Welcome to the San Francisco Buddhist Center! The classes and courses below are for people with little or no previous experience of meditation or Buddhism, or anyone wanting a refresher.
Twice a year we usually offer a series of four introductory courses: Mindfulness of Breathing meditation; Metta Bhavana/Loving Kindness Meditation; the Foundations of Buddhism; and Mindfulness in Everyday life. In September and October 2022 we intend to hold classes in person, though we hope also to offer alternatives online.
We also have many events open to people with all kinds of experience who are interested in going deeper. Please take a look at our Sangha Night, Retreats and Special Events listings.
If you would like to know more about the SFBC Sangha, please visit our About Us page.
Courses and classes
Thursdays 6pm to 7pm, in person
This class is taking a break until February 2025. We will resume February 5 - check this page for program changes.
Each Thursday evening at 6pm we offer a guided meditation - either mindfulness of breathing or loving kindness - along with practical tips on posture and other aspects of meditation. No experience is needed - the class is open to complete beginners and to anyone wanting to refresh their practice or find out what the SFBC has to offer.
Our two main introductory practices:
Mindfulness of the breathing body, (or just Mindfulness of Breathing), is a beautifully simple and deeply transformative practice, where we use the sensations of breathing to ground our awareness in the body, so that we can open to the events of everyday life with more spaciousness, clarity and sensitivity.
The metta bhavana, or cultivation of loving kindness, is a powerful meditation practice that teaches us how to bring a friendly, kind, curious attention to ourselves and to other people, and to whatever arises in our experience, softening harsh self-criticism and judgment and bringing a sense of ease and openness to our participation in the world.
Please arrive a few minutes before 6pm.
Suggested donation: $10. Please check our safety requirements here.
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
4 Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9pm at the SFBC, Feb 7 to 28
Would you like to live more creatively, with more freedom, kindness and wisdom, and less fear, irritation and confusion? The Buddha practiced and then taught meditation for this very purpose, and the practices are readily available to everyone.
Mindfulness of the Breathing Body, (or just Mindfulness of Breathing), is a beautifully simple and deeply transformative practice, where we use the sensations of breathing to ground our awareness in the body, so that we can open to the events of everyday life with more spaciousness, clarity and sensitivity.
Practicing in class and at home, we begin to recognize our less helpful habits without always following them, allowing space for new possibilities to emerge. Gradually our relationship with ourselves and others and the world around us becomes easier, more appreciative and attentive.
This is a friendly, practical, easy to follow four-week course. Ideally you will be able to attend at least 3 of the 4 classes. There will be led meditations each evening with time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. However, as things stand, we plan to make masks optional, at least at least while meditating.
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The suggested donation is $150 to $110. Donations are very much appreciated and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. However if you are experiencing financial difficulties yourself please feel free to pay less. If you are unable to pay anything at this time you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
Thank you!
More Courses in this series:
In Person: Meditating with Kindness March 7. Introduction to Buddhism May 2, Mindfulness in Everyday Life May 30
Online: Meditating with Kindness Feb 23
4 Thursday evenings, 7pm to 9pm on zoom, Feb 23 to March 16
Online Course 4 Thursday evenings, Feb 23 to March 16, 7pm to 9pm
Even as a mother at the risk of her life, watches over and protects her only child, so with a boundless heart let one cherish all living beings. (From the Metta Sutta)
The metta bhavana, or cultivation of loving kindness, is a powerful meditation practice that teaches us how to bring a friendly, kind, curious attention to ourselves and to other people, and to whatever arises in our experience, softening harsh self-criticism and judgment and bringing a sense of ease and openness to our participation in the world.
In this 4-week online workshop we'll explore different ways to do the practice so that everyone has what they need to continue effectively at home. The course is friendly, practical and easy to follow. There are guided meditations each evening with plenty of time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Please register by Wednesday 5pm Feb 22
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Suggested donation is $150 to $110. Donations are very much appreciated but if you are experiencing financial difficulties please feel free to enter a lower amount or enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
Thank you!
See also In Person Course - Meditating with Kindness, March 7
4 Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9pm at the SFBC, March 7 to 28
Even as a mother at the risk of her life, watches over and protects her only child, so with a boundless heart let one cherish all living beings. (From the Metta Sutta)
The metta bhavana, or cultivation of loving kindness, is a powerful meditation practice that teaches us how to bring a friendly, kind, curious attention to ourselves and to other people, and to whatever arises in our experience, softening harsh self-criticism and judgment and bringing a sense of ease and openness to our participation in the world.
In this 4-week workshop we'll explore different ways to do the practice so that everyone has what they need to continue effectively at home. The course is friendly, practical and easy to follow. There are guided meditations each evening with plenty of time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. However, as things stand, we plan to make masks optional, at least at least while meditating.
Please register by Monday 5pm March 6
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The suggested donation is $150 to $110. Donations are very much appreciated and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. However if you are experiencing financial difficulties yourself please feel free to pay less. If you are unable to pay anything at this time you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
Thank you!
