East Bay Meditation Center

Teen Circle
2020-02-05 19:00 - 20:45, 2020-01-29 19:00 - 20:45, 2020-01-22 19:00 - 20:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
with Raul Betancourt, Sarwang Parikh, Sara Oakes, Louije Kim and Anthony “T” Maes
EBMC Teen Circle 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.
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.

Buddha’s 4 Big Truths: Liberation from Suffering
2020-02-05 18:30 - 20:30
A four class series with Mushim Ikeda
Why do we suffer? How can we be released from suffering? The Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. These form the foundation of Buddhist life and understanding. The four “big” truths address human suffering and oppression, analyze their root causes, and describe a path of liberation from human suffering that is both profound and practical. Dharma talks, interactive exercises, journaling, meditation and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome.
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings: 5-month Curriculum
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.

Midday Sangha
2020-02-05 12:00 - 13:35, 2020-01-22 12:00 - 13:35
Midday Sangha at EBMC Wednesdays at Noon!
Join our peer-led multicultural sangha for silent meditation practice and community building.
Every Wednesday
12:00 – 12:45 Silent sitting, standing or lying down meditation with optional walking meditation.
12:45 – 1:35 Potluck lunch with facilitated conversation about our practice and being the dharma in the world
Midday Sangha Coordinating Committee:
Bang Nguyen, Darren Lee Brown, emiko yoshikami, Karen Jackson, Marge Sussman and Yvette Flores

Alphabet Sangha
2020-02-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2020-01-28 19:00 - 20:30, 2020-01-21 19:00 - 20:30
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
For more information, visit the ALPHABET SANGHA WEBSITE

Embodying Karuna: Access Centered Yoga Class
2020-02-04 18:00 - 18:55
with Jess Dene Schlesinger
Karuna Flow is a Trauma-Informed and “Access-Centered” Yoga class— centering access for all bodies and minds. Connecting breath with movement, we will be invited to embody Karuna (compassion) for our complete selves, reminded that all bodies and minds are perfect and whole as is. Each class will focus on regulating our nervous systems, gentle alignment, connecting to the earth, developing resiliency, and embodying compassion for all living beings.
Drop In Format. No Advance Registration Required. Please Wear Comfortable, Fragrance Free Clothing.
Access Info:
-Wheelchair Accessible.
-Gender neutral restrooms.
-Fragrance Free. (This is a Fragrance-Free class. Please come unscented to protect those of us with environmental/chemical sensitivities.) Soap in the bathroom is fragrance free.
– There is not an ASL interpreter for the class. It may be possible to get an interpreter with prior request.
– Yoga mats, blocks, cushions, blankets, straps, provided. Chairs available.
– non-fluorescent lighting
Learn More.

Trust the Struggles: Making Peace with the Five Hindrances to Mindfulness
2020-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
with Melvin Escobar
Why’s it so hard to meditate!? This question is as old as the practice. Join us for this class series that gets to the root of our struggles: The Five Obstacles. We’ll learn ways to work with these “hindrances” guided by Buddhist teachings, contemporary psychological frameworks and an understanding of structural oppression. Through talks, interactive exercises, stationary and gentle moving meditation, and recommendations for home practice, participants will gain awareness on how to use each of the five obstacles as gateways to deepen our practice.
Attend some or all:
Week 1 – Doubt
Week 2 – Sloth + Torpor and Ill Will
Week 3 – Restlessness + Worry
Week 4 – Sensual Desire
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.

Every Body Every Mind Sangha
2020-02-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2020-01-26 18:00 - 19:30
Every Body Every Mind Sangha is a weekly practice group for people living with disabilities, limitations, differences and chronic illnesses.
Sundays
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Please come and take part in this time to meditate, share our lives and support with each other, and learn more about the dharma. There is no need to register for these weekly meetings, just come and share this path together!
Teachers include Charlie Johnson, Deb Kerr, Mushim Ikeda and others.
For more info, visit the Every Body Every Mind Sangha Website.

Kapwa Flow for Maha Sangha (Movement Class)
2020-01-31 18:00 - 18:45, 2020-01-24 18:00 - 18:45
Led by Jessy Zapanta
Kapwa means “togetherness” in Tagalog. Kapwa Flow invites you to embody what collective liberation might feel like, healing through self-care and energetic connection. Jessy will begin circle with a check in to support access needs and individual requests, followed by a grounding opening meditation. You will then be guided through a customized flow of trauma-releasing movements, self-focused bodywork, and stationary practices based on your personal capacity. Since class is dependent on the combined needs of participants, no two sessions are the same. All movements can be done sitting, lying down, or standing up. Friday practice is open to all bodies and minds with the intention of building Beloved Community.
Drop In Format. Please Dress Comfortably and Arrive Free of Fragrance / Scent.

ONLINE: People of Color Sangha
2020-01-30 19:30 - 21:00, 2020-01-23 19:30 - 21:00
The People of Color Sangha is a growing community of people of color waking up and getting free!
Thursdays
7:30 – 9 PM PST
Closed Captions Provided.
Zoom info: Meeting details are shared through their mailing list (subscribe on their website), and their Facebook group.

