ONLINE: Somatics for Racial Justice for White Practitioners
2021-12-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2021-12-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
An Online Class Series

With Amanda Ream and Paul Ciske
Wednesdays, December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
7:00 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
This class will strengthen your relationship with your body in taking action towards racial justice using the methodology of Generative Somatics. Somatics is a path to embodied transformation—change that shows up in our actions, ways of being, relating, and perceiving. This practice supports us to align our values and actions, and create the capacity to feel ourselves, each other, and life around us. In this class we will be in practice together to support our embodied transformation towards more safety, dignity and belonging, guided by our commitment to racial justice as white spiritual practitioners.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Welcoming the Full Moon, Entering the Winter Solstice with Chakra Tai Chi
2021-12-18 10:00 - 11:15
An Online Class with Jenn Biehn, nialla rose, and Rosetta Saunders
Saturday, December 18th
10:00AM – 11:15AM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
Chakra Tai Chi is a cleansing, empowering practice that includes easy-to-learn, accessible Tai Chi movements, visualizations, colors, elements, and sounds. This moving mediation brings the chakras – the vortex of energy centers – into balance and allows the energy to move more freely. Once the energy is flowing in our bodies, we can each find our own process for healing, find our own body wisdom. Movements offered for both seated and standing positions. Join us in welcoming the full moon and winter solstice.
No prior experience necessary.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Receiving or Witnessing the Bodhisattva Precepts & Vows
2021-12-19 10:00 - 17:00
An Online Ceremony with Mushim Ikeda
Sunday, December 19th
10:00AM – 5:00PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
ASL Interpretation and Closed Captioning Provided

This is a continuation of the October Path of the Bodhisattva 1 & 2 class series. However, newcomers are welcome to register.

This Buddhist curriculum at EBMC has three components:
1. A four-class series: Path of the Bodhisattva 1
Wednesdays in 2021, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27: 6:30 – 8:30pm PST
2. A four-class series: Path of the Bodhisattva 2
Wednesdays in 2021, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24: 6:30 – 8:30pm PST
3. Daylong: Receiving or Witnessing the Bodhisattva Precepts & Vows
Sunday, December 19, 2021: 10am – 5:00pm Pacific time
*Separate registration is needed for each part of the Path of the Bodhisattva class series (Part I, Part II + Precepts Ceremony). Participants interested in receiving the Bodhisattva Vows in Dec are required to take Part I + II of the class series.
I, myself, took the Bodhisattva Vows and made the vow, “Life after life, after life, after life, I will continue my practice and continue my work.” – Bhante Suhita Dharma, Buddhist monk and social worker, 1941-2013
These times are full of uncertainty and fear — and opportunities for spiritual breakthrough. In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is an archetypal great being who tirelessly and joyfully works to liberate all beings from suffering. For the fourth time, EBMC will offer two class series exploring what it means to creatively embody the Bodhisattva teachings. Those who complete both class series may participate in the final daylong and either witness or take Bodhisattva precepts and vows in order to strengthen their commitment to collective liberation. These are the same vows taken by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.
Also, those who do not wish to take the Bodhisattva vows may take either of the two class series. The final daylong is open to everyone who wishes to witness the joyful ceremony (you do not need to have taken any of the previous classes, though it is recommended that you do so) and those who have completed the previous classes and have received permission from the teacher may receive the Bodhisattva Precepts, take the Bodhisattva Vows, and at that time they will receive a Buddhist name from the teacher. Meditation (instruction provided for beginners), Dharma talks, and interactive exercises. Questions: email admin@eastbaymeditation.org

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Embodying Freedom for Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC)
2021-12-22 18:30 - 20:30
An Online Class Series

