Hridayashri will share some thoughts on Buddhist action and what it means to her.  We will look at how the path of Right Action leads to a loosening of the sense of a separate self and a greater connection with all things.  With space for all to explore their own practice of undertaking skillful action. 

June 13: Special guests Lena Wolff and Future Chorus

Future Chorus formed in the summer of 2017 as a way of addressing the fallout of the political moment after the 2016 presidential election. Still going strong today, the chorus is made up of an ensemble of over 25 friends, artists and musicians who sing original and cover songs that are incantations to the forces that drive transformative socio-political resistance movements, offering messages of hope, resilience and empowerment to forge a better future.  Artist Lena Wolff will share some thoughts on how to activate around issues of empathy and how we can generate sublime experiences in times of political and ecological unrest.

June 20: Surprise guest speaker - tba

June 27: The Individual and Social Change, with Viradhamma

Viradhamma will explore the role of individuals as agents of social change in the contemporary world where communities are polarized, news is unreliable and there is confusion about community values.

See also June 9, Day Retreat

Four Tuesdays, July 10 to 31, 7pm - 9pm

Are you too restless to meditate? Is your mind moving a mile a minute? Do you feel like meditation would give you clarity, but you just can't find time for it?

In this 4-week workshop we will explore new ways in to meditation, through the body. And we will explore variations on the loving kindness and mindfulness of breathing practices taught at the Center.

And if you are up for more rigorous training, you can commit to a 21-day no-excuses meditation challenge, to directly experience the benefits of daily mind training. Individual meditation check-ins will be offered throughout the program.

Meditators of any level of experience are welcome. Wear comfortable clothes for actively moving. 

The course instructor, Dayamudra, is an experienced yoga and meditation teacher. 

Please register in advance.

with Danadasa

In this Buddhist path of transformation, how we relate to practice has a profound effect upon what unfolds. How do we relate to the idea of path and goal? How do we relate to effort? How do we relate to not knowing? During this 3 week series, Danadasa will explore what is meant by a wise relationship to practice through the perspective of the 5 spiritual faculties: mindfulness, conviction, energy, meditation, and discernment. 

All are welcome. Come to the whole series or drop in to any of the 3 evenings. Suggested donation $10 to $5 or whatever you can afford.

Please note that the Center will be closed on Wednesday July 4th .

Cultivating stillness, joy, and insight through meditation

During the month of August, we will be focusing on meditation practice. We will explore meditations that calm the mind (samatha) and that lead to insight (vipassana), as well as ritual & devotion and the dynamics of activity and receptivity. Each evening will include a double sit and a brief talk on a particular aspect of meditation. 

Feel free to come to the whole series or drop in to any evening.  

4 Mondays, Aug 13 – Sept 3, 7 – 9 pm

Many people feel isolated and lonely and long for a sense of belonging. Sharing life stories is a powerful way to step more fully into community. This 4 week gathering is an opportunity to be seen and heard with kindness, and to see and hear others with kindness.

The value of sharing life stories

  • Working directly with the experience of isolation and separateness from others
  • Cultivating empathy, connection and community
  • Experiencing solidarity, kinship, shared humanity
  • Getting to know the habitual mental and emotional patterns of our lives
  • Remembering experiences of being wholeheartedly engaged, alive, inspired, at ease
  • Remembering experiences of being stuck, confused, fearful, anxious, frustrated
  • Noticing our relationship to privacy by noticing what we choose to not share
  • Developing the skills of honesty, acceptance, authenticity

This offering is appropriate for anyone who has an established and alive relationship with this community and would like to deepen this connection. All stories will be treated as confidential.

Suggested donation is $100, and please contact us to request a reduced rate.

A Practical Guide to Empathy, Mindfulness and Communication, with Shantigarbha, visiting from the UK

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.

‘An excellent book on empathy that teases out the centrality of this value in Buddhism  as the foundation for the cultivation of compassion and loving-kindness.’ – Stephen Batchelor, Buddhist teacher and author.

Shantigarbha has been studying and teaching Non Violent Communication for many years.  On this Sangha Night he will introduce and read from his recently published new book.

On Saturday Sep 15 he will also lead a workshop based on his book. 

with Vajradarshini

3 Wednesday evenings -

THE LIFE OF OBJECTS - FALL IN LOVE WITH LIFE AGAIN

“Everything I kept I wish I had given away, everything I’ve given away I wish I’d kept.”

