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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250810T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250810T140000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250718T211754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T222455Z
UID:10010727-1754820000-1754834400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID: Black Womxn/Women and Aging: Health\, Healing\, Wholeness and Harmony 1 - The Journey
DESCRIPTION:HYBRID: Black Womxn/Women and Aging: Health\, Healing\, Wholeness and Harmony 1 – The Journey \nSunday\, August 10th \n10AM – 2PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Arisika Razak\, Rosetta Saunders\, Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John\, and Afefe Oke’ \nOpen to self-identified womxn/women\, 55 years and older who are members of the Afrikan Diaspora\, including biracial\, mixed heritage\, and white adopted \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nCalling all Black womxn/women\, 55 years and older. It’s time to celebrate our precious body-minds\, and honor the wisdom that we’ve harvested over the decades. We’re coming together to share our stories\, honor our struggles\, and claim ourselves as strong\, whole\, vulnerable and resilient. We’ll use music\, the breath\, writing\, drumming\, meditation\, and gentle\, mindful movement\, to evoke our connections to nature\, community\, and Spirit – and we’ll culminate in a celebration of Black Womxn Elders. \nBring an object for the altar that reflects your connection to this topic as well as something that reflects ancestral healing lineages. We’ll break bread together\, please bring food to share (in-person) and show (online). \n  \nRegister for Part Two – Black Womxn/Women and Aging: Health\, Healing\, Wholeness and Harmony II: Nurturing here. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Meter parking is free on Sunday\, and enforced Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm. \n– 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. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nAll dana will go to Rosetta Saunders and will be equally divided among the teachers: \nCashApp: $RosettaSaunders \nVenmo: @Rosetta-Saunders \nPayPal: @rosettasaunders1 \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeachers\n \nArisika Razak\, MPH\, EBMC Core teacher\, is the former Chair of the Women’s Spirituality Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Previously a nurse-midwife\, her teachings incorporate diverse spiritual traditions\, women’s health and healing\, multicultural feminisms\, queer theory\, and diversity theory. She is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Dedicated Practitioner Program\, the Mindfulness Teacher Certification Program\, and the Embodied Social Justice Certificate Program. Arisika has led national and international healing workshops and ritual celebrations for women as well as embodied spiritual workshops for people of all genders for over forty years. She has contributed to many books and publications and continues to present at online and in-person conferences on the subjects of African wisdom traditions\, Buddhism and womanism\, and embodied spiritual traditions. She has co-facilitated workshops with Marlene Jones at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, and regularly leads workshops at EBMC. \n \nRosetta Saunders is a retired educator and historian with over 20 years teaching “People of Colors History” in the United States. Currently a core facilitator for Deep Time Liberation\, Ancestral Healing retreats\, Rosetta’s passion for West African and Afro-Cuban drumming has primarily been a source for individual and collective healing. She aligns herself with her ancestral lineage through Earth based practices. She was introduced to the Buddha/Dharma in 2002 and completed a two-year Dharmacharya program with Venerable Pannavati and Pannadipa receiving Confirmation of Ordination and recently completed the Braided Wisdom Leadership training program and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction certification program. \n \nVimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John is the author of the new revised edition of Detox Your Heart – Meditations For Emotional Trauma published by Wisdom Books in 2017. They are co/author of the award-winning book Eight Step Recovery – Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction. They are also a TEDx speaker and are the author and editor of 11 books including their award-winning novel Borrowed Body. They are the curator of Teachings in Uncertain Times\, an online retreat by Teachers of Color for Tricycle Magazine February 2017. A founding facilitator of Dr Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry\, they are a leading African Canadian voice in the field of Mindfulness for Emotional Trauma and Addiction. Vimalasara is a senior teacher in the Triratna Buddhist Community. And one of the founders of Freedom Together\, a mindfulness accredited course by the Global Majority for the Global Majority. \n \nGinitta Glass\, widely known as Afefe Oke’\, has called the Bay Area home for over 30 years. In 2000\, she retired from The City and County of San Francisco as the only Black female electrician in the Traffic Signal Shop with 22 years of service. A dedicated spiritual leader\, she has served as a priest in the Yoruba Tradition for 23 years. Her commitment to compassionate care is evident in her 30 years of training in Hospice and palliative care which has included a two year training from Zen Hospice in San Francisco CA. Currently\, Afefe Oke’ has been a volunteer for Humane Prison Hospice for two years\, where she facilitates palliative care peer support training for incarcerated individuals. As a graduate of EBMC’s 2023 STL program\, she has shared Dharma wisdom at EBMC’s Maha and BIPOC sangha gatherings. And she was also invited to give a Day Long offering at Green Gulch Farm in 2023. She has recently been inspired to initiate a Black Doula Collective and has provided death and dying support for the past 20 years. For over two decades\, Afefe Oke’ has traveled extensively\, deepening her meditation practice and gathering insights she generously shares. At 67 years old\, she is a proud grandmother to two amazing beings and a loving mama to two dogs and one cat. A percussionist for over 40 years\, Afefe Oke’ incorporates gospel music\, chanting\, and various instruments into ceremonial settings\, enriching her diverse contributions to her community. \nAfefe Oke’ is a Yoruba name which translates to “the wind that comes from the mountains”.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-black-womxn-and-aging-health-healing-wholeness-and-harmony-1-the-journey/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250713T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250713T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250609T234225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T234225Z
UID:10008626-1752400800-1752426000@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID DAYLONG: Write Action: Meditation & Writing for People of Color
