IN PERSON DAYLONG: Healing Wounds of Christianity
2025-04-20 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
IN PERSON DAYLONG: Healing Wounds of Christianity
Sunday April 20th 2025
10AM to 3PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
With Melvin Escobar and Dawn Haney
Open to all
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

As mindfulness practitioners learning in the United States, the cultural dominance of Christianity shapes our practice in unacknowledged ways. How have we attempted to escape the traumatic and historical wounds of Christianity with our mindfulness practice, only to find the same puritan values infused here too?
Melvin & Dawn will bring together mindfulness practices and expressive art activities to directly explore Christian dominance (including its whiteness/patriarchy) and how we might collectively heal ourselves and our practices.
Note: There will be a lunch break from 12:30-1:30pm. EBMC has a kitchen with a microwave, toaster oven, and refrigerator you may use. There are also a few places in the neighborhood to purchase food and drink.

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.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may 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.

Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
For Dawn:
Paypal: dawnmarissa@gmail.com
Venmo: dawnmarissa
For Melvin:
Paypal: melvin@melvinescobar.com
Venmo @Melvin-Escobar

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 in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
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.

Teachers

Melvin Escobar (he/him) is a Core Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, licensed psychotherapist, and yoga instructor. He has walked the path of service for much of his life, drawing on his experiences as a queer man of color from an immigrant working-class background. Melvin is driven by the desire to make wisdom teachings accessible in culturally relevant ways and continues daily to learn the revolutionary potential of body-centered contemplative practices for personal and social healing.

Dawn Haney (they/she) has been organizing, coaching, teaching, and writing for 25 years, on feminism, white anti-racism, Buddhism, leadership, and liberation. They weave wisdom from Buddhism and social justice traditions, understanding identity, power, and change through their own experiences as a white, fat, queer, nonbinary femme, and through social movements from migrant justice to fat liberation. A dharma student since 2003, she is a graduate of Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders program, a Community Teacher at East Bay Meditation Center and the Alphabet Sangha, and has taught across the US, including as a former Co-Director of Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

Center Open Hours
2025-04-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-04-27 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-04 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-11 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-25 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-06-01 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-06-08 16:00 - 18:00
We welcome you to drop by the center for unguided silent practice, our library, or a cup of tea in our kitchen.
with EBMC Staff
Sundays
4 – 6 PM Pacific Time
EBMC is a fragrance-free center and is wheelchair accessible. N95/KN95 masks required.
Note: Due to capacity limitations of our small staff, we may occasionally need to shorten or cancel open hours. We will do our best to give as much advanced notice as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Center Open Hours
2025-04-22 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-24 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-29 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-01 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-06 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-08 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-13 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-15 11:00 - 13:00 and 8 more dates
We welcome you to drop by the center for unguided silent practice, our library, or a cup of tea in our kitchen.
with EBMC Staff
Daytime: Tuesday & Thursday
11 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time
EBMC is a fragrance-free center and is wheelchair accessible. N95/KN95 masks required.
Note: Due to capacity limitations of our small staff, we may occasionally need to shorten or cancel open hours. We will do our best to give as much advanced notice as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

IN PERSON HALF-DAY: The Dharma of Disaster: Cultivating Interdependence in These Times
2025-04-26 13:00 - 17:00
IN PERSON HALF-DAY: The Dharma of Disaster: Cultivating Interdependence in These Times
Saturday April 26th 2025
1PM to 5PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
With Jessy Zapanta, Lisa Fujie Parks, Sarwang Parikh, and Tania Triana
Open to all
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

As the frequency and intensity of climate change exacerbated floods, wildfires, and other disasters continue to rise in this era of polycrisis, many practitioners seek deeper refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Through Buddhist practice, we expand our capacity to be with what is, face our fears with compassion, heal what has been harmed, and build what can be.
This half-day, in-person gathering offers a practice community to explore how Buddhist teachings can support disaster preparedness through the cultivation of interdependence. Our time will include the exploration of Buddhist teachings, meditation, small-group discussion, a mindful fire drill, and snacks. By the end of our time, we will envision joyfully belonging to the SF Bay-Delta bioregion as an awakened community living in interdependence and working to restore people, land, and water.
We aspire to gather with local Bay area sangha members over the age of 18 who represent the diversity of the EBMC community, with majority BIPOC and LGBTQ+ participation. Participants are welcome to come alone or with family members, housemates, and/or pod-mates*. (*We attribute the term “pod” to Mia Mingus and the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective: “Your pod is made up of the people that you would call on if violence, harm or abuse happened to you…” The term also refers to formations engaged in mutual aid and community organizing, e.g., Bay Resistance’s Action Pods.)