4 Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9pm at the SFBC, May 2 to 23
Buddhism is a vision of human existence. It is also a practical guide that we can apply to every aspect of our lives. Meditation and buddhist principles, practiced together, bring us closer to our direct experience, dissolving our misperceptions to reveal the boundless potential and precious opportunity of life.
Central to Buddhist practice is a deep desire to understand suffering and the means to end suffering; to discover the "magic of the ordinary"; and to live in harmony with ourselves and those around us.
This introductory course aims to bring us closer to the principles of buddhist practice and experience its liberating potential.
What you will learn:
- Introduction: what buddhist traditions have in common
- The relevance of the historical Buddha for us today
- The Buddha's teachings
- The Four Noble Truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cease of suffering, Noble Eightfold Path
- Three marks of human existence.
- Buddhist meditation - why meditation is important in Buddhism, and how Buddhist principles help us go deeper with meditation.
- Working with the transformation of difficult emotions and perceptions.
There will also be time to discuss topics that arise during the course.
The course is informal, interactive, and friendly, and is open to anyone interested in Buddhism for its own sake, or as a means to support and deepen meditation practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. Right now masks are optional.
Please register by Monday 5pm May 2
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The suggested donation is $150 to $110. Donations are very much appreciated and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. However if you are experiencing financial difficulties yourself please feel free to pay less. If you are unable to pay anything at this time you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
Thank you!
In Person Introductory Course, Tuesdays, May 2025, 7pm to 9pm
Details to follow
Registration will open in 2025
This course is part of a 4-part series of courses that we hold twice a year - you can take them in any order.
Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm from Feb 5
Hearts that Heal
Throughout this year we will explore both meanings of Hearts that Heal: ways to heal the heart; and ways that a wise, open, cared-for heart can have a healing effect on world around us. Our framework for this exploration will be the Six Paramitas of the Bodhisattva Path. Paramita can translate as "perfection" or "that which has gone beyond (duality or delusion)". The six paramitas are six liberating qualities that can take us beyond suffering to freedom. These qualities are cultivated by Bodhisattvas dedicated to ending suffering for themselves and all beings, but they are also accessible and beneficial practices for all of us, just as we are right now. They open us to Bodhicitta - the heart of awakening, that is always present but usually hidden.
We encourage you attend these Wednesday classes regularly if you can, as this will give you a deeper experience of the healing and empowering qualities of these teachings. But of course you are welcome to drop in as and when you are able. Sangha Nights are open to anyone interested in connecting around Buddhist Practices.
Here is a brief outline of the program. (More will be added as each month approaches):
February: Dana Paramita
Freedom through Generosity - giving without conditions, for the sake of others
March: Sila Paramita
Freedom through living in accordance with the Ethical Precepts of non-harm and kindness
April, May: Kshanti Paramita
Freedom through responding to difficult events and people with forbearance, without reactivity or taking things personally
June: Virya Paramita
Freedom through Energy, joyful perseverance in pursuit of the good
July/August: Dhyana Paramita
Freedom through meditation, compassion and insight
September/October/November: Prajna Paramita
Freedom through deep understanding of the nature of reality and emptiness
December
Last thoughts
Donations are always welcome. We suggest $10 to $5. You can pay at the desk by cash or credit card, or for zoomers you can pay by Paypal or one of these methods.
More information about Sangha Nights. See also January Rainy Season Retreat
Saturday November 15 to Sunday 17 online
Triratna Earth Sangha: Responding to the cries of a burning world
How do we move beyond hope and fear with the Six Paramitas as a guide? A weekend of talks, workshops and practice exploring how we as Buddhists can respond to the climate and ecological emergencies.
The conference will include papers, workshops, guided meditations, puja, poetry and the visual arts. We will present perspectives of particularly affected communities and show what Buddhists can do in this current time of multiple crises.
Confirmed speakers
- David Loy: davidloy.org
- Jem Bendell: jembendell.com
- Paul Hoggett (co-founding chair, Climate Psychology Alliance)
- Rodashruti and Danamaya (SF Green Sangha)
- Tejopala (Australian Religious Response to Climate Change ARRCC)
- Maitridevi (Chair of Taraloka retreat centre)
- Dhivan
- Sanghasiha (LBC Deep Ecology Group)
- Joe Mishan and Andy Wistreich (XR Buddhists)
Full programme of the convention: https://www.triratnaearthsangha.network/conference-2024
Sunday, November 24, 2024, 2 PM. LOCATION CHANGE: Meet at the Center
Location: 37 Bartlett Street
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
Time: 2pm
This is a great way to take your cushion into the world, deepen your intentions, express your love and concern for the Earth and those that live here, commune with nature and meditate with friends. You can also think of it as a transference of merit. We hope you’ll join us.
Friday December 6, 6pm to 8pm
Join Aubree for another two hour wellness retreat to ground and reset your body, heart and mind.
We will move and breath through emotions to regulate our nervous systems. Practices will include breathwork, dynamic movement, yin and restorative yoga for health and healing. No experience necessary, come as you are, wear something comfy.
Spaces limited to 12.
Email aubreemarieyoga@gmail.com with your payment method and contribution amount. Payments are accepted via Venmo; @Aubree-Gilbert (please choose to send as friends), Zelle-Aubree Gilbert (909) 532-9924 or send me a message if you would like to pay with cash or check. Sliding scale donations $55-$75. Please pay the highest amount you are able in order to leave room for those experiencing financial difficulties.
Teacher bio
Aubree Gilbert is a trauma-informed mindful yoga, meditation and art coach specializing in mindfulness for mental health. She teaches in schools and juvenile detention centers around the Bay Area working with youth, social workers, correctional officers as well as experience teaching in studios and gyms. She works both 1:1 and in groups to educate people on the impacts of stress, how to be with and process emotions and build healthy habits through Mindfulness/Yoga. Her trainings include but aren't limited to Niroga Institute: Center for Mindful Stress Resilience, The Prison Yoga Project, The Art of Yoga Project, Yoga Tree and more. Aubree is passionate about holding space for people to learn, experiment, and explore, serving as a guide for those who wish to feel better in their heads, hearts and bodies.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1:00-2:30 PM
An opportunity to check in and meditate together. The acute uncertainty that comes with electoral politics can reveal what the Dharma has to offer. Meditation and sangha can help ground us so we can see more clearly and have a better foundation for action. No matter what happens in the election, groundedness and clarity will help us on our path.
This will be a non-partisan space and not related to endorsing or advocating for any party or candidate.
Fridays, 6pm to 8, Oct 4 to Nov 8
A special 6-week course from Aubree Gilbert, a trauma-informed mindful yoga, meditation and art coach specializing in mindfulness for mental health.
For more information and to register, message Aubree through her instagram account: mindful.skulls. (This is not an SFBC offering but we are recommending it.)
Here's Aubree's description:
October Offering-because lets face it, sometimes there's nothing scarier than living inside your mind...and body...
▪️Unclench is a 6 week series exploring the effects of stress, anxiety and overwhelm on our brains, bodies and behaviors. In this series, you can expect to learn the science behind stress and how to build a deeper relationship with yourself. We will split up each 2 hour session to combine learning about stress, practicing movement and breathing practices, learn self massage and restorative yoga for conscious rest and build community in a private group setting. This is an all levels Yoga Therapy group-no prior yoga experience is necessary. This is a casual, no pressure setting to explore how we can respond to stress instead of react. You must sign up for the whole series, no drop-ins and no refunds.
▪️Most of my offerings are on a sliding scale basis. Please pay the highest amount you are able in order to leave space for those experiencing financial difficulty. Payment is accepted by cash, check, Venmo-@aubree-gilbert, Zelle-Aubree Gilbert
▪️Register by Dm-ing “Unclench”and your preferred payment method. Payment must be received in order to hold your spot.
▪️This group is for anyone who is looking for holistic ways to manage their stress, find safety and comfort in themselves and learn ways to make it a little bit easier to live in a society that has constant pressure.
▪️ Cost $350 to $425 Sliding Scale
Sangha Night Wednesday October 30, 7pm to 9pm
Each year, on Sangha Night, close to the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), we come together to honor our ancestral kinship.
This year, Mokshasi will share her reflections on the significance of Día de Muertos in her home country of Mexico. She will explore the myths surrounding this celebration and how we can cultivate a relationship with La Dama de la Muerte, Coatlicue, or Lady Death—not as something to fear, but as someone to embrace as an essential part of our Life/Death/Life nature.
The evening will include meditation, group reflection questions, and ritual, featuring the Threefold Puja and the rite of the Ofrenda. Ritual serves as a means for us to gain perspective on our lives, acting as a gateway to transformation. The Ofrendas—altars honoring those who have passed—provide a compassionate reflection on our shared histories.
This year, we will create an ofrenda not only for our ancestors but also for the children we once were. Please bring photographs of your loved ones who have died, and also objects, mementos, or symbols from your childhood that represent your journey.
Join us in celebrating Buddha nature as un baile con La Muerte, a dance with death —a harmonious partnership between death and life.
Cada año, en Sangha Night, cerca del Día de Muertos celebramos parentesco ancestral.
Este año, Mokshasi compartirá el significado del Día de Muertos en México que es su país natal. Además, explorará algunos de los mitos de estas fechas y cómo podemos desarrollar una relación con La Dama de la Muerte o Coatlicue o "Lady Death" no como alguien a quién temer o de quién huir, sino como alguien con quién abrazar nuestra naturaleza de Vida/Muerte/Vida.
Habrá meditación, preguntas de reflexión en grupos pequeños y habrá ritual de Puja de tres Etapas y ritual de Ofrenda.
Ritual es una manera en que los humanos podemos tomar perspectiva de nuestra vida. Los rituales son un portal de transformación. El rito de las Ofrendas, altares para los que han dejado esta vida, pueden darnos perspectiva y una representación compasiva de tiempos pasados.
Este año tendremos una ofrenda, no sólo para nuestros ancestros, sino también para el/la/le niño/a/e que fuimos. Te invitamos a que traigas fotos o algo que represente a tus muertos y también objetos o símbolos de tu infancia.
Ven y celebra con nosotros/as/es y date cuenta que la naturaleza Budíca es un baile con La Muerte. La Muerte, esa bailarina que baila y baila con su pareja, la Vida.
Sangha Night Puja, Sep 11, 7pm to 9pm, with Mokshasi
Sangha (Community) Nights are open to anyone wishing to practice together and connect around Buddhist practices and Dharma teachings. Our theme for 2024 is "Waking up to Imagination".
Drop in to the SFBC or to our zoom room any Wednesday evening - please arrive a little before 7pm. Zoom link. In person safety requirements.
Padmasambhava is the 8th century Tibetan teacher who helped to establish Buddhism in Tibet. He became an almost mythical figure, transforming demons and confronting obstacles to awakening.
Within Triratna, Padmasambhava is appreciated particularly for his deep connection to Buddhist Tantra and his teachings on the radical transformation of the human psyche.
On this special Sangha Night we will celebrate Padmasambhava Day by meditating together and then exploring the symbolism of Padmasambhava, mainly through ritual (verses of the 7 fold puja plus invocations, mantras and instruments). There will be a short introduction by Mokshasi.
Padmasambhava es el maestro Tibetano del siglo 8 que ayudó a establecer el budismo en el Tibet. Se convirtió en una figura casi mitológica y legendaria al ayudar a transformar nuestros demonios.
En Triratna, Padmasambhava se ha convertido en una figura muy popular en su conexión con el budismo tántrico y la transformación radical de las profundidades humanas en línea con la naturaleza del Dharma.
En esta Noche de Sangha vamos a celebrar el Día de Padmasambhava meditando juntos/as/es y después exploraremos la figura de Padmasambhava a través de un ritual (versos de la puja de las 7 etapas más mantras e instrumentos musicales). Mokshasi dará una breve introducción a la figura de Padmasambhava para aquellos/as/es que no estén familiarizados con ella.
Full September Sangha Night Program (More information about Sangha Nights.)
Saturday, 10am to 12 noon - Postponed indefinitely
This workshop has been postponed - exact date tbd.
Join author and teacher Vimalasara for this rare opportunity to experience first hand some of the wise, compassionate and practical instructions offered in their latest book:
“First Aid Kit for the Mind, breaking the cycle of Habitual Behaviors”.
The book draws on Buddhist wisdom and contemporary Psychology to provide tools for dealing with habitual impulses skillfully.
This workshop is suitable for just about everyone - including people who are new to buddhism and meditation and experienced practitioners.
All donations are welcome - the suggestion is $20 to $30, but no-one is turned away for lack of funds.
Masks are optional, but please check our other safety requirements here.
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The suggestion is $20 to $50, but no-one is turned away for lack of funds. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
In Person, Tuesdays, April 2025, 7pm to 9pm
At the heart of Buddhist practice is a compassionate desire to understand and transcend suffering. It encourages us to discover the "magic in the ordinary" and to cultivate harmony—both within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
This introductory course invites you to explore the core teachings of Buddhism and experience its transformative potential. It is informal, interactive, and welcoming. It is open to anyone, whether you're exploring Buddhism as a spiritual path or looking to enhance your meditation practice.
This course is part of a 4-part series of courses that we hold twice a year - you can take them in any order.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. Right now masks are optional.
Registration will open in 2025
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
In Person Introductory Course, Tuesdays, March 2025, 7pm to 9pm
The metta bhavana, or cultivation of loving kindness, is a powerful meditation practice that teaches us how to bring a friendly, kind, curious attention to ourselves and to other people, and to whatever arises in our experience, softening harsh self-criticism and judgment and bringing a sense of ease and openness to our participation in the world.
In this 4-week workshop we'll explore different ways to do the practice so that everyone has what they need to continue effectively at home. The course is friendly, practical and easy to follow. There are guided meditations each evening with plenty of time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
This course is part of a 4-part series of courses that we hold twice a year - you can take them in any order.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. However, as things stand, we plan to make masks optional, at least at least while meditating.
Registration will open in 2025
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
In Person on Tuesdays, February 4 to 25, 2025, 7pm to 9pm
Would you like to live more creatively, with more freedom, kindness and wisdom, and less fear, irritation and confusion? The Buddha practiced and then taught meditation for this very purpose, and the practices are readily available to everyone.
Mindfulness of Breathing, or Anapanasati, is a beautifully simple and deeply transformative practice, where we use the sensations of breathing to ground our awareness in the body, so that we can open to the inner and outer events of everyday life with more spaciousness, clarity and compassion.
Practicing in class and at home, we begin to recognize our less helpful habits without always following them, allowing space for new possibilities to emerge. Gradually our relationship with ourselves and others and the world around us becomes easier, more appreciative and attentive.
This is a friendly, practical, easy to follow four-week course. Ideally you will be able to attend at least 3 of the 4 classes. There will be guided meditations each evening - sitting, mindful movement, and lying down - with time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
This course is part of a 4-part series of courses that we hold twice a year - you can take them in any order.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Masks are optional, but please check our other safety requirements here.
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Wednesday Sep 18, with special guest Arthabandhu
Explore the magic of the dream world on this special Wednesday Sangha Night, 7pm to 9pm
Arthabandhu has generously offered to lead this evening while visiting from the UK. Drawing from 20 years of exploring the dream world and the benefits it can offer he will guide us in reconnecting with the magic of our dream lives and show how dreams can be part of a rich Dharma life.
He has long had a special interest in dreams and has explored them in relation to Buddhist practice ever since hearing Urgyen Sangharakshita say: “If you want to really know yourself, pay attention to your dreams.” He lives in the UK, working with adults with learning disabilities and is visiting us after volunteering at a summer camp for people with disabilities in Minnesota.
Our Sangha nights are open to anyone interested in Buddhist practices and Meditation. They are hybrid - for in person please check our safety guidelines, for zoom you'll find the link here.
Every Wednesday evening, 7pm to 9pm, in person and online
Sangha (Community) Nights are open to anyone wishing to practice together and connect around Buddhist practices and Dharma teachings. Our theme for 2024 is "Waking up to Imagination". (More information about Sangha Nights.)
Drop in to the SFBC or to our zoom room any Wednesday evening - please arrive a little before 7pm. Zoom link. In person safety requirements.
Full Program for September
September 4: Dharmadhara and Sangha Visioning and Imagining, with Prasadachitta
September 11: Celebrate Padmasambhava Day, with Mokshasi
Celebrate this important Buddhist holiday with meditation, a short introduction, and puja - more information here.
September 18: The Dharma of Dreams, with special guest, Arthabandhu
Arthabandhu will help us explore ways to reconnect with the magic of our dream lives and show how dreams can be part of a rich Dharma life. More information on this page.
September 25: Mitra Ceremony
Three members of our community have made a personal commitment to practicing with the SFBC Sangha as Mitras and following the Buddhist precepts of non-harm. This simple and joyful ceremony will mark the occasion.
Special Series with Paramabodhi in July 24 to August 7
Wednesday Sangha Nights, 7pm to 9pm
July 24, 31 and August 7
In person and on zoom. Zoom link. In person safety requirements.
Plus a Day Retreat Saturday August 10, 10am to 4pm: Mindfulness of the Buddha
This series will be led by special guest Paramabodhi, visiting from the UK.
Inspired by the Satipatthana Sutta and the direct teachings of the Buddha, Paramabodhi will emphasize the use of our imagination to engage fully with this beautiful sutta and deepen our mindfulness practice.
The Satipatthana is one of the most influential meditation texts in Buddhism, and can support us to live with more embodied awareness, contentment and insight.
Sangha (Community) Nights are open to anyone wishing to connect around Buddhist practices and Dharma teachings.
Please pre-register for the Day Retreat here.
Satipatthana Books and Resources
Life of The Buddha, translated from Pali by Nanamoli, p240ff
Living with Awareness, A Guide to the Satipatthana Sutta, by Sangharakshita
Satipatthana, the Direct Path to Realization, by Analayo
Satipatthana Meditations led by Analayo, Windhorse Publications
The Way of Mindfulness, Dharma Training Course for Mitras, compiled by Vidyamala
Saturday, April 27th, 10 AM, Dolores Park (Meet at the corner of 20th and Dolores)
Collectively, we are facing many critical issues, including horrific violence across the globe and at home. This is happening alongside much that is positive and beautiful, which can create a sense of dissonance or distraction. In the midst of all of this, the climate crisis continues. It can be quite easy to fall into horrified anxiety or just check out. How do we hold it all? Can we? What are skillful responses? There will be space to share what's difficult and what is helpful in our practice. Please bring what you need to sit outside. Meet at 20th & Dolores. Rain cancels.
Please register on the Climate Week Calendar so we have a sense of how many people are coming.
Saturday May 18, 9am to 12 noon
Please join Mokshasi at the SFBC for a very simple, silent morning of meditation practice. You're welcome to come for the whole morning or any portion of it - just please be sure to arrive during a break, as we will be unable to let you in otherwise. Please pre-register so we have an idea of numbers.
Meditations will be unguided, just bells, and the opportunity to sit together in our lovely shrine room.
As for all our in person events we ask that you check the requirements here before attending.
Session 1
Doors open at 8:45am and close by 9am.
9am short welcoming ritual followed by meditation to 9:45am, followed by 15 minutes to lie down, take a break, walk or leave.
Session 2
Doors open at 9:45am and close by 10am.
Meditation 10am to 10:45am, followed by 15 minutes to lie down, take a break, walk or leave.
Session 3
Doors open at 10:45am and close by 11am.
Meditation 11am to 11:45am
Registration and Donations
Enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. Our suggestion is $20 to $40, but donations of any amount are very much appreciated. (If you enter 0 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.)
Please add info@sfbuddhistcenter.org to your address book so we can keep you up-to-date with any changes.*
New Course combining Mindful Movement (Qigong) and Sitting Meditation
Next Course Oct/Nov 2024
Four Tuesday evenings, in person at the SFBC
April 30 to May 21, 7pm to 9pm, with Padmatara
This new course integrates the profound wisdom of the body into the art of meditation.
Combining mindful movement and meditation helps us to establish a regular practice of both.
The gentle movements of Qigong harmonize the nervous system, and together with sitting meditation they open our body, heart, mind to a deeper sense of mindfulness, compassion and serenity in our everyday lives.
Suitable for all levels of experience.
The sitting and walking Meditations we'll explore include Mindfulness of Breathing, Metta Bhavana (Cultivation of Loving Kindness), and Embodied Awareness. These practices come from the Buddhist tradition and bring many benefits, including a calm and open heart and mind and a deep, embodied sense of interconnectedness.
Qigong (chee-gong) is a healing practice dating back to ancient China. Qi is usually translated as vital life force or energy or vibration, and gong is cultivation or exchange. We'll practice simple movements that keep our energy flowing, prevent stagnation, and awaken inner healing, while softening the boundaries between inner and outer worlds.
These two forms support each other beautifully, and with regular practice they can have a profoundly healing effect on our lives, allowing our natural confidence to flow freely.
Everything we will learn and practice can be adapted to most physical limitations - for example they can be done standing, sitting or even to some extent lying down. No need to bring anything with you, but you may want to wear loose fitting clothes so you'll be comfortable sitting and moving.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here.
Please register by Monday 5pm April 29
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
4 Tuesday evenings, April 2 to 23, 7pm TO 9pm
Next Course begins in Fall 2024
Buddhism is a vision of human existence. It is also a practical guide that we can apply to every aspect of our lives. Meditation and buddhist principles, practiced together, bring us closer to our direct experience, dissolving our misperceptions to reveal the boundless potential and precious opportunity of life.
Central to Buddhist practice is a deep desire to understand suffering and the means to end suffering; to discover the "magic of the ordinary"; and to live in harmony with ourselves and those around us.
This introductory course aims to bring us closer to the principles of buddhist practice and experience its liberating potential.
What you will learn:
- Introduction: what buddhist traditions have in common
- The relevance of the historical Buddha for us today
- The Buddha's teachings
- The Four Noble Truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cease of suffering, Noble Eightfold Path
- Three marks of human existence.
- Buddhist meditation - why meditation is important in Buddhism, and how Buddhist principles help us go deeper with meditation.
- Working with the transformation of difficult emotions and perceptions.
There will also be time to discuss topics that arise during the course.
The course is informal, interactive, and friendly, and is open to anyone interested in Buddhism for its own sake, or as a means to support and deepen meditation practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. Right now masks are optional.
Please register by Monday April 1
More Courses: Mindfulness for Life: Meditation and Qigong
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
This course is a series of 4 courses you can take in any order.
In person March 5 to 26, 7pm to 9pm
Even as a mother at the risk of her life, watches over and protects her only child, so with a boundless heart let one cherish all living beings. (From the Metta Sutta)
The metta bhavana, or cultivation of loving kindness, is a powerful meditation practice that teaches us how to bring a friendly, kind, curious attention to ourselves and to other people, and to whatever arises in our experience, softening harsh self-criticism and judgment and bringing a sense of ease and openness to our participation in the world.
In this 4-week workshop we'll explore different ways to do the practice so that everyone has what they need to continue effectively at home. The course is friendly, practical and easy to follow. There are guided meditations each evening with plenty of time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. However, as things stand, we plan to make masks optional, at least at least while meditating.
More Courses: Introduction to Buddhism, Mindfulness for Life: Meditation and Qigong
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
Four Thursday Evenings on Zoom
Jan 25 to Feb 15 - Four Thursday Evenings - 7pm to 8:30pm on Zoom
Would you like to live more creatively, with more freedom, kindness and wisdom, and less fear, irritation and confusion? The Buddha practiced and then taught meditation for this very purpose, and the practices are readily available to everyone.
Mindfulness of Breathing, or Anapanasati, is a beautifully simple and deeply transformative practice, where we use the sensations of breathing to ground our awareness in the body, so that we can open to the inner and outer events of everyday life with more spaciousness, clarity and compassion.
Practicing in class and at home, we begin to recognize our less helpful habits without always following them, allowing space for new possibilities to emerge. Gradually our relationship with ourselves and others and the world around us becomes easier, more appreciative and attentive.
This is a friendly, practical, easy to follow four-week course. Ideally you will be able to attend at least 3 of the 4 classes. There will be led meditations each evening - sitting, mindful movement, and lying down - with time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
The Zoom link will be sent near the beginning of the course. Meanwhile feel free to email us with any questions.
Register by Jan 24
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Wednesdays at Noon with Aubree Gilbert
Regular Schedule
Wednesdays 12 noon to 1:15pm except holidays (no class Dec 25 or Jan 1)
Join us for an hour of mindful, stress-releasing yoga with Aubree.
Mats are provided but feel free to bring your own.
This is a drop in class. $20 per class.
Please check our safety requirements here, and email with any questions.
Teacher bio
Aubree Gilbert is a trauma-informed mindful yoga, meditation and art coach specializing in mindfulness for mental health. She teaches in schools and juvenile detention centers around the Bay Area working with youth, social workers, correctional officers as well as experience teaching in studios and gyms. She works both 1:1 and in groups to educate people on the impacts of stress, how to be with and process emotions and build healthy habits through Mindfulness/Yoga. Her trainings include but aren't limited to Niroga Institute: Center for Mindful Stress Resilience, The Prison Yoga Project, The Art of Yoga Project, Yoga Tree and more. Aubree is passionate about holding space for people to learn, experiment, and explore, serving as a guide for those who wish to feel better in their heads, hearts and bodies.
Encounters on the Path: Demons, Dakinis, and Gurus
Continuing our 2023 theme: Pathways to Awakening, this month we will share stories of some of the archetypal, mythological, beautiful and scary beings we are likely to encounter on the path, and see what they have to teach us about staying present and waking up.
Sep 6: Embracing our demons (and allies): the Buddha's journey, with Padmatara
Sep 13: Milarepa's story, with Viradhamma
Sep 20: Meeting the Dakinis, with Karunadakini
Sep: 27: Padmasambhava Day Celebration, with Mokshasi
For in person attendance please make sure you can agree to our safety requirements listed here. (No need to register.)
Sangha Night Donations
We suggest $10 to $5 for Sangha Nights. If you'd prefer to pay monthly, ask about our dana program.
All our teachers are volunteers and any donations we receive go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space for practice.
Registe here to receive zoom link (you only need to do this once - we will update you of any changes). Enter the amount you wish to donate in the box below, and if you prefer to pay another way, you can enter 0, 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. It may take up to a day or two to receive the zoom link - thank you for your patience.
Please add info@sfbuddhistcenter.org to your address book so we can keep you up-to-date with any changes.*
Sep 14 to Oct 5, 4 Thursday Evenings, 7pm to 8:30pm on zoom
Buddhism is a vision of human existence. It is also a practical guide that we can apply to every aspect of our lives. Meditation and buddhist principles, practiced together, bring us closer to our direct experience, dissolving our misperceptions to reveal the boundless potential and precious opportunity of life.
Central to Buddhist practice is a deep desire to understand suffering and the means to end suffering; to discover the "magic of the ordinary"; and to live in harmony with ourselves and those around us.
This introductory course aims to bring us closer to the principles of buddhist practice and experience its liberating potential.
What you will learn:
- Introduction: what buddhist traditions have in common
- The relevance of the historical Buddha for us today
- The Buddha's teachings
- The Four Noble Truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cease of suffering, Noble Eightfold Path
- Three marks of human existence.
- Buddhist meditation - why meditation is important in Buddhism, and how Buddhist principles help us go deeper with meditation.
- Working with the transformation of difficult emotions and perceptions.
There will also be time to discuss topics that arise during the course.
The course is informal, interactive, and friendly, and is open to anyone interested in Buddhism for its own sake, or as a means to support and deepen meditation practice.
Please register by Wednesday 5pm Sep 13 and we will send you the zoom link.
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
This course is a series of 4 courses you can take in any order. We have not yet scheduled more online courses, but you can find out more from our in person course descriptions:
Mindfulness of Breathing Sep 5 to 26
Meditating with Kindness Oct 3 to 24
Mindfulness in Everyday Life Oct 31 to Nov 21
Buddhism Introductory Course Nov 28 to Dec 19 (same as this course)
Nov 28 to Dec 19, 4 Tuesday Evenings, 7pm to 9pm in person
Buddhism is a vision of human existence. It is also a practical guide that we can apply to every aspect of our lives. Meditation and buddhist principles, practiced together, bring us closer to our direct experience, dissolving our misperceptions to reveal the boundless potential and precious opportunity of life.
Central to Buddhist practice is a deep desire to understand suffering and the means to end suffering; to discover the "magic of the ordinary"; and to live in harmony with ourselves and those around us.
This introductory course aims to bring us closer to the principles of buddhist practice and experience its liberating potential.
What you will learn:
- Introduction: what buddhist traditions have in common
- The relevance of the historical Buddha for us today
- The Buddha's teachings
- The Four Noble Truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cease of suffering, Noble Eightfold Path
- Three marks of human existence.
- Buddhist meditation - why meditation is important in Buddhism, and how Buddhist principles help us go deeper with meditation.
- Working with the transformation of difficult emotions and perceptions.
There will also be time to discuss topics that arise during the course.
The course is informal, interactive, and friendly, and is open to anyone interested in Buddhism for its own sake, or as a means to support and deepen meditation practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. Right now masks are optional.
Please register by Monday 5pm Nov 27
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
This course is a series of 4 courses you can take in any order.
Mindfulness of Breathing, Sep 5 to 26 (and Feb)
Meditating with Kindness, Oct 3 to 24
Mindfulness in Everyday Life Oct 31 to Nov 21
Buddhism Introductory Course (this course)
or Online Buddhism Introductory Course Sep 14 to Oct 5.