DESCRIPTION:HYBRID DAYLONG: Write Action: Meditation & Writing for People of Color \nSunday\, July 13th \n10AM – 5PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Melvin Escobar and Mushim Ikeda \nOpen to those who identify as BIPOC and/or mixed race \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nDo you identify as BIPOC and/or mixed race and want to write with fellow EBMC sangha members? Whether you’re an experienced writer or a novice attempting to put together your first poem or story\, you are invited to this daylong full of fun activities that will get your creativity flowing. \nThe day will include basic meditation instruction\, writing periods prompted by embodied action methods\, time for free-writing\, and a grand finale where we’ll have an open-mic for those who wish to share brief samples of their work. \nOption for follow-up peer-led writing groups to emerge. \nLet’s practice Write Action together! \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Meter parking is free on Sunday\, and enforced Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm. \n– 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. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nPlease 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. \n~ For Melvin: \nVenmo – @Melvin-Escobar \nPayPal – melvin@melvinescobar.com \n~ For Mushim: \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda   [4234 last 4 digits of my mobile phone] \nPayPal:  info@mushimikeda.com \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n\n \nTeachers \n \nMelvin Escobar has walked the path of service for much of his life\, drawing on his experiences as a queer man of color born and raised in Los Angeles\, CA. He loves to read poetry and fiction\, especially by BIPOC writers. His latest project is writing (mostly unsent) letters to old friends. Some of Melvin’s published writing can be found in Lion’s Roar magazine. \n \nMushim has published poetry\, Buddhist essays in Lion’s Roar\, Buddhadharma\, and Tricycle\, and autobiographical fiction widely under the names “Patricia Y. Ikeda” and “Mushim Ikeda-Nash.” A core teacher at EBMC\, she has taught meditation retreats for people of color and social justice activists nationally. Mushim is the first recipient of the Ragdale Foundation’s Alice Hayes Writing Fellowship supporting work on a book-length manuscript\, Elegy with Blue Shirt\, Tie & Gun. Her autobiographical fiction piece\, “The Vortex\,” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. See www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-daylong-write-action-meditation-writing-for-people-of-color/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250712T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250712T140000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250617T180942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T211222Z
UID:10010660-1752314400-1752328800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Sacred Reconnection: A Morning of Renewal
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON: Sacred Reconnection \nSaturday July 12th 2025 \n10 AM to 2 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Carol Cano\, Arisika Razak\, and Jenn Biehn \nJUST ADDED TO TEACHING TEAM: Inez from Inez Healing Arts \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nJoin us for a morning of sacred reconnection—a time to come home to ourselves\, each other\, our ancestors\, the Earth\, and our beloved spiritual home\, the East Bay Meditation Center. \nIn these times of deep division—social\, political\, and spiritual—it’s easy to feel disconnected or overwhelmed. Amid the noise and fragmentation of the world\, we invite you to pause and return to what is sacred. Through ritual\, earth-based practices\, guided meditation\, mindful movement and a community talking circle\, we’ll explore how to ground ourselves in connection and meaning. \nWhether you draw strength from your relationship with Mother Earth\, the wisdom of your Ancestors\, or the steadiness of mindfulness practice\, this gathering offers space to listen deeply\, share openly\, and reconnect with the sacred in everyday life. \nAll are welcome! \nProgram: 10am-1pm \nBrown Bag Lunch and Fellowship: 1-2pm \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nPlease 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. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \n  \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited.Please avoid parking your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday\, 8 am – 6 pm. \n– 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. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeachers\n \n\n\n\n\nCarol Cano began her practice 30 years ago at Wat Kow Tahm in Thailand and has actively engaged in building communities and teaching Dharma internationally. She has completed a myriad of training programs at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and is currently participating in their Retreat Teacher Training. Carol is a core teacher and was a former board member of East Bay Meditation Center. Her unique teachings are deeply grounded in Basque\, Native American and Buddhist influences that braid the Dharma along indigenous wisdom and Earth-based practices. Carol reminds us to keep grounded in our hearts as we uphold spiritual ideals and encourages us to remain balanced within the demands of modern life. To offer a gift to Carol to support her teachings\, please do so via Venmo: @Carol-Cano-4 \n \n\n\n\n\nArisika Razak\, MPH\, EBMC Core teacher\, is the former Chair of the Women’s Spirituality Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Previously a nurse-midwife\, her teachings incorporate diverse spiritual traditions\, women’s health and healing\, multicultural feminisms\, queer theory\, and diversity theory. She is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Dedicated Practitioner Program\, the Mindfulness Teacher Certification Program\, and the Embodied Social Justice Certificate Program. Arisika has led national and international healing workshops and ritual celebrations for women as well as embodied spiritual workshops for people of all genders for over forty years. She has contributed to many books and publications and continues to present at online and in-person conferences on the subjects of African wisdom traditions\, Buddhism and womanism\, and embodied spiritual traditions. She has co-facilitated workshops with Marlene Jones at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, and regularly leads workshops at EBMC. To offer a gift to support Arisika‘s teachings\, please do so via Venmo: @Arisika-Razak or PayPal: arisikarazak@gmail.com \n \n\n\n\n\nFor the past 25 years\, Jenn Biehn has taught Tai Chi Chih (TCC) – Joy through Movement. TCC consists of 20 easy-to-learn accessible movements that emphasize a soft continuity of motion and can be practiced in silence or with guided visualizations. She has taught TCC to those healing from trauma in various community based organizations. At three month meditation retreat in 2013\, Jenn adapted the movements to embody the Paramis and Brahma Viharas and has been delighted to share these at EBMC daylongs. Jenn loves including embodied awareness and healing movement in her life-long journey of building community. To offer a gift to support the teachings\, please do so via PayPal: gemfrog4@gmail.com  or Venmo: @Jennifer-Biehn-4 \n \nInez is an intuitive energy medicine practitioner\, certified sound healer\, ayurvedic and healing touch therapist. She is a trained herbal medicine-woman\, mindfulness meditation and hypnotherapy guide. She integrates ancient healing techniques through touch\, music\, sounds\, chants\, songs and tuning vibrations from various indigenous and modern instruments. She specializes in women’s health offeringthe sacred traditional medicine of the Mayan abdominal healing massage\, ayurvedic abhyanga therapeutic detox bodywork\, aromatherapy (essential oils &amp;\nplants)\, mindfulness living\, acupressure\, chi gong and reflexology. \nInez found her calling as a healer as a young single mother needing to find natural low-cost medicinal treatments to heal her three sons\, herself and her community. In addition\, she cared for her mother battling with Alzheimer’s and cancer by alleviating her pain and anxiety through sound healing\, and herbal medicines. She has an affinity for social justice\, especially issues related to cancer\, mental health disparities\, autism\, trauma and substance abuse. \nCurrently Inez has a private healing practice in Berkeley\, CA – leads a sound healing meditation group\, corporate wellness workshops\, facilitates woman’s healing circles\, teaches self-love\, forgiveness\, mindfulness living\, and grief/trauma relief. Devotes much of her time to cancer clients at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley the Charlette Maxwell Clinic in Oakland\, and Cancer Support Community in Walnut Creek. To offer a gift to support the teachings\, please do so via Venmo: @R-Inezhealingarts
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-sacred-reconnection-a-morning-of-renewal/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250709T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250709T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250624T001512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T175751Z
UID:10010661-1752084000-1752089400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID: Better Together: How Can Health Equity Partnerships Improve Communities?
