Sangha News

Fall Vajra Bell Magazine online: Climate Change: It's really happening

Posted on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 11:52am

The pandemic and its impact on our lives and well-being and, most recently, racial justice have dominated our headlines and seized our attention. In the midst of these challenges, an issue that remains as critical, and increasingly so, is climate change. As Bikkhu Anālayo said, “It’s really happening.” Before the pandemic struck, we had planned to focus on the climate crisis and what our responsibilities as Buddhists are. We offer reflections in this issue on this question from Anālayo, Vessantara, Gunopeta and Aryadrishti.

Mitra Ceremony in the Park

Posted on Sun, 11/22/2020 - 4:48pm

On Saturday November 21,2020 in Mclaren Park, San Francisco, Prasadachitta and Shunyamala conducted Mitra Ceremonies for 6 new Mitras - Ciara, Jayson, Jon, Karla, Riaz and Zue. Sadhu!

It was a really beautiful event, and very moving.  Many thanks to everyone who made it possible, and welcome to the 6 Mitras. 

Padmatara, SFBC

Ordination at Dharmadhara, CA

Posted on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 6:55pm

Viradhamma ordained Rob Devney from the Seattle Sangha on Sunday Sep 20 at Dharmadhara in Lake County.  His Order name is Siladhara Siladhara (long ‘i’ as in ‘police,’ third ‘a’ as in ‘father’), a Pali name meaning “He who upholds ethical practice.”

Viradhamma was both the Private and Public preceptor.  

Saddhu!

Black Lives Matter

Posted on Tue, 06/02/2020 - 11:04am

As our former Chair, and as a woman of color working with movements for social justice Viveka has often led compassionate reflections with our sangha during moments of national racial tension such as the one we are in now. 

She wanted to offer these personal reflections to our community, along with a Podcast she and Paramananda gave in May.

The sentiments expressed here have the full support of the SFBC Council.

Dear Sangha friends,

Responding to COVID 19

Posted on Thu, 04/09/2020 - 9:28am

As we continue to learn how best to live duing these changing times, the SFBC is gradually offering more online resources.  

At Sangha Night April 15, Viveka led an evening of tending to the heart and emotions in the midst of COVID-19, including a practice of tonglen compassion meditation. The talk begins at 19:47 of this recording.  

Stop the Money Pipeline Resources

Posted on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 10:55am

The Green Sangha would like to thank Reverend Koraku Mikami, Ayako Nagano, Esq., and a lively group of attendees for joining us to discuss the nexus between Buddhism and climate activism. Ms. Nagano shared the recording and links from the “Ethical Practice, the Earth, and our Wallets” talk, along with other resources that she shared during the event.

Here is a link to the recording.

Here are links to some recordings that we didn’t have time to watch fully. They're worth watching if you have a moment.

Sailing the Worldly Winds: A Home Retreat with Vajragupta

Posted on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 4:25pm

New free Home Retreat from the Dharma Toolkit. Starts Friday April 3rd!  

https://thebuddhistcentre.com/stories/toolkit/winds/

Great Dharma to help ease your mind and structure your days in the lockdown. + Live Q & A online Sunday 5th April (see site for times)! Whether you have a little time or a lot right now, this is for you! Join us for free Dharma & let's sail the winds together...