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Find answers to commonly asked questions about East Bay Meditation Center, programs, and practices
All Levels are Welcome: Beginners are encouraged to attend almost all of our groups and events. We will clearly note if a specific program requires prior meditation experience.Gift Economics: We operate on the practice of generous giving. We invite you to contribute to the center and the teachers as your means allow, but there are never financial barriers to participating.Accessible Seating: We provide folding chairs, meditation mats, cushions, and benches. We also have accommodations for those who need to lie down due to illness or disability.Fragrance-Free Environment: To protect community members with chemical sensitivities, we ask that you arrive completely free of scented hair, skin, and clothing products.What to Wear: We recommend loose, comfortable, layered clothing.Food and Drink: Please keep food and open-top beverages out of the meditation hall. Spill-proof water bottles are welcome, and our kitchen offers filtered water, tea, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Gift economics is a movement built on generosity, sustainability, and community empowerment, offering an alternative to a traditional consumer mindset and racialized capitalism. It highlights the profound spiritual benefits of giving for both the donor and the recipient.Here is how it works in our space:No Set Fees: We do not charge a required fee for our weekly groups, classes, or daylong retreats. This guarantees that our wisdom teachings remain accessible to everyone.The 'Pay It Forward' Model: This system thrives when those with greater financial means contribute more than a standard "market rate" for a program.Collective Support: By giving generously, you directly balance the contributions of those with less financial flexibility, ensuring our doors stay open for all.
EBMC does not pay its teachers. Our highly skilled EBMC teachers offer their teachings in order to serve the community.They often depend completely on financial contributions from the people who attend their teachings to pay their bills and to sustain their own spiritual practice and study.While cash and checks are always warmly welcomed at the center, many of our teachers now also accept digital contributions through platforms like Venmo and PayPal. Specific payment details and links are typically shared by the teacher during their class or event.The 'Pay It Forward' Model: This system thrives when those with greater financial means contribute more than a standard "market rate" for a program.Collective Support: By giving generously, you directly balance the contributions of those with less financial flexibility, ensuring our doors stay open for all.
Because we serve underrepresented communities (such as the BIPOC community, the LGBTQI community, and people with disabilities and chronic illnesses), not all groups and programs at EBMC are open to all.Identity-specific groups and classes offer the opportunity for communities to experience increased safety and support.We request that you read all descriptions carefully in order to determine if the group or class is open to all, or whether it is intended for a specific community.
Making our space accessible is an act of love for our community. Some members have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) or asthma and can become severely ill—sometimes requiring hospitalization—when exposed to scents.To keep EBMC safe for everyone, we ask that you:Avoid all scents: This includes synthetic chemicals, scented body products, and even "natural" or aromatherapy essential oils.Check your laundry: Please wear clothing laundered in unscented detergent and avoid scented fabric softeners.Learn more: We understand this requires a shift in routine for many. Please review our Fragrance Free Guide for more information and a list of safe products.
As of January 2026, our in-person masking policy is "masks strongly encouraged." We acknowledge the complex accessibility needs of our community and strive to hold space for everyone safely.We maintain the following ongoing safety protocols:Masks Provided: Free N95 masks and test kits are always available at the center.Vaccination Required: All in-person attendees must be fully vaccinated (including at least one booster).Air Quality: Multiple HEPA filters run continuously in the temple space.Self-Assessment: Please stay home if you have any symptoms of illness.Exposure Notification: If you test positive after a visit, please email Administrative Director, Monica, so we can confidentially notify attendees.
The best way to reach our staff or LSangha is through our Contact Us page. Whether you have questions about development, fundraising, center governance, or specific programs, you will find a clear directory there to route your message to the exact right person.
Yes! We are always looking for volunteers to support our community. Please visit our Contact Us page to reach out and learn more about current opportunities.
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