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.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may 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.

Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
Sarwang Parikh
Venmo @sarwangp
PayPal @sarwang (soularbody@gmail.com)
Note: Dana given to Sarwang will be distributed equitably among the teaching team.
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 in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
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.

Teaching Team

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.

Lisa Fujie Parks is a multiracial Japanese and white queer woman who grew up part of her childhood in Japan and makes a home in Oakland, California, the lands of the Ohlone people. Lisa practices the dharma in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and in other traditions, in service to wholeness and solidarity. Lisa graduated from East Bay Meditation Center’s (EBMC) inaugural Spiritual Teacher and Leadership (STL) training, and also completed the Commit2Dharma program and Practice in Transformative Action program. Lisa is a parent to a young adult in a two-home blended family and works in public health as a facilitator, coach, and advocate. Lisa also serves as the Board Co-Chair of Our Family Coalition, a community organization advancing equity for the full and expanding spectrum of LGBTQ+ families and children. Lisa’s favorite ritual is to go outside to give gratitude to our human and more-than-human relatives and ancestors and listen for guidance.

Sarwang Parikh (he/they) is a decolonial psychotherapist and meditation teacher based on unceded Ohlone land in the SF Bay Area. Born into a devotional Indian lineage with an immigrant, working-class background, Sarwang has been practicing and studying the Dharma for over 25 years through their ancestral traditions of Vedic yoga, Theravāda, and Indian Vajrayāna.
They have completed various multi-year teaching and study programs, including East Bay Meditation Center’s (EBMC) 2-year Spiritual Teacher Leader program, and are currently in Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader cohort. Sarwang teaches with Dharma Homies, East Bay Meditation Center, Inward Bound Mindfulness, Braided Wisdom, Spirit Rock, and SF Insight. They also serve on the board of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship.
Rooted in a liberatory and decolonial approach to mindfulness and healing, Sarwang integrates deep ancestral wisdom with contemporary healing practices. They find joy in playing the handpan, immersing in nature, and getting free on the dance floor.

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.

IN PERSON: Great Compassion Ceremony to Soothe an Aching Heart
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
IN PERSON: Great Compassion Ceremony to Soothe an Aching Heart
A Devotional Kwan Yin Practice
Sunday April 27th 2025
2 to 4PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
With emiko yoshikami, Kimber Simpkins-Nuccio, and Melina Bondy
Open to all
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

Whether you are curious about Kwan Yin devotional practices or a longtime Kwan Yin devotee, you’re invited to join us in community for the Great Compassion Ceremony invoking the bodhisattva of compassion, also known as Avalokiteshvara. From the Mahayana tradition the ceremony offers a sacred ritual space to release obstacles and to tap into a heart force that can hold the whole world in the midst of difficulty. The ceremony connects us with Kwan Yin, the Buddhas, the bodhisattvas, ancestors, and earth spirits, through chanting, mantras, and accessible variations of bowing. We will be making an offering to Kwan Yin. (You are invited to bring a small natural offering to place on the altar.) The ceremony is centered around recognition of harm done–personally and collectively–as we strengthen the Bodhisattva commitment to serve all beings.
To honor the varying physical abilities of our beloved community, the leaders will demonstrate multiple ways to perform the bowing practices from standing, sitting, and lying down, as well as offering other options using hands only, nodding the head, or simply “bowing” within the heart. Please note that it’s not necessary or important to do full bows to participate fully in this offering. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact the leaders in advance.
Please note: This event is IN PERSON ONLY. We hope to offer a hybrid version in the future!

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.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.

Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may 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.

Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
Venmo: @emiko-yoshikami
Paypal: @emikoyoshi
(Please reference “Kwan Yin”. The teachers will share the gifts with each other.)

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 in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
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.