DESCRIPTION:Better Together: How Can Health Equity Partnerships Improve Communities? \nWednesday July 9th 2025 \n6 – 7:30 PM PT \nWith UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health researchers Ariana Thompson-Lastad\, Chloe Atreya\, Maria Chao and EBMC Core Teacher Mushim Ikeda \nModerated by EBMC Community Teacher Margarita Loinaz\, MD \nHYBRID in person and on Zoom \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nBuddhism and the field of public health try to address the same question: \nWhy and how are we suffering? \nFor the first time ever\, please join us for a special panel discussion about community well-being with researchers representing the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health\, Ariana Thompson-Lastad\, PhD; Chloe Atreya\, MD\, PhD; and Maria Chao\, DrPH\, MPH; along with our very own EBMC Core Teacher Mushim Ikeda! We’re also grateful to have EBMC Community Teacher Margarita Loinaz\, MD as our moderator for the evening. \nDid you know that EBMC has been involved with academic research on health equity\, neuroscience\, and how meditation can impact social justice? What is the significance of Buddhism and meditation in academic health research? How can we improve our communities by integrating these fields? \nLearn about recent and potential partnerships between EBMC and UCSF that connect mindfulness practices with health justice and equity. These topics are part of the exciting\, emerging field of integrative health equity\, which addresses issues of inclusion\, social justice\, multiculturalism\, and healthcare accessibility in our communities. Together let’s explore how wisdom traditions from Buddhism and other lineages can meet modern medicine to support collective healing. \nThere will be time for audience Q&A\, so please bring your questions!\nAll are welcome to attend. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \nPlease also consider giving a financial gift to our teacher Mushim as well\, who does not receive a salary for her work\, and gives her teachings freely to all. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \n\n\nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible…\n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself.\n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds.\n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on.\n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment.\n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud.\n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available.\n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nPanelists\n \nAriana Thompson-Lastad\, PhD is Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine and core faculty at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health. Dr. Thompson-Lastad conducts research on the role of integrative healthcare in advancing health equity\, using qualitative and community-engaged methods. Her work primarily examines innovative approaches to primary care\, including integrative group medical visits implemented in US community health centers and the community midwifery model of postpartum care. Trained as a medical sociologist\, she joined the Osher Center as a TRIM postdoctoral fellow in 2018. Dr. Thompson-Lastad served as a board member of Integrative Medicine for the Underserved and is a leadership team member of the Bay Area Structural Competency Working Group. Prior to becoming a researcher\, she worked in a community health center as a diabetes care coordinator and group medical visit facilitator. \n \nChloe Atreya\, MD\, PhD is a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers at the UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC). She co-directs the Integrative Oncology Research Hub and is affiliated with the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health (OCIH). A physician scientist\, she has expertise in bridging clinical practice and research. Her grant-funded research focuses on the interplay of tumor biology\, the gut microbiome\, lifestyle factors\, and response to therapies for colorectal cancer.  She is dedicated to practicing personalized medicine\, with an emphasis on health equity and treating the whole person. Her integrative oncology concentration is on evidence informed mind-body practices. She serves on the Society for Integrative Oncology Research Committee and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Management Guidelines panel. She also serves on San Francisco Zen Center’s City Center Diversity\, Equity\, Inclusion\, and Access Committee and co-coordinates the East Bay Meditation Center’s Multiracial Deep Refuge Group. \n \n\n\nMaria Chao\, DrPH\, MPA\, is Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco\, and the Director of Research and Associate Director for Health Equity and Diversity at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health. Dr. Chao’s overarching research goal is to investigate how complementary and integrative medicine can advance health equity. Her current studies focus on nonpharmacologic approaches to improve quality of life among diverse and historically underserved populations living with chronic conditions. Dr. Chao co-directs two NIH-funded training fellowships on integrative health research\, with the goal of building pipelines to improve diversity in the scientific workforce. \n \n\n\n\n\nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. See her eco-related writings\, “The Pine Tree Koan\,” at https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/article/the-pine-tree-koan/ and “I Take Refuge in the Buddha\,” in Lion’s Roar Buddhist media\, https://www.lionsroar.com/taking-refuge-in-the-three-jewels/. Mushim’s website is \nwww.mushimikeda.com \n \nH. Margarita Loinaz\, MD\, is a retired public health physician and Buddhist teacher trained in the Theravada and Tibetan traditions. While in public health\, she worked at Tom Waddell Clinic and Homeless programs in San Francisco. On the clinical faculty at UCSF she mentored students and residents on the care of underserved communities. With one of her students\, she published two seminal articles on the plight of day laborers who often work in unprotected dangerous jobs where injuries are devastating. Later\, through training in Biodynamic Osteopathy\, she learned to recognize the self-correcting drive within the body and its potential for profound healing. \nDr. Loinaz has been a Buddhist practitioner since 1977 and trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1994 becoming one of the early teachers of MBSR in the SF Bay Area. She developed mindfulness programs for the Spanish-speaking community and homeless patients of the clinic\, including an ongoing support group. In an effort to make convert Buddhist meditation centers more inclusive\, she and Marlene Jones co-organized the first People of Color retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 1999. Over the past 20 years she has gradually focused her studies and teaching on the Dzogchen lineage of the Tibetan tradition. These teachings are based on the recognition of our essential nature as human beings which provides a powerful refuge and perspective\, particularly while living under cultures of domination. She sees parallels between the self-correcting drive within our bodies with the drive in the mind to understand and free itself.. \nSee Dr. Loinaz’s article “Recognizing Our True Nature” in Lion’s Roar magazine here: https://www.lionsroar.com/meditations-on-buddhanature/
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/better-together-how-can-health-equity-partnerships-improve-communities/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250629T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250629T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250603T212249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T212552Z
UID:10008617-1751214600-1751225400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID: Open Hours Open Mic: Pride Edition
DESCRIPTION:HYBRID: Open Hours Open Mic at EBMC \nSunday\, June 29th 2025 \n4:30 – 7:30 PM PT \nWith Ramón Honea\, EBMC Community and Facilities Liaison \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nHappy Pride Month!! \nDo you have a song to sing\, a poem or written word to share\, personal art to show? Then come on down to the center on Sunday June 29th! If you can’t come down\, join us on Zoom (sharing online is welcome too). This will be a hybrid way of gathering in community. \nThe theme is Pride and Resistance\, although all shares are welcome. Each share will be maximum three minutes long with a bell rung to end it. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices will be invited to share first. \nNOTE: Sign-ups are ONLY between 4:30-5 PM\, in-person or online. We cannot take any sign-ups after 5 PM. \n  \nFor accessibility\, please: \n\nLimit the use of instruments\nProvide visual descriptions of yourself and any art\nProvide content warnings when appropriate\nFollow the Agreements for Multicultural Interactions\n\nThere will be snacks in our kitchen. It is a potluck so add any food that you can bring. We will finish the night with some dancing. \n  \nSCHEDULE \n4:15 PM: Doors open \n4:30-5 PM: Sign-ups\, potluck\, and 20-min meditation \n5-7 PM: Open mic time \n7-7:30: Dancing\, potluck\, and clean up \nRemember parking is free on Sunday and all are welcome. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, you may do so at https://bit.ly/ebmc-give 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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 speaker may be unmasked while speaking at the mic. \nTo 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/ \n  \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-open-hours-open-mic-pride-edition/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250625T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250625T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250503T001700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T191653Z
UID:10008611-1750876200-1750883400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Liberation from Suffering: Buddha's 4 Noble Truths for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Liberation from Suffering: Buddha’s Four Noble Truths for BIPOC \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on June 4\, 11\, 18\, & 25\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nWith Mushim Ikeda \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nWhat do the basic teachings of Buddhism have to offer BIPOC (Black\, Indigenous\, and People of Color)? It is said that the Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. Together we’ll explore how “The Four Noble Truths” have been and continue to be a deep and empowering way for Black\, Indigenous and Peoples of Color and multiracial persons to understand human suffering and oppression\, analyze their root causes\, and engage as individuals and collectives in moving towards profound spiritual liberation\, ease and joy. \nDharma talks\, mindful journaling\, meditation\, community building and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “4 Noble Truths BIPOC” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-liberation-from-suffering-buddhas-4-noble-truths-for-bipoc/2025-06-25/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250621T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250621T103000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250502T195834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T202110Z
UID:10008603-1750496400-1750501800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID: Celebrate the Changing Seasons w/ Mindful Movement: Summer Solstice