People of Color Sangha
2020-01-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-01-23 19:00 - 21:00
The People of Color Sangha is a growing tribe of people of color waking up and getting free!
Thursdays
7:00 – 9:00 PM
For more information, visit the: POC SANGHA WEBSITE

ONLINE: People of Color Yoga
2020-01-30 17:45 - 18:45, 2020-01-23 17:45 - 18:45
Weekly Yoga Practice for Self Identified People of Color led by Satya de la Paz
5:45PM – 6:45PM
Build strength and flexibility while cultivating mindfulness in this all levels hatha yoga class. Each class has a unique, inspiring theme and personalized instruction that will leave you feeling joyous and rejuvenated.
To donate to the Teacher via Venmo use ID: @satyabodyworks
To donate to EBMC click HERE.

Beginning a Meditation Practice
2020-01-29 18:30 - 20:30, 2020-01-22 18:30 - 20:30
A four-class series led by Mushim Ikeda
Wednesday evenings January 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2020
Part of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum
Are you looking for a way to start a mindfulness meditation practice, but don’t quite know how? These classes will give you the basics of stationary and walking/gentle movement meditation in the vipassana (insight) style, and metta (loving kindness or good will) meditation. Don’t worry about “getting it right” – if you can sit – on a folding chair, on floor cushions, in a wheelchair – or lie down – and breathe, you’re off to a good start! This series is for those seeking stress reduction, or it can be the gateway to those new to Buddhism. Meditation can help you, over time, to develop a sense of increased physical well-being, mental clarity, compassionate connection, and spiritual growth.
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.

Midday Sangha: Half Day Retreat
2020-01-29 10:00 - 15:00
Please join us for our half-day retreat on January 29th from 10am to 3pm. Our theme is on spiritual friendship. We will have periods of meditation and activities throughout the day. Our regular Midday will remain unchanged. Please join us for any part of the day that you are able.

Every Wednesday
12:00 – 12:45 Silent sitting, standing or lying down meditation with optional walking meditation.
12:45 – 1:35 Potluck lunch with facilitated conversation about our practice and being the dharma in the world
Midday Sangha Coordinating Committee:
Bang Nguyen, Jared Swanson, Darren Lee Brown, emiko yoshikami, Karen Jackson, Marge Sussman and Yvette Flores

Kapwa Flow for Alphabet Sangha (Movement Class)
2020-01-28 18:00 - 18:50, 2020-01-21 18:00 - 18:50
Led by Jessy Zapanta
Kapwa means “togetherness” in Tagalog. Kapwa Flow invites you to embody what collective liberation might feel like, healing through self-care and energetic connection. Jessy will begin circle with a check in to support access needs and individual requests, followed by a grounding opening meditation. You will then be guided through a customized flow of trauma-releasing movements, self-focused bodywork, and stationary practices based on your personal capacity. Since class is dependent on the combined needs of participants, no two sessions are the same. All movements can be done sitting, lying down, or standing up. Tuesday practice centers queer and trans experiences, all bodies and minds. Mindful allies are welcome.
Drop In Format. No Registration Required. Please Dress Comfortably.

A Lineage of Liberation: Intro to the history of Buddhism
2020-01-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2020-01-20 18:30 - 20:30
with Sean Feit Oakes, PhD
The moment the Buddha’s first student heard his teaching and was liberated, it’s said that the “Wheel of Dharma” began to turn. Since that moment, generations of devoted practitioners have spread the Dharma of liberation around the world. In this series, we’ll explore a range of Buddhist cultures, and trace the development of important ideas across Asia and beyond to Buddhism’s current prominence as a many-faceted global religion. We’ll learn simple meditations, chants, and prayers from different traditions, exploring the vast diversity of Buddhist practice. The class is for beginners and those wanting more historical grounding in their practice.
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.

ONLINE: Trans/Gender-Expansive Deep Refuge Group
2020-01-27 18:30 - 20:00
Trans/Gender-Expansive Deep Refuge Group
Fourth Mondays (online over zoom)
6:30-8pm PM PST
This deep refuge group is by and for trans/gender-expansive people. Our goal is to provide a welcoming community space for trans/gender-expansive folks who are interested in exploring meditation and other aspects of Buddhist practice. Both beginners and experienced practitioners welcome!
To be added to the email list, please email tgedeeprefuge@eastbaymeditation.org with a quick note about your interest in the group. We look forward to practicing with you!

Getting Back in Charge: Mindfulness-based Skills for People with Depression
2020-01-26 10:00 - 16:00
with Mushim Ikeda and Kitsy Schoen
Mindfulness-based practices can help put a spacer between us and the negative symptoms of depression. With that bit of breathing room, we can begin to make small changes that, when practiced over time, can help manage downward mood swings and negative thinking. This introductory workshop will include mindfulness meditation with guidance, information-packed talks, skill-building exercises, and a supportive community environment to get you started in these helpful practices.
Open to anyone with depression.
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.