— LOUISE BROOKS

19TH SEPT - BRINGING OBJECTS TO LIFE
26TH SEPT - A MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP
3RD OCT - EVERYDAY RITUAL OBJECTS

When we realise how much the world we live in is influenced by mind, we also discover that we can choose the kind of a world we want to live in. 
When we realise that what we experience is not the ‘thing out there’ but our own perception, our relationship with things is suddenly changed. The teapot and the bowl are no longer separate from us, but intimately connected to us, even a part of us.  

“Picking violets by the side of the road,
I forgot my begging bowl.
How sad you must be, my poor little bowl.”

— RYOKAN

This Sangha Night Series is part of our Urban Retreat: Dharma meets Art, with Vajradarshini 

“Our meditation doesn't stay on the cushion. We are a studio and a laboratory, testing new ways to view life. Evoking curiosity and playfulness. Looking for meaning. Finding beauty.”

We are very happy that Vajradarshini will be back after many years to lead 3 weeks of urban retreat: Sep 17 to Oct 7. The retreat includes a Day Retreat Saturday Sep 22 (sign up here) and a residential retreat for members of the SFBC core sangha Sep 28 to 20 (sign up here).

Vajradarshini has been teaching and leading retreats since 1997. “In all that time the aspect of practice that I loved the most was bringing the Buddhist teachings together with art. Something would happen, the art illuminated the dharma and the dharma illuminated the art.” She currently lives in Sweden. 

Staying Curious and Keeping Inspiration Alive

This October we will explore creative practice – ways to (gently) shake ourselves free from ruts or habits that can stifle our inspiration and prevent us from discovering anything new or fresh in the world or in ourselves.  

Oct 10: Curiosity and Fear

A creative life means “living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear” (Elizabeth Gilbert). Padmatara will explore what can emerge if we stay curious about things that are scary, including fear itself.

Oct 17: Poetry

Poetry is a doorway into our deepest selves.  Its creative form gives us permission to suspend our habitual ways of thinking and processing, which can provide a fresh source of inspiration and wonder. Shunyamala will share reflections and poems that have inspired her practice and way of life.

Oct 24: Creative Spaces

Vimalamoksha builds imaginative structures, mostly from wood, that reflect and inspire his meditation and dharma practice. He will talk about the ways he has changed the way he works to align with his creative vision.

Oct 31: Remembering

Prasadachitta will lead an evening dedicated to remembering and giving recognition to those who have passed before us.  Friends, family, strangers and other beings from the dead continue to affect us in our own lives whether we are aware of it or not. They are with us in the world in places and things as well as in our minds through thoughts and emotions. There will be an opportunity to remember our loved ones with an offering if we so wish.

No registration required. Come for the whole series or drop in any evening. Open to anyone who is curious!

See also Day Retreat: Words on a Page, Sat, Oct 13 and Lit Crawl, Sat, Oct 20

 

Sangha Night, Wed, Oct 31, 7pm to 9pm

Urgyen Sangharakshita, August 26, 1925 - October 30, 2018

Today we heard the sad news that our founder and teacher - Sangharakshita - has died. We had already scheduled an evening to remember all the loved ones and strangers who have died in this last year, and this will still go ahead (see below), with the addition of stories and chanting in honor of this unique person who, among many other things, made our center possible.

Sangha Night, Wed, Oct 31, 7pm to 9pm

Prasadachitta will lead an evening dedicated to remembering and giving recognition to those who have passed before us.  Friends, family, strangers and other beings from the dead continue to affect us in our own lives whether we are aware of it or not. They are with us in the world in places and things as well as in our minds through thoughts and emotions. There will be an opportunity to remember our loved ones with an offering if we so wish.

No registration required - just drop in. Open to anyone.

7pm to 9pm, led by Prasadachiita

Awakening to our own imagination

Led by Prasadachitta

Our imagination is arguably the most powerful force that works upon the mind. We have only limited evidence of what is happening around us and we rely on our imagination to fill in the blanks. Even what is happening within the sphere of our own being must rely on imagination to have any coherent story or meaning.

How can we learn to make the imagination an ally in creating harmony and well-being for ourselves and others? How can we avoid the pitfalls of imagination and not become a slave to unhelpful views of ourselves and others? We need an imagination that is awake, vibrant, pliable and most of all helpful.

