Wednesdays in November, 7pm to 8:30pm
To attend in person please read the requirements below before registering; if you have any concerns you can still register here to attend via zoom.
Communicating Sangha
November is the month when we celebrate Sangha - the community of friends we practice with here in San Francisco and around the world. Please join us for a series of evenings sharing our losses, our joys, and our practice together. There is also an International Sangha Day on Sunday November 21 online, with friends around the world sharing reflections on communication as a crucial part of the practice and development of Sangha.
Nov 3: Sangha and Death - celebrating Dia de Muertos, with Mokshasi
Mokshasi will share reflections on the meaning of Dia de Muertos in her home country of Mexico, as well as here in the Mission District, exploring how it relates to Buddhist practice, particularly the teaching of impermanence and "this precious human life" (from the 4 reminders).
Nov 10: Deepening Practice through Sangha
The Buddha emphasized the importance of spiritual friendship and sangha for those wishing to deepen their practice, and we'll talk about that tonight. In Triratna we have a simple ceremony for people who feel ready to become Mitras (friends) at the SFBC. This means they choose to practice ethics, meditation and wisdom in this particular Sangha. At the SFBC we have 2 Mitra Convenors who help people decide if they're ready, and conduct the ceremonies. Shunyamala has been doing this for a few years now, and very recently Danadasa took over from Prasadachitta. Now that we're open again we want to take the opportunity tonight to mark this change and rejoice in these two people, as well as thanking their predecessors - Prasadachitta and Hridayashri.
Nov 17: Sangha, Generosity and Inclusivity
For many people in this country the approaching holiday is a time to show gratitude for what they have, and bring to mind, or invite, those who have less. For many it's a time to remember what has been taken from them. Tonight we explore ways that we can go deeper as a sangha without getting stuck in our ways and becoming exclusive. The evening will include a practice of Tonglen - exchanging self for other - that encourages a sense of connection with all beings.
Nov 21: International Sangha Day on Zoom
Nov 24: Sangha Practice Night on Zoom
Important requirements for in-person attendance
Before registering for in-person attendance please read this list of statements carefully and confirm that they are true for you, and that you are willing to review and confirm again in person each time you arrive at the SFBC:
Yes, I am fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19
In the last 2 days I have not had any unusual symptoms such as: fever (100.4°F/38°C or greater); chills or shivering: cough or sore throat; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; feeling unusually weak or fatigued; loss of taste or smell: muscle or body aches; headache; vomiting or diarrhea, nausea; runny or congested nose
In the past 10 days I have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 or had a test confirming I have the virus
In the past 10 days I have not had close contact with anyone who has COVID-19, during their contagious period.
I have read and to the best of my ability I agree to practice the 5 Buddhist precepts as described here.
Masks - Updated August 9: we are currently asking that everyone wear a mask for public events. We have masks available if you forget your own.
Social Distancing - please be mindful and sensitive to others and respect their space and sense of safety.
Air flow - we will have our air filter on and the doors open for air flow, so bring layers!
Food - we will not provide snacks and ask that you don't bring food to share inside.
To register
Please add info@sfbuddhistcenter.org to your address book so we can keep you up-to-date with any changes.*