With Erika Lyla and René Rivera
Wednesdays, December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
In this four week class series we will use the tools of meditation and somatic practice to work through the body to understand what has shaped us, and how we can rely on the body as a ground of connection and support for the work of social justice. We will practice together as Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) to feel ourselves and the world more deeply, and to make new choices in alignment with our longings. In community, we will explore re-establishing safety, boundaries, contradictions and trauma healing. This class brings the work of Generative Somatics into our dharma practice.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Opening the Heart Through The Buddha’s Teachings: Parents Meditation Group
2021-12-27 20:45 - 21:45
Opening the Heart Through the Buddha’s Teachings
An Online Meditation Group for Parents
with Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith
Monday, December 27th 2021 8:45PM – 9:45PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
Closed Captioning Provided.
EBMC’s Family Practice Class teaching team will be offering a monthly parents’ meditation group for restoration, support and connection during these challenging times. We offer a short talk, guided meditation and sharing. We gather to create a safe refuge to share the joys and the challenges of caring for young people by cultivating loving-kindness, compassion, patience and generosity with the support of the sangha. We welcome all parents/grandparents/caregivers of young people to join us. No prior experience necessary.

New Year's Day Tai Chi - Embodying the Heart Qualities
2022-01-01 10:00 - 11:30
An Online Class with Jenn Biehn, nialla rose, and Rosetta Saunders
Saturday, January 1st
10:00AM – 11:30AM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
Tai Chi Chih is an easy-to learn, accessible and non-strenuous moving meditation. A form of Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chih circulates and balances the chi or energy of the body. Cultivating and embodying heart qualities such as equanimity, compassion, gratitude, generosity while practicing Tai Chi Chih can bring alignment and calm to body-heart-mind. Movement will be taught standing and seated. Join us in welcoming the New Year!
No prior experience necessary.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

HYBRID: Beginning a Meditation Practice
2022-01-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-01-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-01-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-01-26 18:30 - 20:30
Wednesdays January 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th 2022
6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
ASL Interpretation and Closed Captioning Provided
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum
Are you looking for a way to start a mindfulness meditation practice, but don’t quite know how? These classes will give you the basics of stationary and walking/gentle movement meditation in the vipassana (insight) style, and metta (loving kindness or good will) meditation. Don’t worry about “getting it right” – if you can sit – on a folding chair, on floor cushions, in a wheelchair – or lie down – and breathe, you’re off to a good start! This series is for those seeking stress reduction, or it can be the gateway to those new to Buddhism. Meditation can help you, over time, to develop a sense of increased physical well-being, mental clarity, compassionate connection, and spiritual growth.

ONLINE: celebrating bell hooks & all about love
2022-01-22 09:00 - 15:00
An Online Event

Open to All expressions of love: friends, partners, siblings, parent/child, roommates, etc.

With Rev. Liên Shutt
Saturday, January 22nd
9:00AM – 3:00PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided

We all want love.
And, having and holding love and loving feelings can be challenging. Let’s explore how love can be when expressed in conjunction with the qualities of the Four Divine States of Equanimity, Kindness, Compassion, and Inclusive Joy.
While grounded in these teachings and meditation practices, the course will be framed by short readings from bell hook’s All About Love: New Visions; offering a blend of fierce feminist social criticism to ask us to transform our challenges into strength, manifesting the love and caring we want in our lives.
A shortened version of the popular 4-week series.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Introduction to Meditation for Black, Indigenous and People of Color
2022-01-23 09:30 - 12:00
An online class with Fresh Lev White

Sunday, January 23rd
9:30AM – 12:00PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground . . .a thousand ways to go home again. – Rumi
The Buddha taught that meditation could be done sitting, standing or lying down; it could take place in monasteries, community sanghas, natural settings, or at home. This introduction class emphasizes the importance and beauty of the “Beginner’s Mind” along with guidelines / tips for beginning and maintaining a meditation practice.
Open to those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Opening the Heart Through The Buddha’s Teachings: Parents Meditation Group
2022-01-24 20:45 - 21:45
Opening the Heart Through the Buddha’s Teachings
An Online Meditation Group for Parents
with Lisa Fujie Parks
Monday, January 24th 2021 8:45PM – 9:45PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
Closed Captioning Provided.
EBMC’s Family Practice Class teaching team will be offering a monthly parents’ meditation group for restoration, support and connection during these challenging times. We offer a short talk, guided meditation and sharing. We gather to create a safe refuge to share the joys and the challenges of caring for young people by cultivating loving-kindness, compassion, patience and generosity with the support of the sangha. We welcome all parents/grandparents/caregivers of young people to join us. No prior experience necessary.