Teachers

emiko yoshikami (she/they) was raised with the Dharma through the Western Insight tradition and began practicing Vipassana meditation as a child. Ancestrally, she comes from a long lineage of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priests. Seeded with Insight meditation, steeped in the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, guided by Kuan Yin, touched deeply by Dzogchan, and reaching toward Higashi Honganji, emiko honors the many Dharma streams that flow through their life. They are a graduate of the East Bay Meditation Center’s first Spiritual Teacher & Leadership training and is currently a participant in the Sacred Mountain Sangha’s Dharmapala Training. She facilitates various sanghas locally and internationally, and works to create Dharma spaces by and for marginalized groups such as sex workers, and those disabled, neurodiverse, and/or chronically ill. As a mixed-raced, mixed-Buddhist queer, they practice holding contradictions with equanimity as they strive to co-create a more just and compassionate world.

Kimber Simpkins-Nuccio is a white, cis, queer mom and writer who has taught movement and mindfulness in the Bay area for twenty years, bringing body love and social justice to her teaching and learning. She completed the Dedicated Practitioner’s Program at Spirit Rock in 2016, teacher training at Mindfulness Training Institute in 2017, and racial justice facilitation training with Holistic Resistance in 2020. She’s honored to be part of EBMC’s Spiritual Teacher Leadership program. A long time dharma practitioner, she has witnessed first hand how the practice of mindfulness has brought more compassion, connection, and joy to her relationships and her life.

Melina Bondy (they/them) is a queer, gender-fluid, neurodivergent white settler living in Tkaronto, Canada, rooted in both Insight and Plum Village traditions. In 2012, Melina was ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh, serving in both Plum Village monastery in France and Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York. They returned to lay life in 2021, and completed both the True North Insight Community Dharma Mentorship program as well as the Dharmapala program with Thanissara and Kittisaro. They also offer spiritually integrated and somatic psychotherapy while continuing to teach meditation with an orientation towards embodiment, social justice, creativity and radical compassion.

IN PERSON: Healing the Healer: Cultivating Healing Within and In Community
2025-05-17 10:00 - 16:00
IN PERSON DAYLONG
Healing the Healer: Cultivating Healing Within and In Community
Saturday May 17th 2025
10 AM – 4 PM PT
With Melvin Escobar and Jonathan Relucio
For BIPOC and People of Multi-Heritage
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

Healers and caregivers are invited to this workshop for a day of rest and renewal. Jonathan and Melvin have over forty years combined experience doing social justice work and will offer how the teachings in Buddhism and Yoga can connect us to the healing that is possible in community. We will explore how to cultivate and build resilience and self-compassion so that we can continue to be of service to self and others.

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.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may 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 in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
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.

SAVE THE DATE – REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

Teachers

Melvin Escobar is a Core Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, licensed psychotherapist, and yoga instructor. He has walked the path of service for much of his life, drawing on his experiences as a queer man of color from an immigrant working-class background. Melvin is driven by the desire to make wisdom teachings accessible in culturally relevant ways and continues daily to learn the revolutionary potential of body-centered contemplative practices for personal and social healing via psychotherapy and the Dharma.

For a decade, Jonathan Relucio taught trauma healing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in urban schools, mental health clinics and juvenile detention centers as Senior Trainer for Niroga Institute. He completed East Bay Meditation Center’s Spiritual Teacher and Leadership (STL) Program and Spirit Rock’s Mindfulness, Yoga and Meditation Training; he is grateful to be a practitioner and teacher at both centers. Jonathan facilitates transformation in social justice movements with Rockwood Leadership Institute, and integrates wellness and organizing as part of the Healing Advisory council at Filipino Advocates for Justice. He is also part of Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders cohort 2025-2027. With over 20 years of experience in social services, community organizing, training, and leadership development, Jonathan values yoga and Dharma as liberation practices that heal us from oppressive systems.

IN PERSON: Healing the Healer (for BIPOC and multi-heritage people)
2025-05-17 10:00 - 16:00
IN PERSON DAYLONG: Healing the Healer – Cultivating Healing Within and In Community
For BIPOC and people of multi-heritage
Saturday May 17th 2025
10 AM to 4 PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
With Jonathan Relucio and Melvin Escobar
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

Healers and caregivers are invited to this workshop for a day of rest and renewal. Jonathan and Melvin have over forty years combined experience doing social justice work and will offer how the teachings in Buddhism and Yoga can connect us to the healing that is possible in community. We will explore how to cultivate and build resilience and self-compassion so that we can continue to be of service to self and others.

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.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may 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.

Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
Jonathan:
Paypal: discaya@gmail.com
Venmo: @JonathanRelucio, https://www.venmo.com/u/JonathanRelucio
Melvin:
PayPal: melvin@melvinescobar.com, paypal.me/PAYPALmelvinescobar
Venmo: @Melvin-Escobar, https://www.venmo.com/u/Melvin-Escobar

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 in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
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.

Public Transportation/Parking:
– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited.
– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk).
– EBMC has bike parking inside the center.
– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm. Do not park your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience.
– Parking on Alice, Jackson and 17th between Alice and Lakeside drive is unmetered and has no time limit on Saturdays. – There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive, please allow extra time for parking.

Teachers

For a decade, Jonathan Relucio taught trauma healing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in urban schools, mental health clinics and juvenile detention centers as Senior Trainer for Niroga Institute. He completed East Bay Meditation Center’s Spiritual Teacher and Leadership (STL) Program and Spirit Rock’s Mindfulness, Yoga and Meditation Training; he is grateful to be a practitioner and teacher at both centers. Jonathan facilitates transformation in social justice movements with Rockwood Leadership Institute, and integrates wellness and organizing as part of the Healing Advisory council at Filipino Advocates for Justice. He is also part of Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders cohort 2025-2027. With over 20 years of experience in social services, community organizing, training, and leadership development, Jonathan values yoga and Dharma as liberation practices that heal us from oppressive systems.

Melvin Escobar is a Core Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, licensed psychotherapist, and yoga instructor. He has walked the path of service for much of his life, drawing on his experiences as a queer man of color from an immigrant working-class background. Melvin is driven by the desire to make wisdom teachings accessible in culturally relevant ways and continues daily to learn the revolutionary potential of body-centered contemplative practices for personal and social healing via psychotherapy and the Dharma.

IN PERSON: Healing the Father Wound: Drama Therapy and the Dharma
2025-06-14 09:00 - 17:00
IN PERSON: Healing the Father Wound: Drama Therapy and the Dharma
For male-identified participants only
Saturday June 14th 2025
9 AM to 5 PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
With Melvin Escobar and Armand Volkas
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

Many of us come to the practice of meditation to undo karmic knots – traumas that build up in our bodies, minds, and hearts. The father wound is a major kind of karmic knot that, when addressed, can help us heal individual and collective wounds.
We will start the day with a dharma talk that provides context about how patriarchal masculinity distorts our relationships to ourselves and others, and then use drama therapy techniques (including improvisation, acting, psychodrama and Playback Theatre) to help us connect to our true nature and needs as men on a spiritual path.
No previous experience in theater needed – shy people are welcome!

NOTES ON REGISTRATION: 20-person maximum registration and 60% BIPOC. If you have any questions, please email programs@eastbaymeditation.org. Thank you!

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.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may 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.
Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
PayPal: melvin@melvinescobar.com
Venmo: @Melvin-Escobar
Please reference “Father Wound”. The teachers will share the gifts with each other.
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 in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
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.

Public Transportation/Parking:
– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited.
– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk).
– EBMC has bike parking inside the center.
– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm. Please avoid parking your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience.
– Parking on Alice, Jackson and 17th between Alice and Lakeside drive is unmetered and has no time limit on Saturdays. – There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive, please allow extra time for parking.

Teachers

Melvin Escobar is a Core Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, licensed psychotherapist, and yoga instructor. He has walked the path of service for much of his life, drawing on his experiences as a queer man of color from an immigrant working-class background. Melvin is driven by the desire to make wisdom teachings accessible in culturally relevant ways and continues daily to learn the revolutionary potential of body-centered contemplative practices for personal and social healing via psychotherapy and the Dharma.

Armand Volkas, MFT, RDT/BCT is a psychotherapist, drama therapist and theatre director. He is Clinical Director of the Living Arts Counseling Center in Emeryville, Associate Professor in the Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy Programs at CIIS, Director of the Living Arts Playback Theatre Ensemble and founder of Healing the Wounds of History, an approach that uses the power of drama and expressive arts therapy to heal generational, historical and collective trauma. Volkas is the son of Auschwitz survivors and resistance fighters from World War II. He was moved by his personal struggle with this legacy to address the issues that arose from it: identity, victimization and perpetration, meaning and grief. Healing the Wounds of History helps participants work through the burden of such legacies by transforming their pain into constructive action. At the heart of Armand’s work is a respect for the power of personal story to build bridges between people and cultures.
