East Bay Meditation Center

Calming the Heartmind: Practicing Love, Compassion, Joy & Equanimity
2019-04-17 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
with Mushim Ikeda
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings: 5-Month Curriculum
The Brahmaviharas (Divine Abodes), also called the Four Immeasurables, are Buddhist teachings and practices that help us to access dynamic calming, stilling, and healing mindbody states. As we cultivate the limitless qualities of loving goodwill, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity, in time we harvest true happiness, spiritual strength, and awakening insight. These practices are considered complementary to insight (mindfulness) meditation. Dharma talks, discussion, interactive exercises. Instruction provided for beginners in meditation.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Teen Sangha: Spring Session
2019-04-17 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-04-24 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-05-01 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-05-08 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-05-15 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-05-22 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-05-29 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-06-05 19:00 - 20:45 and 2 more dates
EBMC Teen Sangha
Spring 2019
Wednesdays, April 10th to June 19th 7:00 pm – 8:45PM pm
EBMC Teen Sangha is a weekly meditation group for teens, ages 14-19
Led by Anthony Maes, Raul Betancourt, Louije Kim and Sarwang Parikh
Our focus is on creating deeper relationships with ourselves and each other, having fun, getting real and supporting each other. Learn mindfulness meditation and explore the dharma (Buddhist teachings) in creative experiential ways. No experience necessary. We are committed to maintaining a sangha (community) that is welcoming to people of all identities, cultures and backgrounds.
Registration: Registration is required and space is limited.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

EVERYDAY EQUITY: Awakening Power, Love, and Justice
2019-04-21 10:00 - 16:00
with Renato P. Almanzor and Mushim Patricia Ikeda
Everyday Equity is both a realization of and a path from power, love, and justice. This mindfulness-based daylong facilitates a process for awakening power, love, and justice; and draws from what matters (e.g., grace, gratitude, gravitas), through what’s difficult (e.g., hurt, healing, hope), to what’s possible (e.g., courage, compassion, connection). As an experiential workshop, this program includes practicing the use of tools, applying concepts, and reflecting through meditation, journaling, small groups and large group dialogue. The day will remind us of our loveliness – allowing us to contribute to community well-being by understanding and healing from harmful conditions toward transformative change. Instructions for meditation will be provided.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Clearing The Mind:Tools and Techniques for Increasing Calm Abiding
2019-04-22 18:30 - 20:30
with John Mifsud
Clearing the Mind is for both experienced and new meditators. We will explore practical techniques that increase deep relaxation and steady concentration. Simple, how-to tools will combine with traditional Buddhist teachings to strengthen calm abiding in meditation practice.
All classes are stand-alone, come to one or all four.
Week 1: Single Pointed Concentration, Moment to Moment
Awareness and Luminous Mind
Week 2: Body Scans, Mantras and Creative Visualizations
Week 3: What Gets in the Way – The Five Hindrances
Week 4: Focusing on the Divine Abodes: Loving Kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy & Equanimity.
Space is limited and registration is requested. REGISTER HERE
Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

To Cherish All Life: Buddha’s 5 Precepts
2019-05-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-05-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-05-15 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-05-22 18:30 - 20:30
with Mushim Ikeda
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 5-month Curriculum
Together we’ll safely take a deep dive into how to hold the questions and ethical complexities that arise when we grapple with trying to live in accordance with the Precepts. The Buddha’s 5 basic guidelines for peace and happiness are: Not to kill but to cherish all life; not to lie but to tell the truth; not to steal, but to respect the things of others; not to commit sexual misconduct but to respect the wholeness of relationship; not to misuse intoxicants but to practice clarity of mind. Dharma talks, contemplative journaling, discussion, interactive exercises. Meditation instruction provided for beginners.
Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

“Letting Go” with Forgiveness & Goodwill
2019-05-04 09:00 - 15:00
For Self-Identified People of Color
with Rev. Keiryū Liên Shutt
Impermanence is part of life. We want “to move on” through wishing ourselves or another well, yet it’s hard to do. The thought of “sending goodwill” is nice but it may seem insurmountable.

This 1-day workshop and retreat provides a gentle container to foster letting go of old hurts and pains. In the morning, teachings, exercises and practices on forgiveness are offered. In the afternoon, we switch to a retreat format: engaging in guided meditations, generating goodwill to specific categories.

* Please bring any form of mementos for those you’d like to generate forgiveness and/or goodwill to in these meditations.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Tender Self-Care in the Midst of Pain
2019-05-11 10:00 - 16:00
A Daylong for People Living with Disability, Illness or Chronic Pain
Led by Debra Kerr and Mushim Ikeda
In this daylong meditation retreat, we will explore the possibility of finding space and ease, even while dealing with painful conditions of body or mind. Mindfulness and sangha are powerful tools for finding ways of working with pain, for lessening isolation, and for increasing our compassion, both for our own pain, and for the pain of others. There will be guided and silent meditation, movement practice, lovingkindness and compassion practice, as well as small and large group discussions and dharma talks. As we work with pain, we will also find ways of inviting pleasure and joy into the day.