ONLINE: Buddha's Four Big Truths (4 Noble Truths)
2022-02-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-02-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-02-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-02-23 18:30 - 20:30
Wednesdays February 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd 2022
6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) Closed Captioning Provided
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum
Why do we suffer? How can we be released from suffering? The Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. These form the foundation of Buddhist life and understanding. The four “big” truths address human suffering and oppression, analyze their root causes, and describe a path of liberation from human suffering that is both profound and practical. Dharma talks, mindful journaling, meditation, community building and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome.

ONLINE: The Future is Black: An Introduction to AfroFuturism, Dharma and Black Feminism
2022-02-05 10:00 - 14:00
An online half-day workshop for BIPOC

With shah noor hussein & Arisika Razak

Saturday, February 5, 2022
10:00AM – 2:00PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
“Afrofuturism is all about evaluating the past, present and future and imagining a world that encourages better conditions for Black people. Afrofuturism gives us a platform to thrive in our own culture, where we imagine ourselves achieving greatness without external influence.”
– Rell Fields
“All that you touch you Change.
All that you Change Changes you.
The only lasting truth  is Change.
God  Is Change.”
– Octavia Butler
“To be truly visionary we have to root our imagination in our concrete reality while simultaneously imagining possibilities beyond that reality.”
– bell hooks
Join us for a half day of storytelling, dharma teachings, meditative movement, and future visioning at the intersections of Afro-futurism, dharma and Black Feminisms. We will compassionately examine our diverse personal histories, celebrate our heritage, and create new liberation stories through writing. We welcome self-identified people of color, with a special invitation for our Black & Indigenous community members to take space. Utilizing the writings and wisdom of Black feminist writers, we will set powerful intentions for the new year and reclaiming our futures through ritual. This interactive workshop will include guided meditations, breakout groups, writing activities, and other practices related to fostering creative exploration while deepening our self-love. Please bring writing and/or art supplies with you – as well as an object that represents your intentions for yourself as it relates to ancestry, creativity, and imagination.

ONLINE: 4 Noble Truths as a Restorative Process for LGBTQIA+: Reclaiming Wholeness
2022-02-19 09:30 - 15:30
An Online Workshop