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the Changing Seasons with Mindful Movement: Summer Solstice \nSaturday\, June 21st 2025 \n9:00 – 10:30AM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nHYBRID \nwith Rosetta Saunders and Jenn Biehn \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nWe invite you to join us in practicing the mindful movement – Chakra Tai Chi as we welcome the season of Summer 2025. Chakra Tai Chi is a cleansing\, empowering practice that includes easy-to-learn\, accessible tai chi and qigong movements\, visualizations\, colors\, elements\, and sounds. The Sanskrit word “chakra” comes from India and means a wheel or vortex of energy. This movement meditation brings the chakras into balance and allows healing energy to move freely through mind-heart-body-spirit … so important in these challenging times. \nMovements will be offered both seated and standing.  No prior experience necessary. \nJoin us as we welcome the Summer Solstice  – June 21\, 2025. \n  \nOPTIONAL SOCIALIZING AT THE CENTER: After the class\, you’re invited to stay for snacks and fellowship in the EBMC kitchen\, from 10:30-11:15AM! \n  \nSave the Dates for Our Other Classes! \nFall Equinox – Sunday\, September 21st from 9:00-10:30 AM. \nWinter Solstice – Sunday\, December 21st from 9:00-10:30 AM. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, you may do so at https://bit.ly/ebmc-give 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease 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. \n  \nTo make a gift to support the teachings\, please do so via \nPayPal: sweetdrum8@gmail.com \nor Venmo: @Rosetta-Saunders \nPlease indicate “Summer Solstice” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \n  \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nFor Zoom participation\, these are our Universal Access Guidelines: \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n\n \nTeachers \n \nRosetta Saunders is a retired educator and historian with over 20 years teaching “People of Colors History” in the United States. Currently a core facilitator for Deep Time Liberation\, Ancestral Healing retreats\, Rosetta’s passion for West African and Afro-Cuban drumming has primarily been a source for individual and collective healing. She aligns herself with her ancestral lineage through Earth based practices. She was introduced to the Buddha/Dharma in 2002 and completed a two-year Dharmacharya program with Venerable Pannavati and Pannadipa receiving Confirmation of Ordination and recently completed the Braided Wisdom Leadership training program and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction certification program. \n \nA Buddha/Dharma.Sangha practitioner for the past 40 years and active with EBMC for the past 14 years\, Jenn Biehn has served on the Leadership Sangha and is a co-founder of Dharma in Motion\, Restorative Practices for Dharma Practitioners\, and Midday Sangha. She has taught Transforming White Privilege on the Path to Racial Equity with Neighbors for Racial Justice and currently teaches Tai Chi Chih – Joy Through Movement through EBMC and other Bay Area community centers. She was recently an elder mentor for the Braided Wisdom Leadership Training Program which included cross cultural mindfulness practices. Jenn’s spiritual practice includes engaging with nature through cross country skiing and backpacking in the high Sierra as well as embodying awareness and healing movement in her life-long journey of building community.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-celebrate-the-changing-seasons-w-mindful-movement-summer-solstice/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250618T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250618T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250503T001700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T191653Z
UID:10008610-1750271400-1750278600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Liberation from Suffering: Buddha's 4 Noble Truths for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Liberation from Suffering: Buddha’s Four Noble Truths for BIPOC \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on June 4\, 11\, 18\, & 25\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nWith Mushim Ikeda \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nWhat do the basic teachings of Buddhism have to offer BIPOC (Black\, Indigenous\, and People of Color)? It is said that the Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. Together we’ll explore how “The Four Noble Truths” have been and continue to be a deep and empowering way for Black\, Indigenous and Peoples of Color and multiracial persons to understand human suffering and oppression\, analyze their root causes\, and engage as individuals and collectives in moving towards profound spiritual liberation\, ease and joy. \nDharma talks\, mindful journaling\, meditation\, community building and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “4 Noble Truths BIPOC” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-liberation-from-suffering-buddhas-4-noble-truths-for-bipoc/2025-06-18/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4-Noble-Truths-for-BIPOC-845-x-321-px.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250614T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250614T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250520T021228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T021228Z
UID:10008616-1749891600-1749920400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Healing the Father Wound: Drama Therapy and the Dharma
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON: Healing the Father Wound: Drama Therapy and the Dharma \nFor male-identified participants only \nSaturday June 14th 2025 \n9 AM to 5 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Melvin Escobar and Armand Volkas \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nMany 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. \nWe 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. \nNo previous experience in theater needed – shy people are welcome! \n  \nNOTES ON REGISTRATION: 20-person maximum registration and 60% BIPOC. If you have any questions\, please email programs@eastbaymeditation.org. Thank you! \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nPlease 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. \nPayPal: melvin@melvinescobar.com \nVenmo: @Melvin-Escobar \nPlease reference “Father Wound”. The teachers will share the gifts with each other. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– 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. \n– 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. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeachers\n \n\n\nMelvin 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. \n \n\n\n\n\nArmand 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.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-healing-the-father-wound-drama-therapy-and-the-dharma-2/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250611T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250611T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250503T001700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T191653Z
UID:10008609-1749666600-1749673800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Liberation from Suffering: Buddha's 4 Noble Truths for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Liberation from Suffering: Buddha’s Four Noble Truths for BIPOC \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on June 4\, 11\, 18\, & 25\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nWith Mushim Ikeda \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nWhat do the basic teachings of Buddhism have to offer BIPOC (Black\, Indigenous\, and People of Color)? It is said that the Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. Together we’ll explore how “The Four Noble Truths” have been and continue to be a deep and empowering way for Black\, Indigenous and Peoples of Color and multiracial persons to understand human suffering and oppression\, analyze their root causes\, and engage as individuals and collectives in moving towards profound spiritual liberation\, ease and joy. \nDharma talks\, mindful journaling\, meditation\, community building and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “4 Noble Truths BIPOC” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-liberation-from-suffering-buddhas-4-noble-truths-for-bipoc/2025-06-11/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250604T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250604T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250503T001700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T191653Z
UID:10008608-1749061800-1749069000@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Liberation from Suffering: Buddha's 4 Noble Truths for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Liberation from Suffering: Buddha’s Four Noble Truths for BIPOC \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on June 4\, 11\, 18\, & 25\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nWith Mushim Ikeda \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nWhat do the basic teachings of Buddhism have to offer BIPOC (Black\, Indigenous\, and People of Color)? It is said that the Buddha’s first teaching after his Enlightenment is called the Four Truths for Noble Ones. Together we’ll explore how “The Four Noble Truths” have been and continue to be a deep and empowering way for Black\, Indigenous and Peoples of Color and multiracial persons to understand human suffering and oppression\, analyze their root causes\, and engage as individuals and collectives in moving towards profound spiritual liberation\, ease and joy. \nDharma talks\, mindful journaling\, meditation\, community building and optional readings. Beginners in meditation are welcome. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “4 Noble Truths BIPOC” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-liberation-from-suffering-buddhas-4-noble-truths-for-bipoc/2025-06-04/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250601T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250601T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250308T205528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T234620Z
UID:10010637-1748772000-1748793600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID DAYLONG: Pride - Embracing Love and Beauty in the Midst of Trouble
DESCRIPTION:HYBRID DAYLONG \nPride – Embracing Love and Beauty in the Midst of Trouble \nA Day of Reflection and Celebration for the BIPOC LGBTQIA+ Communities \nSunday June 1st 2025 \n10am-4pm PT \nWith Amana Brembry Johnson and Andrés González \nOpen to self-identified BIPOC LGBTQIA+ only \n  \nAs societies at home and around the world travel backwards in time\, we move deeper into a realm of toxicity and instability.  LGBTQIA communities are confronting an escalated endeavor to erase the hard-earned strides that affirm our place of belonging.  Despite these efforts\, our dignity and strength to resist this downward spiral\, warrants acknowledgement and celebration.  Love\, compassion\, beauty and the cultivation of joy will be central to this daylong celebration.  During our time together\, we will expand our growth in mindfulness practices\, remember the sacredness of our being\, embrace the nobility of our hearts and savor the joy that lifts our spirits to face what is ahead. \nThrough silent and guided meditations\, talks\, discussion and reflective writing we will deepen our practices of liberation and skillful means.  All experience levels are warmly welcome. Movement will be offered in ways that are accessible for all types of bodies. \n  \nThis is part of a joint weekend event and benefit with Spirit Rock\, which will be hosting a hybrid daylong on Saturday May 31st: “Touching the Heart of Joy as Spiritual Medicine” with EBMC teachers Amana Brembry Johnson and JD Doyle. \nClick here for more information about the May 31st offering. \n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nSUPPORT OUR TEACHERS \n~ Amana Brembry Johnson \nVenmo: @amanajohnson \nPayPal: @amanabrembry \nCa$happ: Amana Brembry Johnson or $AmanaBJohnson \n~ Andrés González (traveling from outside the Bay Area – we invite support for his travel costs and teachings) \nVenmo: @andres-roy-leon \nPayPal: paypal.me/andresroyleon \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \n  \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \nTeacher Bios \n \nAmana Brembry Johnson has been a student and practitioner of many spiritual traditions throughout her life. The journey of Vipassana practice began 10 years ago with the early People of Color Retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She completed the Community Dharma Leaders Program in 2017\, and is a graduate of the 2020 Spirit Rock Teacher Training. Amana leads meditation and contemplative yoga that interweaves Dharma with movement. She mentors practitioners who wish to deepen their practice and understanding of the teachings. An accomplished visual artist\, Amana creates imagery that exposes emotional and spiritual barriers of the heart. \n \nAndrés González relates to himself firstly as a spiritual being embodying\, Earth-side\, the multiplicity of gender\, sexuality\, race\, & culture as a two-spirit Mestizo with primarily Yaqui\, Mexican\, Spanish\, & Scottish ancestries. He’s also a transracial adoptee\, connected to a lineage of Indigenous adoptees separated from family\, land\, & culture by way of the U.S. child welfare system. Andrés’ lived experience integrating these many worlds has informed his path as a practitioner of curanderismo\, dharma teacher\, and community mental health clinician. Trained in harm reduction\, healing-justice\, & Indigenous psychology as a psychotherapist\, he holds a masters degree in social work. He is also a graduate of East Bay Meditation Center’s two-year Spiritual Teacher & Leadership Training and the 2023-2024 Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics’ certification program in psychedelic facilitation. Andrés presently resides on the land of the Yokuts people (aka Bakersfield\, CA) and lovingly traverses the ceremony of life with his adored service dog\, Jr.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-pride-embracing-love-and-beauty-in-the-midst-of-trouble/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250528T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250528T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250429T192632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T055059Z