Let's try and help each other imagine how this can become true in our lives and by extension the world.  

imagination - noun:

- the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.

• the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful

• the part of the mind that imagines things

Nov 7, 14, and 28 (skipping Nov 21 for Thanksgiving.)

Reflections and Intentions

Traveler, there is no path, the path is made by walking. (Antonio Machado)

The path is you in the process of organizing your mental states in such a way that growth and development take place in a positive direction. (Sangharakshita)

As we approach the end of the year, the winter retreat and the solstice, we will reflect on our practice together and celebrate our intentions as we continue our path. 

Dec 5 and 12: Danadasa will lead these 2 evenings.

Dec 19: Karunadevi will lead a special end of year puja

December 19 will be our final Sangha Night this year, resuming Feb 6, 2019 with a whole new program. 

Bringing everything to the Path, Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm

Our Wednesday Sangha Night Program resumes Feb 6 2019, introducing a new theme for the year - Bringing Everything to the Path.  

How would it be if we could look at everything that happens in our world, including, or perhaps especially, the annoying or difficult things, as tools to help to wake up?  

This year we'll explore this question in many different ways. 

Feb 6: Treasure your Resistances!  With Kulanandi, visiting from Europe

Are we aware of gross and subtle resistances in ourselves? How do we react?  How can we explore them and mine the gold in them?  Kulanandi has been teaching and practcing for many years and it's a rare treat to have her here - see her bio below. 

Feb 13: Everything, with Prasadachitta

Prasadachitta will go further into the theme of “Bringing everything onto to the path” by looking into what is meant by “everything”. 

In one passage the Buddha is recorded as saying: “The Universe, the Origination of the Universe, The end of the Universe, and the Path leading to the end of the Universe, all lie within this fathom-long body.” To bring everything onto the path and realize the flowering of truth in all experience is to be intimate with our physicality both in its gross and subtle manifestations.  Even our thoughts are like the touch of cloth or the background hum of the city. They pass through the space of our body like a murmuration of starlings twisting and turning in unexpected ways.  All of our pursuits, our foibles, our successes, and our inspirations happen in and through this soft and bony body. 

Feb 20: Turning to the Circus of the Mind, with Danadasa

Do you sometimes feel as if your mind is out of control?  To what extent are we aware of our habitual mental patterns, and how these patterns shape our experience? And how can we work creatively with unhelpful mental proliferation?  Join Danadasa in exploring how to bring "the Circus of the Mind" to the path of practice. 

Feb 27: The Path of Heart, with Hridayashri

See also our February Day Retreat  - Feb 16.

From Kulanandi: I was ordained by Bhante Sangharakshita in 1988 at Taraloka, where I was one of the founding members.  I moved to Essen, Germany, in 1990 with three other Dharmacarinis to set up women's activities there. Through friendships formed in Taraloka, I also had a strong connection with Sweden and since 1994, I have been visiting Sweden at least twice a year.  In 2004 I started doing Dharma work in India for 6 months every year.  This developed into project management and consultant work for Karuna Trust.  In 2004 I became a private Preceptor and in 2018 a public preceptor.  I stopped my 'official' Karuna Trust work in 2017 but still continue to visit India regularly.  I am involved in the ordination training in Germany and live in a small women's community there.

The Wisdom of Change, Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm

Whatever our physical age we're all changing all of the time. Some times it's more noticeable than others, some things seem to get harder, while some get easier. How we respond to each moment influences the next. 

This month Karunadevi, along with Nanasiri, Danamaya and Acarasiddhi, all long-time Sangha members, will reflect on their experience and share what has worked for them in working with the wonders and challenges of our ever-changing lives.

March 6: Change and Continuity - a Buddhist Perspective on Aging, with Karunadevi

March 13: Being Friends with Unpredictability, with Nanasiri

March 20: Walking the Path in Beauty: How to Sustain the Long Haul, with Danamaya (here is a link to the transcript of this talk.)

March 27: A Few More Tools to Carry on the Path,  with Acarasiddhi

Plus a Day Retreat on the same theme March 30.

Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World, Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm

What is the cause of discord and strife? Is it possible to live a life free of stress and anxiety? What the Buddha taught 2500 years ago continues to be relevant to our modern age. Please join us during the month of April to explore some important Teachings of the Buddha from the Pali Canon (a collection of the teachings attributed to the Buddha).