In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Family Practice: Opening the Heart through the Buddha's Teachings
2019-05-12 10:00 - 12:30
with Julie Goeshe, Keisha Turner, Lev White and Michele Ku
For Children Ages 0-13 and Family / Caregivers
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 Tea Time” and how mindful practices can bind the family together. We will also explore how meditation and meditative movement can contribute to successful family life. Parents/caregivers and young people will meet together and separately during the class. We are committed to creating a diverse family sangha. No prior experience is necessary.
Please bring a snack (without nuts) to share. Please note, each family only needs one registration. Thank You!

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

EBMC 5 Month Buddhist Basics Curriculum: Evening for Practice Q&A
2019-05-29 18:30 - 20:30
with Mushim Ikeda
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Followed by OPTIONAL potluck social 8:30 – 9:00 pm
For those who have taken either some or all of EBMC’s 5-month “Buddhist core teachings” curriculum this is an evening class where you can bring your “biggest” Buddhist practice questions, meet Dharma companions on the Path, and rejoice in the merit that you have generated! Please note: The focus of this class is on praxis rather than abstract theory – in other words, what you are doing to deepen your spiritual practice and to transform your life through these wisdom teachings. If you like, bring a snack or non-alcoholic beverage to share for the OPTIONAL brief social immediately afterward.
Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Mindful Prosperity: Abundance in Community
2019-06-01 09:00 - 16:00
with Fresh Lev White & Imee Contreras
What would our practice and lives look like if we believed we were worthy of living abundantly? Can the Brahma Viharas support us in acknowledging that we are deserving and help us release fear and aversion of living prosperously? Imagine equanimity as a practice of manifestation that offers a gift of non-clinging; and include love, compassion and the possibility of more ease.
Through meditation, writing, and visioning, will explore our relationship with wealth, distinguish the difference between desire and greed, and discuss the gifts of generosity. We will participate in small and large group shares, as well as offer accessible movement.
Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Opening Our Hearts: A Day of Lovingkindness Practice for the Transgender, Nonbinary, Genderqueer and Gender Expansive Communities
2019-06-15 10:00 - 16:30
Open to all self identified Transgender, Nonbinary, Gender Queer, Gender Variant, and Gender Non-conforming people
With Bri Barnett, Fresh! “Lev” White, Kalash Ka and René Rivera
Lovingkindness is a powerful practice that enables us to cultivate our capacity for an open, fearless, and loving heart. This day will include meditations, sharing, and discussions that nurture kindness and love.
We will join in community, as Trans* and Gender Queer/Gender Variant people to share our stories, our practice, and create a space to practice freeing our hearts, not only for ourselves, but for our communities and for the freedom of the planet.
This daylong is suitable for both new and experienced meditators and is an opportunity to practice in a space which will be lead and held by Trans* identified individuals.
Space is limited and advance registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Pause and Relax: A Mindfulness Practice Day for Educators
2019-06-23 10:00 - 16:30
with JD Doyle and Jonathan Relucio
Open to All Educators
Teachers do important work that influences all our lives. The many challenges from this path of service make it difficult to find time for self care and may lead to feelings of overwhelm. During this day for educators, we will learn practices that can be easily integrated into daily life and that benefit you and the community (both students and colleagues). The day will include meditation, mindful movement, heart practices and other resources. We will offer background in neuroscience and brain research that describes the healing impact of these practices to mitigate the effects of chronic stress and secondary trauma.
Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Teen Sangha: Summer Session
2019-07-03 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-07-10 19:00 - 20:45, 2019-07-17 19:00 - 20:45
with Raul Betancourt, Anthony T Maes, Sarwang Parikh, Louije Kim and Sara Oakes
EBMC Teen Sangha is a weekly meditation group for teens, ages 14-19
Our focus is on creating deeper relationships with ourselves and each other, having fun, getting real and supporting each other. Learn mindfulness meditation and explore the dharma (Buddhist teachings) in creative experiential ways. No experience necessary. We are committed to maintaining a sangha (community) that is welcoming to people of all identities, cultures and backgrounds.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Meditation Training: Establishing a Meditation Practice in 4 Short Weeks
2019-07-10 19:00 - 20:30, 2019-07-17 19:00 - 20:30
with Rev. Liên Shutt
Want to learn how to meditate? Or, have you tried at different times but just can’t quite figure how to make it work for you?
In this series, specific and easy-to-follow instructions will be given in three areas – body, heart/emotions and mind/mental states – to practice with one area per week. Then, in each class, you will have an opportunity to have your specific needs and questions addressed.
Think of this class as a four-week “training camp.” Come see how the two factors of practiced-guidance and cohort-support can help you to establish a sustainable practice in just four weeks!
Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:
* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.
Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.
Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.
EBMC is wheelchair accessible.
