East Bay Meditation Center

HYBRID: Alphabet Sangha
2023-05-02 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-05-16 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-06-06 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-06-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-07-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-07-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-08-01 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-08-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 5 more dates | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
A meditation group for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Same-Gender Loving, and Two-Spirit communities. Because that’s such a mouthful, we call ourselves the Alphabet Sangha.
Tuesdays
7:00 – 8:30 pm
HYBRID on First and Third Tuesdays of the month! Meet at EBMC or online.
Please email: alphabetsangha at eastbaymeditation dot org to request Zoom link to join online.
For more information, visit the ALPHABET SANGHA WEBSITE

HYBRID: The Enduring Precepts: Basic Buddhist Ethics for Our Times
2023-05-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-05-10 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-05-17 18:30 - 20:30
An Hybrid Class Series with Mushim Ikeda
Wednesdays April 26th, May 3rd, 10th, 17th
6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter) Closed Captioning Provided
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 7-month Curriculum
Three years ago, pandemic-panicked people in the United States were hoarding toilet paper and steaks. Today we’re dealing with ongoing volatile ethical issues such as use of fossil fuels, responsible social media, and gun responsibility. Rooted in EBMC’s mindfulness-based, diversity-equity-inclusion and social justice-centered mission, this four-class series offers a path to reflect on current ethical discernment and action. Buddhist life, for both laypersons and monastics, is rooted in Five Precepts, guidelines that are paths of deep contemplative investigation resulting in behaviors and actions aligned toward non-harm, in the service of all life. The compassionate realization of our “interbeing,” and the sometimes complex relationship of intent to impact are woven into this “Living Dharma” approach to the Precepts.

Mushim Patricia Ikeda is a socially-engaged Buddhist teacher, community activist, diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, parent and author based in Oakland, California. She has a background in both monastic and lay Buddhist practice. At EBMC, Mushim is also guiding teacher of the award-winning yearlong Practice in Transformative Action (PiTA) program, which provides secular mindfulness training for justice activists. Mushim is the recipient of a Global Diversity Leadership award; an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School of Ministry; and was named one of Colorlines’s 20 transformative racial justice leaders in 2018.
To offer a gift to support the teachings, please do so Venmo: Mushim Ikeda @MushimPatricia-Ikeda or PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 40 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks and be fully vaccinated against covid19, which at this time means having received the covid bivalent booster no less than two weeks before the event. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.)
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

HYBRID: Nourish to Flourish: A Daylong Retreat for Teachers
2023-06-03 10:00 - 16:00
A Hybrid Daylong Retreat with Tania Triana and Kinshasa Bennett
Saturday June 3rd 2023
10 AM – 4 PM PST (Time Zone Converter) Closed Captioning Provided
This daylong retreat aims to create a space of rest and restoration for teachers as the academic school year draws to a close. The daylong will consist of silent and guided meditation time, gentle movement, time for rest, and mindfulness practices to replenish our compassionate hearts and learn to release what is not ours to carry. During our time together we will explore the heart practices (compassion, love, joy, and equanimity), with special attention to cultivating equanimity and inner resilience as we cross the finish line at the end of the school year.

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

Tania Triana [pronouns: she/they/ella/elle] is an educator, activist, and translator raised in Rochester, NY. She joined EBMC in 2014 soon after relocating to Oakland, and accepted the Bodhisattva vows and precepts at a ceremony at EBMC in 2017, and renewed them in 2020. Tania is grateful to have found a spiritual home and social justice community here, and currently serves on the L-Sangha as Board Secretary. When she’s not teaching at the College Preparatory School, Tania enjoys yoga, traveling, cooking, reading, and being tía to the best sobrinitos ever, Javier and Nicolás.

Kinshasa (she/her). Queer, African-American, pet parent. Psychologist by day. Magic weaver by night (and also day). Currently integrating sitting, dancing, praying, and vocal meditation practices. Incorporating ritual, indigeneity, and authenticity into my life as a Buddhist and keeping sangha in my heart. Launched from EBMC in 2009 and Spirit Rock in 2011. You can find me watching Sci-fi, women’s sports, or dancing in my living room.

