Events

ONLINE: Embodying the Timeless Wisdom of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr for Black, Indigenous and People of Color

An Online Residential Retreat for Black, Indigenous and People of Color

Saturday, January 16th 2021 10AM – 4:30PM PST

Sunday, January 17th 2021 10AM – 4:30PM PST

Monday, January 18th 2021 10AM – 3:45PM PST

Time Zone Converter

ASL Interpretation & Closed Captioning Provided

with Konda Mason and Noliwe Alexander

If we cultivate the courage to walk the path of peace with loving awareness and fierce compassionate action, we can begin to manifest the dream of our collective liberation.

In these times of uncertainty and social injustice, as our values that we hold dearly are being jeopardized, realizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a Beloved Community can seem unreachable. In this 3-day online retreat we will call upon Dr. King’s wisdom, prophecy and undeniable commitment to justice and humanity. We will include honoring of our ancestral roots, mindfulness practices, silent and movement meditations, along with group dialogues.

Participants are encouraged to bring a journal or writing/drawing pad and to have small Ancestor item as a touch stone throughout the retreat.

Open to Black, Indigenous and People of Color. All levels of meditation practice welcome.

 

ONLINE: Reclaiming Our Magic for Liberation Struggle for Black, Indigenous and People of Color

with Lama Rod Owens 

In order to experience true liberation, we must do the work to reclaim parts of ourselves that have been lost to the violence of systematic oppression. 

Magic is an important expression of who we are as QTIPoC and BIPOC communities. In this context, magic means how we use our sexual and other expressions to cultivate connection and belong or how we use our laughter to consume experiences of being erased or even how we remember our ancestors to deepen our sense of resiliency. 

Our magic is how we dance into a future free from the limitations of rigidity and control. In this talk, we will practice reclaiming our magic because the world needs us to cast stronger spells of liberation.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom. 

 

ONLINE: Path of the Bodhisattva I

ASL Interpretation Provided 

with Mushim Ikeda

I, myself, took the Bodhisattva Vows and made the vow, “Life after life, after life, after life, I will continue my practice and continue my work.” – Bhante Suhita Dharma, Buddhist monk and social worker, 1941-2013


In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is an archetypal great being who tirelessly and joyfully works to liberate all beings from suffering. For the third time, EBMC will offer two class series exploring what it means to creatively embody the Bodhisattva teachings. Those who complete both class series may participate in the final daylong and either witness or take Bodhisattva precepts and vows in order to strengthen their commitment to collective liberation. These are the same vows taken by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Those who do not wish to take the Bodhisattva vows may take either of the two class series. Meditation (instruction provided for beginners), Dharma talks, and interactive exercises.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom. 

Please read full class series schedule below:

4 class series: Path of the Bodhisattva 1, Weds, Oct 7 – 28, 6:30 – 8:30pm* PST

4 class series: Path of the Bodhisattva 2, Weds, Nov 4 – 25, 6:30 – 8:30pm* PST

Daylong: Receiving or Witnessing the Bodhisattva Precepts & Vows, Dec 5th 10am – 4:30pm* PST 

 

*There are three parts to the Path of the Bodhisattva curriculum. Separate registration is needed for each part: (1) Path of the Bodhisattva 1 class series; (2) Path of the Bodhisattva 2 class series; (3) Receiving Bodhisattva Vows and Precepts Ceremony). Participants interested in receiving the Bodhisattva Vows in Dec are required to take Parts 1 + 2 of the class series.

 

ONLINE: Meditation & Movement: Creating Space in Your Body & Your Life

with Mushim Ikeda and Master Ellis

Using practice, demonstrations, and discussions, this online retreat will use meditation and movement to explore how to create and maintain greater mindfulness and spiritual balance throughout the day. Simple meditation techniques are taught for a range of practitioners, especially beginners. Movements are taught standing, sitting and reclining, and are appropriate for people with diverse abilities.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email.

ONLINE: 4 Divine Abodes in Challenging Times: A 1-Day Silent Retreat

with Rev. Liên Shutt

As we continue to endeavor in creating a just and liberatory world in these shifting times, the teachings on the 4 Divine Abodes can help us stay centered and connected.

Qualities of Kindness, Compassion, Inclusive Joy, and Equanimity can be hard to access when there’s internal or worldly turmoil. Practicing these Abodes as guided meditations helps us to know them — for ourselves and to be able to send out to others.

Join for the full day or come in/out as you’re able. There will be short teachings and 2 short meditations per Abode quality. However, please try to TIME your entering/exiting to coincide with scheduled times to allow for the event manager to be able to participate also.

NOTE: Teachings on each Divine Abode are only at the times marked. Therefore, if possible, please join at the beginning for the Introductions & 1st Teachings to get the full sense of how these are best practiced. ALL Meditations are visualized guided meditations. The 2nd in each Abode section will be mostly silent for your own personalization. Full schedule provided to registered participants.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their Confirmation Email from EventBrite. 