April 3: Prasadachitta

On April 10 we will take a break from this series for a special event:

Kindness,  integration and awakening, with Dayanandi, visiting from Manchester in the UK. Dayanandi is part of the Preceptors College and a founder of Taraloka Retreat Center, among many other things.  

April 17 and 24: Viradhamma

See also Day Retreat April 20: Viradhamma and Danadasa - the Honeyball Sutta: The Root of Conflict and the Cultivation of Peace

 

Bringing our Skills and Talents to the Path

This month as part of our "Bringing Everything to the Path" theme, Medhahshri is asking people in the Sangha to talk about their skills and talents and the ways they influence and are influenced by their spiritual path and practice.

May 1 - Danadasa: Bringing Faith on the Path  

May 8 - Medhahshri: Moving from Knowledge to Wisdom: college teaching and Dharma practice

May 15 - Michaela: Sharing our skills & talents with confidence and love

May 22 - Acarasiddhi: Writing and the Path

May 29 - Viradhamma: Music, Dharma and the sound of the Cello

Buddhist Action Month

This month members of our community will talk about ways they bring their Buddhist practice to the world, and the world to their Buddhist practice. 

June 5: Love in Action - Pete will look at some of the work of Thich Nhat Hahn.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, was exiled from his home country in 1975 due to his activism. He is credited with the idea of "Engaged Buddhism" and has spent his life developing and teaching this relationship between Buddhist practice and activism.  On this Sangha Night we will explore Thich Nhat Hanh's life and work, some of the traditions that his work grew out of, and some of his very simple and eloquent writing about Engaged Buddhism.  Complete with guided meditation based on his teaching. 

"With mindfulness -- the practice of peace -- we can begin by working to transform the wars in ourselves."

"Peace is not an end.   It can never come about through non-peaceful means."

"Meditation means to be aware of what is happening in the present moment.  But if you see and you don't do anything, where is your awareness?  Your compassion?"

"These are the three domains of action:  body, speech, and mind.  In addition, there is non-action, which is often more important than action."

June 12: The Dynamic Mandela, with Tejananda 

(taking a break from our June theme to make the most of Tejananda's visit - see also Day Retreat June 22)

In Triratna, our system of practice is a dynamic mandala of five principles. We progressively integrate mind and body, samatha and vipassana, and discover the power of skilful and positive mental states. Then, directly penetrating and dispelling our delusions, we open ever-more to the wonder of what is. Thus, at last, we can wake up to and be who and what we truly are. 

On this Sangha Night we’ll take a somatic approach these five principles, that is, one based in the living energy of our body and being. Through being open to the energy of the body, and by becoming attuned its actual nature we’ll discover ways to “integrate” all five principles experientially into a single, embodied ’non-practice’ of Simply Being. 

June 19: Dharma and Deep Ecology: Turning Towards Climate Change, with Mary and Mary

An experiential approach to considering restlessness and worry alongside compassionate action in the context of climate change.

June 26: Ethical Consumption, with Hridayashri

Drop in any evening or come or the whole series.  

Stillness, Simplicity and Contentment, Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm

July 3:  Independence? 

Join us for meditation and some pre-holiday reflections on freedom, the illusion of an independent self, and other possibilities.  With Padmatara.

July 10: Suicide, Escape and Liberation

The cessation of suffering is central to Buddhism.   It is also central to suicide.  On this Sangha Night, we will look for insights about both Buddhist practice and suicide that might arise by tracing this common thread that runs through them. 

Suicide impacts many peoples' lives, sometimes through losing someone to it, and sometimes through their own suicidal thoughts or concern about someone else's.  Continuing with this year's theme of "bringing everything on the path"  Pete will talk about his experience as a telelphone counselor at San Francisco Suicide Prevention.

July 17: Celebrating Dharma Day - the Teaching of the Buddha

Tonight our special guest Succhita will explore the Word of the Buddha - Buddhavacana, through increasingly subtle levels; words and concepts, embodied chanting and mantra, and silence. 

Suchitta has lived at Taraloka Retreat Center since 2009. She's a classically trained musician, and practiced for many years in London as a Registered Music Therapist, working creatively with a broad range of client groups. She has a natural affinity with, and is drawn to sound worlds and silence. Suchitta was ordained in 1990, and spent two years working at the Wellington Buddhist Centre in New Zealand and six years at the Triratna Centre in Brighton. She has a particular interest in Dharma study and the place/space of chanting and mantra in spiritual practice. 