With Rev. Liên Shutt
Saturday, February 19th
9:30AM – 3:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
Does “The 4 Noble Truths” just seems like another list to memorize?
What are “truths”? How did we learn them? How do familial, cultural, and/or institutional systems promote, validate, and/or collude?
Join me to see how my reframed “Engaged 4 Noble Truths” can reflect our multi-dimensional, lived experiences as LGBTQIA+. Meditative, reflective, and interactive exercises will be used throughout the day to support us to see how these seemingly passive “truths” to be more active and meaningful. We’ll expand their traditional framing to see how they also support an engaged practice, enlivening us with agency.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Beginning Again: Introduction to Meditation
2022-02-20 09:30 - 12:30, 2022-02-27 09:30 - 12:30
Beginning Again: Introduction to Meditation Daylong
With René Rivera
Sundays February 20th and 27th, 2022 9:30AM – 12:30PM PST
Time Zone Converter – Closed Captioning Provided
How can meditation help us navigate these challenging times? The Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness and loving kindness point the way toward a freedom and peace that is built from the inside out and can become a home we carry with us. These two half days of practice will introduce Buddhist mindfulness and heart practices as a coming home to ourselves, adapted for these times of trauma and uncertainty. Come explore these beloved wisdom and compassion practices as a path to increased connection with ourselves and others. We will start at the beginning, with simple and accessible practices, including still and moving meditation. This class is for those new to meditation or who find it challenging to practice amidst so much change, stress and upheaval.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Nourishing Freedom: Finding the Middle Path to Body Liberation
2022-02-26 10:00 - 14:00
Nourishing Freedom: Finding the Middle Path to Body Liberation
With Melvin Escobar and Marcella Raimondo
Saturday February 26th, 2022 10:00AM – 2:00PM PST
Time Zone Converter – Closed Captioning Provided
Radically accepting ourselves and our experiences is a revolutionary act. We receive many problematic messages about food that make it challenging to nourish ourselves. Our bodies, especially those of us living in larger bodies, continue to be subject to great harm and derision. By weaving the timeless Dharma with contemporary psychological frameworks, we will deconstruct aspects of structural oppression (including diet culture). We will be invited into somatic awareness practices, along with interactive and reflective exercises to explore kinder ways of relating to our bodies to create community on the middle path to body liberation for all.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: Opening the Heart Through The Buddha’s Teachings: Parents Meditation Group
2022-02-28 20:45 - 21:45
Opening the Heart Through the Buddha’s Teachings
An Online Meditation Group for Parents
with Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith
Monday, February 28th 2021 8:45PM – 9:45PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
Closed Captioning Provided.
EBMC’s Family Practice Class teaching team will be offering a monthly parents’ meditation group for restoration, support and connection during these challenging times. We offer a short talk, guided meditation and sharing. We gather to create a safe refuge to share the joys and the challenges of caring for young people by cultivating loving-kindness, compassion, patience and generosity with the support of the sangha. We welcome all parents/grandparents/caregivers of young people to join us. No prior experience necessary.

ONLINE: The Buddha’s “How to” Guide to a Life of Happiness and Well-being
2022-03-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-03-09 18:30 - 20:30
Wednesdays March 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd 2022
6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
ASL Interpretation and Closed Captioning Provided
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum
Everyone wants to live and be happy, yet human life is marked by suffering. Many are intimately and historically affected by social injustice, and we all experience loss of what is dear to us, sickness, aging, and death. How do we develop wisdom (insight) and spiritual strength (a practice that sustains us during the hard times)? The Buddha’s teaching of the Eightfold Path is a roadmap for a life well-lived. This class series will include meditation, Dharma talks, and discussion. Beginners in meditation are welcome.

ONLINE: Introduction to Mindfulness
2022-03-07 19:00 - 21:30, 2022-03-10 19:00 - 21:30, 2022-03-14 19:00 - 21:30
With Imee Contreras, Janet Roos and Ramón Honea

Mondays, March 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
7:00 – 9:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided
Mindfulness is an ancient teaching that has proven to be more relevant and beneficial in these current times. It has been scientifically proven to improve empathy, manage stress levels, and increase present moment awareness. This course is ideal for those who want to begin meditation practice, develop consistency, or to revive a long-term practice.
Beginners and seasoned practitioners are all welcome to explore the basics of mindfulness, establish a daily practice, incorporate various meditation practices, and embody a mindful lifestyle.

All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: The Future is Femme: Celebrating Diverse Women
2022-03-12 10:30 - 12:30
An online event

With shah noor hussein & Arisika Razak

Saturday, March 12, 2022
10:30AM – 12:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) –
Closed Captioning Provided

Let’s come together around Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day to honor the variety of genders, sexes, bodies and identities found within the term “woman”. Let’s honor femmes and thems, shes and theys, trans and cis, and all those in between or outside of binary constructions of womanness.
Bring the name of someone you want to honor: someone from your chosen or extended family; friendship circle; spiritual, creative or activist lineage who identified as a woman. Bring something to write with; bring something to paint or draw with; bring your voice and your story.
