Friendraising 2024 – From Foundation to Flourishing

This spring, become part of something truly special. Our Friendraising 2024, “From Foundation to Flourishing”, campaign marks a pivotal chapter in our story, spotlighting the expansion of our hybrid programming and welcoming our new home. More than ever, we’re committed to our mission of radical inclusivity and engaged Buddhism, fostering a sanctuary for all. Your contribution as a recurring donor or by enhancing your current support can make all the difference.

To become a recurring donor, sign up here.

To increase your donation amount, tap/click here.

With Metta and Deep Bows,

EBMC Staff

NEW! Commit 2 Sangha Program

Dear Sangha,

We are excited to present a NEW program called Commit 2 Sangha, from April to June 2024, and led by teachers Dawn Haney, Patrick Brown, and René Rivera!

 

Commit 2 Sangha is a 3-month program to deepen practice in sangha, our spiritual community.

 

Please join us for 6 sessions of a non-judgmental learning space to build connections with other EBMC mindfulness practitioners and deepen wisdom to practice Buddhist and social justice teachings that cultivate community. In the midst of the challenges of life, we are creating a community of practice that cultivates refuge and resilience, particularly centered for people with marginalized identities.

 

We offer this in-person pilot program to develop some of the relationships and capacities for the center to offer future online/hybrid versions, and a potential yearlong program in the lineage of Larry Yang’s Commit 2 Dharma.

 

Applications are open NOW through March 29: bit.ly/c2s2024

 

We hope you will join us for this new community-building series!  If you have questions, please email c2s at eastbaymeditation dot org

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

To come to EBMC in person, please be fully vaccinated and wear a mask. More information HERE.

Photo by Vadym Lebedych on Unsplash

Agreements for Multicultural Interactions

Agreements for Multicultural Interactions at EBMC 

Created by  © VISIONS

Try It On: Be willing to “try on” new ideas, or ways of doing things that might not be what you prefer or are familiar with.

Practice Self Focus: Attend to and speak about your own experiences and responses. Do not speak for a whole group or express assumptions about the experience of others.

Understand The Difference Between Intent & Impact: Try to understand and acknowledge impact. Denying the impact of something said by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction.

Practice “Both / And”: When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.” This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities.

Refrain From Blaming Or Shaming Self & Others: Practice giving skillful feedback.

Move Up / Move Back: Encourage full participation by all present. Take note of who is speaking and who is not. If you tend to speak often, consider “moving back” and vice versa.

Practice Mindful Listening: Try to avoid planning what you’ll say as you listen to others. Be willing to be surprised, to learn something new. Listen with your whole self.

Confidentiality: Take home learnings, but don’t identify anyone other than yourself, now or later. If you want to follow up with anyone regarding something they said during a session, ask first and respect their wishes.

Right To Pass: You can say “I pass” if you don’t wish to speak.

 

To download a PDF Version of the Agreements for Multicultural Interactions, please click here

Got a question about EBMC? Input? For the EBMC Directory, click HERE.

I Vow Not to Burn Out

EBMC Core Teacher Mushim Patricia Ikeda writes in the August issue of Lion’s Roar magazine about the “Great Vow for Mindful Activists”

Aware of suffering and injustice, I, _________, am working to create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. I promise, for the benefit of all, to practice self-care, mindfulness, healing, and joy. I vow to not burn out.

Image: “Superman Buddha, Force Within” by Elisa Insua.