July 24 and 31: Stillness, Simplicity and Contentment

Special guest and old friend Paramabodhi will lead these two nights, helping us settle into the profound and yet beautifully simple practice of mindfulness and kind attention. (See also day retreat July 27.)

Paramabodhi lived and worked at the SFBC for 6 years during the 90's, helping to get us started along with Paramananda, Karunadevi and others. He currently works full time as an artist (aka Hugh Mendes) and teacher in London, teaching occasionally at the London Buddhist Center. Luckily for us he still has time to visit fairly regularly. 

Drop in to any evening.  Open to everyone. 

Freedom from Stress and Pain

Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm, August 7 to 28

This month Prasadachitta and Shunyamala will combine meditation and experiential exercises to help us address the stresses and pain in our life with mindfulness and kindness. Slowing down and reconnecting with our breath, body and heart we can cultivate the awareness and resilience we need to experience more freedom and ease even in the middle of complicated and challenging circumstances.

Although the classes will build on each other and you will benefit from coming to the whole series, you are also welcome to drop in whenever you can. 

Change your story, change your life: the role of the Imagination in the Spiritual Life

“Whatever one keeps pursuing with one’s thinking and pondering, that becomes the inclination of the mind.”  --The Buddha

Does your mind ever get caught in negative habitual thinking? Do you ever feel like a small boat riding upon the stormy oceans of the mind?  Please join Danadasa in an exploration of the imagination and creative ways to reshape our minds and transform our lives. 

Sept 4:   The Role of the Imagination in the Spiritual Life

Sept 11: The Journey from Isolation to Connection

Sept 18: That Which Dies and That Which Rises from the Ashes

Sept 25: Surrendering to What Is

Drop in any evening or come for the whole series.

Sangha Nights in October, 7pm to 9pm

Having gone to the forest, the shade of a tree, or an empty building, the meditator, body held erect, brings mindfulness to the fore.  

For 5 sangha nights in October we will explore the Buddha's direct teaching of the Anapanasati Sutta. Developing sensitivity to the Body, our Feelings, our Mental Habits, and the Dharma, sets the foundation for developing deeper experiences of dhyana and personal insights related to daily life.   

Please join Shunyamala, Viveka, Dhammarati, and Danadasa as they share and continue their own inquiry into how this ancient teaching feeds their personal practice.  

Sangha Nights in November - Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm

This November we will celebrate those we've lost, the preciousness of life, and the Sangha we share. 

Nov 6: Celebrating Life and Death 

Every year on a Sangha Night close to Day of the Dead/ Dia de los muertos we take the opportunity to get together and celebrate the lives of those we have lost in the recent past.  Please bring photographs or souvenirs to place on the shrine to remember your loved ones. All welcome. 

Nov 13: The History of Breath

The breath is central to Buddhist practice, and has been very important to many spiritual traditions for thousands of years, up to and including present-day "stress reduction" practices.    But why?  What is it, exactly, that is so important about breathing?

On this Sangha Night Pete will share thoughts on what it is that the breath points to, what it connects us with, and what it opens us to.  We will meditate together, bringing our attention to the breath, examine recent scientific research into the connection between breathing and mental states, and explore the biological history of breathing on planet Earth.   

Nov 20: Sangha Festival

November is the month we especially celebrate Sangha - the community we practice with and the third of the 3 jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.  We welcome all our friends to share this opportunity to celebrate the support Sangha gives us on our path. 

Nov 27:

Taking a break for the holidays - we will be back December 4.

 

December Sangha Nights: Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm

Dec 4 and 11: Precepts and Refuges Refresh, with Michaela Hoffman

The Refuges and Precepts are shared by all Buddhists the world over, yet their practice is deeply personal and a way for each of us to reveal the path to the truth in our own lives. As we bring the year to a close, we'll take a look at our practice through the Precepts, and how the Refuges reveal, guide, and shelter us along the way. This two part series will be interactive and fun, as we explore the precepts and refuges and make them our own.  

Dec 18: End of Year Celebration

Celebrating our practice together as we look back at our 2019 theme of Bringing Everything to the Path and consider where we want to put our attention next year.