To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 40 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks and be fully vaccinated against covid19, which at this time means having received the covid bivalent booster no less than two weeks before the event. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.)
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

HYBRID: Pride Celebration: The House of the Divine Abodes
2023-06-17 10:00 - 14:00
Pride Celebration: The House of the Divine Abodes – a daylong for the Alphabet community
Saturday June 17th 2023
10 AM – 2 PM PST (Time Zone Converter) Closed Captioning Provided
Come celebrate Pride by taking refuge in the Divine Abodes (Love, Compassion, Joy, and Peace). We will offer guided meditations and interactive activities to help co-create the healing that is possible when we gather in queer community.

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

Melvin Escobar (he/him) is a core teacher at EBMC. He has walked the path of service for most of his life, drawing on his life experiences as a cisgender queer man of color from an immigrant working-class background. He continues daily to learn the revolutionary potential of body-centered contemplative practices based in Buddhism, Yoga and other wisdom traditions for personal and social healing.
If you would like to make a gift to Melvin, please do so via:
PayPal: melvin@melvinescobar.com
Venmo: @Melvin-Escobar

Kinshasa (she/her). Queer, African-American, pet parent. Psychologist by day. Magic weaver by night (and also day). Currently integrating sitting, dancing, praying, and vocal meditation practices. Incorporating ritual, indigeneity, and authenticity into my life as a Buddhist and keeping sangha in my heart. Launched from EBMC in 2009 and Spirit Rock in 2011. You can find me watching Sci-fi, women’s sports, or dancing in my living room.

Rascal Roubos LCSW (they/them) – Rascal is white transmasculine therapist based in Oakland, CA who integrates dharma into daily life through an anti-oppression lens and somatic focused approaches. As a graduate of the Dedicated Practitioners Program, a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction instructor, and a recent graduate of the Spiritual Teacher and Leadership training program at East Bay Meditation Center, Rascal loves collaborating to share the dharma in community. They feel most connected to dharma and at home in their being when practicing in nature, or when dancing. A favorite recent experience was playing with giant bubbles with their three kids, partner and friends in the redwoods in Oakland.
If you would like to make a gift to Rascal, please do so via:
PayPal: connect@katherinerouboslcsw.com
Venmo: @Katherine-Roubos

My name is Ramón Honea (He/They/Them). With deep roots in the Bay Area, I am biracial gay man who finds service and joy in holding space for education and meditation. I have been in public school education for twenty years as both teacher and administrator. I hold a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a teaching and administrative credential as well as a Mindfulness teaching certificate and a Mindfulness Mentoring Certificate from the Cloud Sangha. I am recently graduated from the first cohort of EBMC’s 2-year Spiritual Teacher and Leadership training. I am working with Braided Wisdom and Carol Cano, co-teaching and zoom-hosting various classes. Connecting that braiding of my cultural learnings with the Buddha-dharma and the teaching of Mindfulness is my focus. Covid took me from my job as a residential Retreat Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and my current aspiration is to build a residential retreat center, both urban and accessible, for black and brown men+ and to run week long Mindfulness Retreats.
Support the Teacher/Artist
cash.app/$Ramons
Venmo: @Ramon-Honea
Paypal: paypal.me/RamonHonea (phone ends 0967)

To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 40 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks and be fully vaccinated against covid19, which at this time means having received the covid bivalent booster no less than two weeks before the event. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.)
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

Open Heart/Open House: EBMC's Reopening Gathering
2023-07-16 10:00 - 14:00
East Bay Meditation Center is celebrating our community by hosting a summer party at Snow Park!

