Wednesdays in November, 7pm to 8:30pm
Communicating Sangha
Register below for zoom link - to attend in person please register here.
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 22 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 Los Muertos, with Mokshasi
Mokshasi will share reflections on the meaning of Dia de Los Muertos in her home country of Mexico and here in the Mission district. She'll explore the connection to our Buddhist practice, particularly the teaching of impermanence and "this precious human life" (from the 4 reminders). There will be the opportunity to place photos or other remembrances on our special shrine to honor loved ones who have passed away.
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 22: International Sangha Day on Zoom around the world.
Nov 24: Sangha Practice Night on Zoom
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Donations of any amount are very much appreciated but always optional - please feel free to enter 0 in the box, but if you do this please make sure to click 'pay later' on the payment page (otherwise the registration won't work). Drop us an email if you have any difficulty.
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