Exploring Intimacy Through the Buddha’s Teaching for the LGBTQ and Gender NonConforming Community

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

with Shahara Godfrey & Baruch Golden “Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within”. - James Baldwin The focus of this daylong is an ongoing exploration of deepening intimacy with ourselves, others, and all of life. It is open to all self-identified LGBTQ & gender non-conforming […]

Embodying Compassion: A Day of Healing for Black Women

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

Embodying Compassion: A Day of Healing for Black Women with Arisika Razak How, as Black women, do we move from "surviving" to "thriving" in a society that does not love our bodies and our achievements? What ancestral wisdom is available to us that supports our journey? How can we use the Buddha's teaching on the body […]

Making Peace With Our Ancestors: Dharma for the 21st Century for POC

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

For self-identified people of color who are of all genders, sexualities, abilities and class. Led by Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John and Shahara Godfrey "S/He abused me, s/he beat me, s/he defeated me, s/he robbed me,"--in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease. "S/He abused me, s/he beat me, s/he defeated me, she robbed me,"--in […]

Compassionate Dharma: Letting Go of Our Addictions

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

with Dr Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John M.A (hon.doc) The day will begin with an 8 step recovery buddhist meeting 9.30am prompt. And then Vimalasara will take participants through compassionate inquiries to explore their relationship to their addictions and compulsive behaviors. A short dharma talk, Loving kindness reflections will guide us onto the path of recovery. Registration: Registration is […]

Recurring

Buddha’s Four Big Truths: Liberation from Suffering

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

Led by Mushim Ikeda 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 […]

Family Practice Class: Opening the Heart through the Buddha’s Teachings

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

with Shahara Godfrey, Eve Decker, Michele Ku, Baruch Golden and Keisha Turner We invite you to come and help create the diverse family sangha at EBMC.  We welcome families with babies, toddlers, and children up to age 13. Children under 5 will need to have a parent/caregiver stay with them.  This class features training on “Family […]

Embracing Change: Zen & the Art of Creating a Life You Want

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

with Rev. Keiryu Lien Shutt At certain times in our lives, it can feel hard to know what to do. Are you at a point in your life in which you feel like it’s time for a change but not sure how to proceed? Change can be hard. Especially if it’s not one that we’ve chosen: […]

Courage at the Crossroads: Faith Over Fear

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

Led by Spring Washam We all have to find a way to make peace with fear and over time, we learn to develop genuine courage in the face of it. The spiritual warrior sees fear as an opportunity to learn and grow. There is nothing scarier than facing the unknown yet nothing more exciting. This […]

The Buddha, The Body, The Dharma: Loving Kindness & The Body

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

Led by Arisika Razak While the Buddha acknowledged the aging, impermanent, and debilitating nature of the body, he also affirmed a Middle Path that suggested the body be treated with respect. In this workshop we will use writing, dharma teachings, science, movement, small group-sharing, and music to explore personal and social beliefs about our bodies. […]

Recurring

Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation

East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA

Two-day workshop with Kazu Haga, Dion Martin, Chris Moore-Blackman and Julia Jalalat This two-day training will provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy and strategy of Kingian Nonviolence. This training is useful for anyone who deals with conflict: inter-personal or larger social conflicts, whether in your personal life, in the workplace, or in […]