UID:10010659-1748457000-1748464200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Buddhist Curriculum Wrap-Up Q & A Class
DESCRIPTION:Buddhist Curriculum Wrap-Up Q & A Class \nMay 28\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWrap-Up of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – January to May Curriculum \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nFor those who have taken either some or all of EBMC’s Buddhist Core Teachings” in Jan – May 2025\, this is a wrap–up class where you can bring your “biggest” Buddhist questions\, meet Dharma companions on the Path\, and rejoice in the merit you have generated! Please note: The focus of his class is on what you are doing to deepen your spiritual practice and to transform your life through these wisdom teachings. We’ll offer a toast with our favorite beverages! \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “Wrap-up class” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-buddhist-curriculum-wrap-up-q-a-class/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Buddhist-Curriculum-wrap-up-845-x-321-px_png.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250525T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250525T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250429T211948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T212235Z
UID:10008601-1748190600-1748201400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID: Open Hours Open Mic (May 25th)
DESCRIPTION:HYBRID: Open Hours Open Mic at EBMC \n\n\nSunday\, May 25th 2025 \n4:30 – 7:30 PM PT \nWith Ramón Honea\, EBMC Community and Facilities Liaison \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nDo you have a song to sing\, a poem or written word to share\, personal art to show? Then come on down to the center on Sunday May 25th! If you can’t come down\, join us on Zoom (sharing online is welcome too). This will be a hybrid way of gathering in community. \nThe theme is Metta and Resistance\, although all shares are welcome. Each share will be maximum three minutes long with a bell rung to end it. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices will be invited to share first. \nNOTE: Sign-ups are ONLY between 4:30-5 PM\, in-person or online. We cannot take any sign-ups after 5 PM. \n  \nFor accessibility\, please: \n\nLimit the use of instruments\nProvide visual descriptions of yourself and any art\nProvide content warnings when appropriate\nFollow the Agreements for Multicultural Interactions\n\n  \nThere will be snacks in our kitchen. It is a potluck so add any food that you can bring. We will finish the night with some dancing. \n  \nSCHEDULE \n4:15 PM: Doors open \n4:30-5 PM: Sign-ups\, potluck\, and 20-min meditation \n5-7 PM: Open mic time \n7-7:30: Dancing\, potluck\, and clean up \nRemember parking is free on Sunday and all are welcome. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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 speaker may be unmasked while speaking at the mic. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n 
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-open-hours-open-mic-may-25th/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250521T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250521T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250414T181522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T232139Z
UID:10010656-1747852200-1747859400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS SERIES: The Enduring Precepts (5 Precepts)
DESCRIPTION:The Enduring Precepts: 5 Precepts \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on April 30\, May 7\, 14\, & 21\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart 5 of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFive 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 war\, climate crisis\, use of AI (artificial intelligence) in tech\, forced deportations\, and political divisiveness. \nRooted 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. \nThe compassionate realization of our “interbeing\,” and the sometimes complex relationship of intent to impact are woven into this “Living Dharma” approach. \nDharma talks\, discussion and Q&A. Instruction provided for beginners in meditation. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “Precepts” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \n\n\n\n\nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-series-the-enduring-precepts-5-precepts/2025-05-21/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250519T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250519T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250326T195255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T195255Z
UID:10010649-1747679400-1747686600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Finding Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Find Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC \n4 Monday evenings \nApril 28th\, May 5th\, 12th\, & 19th 2025 \n6:30-8:30 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nHYBRID \nWith René Rivera and Regent Brown \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFor the first time we are offering this popular class series for BIPOC only. As people of color our friendships\, partnerships\, family and communities can be a source of joy and support\, and also of struggle and suffering. \nIn this four week class we will explore concrete practices grounded in Buddhist meditation\, somatics\, and transformative justice to bring more choice and agency to our relationships with ourselves and others. \nThrough turning towards the delight and difficulty in our relationships we will build resource and resilience and create space to be our most authentic selves in our relationships and in the larger world. \nAs our world is falling apart\, conflict is rising and our freedoms are being taken away\, we will turn our attention to find our ground in our communities. \n\n\n\n\n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nTo support our teachers\, please do so via: \nVenmo: @Regent-Brown \nPaypal: http://PayPal.Me/ReneRiveraOak \n(please reference: FLR BIPOC) \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeaching Team\n \nRené Rivera is a meditation teacher and restorative justice facilitator working and learning in all the spaces in-between race\, gender\, and other perceived binaries\, as a queer Latinx trans man. René teaches heart-centered\, trauma-informed meditation\, as a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center. He has co-led the first residential meditation retreats for transgender\, nonbinary and gender expansive people\, and offers classes and retreats for many Buddhist centers and groups. René is a restorative justice facilitator for the Ahimsa Collective\, working to heal sexual and gender based violence. \n \nRegent Brown (Queen) is a biracial Afro-Indigenous\, disabled\, two-spirit womxn who has been practicing the Dharma since 2016 and part of the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) community of practice since 2018. Regent’s story has had many twists including surviving cancer twice\, relocating during the pandemic\, and being married for over a decade. And these twists have only deepened Regent’s passion for liberatory practices. Regent supports liberation and decolonization as a coach\, circle keeper\, trainer\, healer\, facilitator\, and participant in interdependent community wellness.  As a recent graduate of the inaugural\, Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Program\, Regent joins a bountiful group of BIPOC mindfulness teachers working to weave decolonized practices through their work\, relationships\, and communities.  Regent’s other practices of manifesting joy include karaoke\, goats\, traveling to photograph sunsets\, gardening\, and discovering small parks while walking her 7 year old Corgi mix pup\, Perkelsnertz.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-finding-liberation-in-relationships-for-bipoc/2025-05-19/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250429T195204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T195250Z
UID:10008594-1747476000-1747497600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Healing the Healer (for BIPOC and multi-heritage people)
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON DAYLONG: Healing the Healer – Cultivating Healing Within and In Community \nFor BIPOC and people of multi-heritage \nSaturday May 17th 2025 \n10 AM to 4 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Jonathan Relucio and Melvin Escobar \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nHealers 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. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nJonathan: \nPaypal: discaya@gmail.com \nVenmo: @JonathanRelucio\, https://www.venmo.com/u/JonathanRelucio \nMelvin: \nPayPal: melvin@melvinescobar.com\, paypal.me/PAYPALmelvinescobar \nVenmo: @Melvin-Escobar\, https://www.venmo.com/u/Melvin-Escobar \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– 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. \n– 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. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeachers\n \nFor 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. \n\n \nMelvin 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.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-healing-the-healer-for-bipoc-and-multi-heritage-people/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healing-the-Healer-2025-845-x-321-px_png.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250410T191050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T191316Z
UID:10010657-1747476000-1747497600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Healing the Healer: Cultivating Healing Within and In Community
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON DAYLONG \nHealing the Healer: Cultivating Healing Within and In Community \nSaturday May 17th 2025 \n10 AM – 4 PM PT \nWith Melvin Escobar and Jonathan Relucio \nFor BIPOC and People of Multi-Heritage \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nHealers 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. \n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nSAVE THE DATE – REGISTRATION COMING SOON! \n  \nTeachers \n \nMelvin 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.  \n \nFor 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. 