We have been mostly online for over three years. As we learn to meet in person more safely, we are looking forward to marking this new moment with a community celebration. Join us as we commemorate EBMC’s hybrid programming at our July 16th Reopening Celebration at Snow Park followed by a week of hybrid classes and practice groups.
On Sunday, July 16th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM we will be holding space at Snow Park, a block from our center and also hosting group tours of the temple. We are honored to have one of our dear EBMC founders, Larry Yang, welcome us to the celebrations at the park. Join us for group meditations, sound healing, dance and drumming under the oak trees. You’re also invited to bring your spiritual friends and community, roll out a blanket and catch up in the sun.
Small group tours of EBMC will happen on the hour, with sign-ups at the park, and include: access to a memorial altar honoring sangha/community members lost in these last three plus years, a twenty-minute group meditation in the temple room, and information about the center and upcoming programs. For the tour, you will be asked to put on shoe booties at the door and to wear a KN95/N95 mask throughout your time inside the center.
There will be a closing circle at the Snow Park’s Putting Green at 1:45 pm.
Come celebrate with us! Watch this space for the Sunday event and weeklong hybrid schedule.
Email ramon (at) eastbaymeditation.org if you want to volunteer, have proposals or questions
Please save the date and look out for more details to come.

Larry is a senior advisor in Mindfulness and Healing Justice for the Kataly Foundation, to provide grants for supporting community-based mindfulness and awareness practices and projects for ethnically and racially diverse multicultural communities and organizations. For 20 years, Larry has taught meditation retreats nationally. He has a special interest in creating access to both Buddhist and secular mindfulness for non-dominant cultures, and in transforming the strong currents of White Supremacy in our Mindfulness communities. Larry has practiced meditation for 30+ years, with extensive time in Burma and Thailand, and a six month period of ordination as a Buddhist monastic. Larry is one of the founding teachers of both East Bay Meditation Center (Oakland) and Insight Community of the Desert (Palm Springs). He has trained teachers for spiritual leadership within communities of color and LGBTQI communities for 15 years. Larry was honored for his work in racial justice by being selected as the community Grand Marshal in the 2016 San Francisco LGBTIQ Pride Parade, whose theme that year was “For Racial and Economic Justice.” His book, “Awakening Together: the Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community,” is published by Wisdom Publications.

Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks and be fully vaccinated against covid19, which at this time means having received the covid bivalent booster no less than two weeks before the event. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.)
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

HYBRID: Introduction to Mindfulness & Meditation
2023-08-21 18:00 - 20:30, 2023-08-28 18:00 - 20:30, 2023-09-04 18:00 - 20:30, 2023-09-11 18:00 - 20:30
Four Mondays 6-8:30pm
August 21 & 28 and September 4 & 11
Hybrid at East Bay Meditation Center and Online over Zoom

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.
This program is suitable for both new and experienced meditators.
Space is limited & registration is required.

Imee Contreras is the founder of Mindfulness Asia, and co-founder and principal teacher of Philippine Insight Meditation Community. Mentored by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Tara Brach, Ph.D., and Carol Cano, M.A., she received formal training at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. She is a mentor for Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program and The Power of Awareness course, serves as a Cross-Cultural Mindfulness teacher and Board Member at Braided Wisdom and an affiliate teacher at UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. She is a visiting teacher in various meditation centers around the world, a founding Advisory Council member of the Global Compassion Coalition, and is credentialled by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.

Janet Roos is the COO, Board Member, and Teacher’s Assistant at Non-Profit Braided Wisdom, a Cross-Cultural Mindfulness Organization. She holds certifications from Braided Wisdom’s Leadership Training Program and UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. Credentialed by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, she’s passionate about bringing Mindfulness Practices to diverse communities, including Non-Profits, University Athletes, Corporations, and others interested, stemming from a family steeped in the beliefs of service and giving back.

Ramón Honea (He/They/Them) is a biracial, gay, second generation Oakland Chicano native, he served for 20 years as a teacher/administrator in the SF/Oakland Unified School Districts. After that, through therapy, he found meditation and the East Bay Meditation Center’s “POC night” where he joined the coordinating committee in 2010 and served for several years. Obtained a mindfulness teaching credential through the Mindfulness Training Institute in 2019. Currently an Assistant Teacher in Braided Wisdom under teacher Carol Cano.and now working on a contract with EBMC to reopen the center to be an all hybrid center. They bring a “holding” experience from working at Spirit Rock Meditation Center as a residential Retreat Manager and from managing week long silent retreats in the desert. Obtained a mindfulness teaching credential through the Mindfulness Training Institute in 2019. Recently graduated from EBMC’s three year Spiritual Teacher Leader program (STL).
Cost: The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks and be fully vaccinated against covid19, which at this time means having received the covid bivalent booster no less than two weeks before the event. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.)
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

HYBRID: Community Meeting - Shaping EBMC's New Potential Home!
2023-08-26 10:00 - 13:00
Join us in an incredible journey to discover our new potential building! Be part of shaping our future as we unveil plans, gather feedback, and explore possibilities together.
We’re excited to share the details of our building search and upcoming fundraising campaign. Your ideas and insights are invaluable, guiding our project’s direction
Saturday, August 26th:
Building Tour – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM,
In-person & Zoom Discussion – 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Register here to get the meeting information for zoom and tours.