 

ONLINE: Turning Towards Our Body During a Time of Turbulence, Suffering and Fear

A four class series exploring the four foundations of Mindfulness with Vimalasara Mason John.

Wednesdays, July 15th, 22nd, 29th and August 5th   7:00-8:30PM PST 

with Vimalasara Mason John

The Buddha taught the four foundations of mindfulness as a way to gain freedom from the external and internal worlds that we live in. During times of PandemicS Covid 19, racial and social injustices it is inevitable that many of us will flee the body, switch all feelings of and run to the comfort of our thoughts, and many other distractions. The hardest thing many of us will ever do is coming back to the breath, to the body, to feelings. If we want liberation we have to find a way back to the body. During this 4 week course we will journey through the 4 tetrads of the Mindfulness of Breathing, working with the body, feelings, thoughts, the nature of all things. We will cultivate metta to access the ancient practice of the four foundations of mindfulness, to help us see more clearly during these turbulent times of pandemics and uprisings. It will be held with kindness, giving space to anyone who would like to have a compassionate inquiry into whatever arises during the course. This course is for anyone who is ready to rediscover the elixir of the breath and the salve of loving-kindness.

Registered participants will receive a link to join us via Zoom with their EventBrite confirmation email. 

Path of the Bodhisattva Precepts Ceremony

with Mushim Ikeda

I, myself, took the Bodhisattva Vows and made the vow, “Life after life, after life, after life, I will continue my practice and continue my work.” – Bhante Suhita Dharma, Buddhist monk and social worker, 1941-2013

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is an archetypal great being who tirelessly and joyfully works to liberate all beings from suffering. For the second time, EBMC will offer two class series exploring what it means to creatively embody the Bodhisattva teachings. Those who complete both class series may participate in the final daylong and either witness or take Bodhisattva precepts and vows in order to strengthen their commitment to collective liberation. These are the same vows taken by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Those who do not wish to take the Bodhisattva vows may take either of the two class series. Meditation (instruction provided for beginners), Dharma talks, and interactive exercises.

Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:

* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.

Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.

Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.

EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Path of the Bodhisattva I & Bodhisattva Precepts Ceremony

with Mushim Ikeda 

4 class series:  Path of the Bodhisattva 1, Weds, Oct 2 – 23, 6:30 – 8:30pm

4 class series:  Path of the Bodhisattva 2, Weds, Oct 30 – Nov 20, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Daylong: Receiving or Witnessing the Bodhisattva Precepts & Vows, Dec 14, 10am – 4:30pm 

*Separate registration is needed for each part of the Path of the Bodhisattva class series (Part I, Part II + Precepts Ceremony). Participants interested in receiving the Bodhisattva Vows in Dec are required to take Part I + II of the class series. 

I, myself, took the Bodhisattva Vows and made the vow, “Life after life, after life, after life, I will continue my practice and continue my work.” – Bhante Suhita Dharma, Buddhist monk and social worker, 1941-2013

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is an archetypal great being who tirelessly and joyfully works to liberate all beings from suffering. For the second time, EBMC will offer two class series exploring what it means to creatively embody the Bodhisattva teachings. Those who complete both class series may participate in the final daylong and either witness or take Bodhisattva precepts and vows in order to strengthen their commitment to collective liberation. These are the same vows taken by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Those who do not wish to take the Bodhisattva vows may take either of the two class series. Meditation (instruction provided for beginners), Dharma talks, and interactive exercises.

Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:

* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.

Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.

Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.

EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation

with Kazu Haga, Sierra Pickett and Chris Moore-Backman

Kingian Nonviolence grew out of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and is a transformative philosophy dealing with the transformation of conflict. Many forms of political resistance only deal with “fixing issues,” while ignoring the need to heal relationships. However many healing modalities do not address the systems of injustice that perpetuate trauma. Through interactive activities, the workshop will dispel many common myths of “nonviolence,” and explore the interconnection of personal healing and political resistance, and how to build a powerful movement that honors the dignity of ALL life. This workshop is a partnership with East Point Peace Academy.

Space is limited and registration is requested.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:

* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.

Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.

Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.

EBMC is wheelchair accessible.

Meditation & Movement: Creating Space in Your Body & Your Life

with Mushim Ikeda and Master John Ellis

This class will use meditation and movement to explore how to create greater mindfulness and maintain spiritual balance throughout the day. Movements are taught standing, sitting and reclining, and are appropriate for people with diverse abilities. Class size limited to 50.

Cost: There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events. However, EBMC is not independently funded. The Center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or “dana”). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:

* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity during the online registration process to donate to EBMC; the teachers will not receive any part of this online donation).
* Or at the event, in the two baskets at EBMC, one for the Center, the second for the Teacher.

Thank you for your generosity. EBMC will be only be sustained through our collective generosity.

Fragrance-free: In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including “natural” fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.

EBMC is wheelchair accessible.