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-healing-the-healer-cultivating-healing-within-and-in-community/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250514T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250514T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250414T181522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T232139Z
UID:10010655-1747247400-1747254600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS SERIES: The Enduring Precepts (5 Precepts)
DESCRIPTION:The Enduring Precepts: 5 Precepts \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on April 30\, May 7\, 14\, & 21\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart 5 of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFive 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 war\, climate crisis\, use of AI (artificial intelligence) in tech\, forced deportations\, and political divisiveness. \nRooted 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. \nThe compassionate realization of our “interbeing\,” and the sometimes complex relationship of intent to impact are woven into this “Living Dharma” approach. \nDharma talks\, discussion and Q&A. Instruction provided for beginners in meditation. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “Precepts” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \n\n\n\n\nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-series-the-enduring-precepts-5-precepts/2025-05-14/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250512T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250512T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250326T195255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T195255Z
UID:10010648-1747074600-1747081800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Finding Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Find Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC \n4 Monday evenings \nApril 28th\, May 5th\, 12th\, & 19th 2025 \n6:30-8:30 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nHYBRID \nWith René Rivera and Regent Brown \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFor the first time we are offering this popular class series for BIPOC only. As people of color our friendships\, partnerships\, family and communities can be a source of joy and support\, and also of struggle and suffering. \nIn this four week class we will explore concrete practices grounded in Buddhist meditation\, somatics\, and transformative justice to bring more choice and agency to our relationships with ourselves and others. \nThrough turning towards the delight and difficulty in our relationships we will build resource and resilience and create space to be our most authentic selves in our relationships and in the larger world. \nAs our world is falling apart\, conflict is rising and our freedoms are being taken away\, we will turn our attention to find our ground in our communities. \n\n\n\n\n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nTo support our teachers\, please do so via: \nVenmo: @Regent-Brown \nPaypal: http://PayPal.Me/ReneRiveraOak \n(please reference: FLR BIPOC) \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeaching Team\n \nRené Rivera is a meditation teacher and restorative justice facilitator working and learning in all the spaces in-between race\, gender\, and other perceived binaries\, as a queer Latinx trans man. René teaches heart-centered\, trauma-informed meditation\, as a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center. He has co-led the first residential meditation retreats for transgender\, nonbinary and gender expansive people\, and offers classes and retreats for many Buddhist centers and groups. René is a restorative justice facilitator for the Ahimsa Collective\, working to heal sexual and gender based violence. \n \nRegent Brown (Queen) is a biracial Afro-Indigenous\, disabled\, two-spirit womxn who has been practicing the Dharma since 2016 and part of the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) community of practice since 2018. Regent’s story has had many twists including surviving cancer twice\, relocating during the pandemic\, and being married for over a decade. And these twists have only deepened Regent’s passion for liberatory practices. Regent supports liberation and decolonization as a coach\, circle keeper\, trainer\, healer\, facilitator\, and participant in interdependent community wellness.  As a recent graduate of the inaugural\, Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Program\, Regent joins a bountiful group of BIPOC mindfulness teachers working to weave decolonized practices through their work\, relationships\, and communities.  Regent’s other practices of manifesting joy include karaoke\, goats\, traveling to photograph sunsets\, gardening\, and discovering small parks while walking her 7 year old Corgi mix pup\, Perkelsnertz.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-finding-liberation-in-relationships-for-bipoc/2025-05-12/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Finding-Liberation-BIPOC-845-x-321-px.png
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250507T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250507T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250414T181522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T232139Z
UID:10010654-1746642600-1746649800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS SERIES: The Enduring Precepts (5 Precepts)
DESCRIPTION:The Enduring Precepts: 5 Precepts \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on April 30\, May 7\, 14\, & 21\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart 5 of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFive 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 war\, climate crisis\, use of AI (artificial intelligence) in tech\, forced deportations\, and political divisiveness. \nRooted 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. \nThe compassionate realization of our “interbeing\,” and the sometimes complex relationship of intent to impact are woven into this “Living Dharma” approach. \nDharma talks\, discussion and Q&A. Instruction provided for beginners in meditation. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “Precepts” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \n\n\n\n\nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-series-the-enduring-precepts-5-precepts/2025-05-07/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-Core-Buddhist-Part-5-845-x-321-px_png.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250505T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250505T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250326T195255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T195255Z
UID:10010647-1746469800-1746477000@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Finding Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Find Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC \n4 Monday evenings \nApril 28th\, May 5th\, 12th\, & 19th 2025 \n6:30-8:30 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nHYBRID \nWith René Rivera and Regent Brown \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFor the first time we are offering this popular class series for BIPOC only. As people of color our friendships\, partnerships\, family and communities can be a source of joy and support\, and also of struggle and suffering. \nIn this four week class we will explore concrete practices grounded in Buddhist meditation\, somatics\, and transformative justice to bring more choice and agency to our relationships with ourselves and others. \nThrough turning towards the delight and difficulty in our relationships we will build resource and resilience and create space to be our most authentic selves in our relationships and in the larger world. \nAs our world is falling apart\, conflict is rising and our freedoms are being taken away\, we will turn our attention to find our ground in our communities. \n\n\n\n\n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nTo support our teachers\, please do so via: \nVenmo: @Regent-Brown \nPaypal: http://PayPal.Me/ReneRiveraOak \n(please reference: FLR BIPOC) \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeaching Team\n \nRené Rivera is a meditation teacher and restorative justice facilitator working and learning in all the spaces in-between race\, gender\, and other perceived binaries\, as a queer Latinx trans man. René teaches heart-centered\, trauma-informed meditation\, as a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center. He has co-led the first residential meditation retreats for transgender\, nonbinary and gender expansive people\, and offers classes and retreats for many Buddhist centers and groups. René is a restorative justice facilitator for the Ahimsa Collective\, working to heal sexual and gender based violence. \n \nRegent Brown (Queen) is a biracial Afro-Indigenous\, disabled\, two-spirit womxn who has been practicing the Dharma since 2016 and part of the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) community of practice since 2018. Regent’s story has had many twists including surviving cancer twice\, relocating during the pandemic\, and being married for over a decade. And these twists have only deepened Regent’s passion for liberatory practices. Regent supports liberation and decolonization as a coach\, circle keeper\, trainer\, healer\, facilitator\, and participant in interdependent community wellness.  As a recent graduate of the inaugural\, Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Program\, Regent joins a bountiful group of BIPOC mindfulness teachers working to weave decolonized practices through their work\, relationships\, and communities.  Regent’s other practices of manifesting joy include karaoke\, goats\, traveling to photograph sunsets\, gardening\, and discovering small parks while walking her 7 year old Corgi mix pup\, Perkelsnertz.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-finding-liberation-in-relationships-for-bipoc/2025-05-05/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250504T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250504T103000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20241021T233941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T215527Z