Simply Practice

Feb 5 to 26

The moon reflected
In a mind clear
As still water:
Even the waves, breaking,
Are reflecting its light. (Dogen)

Our theme for 2020 is Simply Practice - both a suggestion and a description of how we might approach the events of the year ahead. 

In February we will introduce the theme and explore some simple and deep practices we can return to over and over again, to sustain us and wake us up as we do what we can to care for ourselves and the world we live in.

Come for the whole series or drop in any evening.

Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm

Please note each online class has a different link to join zoom.  Each week we will send the link to all those registered  by 2pm on the day of the class.  

You can register for all five Sangha Nights in April (or however many remain at the time of registration) here

Or register for a particular class

April 1: Meeting the Buddha in India, Meeting the Buddha in our Imaginations. With Danadasa.

April 8: Working with mental states in the midst of COVID-19. The Buddhist teaching on the 4 right efforts. With Viveka.

April 15Tending to the heart and emotions in the midst of COVID-19. Including a practice of tonglen compassion meditation. With Viveka.

April 22: The meaning of renunciation and the Four Clingings. (See text here.)

Special guest  Nagapriya, Chair of the Cuernavaca Buddhist Center in Mexico, was intending to visit us in person this week to take part in a retreat, but instead he will join us online from Mexico to explore the meaning of this buddhist teaching and its relevance for us today. 

April 29: Why we meditate. With Karunadevi - register here

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism - 6 weeks beginning May 11

For Mitras

The Triratna Sangha has centers across the world and perhaps the most important branch is found in India. More people are involved in Triratna India than anywhere else and before too long, it will have the largest number of Order members in any one country. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival in India. This mitra study module explores the life and teaching of Dr Ambedkar and his place within Triratna, both in India and world-wide.

Please register below by Sunday May 10 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link before the course begins on Monday 11.

If you have questions please email us. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $30 to $60 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism - 6 weeks beginning May 11

For Mitras

The Triratna Sangha has centers across the world and perhaps the most important branch is found in India. More people are involved in Triratna India than anywhere else and before too long, it will have the largest number of Order members in any one country. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival in India. This mitra study module explores the life and teaching of Dr Ambedkar and his place within Triratna, both in India and world-wide.

Please register below by Sunday May 10 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link before the course begins on Monday 11.

If you have questions please email us. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $30 to $60 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism - 6 weeks beginning May 11

For Mitras

The Triratna Sangha has centers across the world and perhaps the most important branch is found in India. More people are involved in Triratna India than anywhere else and before too long, it will have the largest number of Order members in any one country. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival in India. This mitra study module explores the life and teaching of Dr Ambedkar and his place within Triratna, both in India and world-wide.

Please register below by Sunday May 10 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link before the course begins on Monday 11.

If you have questions please email us. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $30 to $60 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism - 6 weeks beginning May 11

For Mitras

The Triratna Sangha has centers across the world and perhaps the most important branch is found in India. More people are involved in Triratna India than anywhere else and before too long, it will have the largest number of Order members in any one country. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival in India. This mitra study module explores the life and teaching of Dr Ambedkar and his place within Triratna, both in India and world-wide.

Please register below by Sunday May 10 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link before the course begins on Monday 11.

If you have questions please email us. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $30 to $60 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism - 6 weeks beginning May 11

For Mitras

The Triratna Sangha has centers across the world and perhaps the most important branch is found in India. More people are involved in Triratna India than anywhere else and before too long, it will have the largest number of Order members in any one country. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival in India. This mitra study module explores the life and teaching of Dr Ambedkar and his place within Triratna, both in India and world-wide.

Please register below by Sunday May 10 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link before the course begins on Monday 11.

If you have questions please email us. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $30 to $60 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism

Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism - 6 weeks beginning May 11

For Mitras

The Triratna Sangha has centers across the world and perhaps the most important branch is found in India. More people are involved in Triratna India than anywhere else and before too long, it will have the largest number of Order members in any one country. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival in India. This mitra study module explores the life and teaching of Dr Ambedkar and his place within Triratna, both in India and world-wide.

Please register below by Sunday May 10 if you would like to attend this online class and we will send you the link before the course begins on Monday 11.

If you have questions please email us. 

To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Thank you!

Suggested donation $30 to $60 or whatever you an afford. All donations are greatly appreciated but if you are facing financial difficulties please feel free to enter 0, and click 'pay later' on the payment page.