Due to staff capacity and health safety, space for the physical tours and in-person discussions at the center will be limited to 40.
Building Tour:
Get a firsthand look at the potential building, exploring its space and envisioning the possibilities it holds. Whether you’re a longtime community member or new to the fold, this tour will help you become familiar with the layout and start imagining how it could become a vibrant hub for our activities. Address of the tour about .5 mile from 19th st. BART and EBMC’s current space. It will be shared after registration
Hybrid Meeting: During this interactive meeting, we will:
Share insights on our building search and fundraising campaign.
Provide an opportunity for you to voice your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.
Clarify any questions you might have about the project’s goals and direction.
Introduce the proposed building’s floor plan for review.
Our architect team, who will present the building plan and address your queries live on August 16th, which will be recorded and shared August 26th.
Your Role:
Participate actively, share thoughts, and help us understand your priorities. This open forum welcomes all voices, fostering an inclusive environment where every opinion matters.
Join Us:
Save the dates and contribute your enthusiasm on these important occasions.

Using practice, demonstrations, and discussions, this retreat will use meditation and movement to explore how to create and maintain greater mindfulness and spiritual balance throughout the day. Simple meditation techniques are taught for a range of practitioners, especially beginners. Movements embodying the Five Elements are taught standing, sitting and reclining, and are appropriate for people with diverse abilities. This retreat will be held at Snow Park, so bring a water bottle, a snack and a blanket to sit on. The park is highly shaded from many trees, and bathrooms are available. Because this is an outdoor event, masks are optional, but social distancing is encouraged.

HYBRID: Gathering Kapwa: Connecting Filipinx Diaspora Through Sangha
2023-08-27 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday, August 27, 2023
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Teaching Team: Imee Contreras, CMT-P, Lorene Jabola, Ph.D, Victoria Mausisa, Kimi Mojica, Jonathan Relucio and Jessy Zapanta
Hybrid at East Bay Meditation Center and Online over Zoom
Join us for this inaugural gathering and embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and connection as we dive into the inquiry: Who are WE as Filipinx diaspora on this Dharma path together? How does it support us relating to each other, to our ancestors, and the causes and conditions of our world?

Guided by a cadre of Filipinx teachers, this daylong retreat is a welcoming space open to self-identified Filipino/a/x/o practitioners of all levels, from beginners to experienced meditators. Weaving in teachings of the Buddha, we will offer ceremony, meditation, and movement practices, alongside Dhamma talks and discussions that invite reflection, compassion, joy, love and understanding on our path. Through the shared experiences and wisdom of the collective, we will create a supportive and nurturing community that encourages growth and transformation.
This hybrid format allows participants to join either in person at EBMC or virtually from the comfort of their own homes. All registered participants will be invited to bring an object from home to add to our community centerpiece and supplies for ritual will be forthcoming. Let us celebrate and make meaning together, nuancing what our cultural identity means on our spiritual path.
This program is suitable for both new and experienced meditators who self identify as Filipinx.

Imee Contreras is the founder of Mindfulness Asia, and co-founder and principal teacher of Philippine Insight Meditation Community. Mentored by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Tara Brach, Ph.D., and Carol Cano, M.A., she received formal training at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. She is a mentor for Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program and The Power of Awareness course, serves as a Cross-Cultural Mindfulness teacher and Board Member at Braided Wisdom and an affiliate teacher at UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. She is a visiting teacher in various meditation centers around the world, a founding Advisory Council member of the Global Compassion Coalition, and is credentialled by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.

