Home
Offerings
Calendar
Intro Classes
Retreats
Retreat calendar TBA
Space Rental
Contact/About
Contact and monthly
email bulletin
Payments/donations
Buddhist Arts
FWBO
What is the FWBO?
What is an Order
Member?
What is a Mitra?
Local Order members
Sangharakshita
Giving
Dana Program
Ways You Can Help
More Ways You Can Help
Who Does What
Resources
What is Buddhism?
What is Meditation?
What are Buddhist Ethics?
Recommended books
Audio – talks TBA
Audio – meditations TBA
Pictures TBA
Sites in N. America
Sites outside N America
|
FWBO Bay Area
Upcoming Events
Welcome
to the San Francisco Buddhist Center/FWBO calendar, which contains the following information:
Heads Up! : Introductory Classes : Regular Ongoing Classes : Special Events :
Affinity Groups :
Hatha Yoga/Buddhist Meditation : Residential Retreats : Events for Mitras : Volunteering : Renting the SFBC Space :
Events in Calendar format
SFBC Theme for 2008
"Dharma, A Way of Life"
This year teachings at the SFBC, especially at Sangha Night, will explore the Buddhist path, which offers guidance on how to live intentionally and artfully. This path of teachings and practices (“The Dharma”) leads to increasing wisdom and compassion and eventually to full awakening as a Buddha. We will look at how the path has traditionally been taught, as well as how contemporary practitioners are adapting the core transformational principles of the path to meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.
Introductory talk by Viveka: Dharma, A Way of Life
Heads Up!
This section lists special events, course start dates, registration deadlines and other announcements. For a summary of upcoming events, see the calendar at the end of this bulletin.
You can sign up for our email list to be notified of upcoming events once a month.
- Public transport info - Driving directions and other info - Making a donation/deposit
- Simplify Your Life! Next time you take a load to a thrift store, please go to Community Thrift just a few blocks from the Center and specify the SFBC as the recipient, charity number 117 (623 Valencia Street at 17th).
- Fri, May 2 — First Friday Film: Waking Life. (see Special Events)
- Sat, May 3 — Singing and Yoga at Family Day. (More info.)
- Sat, May 3 — Work Party, 1-4pm. Give back to the Center by helping clean and do simple jobs. Drop in any time.
- Wed, May 7 — The Heart of the Dharma: Three Complimentary Perspectives. A Dharma study course.
(see Ongoing Classes/Second Saturday)
- Sat, May 10 — "Gampopa on the Working Basis for Dharma Practice."
A Dharma study daylong. (see Special Events)
- Sat, May 21 — Sangha Night Course begins: Meditation as a Path.
A Dharma study daylong. (see Ongoing Classes/Second Saturday)
- Sat, May 31 — Level 2 Practice Day led by Viveka. (see Special Events)
- Do you use Facebook? If you’re in the San Francisco network, you can join the SFBC Group.
- SFBC Affinity groups: Queer Women, Parents and kids, and People of Color. (see Affinity Groups)
- