37 Bartlett Street

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.

Waking up to the Imagination

In April and May we have a stellar lineup of speakers ready to delve into the theme of imagination from a diverse array of perspectives. We hope you can join us!

April 3: A Living Earth, with SFBC Green Sangha

With Mokshasi

Doors open 8:45am

You are invited to join us at the SFBC for a very simple, silent day of meditation practice.  You can join for the whole day 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. 

THEME FOR 2023: PATHWAYS TO AWAKENING 

Wednesday Sangha Nights in 2023, 7pm to 9pm. 

This month we begin with a "Buddha Day" Festival on May 3. Danadasa will lead the evening.

Wednesday March 22, 7pm to 9pm in person and on zoom

An evening with Nagapriya, talking about the subject of his new book

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. 

Theme for 2023: Pathways to Awakening 

Wednesday Sangha Nights in 2023, 7pm to 9pm. 

The Buddha's Noble 8 fold Path

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. 

Almost every Thursday, skipping October 31, November 28, Dec 26 through Jan 30 2025

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:

In-person Course 4 Tuesday evenings, Sep 13 to Oct 4, 7pm to 8:45pm

This course is now full - please email to be on the waiting list and we will let you know if a space opens up.

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.