Lorene Jabola has been a student and practitioner of Buddhism since 1985. Her training as an educator and psychotherapist finds expression in teaching, writing, and consulting dedicated to awakening and finding one’s original voice. Her bicultural upbringing in the Philippines and Southern California, education in Eastern and Western religious traditions and psychology, and meditation practice in the Thai forest tradition infuse both personal and professional life.
Devoted to social justice and integrative approaches to mental health, Lorene helped found two community organizations in Minneapolis, MN: Minnesota Psychoanalytic Society and Institute Psychotherapy Center and Midwest Meditation and Psychotherapy Institute. As a graduate of the Community Dharma Leaders Training Program IV (Spirit Rock Meditation Center, CA), she is committed to supporting the development and growth of multicultural practitioners and leaders.
In her professional life Lorene enjoyed teaching (as core faculty of graduate psychology programs California and Minnesota) and clinical practice. Currently, she provides consultation/mentoring to both individuals and professional organizations.

Victoria Mausisa, (she/siya/we), Filipina, Lola/grandmother. Victoria began her practice over 20 years ago and is ordained in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Order of Interbeing. She is a community builder, sangha and retreat leader. An advocate for racial and social justice, she co-founded ARISE Sangha — Awakening Through Race, Intersectionality and Social Equity. Victoria is called to heal communities of color and to cultivate inclusiveness. She is a graduate of East Bay Meditation Center’s Spiritual and Teacher Leader Program. A contemplative at heart who leans on authenticity and ritual, Victoria thrives on spiritual practice and deep relationships with our ancestors, our lands, family, and friends

First introduced to mindfulness and the teachings of the Buddha in 2003, through Thich Nhat Hahn and the Plum Village tradition, Kimi has been student and practitioner ever since. A Community Teacher at East Bay Meditation Center, their commitment to racial, gender and healing justice is evident through the dynamic and ways they hold space and as a consultant, facilitator, coach, and conflict transformation practitioner.
As a sangha builder and community leader, Kimi is a graduate of EBMC’s Commit2Dharma program, Spiritual Teacher and Leader training program, has served as former Board Chair and later co-founder of Restorative Practices for Dharma Practitioners (RPDP) deep refuge group. Beyond EBMC they have had the privilege and joy of teaching at various sangha affinity groups (BIPOC, QTPOC, Queer/Trans/Non-Binary folx); daylongs and retreats at Braided Wisdom, Dhamma Dena among others. Kimi loves connecting through ritual, movement and nature, centering liberatory practices that cultivate wholeness and well-being in everyday life.

For a decade, Jonathan Relucio taught trauma-informed yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in urban schools, mental health clinics and juvenile detention centers as a Senior Trainer for Niroga Institute. He has completed Spirit Rock’s Mindfulness, Yoga and Meditation Training; Communities Rizing teacher training program; and East Bay Meditation Center’s Spiritual Teacher and Leadership training. Jonathan facilitates transformation in social justice movements with Rockwood Leadership Institute; integrates trauma-informed mindfulness with restorative circles for healing and racial equity as co-founder of AllThriveEd.org; and serves on the Healing Advisory council for Filipino Advocates for Justice.
With over 20 years of experience in social services, community organizing, training, and leadership development, Jonathan values yoga, meditation, indigenous medicine and dance as practices for liberation that heal us from the impact of oppressive systems.

Founder of Healing Without Hierarchy & Kapwa Flow Somatic Meditation, Jessy Zapanta (he, she, siya) is a community builder, educator, and survivor-centered mindful movement and meditation facilitator born and raised in the working-class, BIPOC-majority parts of the lands known as the Bay Area (Ohlone territory). Jessy is a graduate of EBMC’s Practice in Transformative Action Program and inaugural two-year Spiritual Teacher and Leadership Program, and is a co-founder of Dharma in Motion Sangha. Experienced in western and Asian bodywork, counseling, Raja Yoga, qigong, somatics, and improv, he has held space for queer, trans, gender-diverse, disabled, and neurodivergent folks of all ages. Siya is passionate about radical inclusion and access, inviting the collective needs of participants into the room. With roots spanning across Pangasinan and Pampanga, Nagasaki, and Fujian, Jessy’s path includes reclaiming diverse ancestral teachings, trusting intuition, and building intersectional, intergenerational communities of care.