Oct 31 to Nov 21, 4 Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9pm, In Person
Mindfulness is the ability to give our undivided attention to the present moment and to wholeheartedly engage with and respond to what is happening. It enhances all experience. In this course we will learn how to apply mindfulness to our day-to-day activities and bring greater joy, depth, and spaciousness into our lives. No experience necessary.
Open to complete beginners and anyone wishing to refresh, support and deepen their practice.
Masks are optional but please check our other safety requirements here.
Please register by Monday 5pm Oct 30
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
This course is a series of 4 courses you can take in any order.
Mindfulness of Breathing, Sep 5 to 26 (and Feb)
Meditating with Kindness, Oct 3 to 24
Mindfulness in Everyday Life (this course) next course March/April 2024
Buddhism Introductory Course Nov 28 to Dec 19
or Online Buddhism Introductory Course Sep 14 to Oct 5.
Oct 3 to 24, 4 Tuesday Evenings, 7pm to 9pm, in person
Even as a mother at the risk of her life, watches over and protects her only child, so with a boundless heart let one cherish all living beings. (From the Metta Sutta)
The metta bhavana, or cultivation of loving kindness, is a powerful meditation practice that teaches us how to bring a friendly, kind, curious attention to ourselves and to other people, and to whatever arises in our experience, softening harsh self-criticism and judgment and bringing a sense of ease and openness to our participation in the world.
In this 4-week workshop we'll explore different ways to do the practice so that everyone has what they need to continue effectively at home. The course is friendly, practical and easy to follow. There are guided meditations each evening with plenty of time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. However, as things stand, we plan to make masks optional, at least at least while meditating.
Please register by Monday 5pm Oct 2
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Thank you!
This course is a series of 4 courses you can take in any order:
Mindfulness of Breathing, Sep 5 to 26 (next course Feb 2024)
Meditating with Kindness (this course) next course March 2024
Mindfulness in Everyday Life Oct 31 to Nov 21
Buddhism Introductory Course Nov 28 to Dec 19
or Online Buddhism Introductory Course Sep 14 to Oct 5.
A Fund Raiser for Karuna USA
In honor of Buddhist Action Month, please join us for the opening night of our Film Festival! We are raising funds for Karuna-USA to help reduce the suffering of many thousands of beings. One hundred percent of funds raised will go to Karuna USA’s climate change projects in three countries: India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
We have four inspiring, highly rated and fascinating films on the theme of climate justice and recovery and adaptation efforts happening now.
- Friday, June 23, 2023 7pm PST Pad Yatra
- Sunday, July 16, 2023 5pm PST The Biggest Little Farm
- Friday, August 11, 2023, 7pm PST Writing with Fire
- Sunday, September 17, 2023, 5pm PST Inhabitants
Click here for more information and tickets
Please join us: either in person OR on Zoom.
Please help us spread the word about this fundraiser to your respective sanghas, communities and contacts by forwarding this email and or posting the event link on social media.
Thank you so much on behalf of all the beings at risk and suffering now and in the future as our climate continues to change. Any donation amounts translate to a big difference in this part of the world.
With gratitude,
Sep 5 to 26, 4 Tuesday Evenings, 7pm to 9pm, in person
Would you like to live more creatively, with more freedom, kindness and wisdom, and less fear, irritation and confusion? The Buddha practiced and then taught meditation for this very purpose, and the practices are readily available to everyone.
Mindfulness of Breathing, or Anapanasati, is a beautifully simple and deeply transformative practice, where we use the sensations of breathing to ground our awareness in the body, so that we can open to the inner and outer events of everyday life with more spaciousness, clarity and compassion.
Practicing in class and at home, we begin to recognize our less helpful habits without always following them, allowing space for new possibilities to emerge. Gradually our relationship with ourselves and others and the world around us becomes easier, more appreciative and attentive.
This is a friendly, practical, easy to follow four-week course. Ideally you will be able to attend at least 3 of the 4 classes. There will be led meditations each evening - sitting, mindful movement, and lying down - with time for questions and sharing our discoveries in a safe and welcoming space.
Suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as anyone wishing to refresh their practice.
Masks are optional, but please check our other safety requirements here.
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
Register by Sep 4.
Thank you!
This course is a series of 4 courses you can take in any order:
Mindfulness of Breathing (this course) next course Feb 2024
Meditating with Kindness Oct 3 to 24
Mindfulness in Everyday Life Oct 31 to Nov 21
Buddhism Introductory Course Nov 28 to Dec 19
or Online Buddhism Introductory Course Sep 14 to Oct 5.
4 Tuesday evenings , 7pm to 9pm at the SFBC, May 30 to June 20
Mindfulness is the ability to give our undivided attention to the present moment and to wholeheartedly engage with and respond to what is happening. It enhances all experience. In this course we will learn how to apply mindfulness to our day-to-day activities and bring greater joy, depth, and spaciousness into our lives. No experience necessary.
Open to complete beginners and anyone wishing to refresh, support and deepen their practice.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here. Right now masks are optional.
Please register by Monday 5pm May 29
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The suggested donation is $150 to $110. Donations are very much appreciated and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. However if you are experiencing financial difficulties yourself please feel free to pay less. If you are unable to pay anything at this time you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
Thank you!