UID:10008515-1746349200-1746354600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: Afrikan Healing and Wisdom
DESCRIPTION:ONLINE: Afrikan Healing and Wisdom \nWith Vimalasara Mason-John\, Arisika Razak\, and Aleta Toure’ \nFirst Sundays\, starting November 3rd 2024 \n9:00 – 10:30 AM PT \nClosed captioning provided over Zoom \n  \n  \nJoin us for EBMC’s first Black-led\, Black-Sangha Affinity group held on the first Sunday of every month starting on Sunday\, November 3rd\, 2024 from 9 AM till 10:30 AM. \nToday\, those of us living in the USA vibrate to the breath of our Ancestral North Star\, highest realm of guidance. Our ancestors are with us\, as we step into a seemingly repeated quantum leap of time\, during one of the most turbulent election seasons since the presidential election of 1876\, and the 1877 compromise which ended Reconstruction. We are in a sentinel moment\, echoing the situations described in Martin Luther King’s book\, “Why We Can’t Wait”. Like our Diasporan kinfolx\, we are questioning our common humanity\, as we see the age-old dream of peace\, and ecological balance distorted in the deep and seemingly bottomless pool of genocide\, war\, climate change\, ecological devastation\, poverty and global health pandemics.  \nJoin us as we bring a timely spoonful of Afrikana medicine to these challenging and difficult times. We’ll add ancestral healing traditions to the simple practice of the breath\, sharing meditations\, libations\, chanting and other embodied practices to remember our resilience\, honor our ancestors\, and support an inclusive and affirming community for all members of the Afrikan Diaspora.  \nREGISTRATION \nWe will continue to add registration for each month! \n \nCOST\n\nHere at EBMC\, we practice gift economics and our programs are offered freely without set fees.  Financial gifts from our community help to sustain our teachers AND our center.  Generosity is the Buddha’s first teaching\, the lifeblood of EBMC\, and an act of sacred reciprocity.  We ask that those who have more financial means give more\, in order to help balance the giving of those who have less financial means. \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, please do so via our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana. Consider becoming a monthly donor for any amount! These contributions are especially valuable to our sustainability. \nPlease 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. In this way\, we practice sacred reciprocity between teachers and students. \nGiving Information: \nVENMO: @Arisika-Razak \nPAYPAL: arisikarazak@gmail.com \n(Please reference “Afrikan Healing & Wisdom” and the teachers will share the gifts with each other) \n\n  \n\nTEACHING TEAM \n \nVimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John is the author of the new revised edition of Detox Your Heart – Meditations For Emotional Trauma published by Wisdom books in 2017. She is co-author of the award-winning book Eight Step Recovery – Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction. She is a TEDx speaker and is the author of eight books including her award winning novel Borrowed Body. She is the curator of Teachings in Uncertain Times\, an online retreat by Teachers of Color for Tricycle Magazine February 2017. She is a leading African Canadian voice in the field of Mindfulness for Emotional Trauma and Addiction. \n\n \nArisika Razak\, MPH\, EBMC Core teacher\, is the former Chair of the Women’s Spirituality Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Previously a nurse-midwife\, her teachings incorporate diverse spiritual traditions\, women’s health and healing\, multicultural feminisms\, queer theory\, and diversity theory. Arisika has led national and international healing workshops and ritual celebrations for women for over three decades\, as well as embodied spiritual workshops for people of all genders. She has co-facilitated workshops with Marlene Jones at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and regularly leads workshops at EBMC. \n \nAleta Toure’ (Visiting Teacher) Aleta Toure’ bears witness as a vessel for social change through organizing\, education and healing arts. She centers healing in monastic lifestyle knowledge though Intentional Communities and Black cooperative movements. Her cooperative serves communities through Black Trauma Anonymous (BTA)\, Tai chi\, Ecstatic Healing Dance and Healing Responders. Aleta spends time within Peace Pagodas\, monasteries\, hermitages\, and dojos which have framed her work through Free Marissa Now\, “I am Troy Davis”\, University Without Walls and other Diasporic Movements. She leads the 2025 California Reparations Interfaith Healing Walk to bring healing\, theory and practice back as a Liberation tool.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/online-afrikan-wisdom-and-healing/2025-05-04/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online
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GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250430T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250430T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250414T181522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T232139Z
UID:10010653-1746037800-1746045000@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS SERIES: The Enduring Precepts (5 Precepts)
DESCRIPTION:The Enduring Precepts: 5 Precepts \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on April 30\, May 7\, 14\, & 21\, 2025 \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart 5 of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFive 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 war\, climate crisis\, use of AI (artificial intelligence) in tech\, forced deportations\, and political divisiveness. \nRooted 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. \nThe compassionate realization of our “interbeing\,” and the sometimes complex relationship of intent to impact are woven into this “Living Dharma” approach. \nDharma talks\, discussion and Q&A. Instruction provided for beginners in meditation. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “Precepts” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \n\n\n\n\nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-series-the-enduring-precepts-5-precepts/2025-04-30/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250428T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250428T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250326T195255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T195255Z
UID:10010646-1745865000-1745872200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS: Finding Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC
DESCRIPTION:Find Liberation in Relationships for BIPOC \n4 Monday evenings \nApril 28th\, May 5th\, 12th\, & 19th 2025 \n6:30-8:30 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nHYBRID \nWith René Rivera and Regent Brown \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nFor the first time we are offering this popular class series for BIPOC only. As people of color our friendships\, partnerships\, family and communities can be a source of joy and support\, and also of struggle and suffering. \nIn this four week class we will explore concrete practices grounded in Buddhist meditation\, somatics\, and transformative justice to bring more choice and agency to our relationships with ourselves and others. \nThrough turning towards the delight and difficulty in our relationships we will build resource and resilience and create space to be our most authentic selves in our relationships and in the larger world. \nAs our world is falling apart\, conflict is rising and our freedoms are being taken away\, we will turn our attention to find our ground in our communities. \n\n\n\n\n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nTo support our teachers\, please do so via: \nVenmo: @Regent-Brown \nPaypal: http://PayPal.Me/ReneRiveraOak \n(please reference: FLR BIPOC) \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeaching Team\n \nRené Rivera is a meditation teacher and restorative justice facilitator working and learning in all the spaces in-between race\, gender\, and other perceived binaries\, as a queer Latinx trans man. René teaches heart-centered\, trauma-informed meditation\, as a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center. He has co-led the first residential meditation retreats for transgender\, nonbinary and gender expansive people\, and offers classes and retreats for many Buddhist centers and groups. René is a restorative justice facilitator for the Ahimsa Collective\, working to heal sexual and gender based violence. \n \nRegent Brown (Queen) is a biracial Afro-Indigenous\, disabled\, two-spirit womxn who has been practicing the Dharma since 2016 and part of the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) community of practice since 2018. Regent’s story has had many twists including surviving cancer twice\, relocating during the pandemic\, and being married for over a decade. And these twists have only deepened Regent’s passion for liberatory practices. Regent supports liberation and decolonization as a coach\, circle keeper\, trainer\, healer\, facilitator\, and participant in interdependent community wellness.  As a recent graduate of the inaugural\, Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Program\, Regent joins a bountiful group of BIPOC mindfulness teachers working to weave decolonized practices through their work\, relationships\, and communities.  Regent’s other practices of manifesting joy include karaoke\, goats\, traveling to photograph sunsets\, gardening\, and discovering small parks while walking her 7 year old Corgi mix pup\, Perkelsnertz.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-finding-liberation-in-relationships-for-bipoc/2025-04-28/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250415T171941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T210138Z
UID:10010658-1745762400-1745769600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Great Compassion Ceremony to Soothe an Aching Heart