Cost: The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
Kimi Mojica will collect dana on behalf of the teachers via Cash, Venmo:@Kimi-Mojica, Paypal: kimi.mojica@gmail.com, or CashApp:$KimiMojica. Please indicate “Teacher dana for 8/27 Gathering Kapwa EBMC” in the subject line.
Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks and be fully vaccinated against covid19, which at this time means having received the covid bivalent booster no less than two weeks before the event. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.)
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:

Fragrance Free

HYBRID: Path of the Bodhisattva, Series 1
2023-10-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-10-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-10-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-10-23 18:30 - 20:30
Mondays October 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd
6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
HYBRID on Zoom and onsite at EBMC
Closed Captioning Provided
with Mushim Patricia Ikeda, an EBMC Core Teacher

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.
Part of the Buddhist curriculum at EBMC, which has three components:
Path of the Bodhisattva Class Series ONE
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
October 2, 9, 16 and 23
Path of the Bodhisattva Class Series TWO
Note: This is a deepening of the Class Series One materials, not a repeat
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm PT
October 30, and November 6, 13, and 20
Bodhisattva Vows and Precepts
Daylong Retreat and Ceremony
Sunday, December 10, 2023
10 am – 4:30 pm Pacific time
Note: You may participate as a witness/observer, or apply to receive the Bodhisattva Vows and Precepts after participating in the preceding classes
This will be a Hybrid class, where in person participants are asked to use an N95 or KN95 mask. Instructors are given the option to be unmasked while speaking into a microphone. For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 40 people to allow ample space for social distancing. N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.
*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
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.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.
Cost: The teachings are regarded as priceless, so they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations
To offer a gift to support the teachings, please do so Venmo: Mushim Ikeda @MushimPatricia-Ikeda or PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

Teacher Bio:

Mushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. She is the founding and guiding teacher of EBMC’s Practice in Transformative Action, a yearlong program that completed its tenth cohort in July 2023, providing secular mindfulness training for justice activists and agents of change. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. If you would like to make a gift to our beloved teacher, please do so via Venmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda or PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com

HYBRID: Path of the Bodhisattva, Series 2
2023-11-06 18:30 - 20:30
Mondays November 6th, 13rd, 20th, 27th

6:30 – 8:30PM PST (Time Zone Converter)
HYBRID on Zoom and onsite at EBMC
Closed Captioning Provided
with Mushim Patricia Ikeda, an EBMC Core Teacher

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.
Part of the Buddhist curriculum at EBMC, which has three components:
Path of the Bodhisattva Class Series ONE
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
October 2, 9, 16 and 23
Path of the Bodhisattva Class Series TWO
Note: This is a deepening of the Class Series One materials, not a repeat
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm PT
November 6th, 13rd, 20th, 27th
Bodhisattva Vows and Precepts
Daylong Retreat and Ceremony
Sunday, December 10, 2023
10 am – 4:30 pm Pacific time
Note: You may participate as a witness/observer, or apply to receive the Bodhisattva Vows and Precepts after participating in the preceding classes
This will be a Hybrid class, where in person participants are asked to use an N95 or KN95 mask. Instructors are given the option to be unmasked while speaking into a microphone. For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 40 people to allow ample space for social distancing. N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.
*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
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.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website:
https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.
Cost: The teachings are regarded as priceless, so they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations
To offer a gift to support the teachings, please do so Venmo: Mushim Ikeda @MushimPatricia-Ikeda or PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
All registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email. Those who can attend in person need to be fully Covid vaccinated and wear N95 or KN95 masks. If you feel ill, we ask that you stay home and participate via Zoom, in order to support the health of the Sangha (community). Questions: admin@eastbaymeditation.org

Teacher Bio:

Mushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. She is the founding and guiding teacher of EBMC’s Practice in Transformative Action, a yearlong program that completed its tenth cohort in July 2023, providing secular mindfulness training for justice activists and agents of change. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. If you would like to make a gift to our beloved teacher, please do so via Venmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda or PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com