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON: Great Compassion Ceremony to Soothe an Aching Heart \nA Devotional Kwan Yin Practice \nSunday April 27th 2025 \n2 to 4PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith emiko yoshikami\, Kimber Simpkins-Nuccio\, and Melina Bondy \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nWhether 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. \nTo 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. \nPlease note: This event is IN PERSON ONLY. We hope to offer a hybrid version in the future! \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @emiko-yoshikami \nPaypal: @emikoyoshi \n(Please reference “Kwan Yin”. The teachers will share the gifts with each other.) \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeachers\n \nemiko 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. \n \n\n\nKimber 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. \n \n\n\n\n\nMelina 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.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-great-compassion-ceremony-to-soothe-an-aching-heart/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250305T042326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T230709Z
UID:10010636-1745744400-1745758800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID: Staying Sober During Turbulent Times
DESCRIPTION:Staying Sober During Turbulent Times \nSunday\, April 27th 2025 \n9AM – 1PM PT (Time Zone Converter)  \nHYBRID \nWith Vimalasara Mason-John and Shawna Adkins \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nBuddhism\, the oldest recovery program that we know of to date\, teaches us to turn towards our challenges with loving kindness\, compassion\, sympathetic joy and equanimity. These practices of the heart help us to face the harsh realities unfolding in the world. \nJoin Vimalasara and Shawna  in person for a morning of 8 step recovery healing. \n  \n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeaching Team\n \nVimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John is the author of the new revised edition of Detox Your Heart – Meditations For Emotional Trauma published by Wisdom Books in 2017. They are co/author of the award-winning book Eight Step Recovery – Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction. They are also a TEDx speaker and are the author and editor of 11 books including their award-winning novel Borrowed Body. They are the curator of Teachings in Uncertain Times\, an online retreat by Teachers of Color for Tricycle Magazine February 2017. A founding facilitator of Dr Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry\, they are a leading African Canadian voice in the field of Mindfulness for Emotional Trauma and Addiction. Vimalasara is a senior teacher in the Triratna Buddhist Community. And one of the founders of Freedom Together\, a mindfulness accredited course by the Global Majority for the Global Majority. \n \nShawna Adkins was born and raised in the Bay Area and has been practicing at East Bay Meditation Center for over 10 years. She works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker supervising social workers and has a private practice. Drawing on both her professional and personal experience\, Shawna integrates compassion\, empathy\, and respect for individual choices into her work with others. \nShawna is a graduate of the East Bay Meditation Center’s Practice in Transformative Action Program\, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Training Program\, and Dedicated Practitioners Program. She is also a former board member of the Buddhist Recovery Network. Shawna finds joy in dancing\, listening to music\, DIY projects\, exercising\, and spending time with her husband and three children.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-staying-sober-during-turbulent-times/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250426T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250328T233823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T233823Z
UID:10010651-1745672400-1745686800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON HALF-DAY: The Dharma of Disaster: Cultivating Interdependence in These Times
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON HALF-DAY: The Dharma of Disaster: Cultivating Interdependence in These Times \nSaturday April 26th 2025 \n1PM to 5PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Jessy Zapanta\, Lisa Fujie Parks\, Sarwang Parikh\, and Tania Triana \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nAs 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. \nThis 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. \nWe 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.) \n\n\n\n\n  \nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nSarwang Parikh \nVenmo @sarwangp \nPayPal @sarwang (soularbody@gmail.com) \nNote: Dana given to Sarwang will be distributed equitably among the teaching team. \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeaching Team\n \nFounder 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. \n\n \nLisa 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. \n \n\n\nSarwang 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. \nThey 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. \nRooted 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. \n\n\n \nTania 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.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-half-day-the-dharma-of-disaster-cultivating-interdependence-in-these-times/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250423T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250423T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250313T004940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T005627Z
UID:10010642-1745433000-1745440200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:HYBRID CLASS SERIES: Buddhist Love\, Compassion\, Joy\, & Equanimity
DESCRIPTION:Buddhist Love\, Compassion\, Joy\, & Equanimity \n4 Class series\, Wednesdays on April 2nd\, 9th\, 16th\, and 23rd \n6:30 – 8:30PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nPart 4 of EBMC’s Core Buddhist Teachings – 6-month Curriculum \nHYBRID \nClosed Captioning Provided on Zoom \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \n\n\nThe Brahmaviharas (Divine Abodes)\, also called the Four Immeasurables\, are Buddhist teachings and practices that help us to access dynamic calming\, stilling\, and healing mindbody states. As we cultivate the limitless qualities of loving goodwill\, compassion\, empathetic joy\, and equanimity\, in time we harvest true happiness\, spiritual strength\, and awakening insight. These practices are considered complementary to insight (mindfulness) meditation. Dharma talks\, discussion and Q&A. Instruction provided for beginners in meditation. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nVenmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda \nPayPal: info@mushimikeda.com \nPlease indicate “Brahmaviharas” in the subject line. \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \n  \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nUniversal Access Requests on Zoom to help with sound and video quality. If possible… \n1. When speaking\, introduce your name\, pronouns\, and (optionally) a brief physical description of yourself. \n2. If using virtual backgrounds\, please use static\, simple\, high-contrast backgrounds. \n3. Please keep your camera still while your camera is on. \n4. Please repeat your name when you speak to help those with visual impairment. \n5. The host/volunteer will attempt to read any comments that appear in the chat out loud. \n6. Please strive for clear audio and mute when you are not speaking. Phone access is also available. \n7. If you have unmet access needs\, please send a message to the volunteer or host in the chat. If the chat is not accessible to you\, please offer them briefly in one minute or less via voice. Please do not send access requests directly to other participants. \n \n  \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nMushim 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 and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 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 recipient of an honorary doctor of sacred theology degree from the Starr King School for the Ministry. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. www.mushimikeda.com
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/hybrid-class-series-buddhist-love-compassion-joy-equanimity/2025-04-23/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Hybrid
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250420T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250420T150000
DTSTAMP:20260414T195101
CREATED:20250325T170217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T170217Z
UID:10010650-1745143200-1745161200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON DAYLONG: Healing Wounds of Christianity
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON DAYLONG: Healing Wounds of Christianity \nSunday April 20th 2025 \n10AM to 3PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Melvin Escobar and Dawn Haney \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks required \n  \nAs 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? \nMelvin & 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. \nNote: 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. \n  \n\n\n\n\nCost \nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOther ways to give: \nTo 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. \n  \nPlease 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. \nFor Dawn: \nPaypal: dawnmarissa@gmail.com \nVenmo: dawnmarissa \nFor Melvin: \nPaypal: melvin@melvinescobar.com \nVenmo @Melvin-Escobar \n  \nThank 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. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor 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. \nTo 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/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeachers\n \nMelvin 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. \n\n \nDawn 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.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-daylong-healing-wounds-of-christianity/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
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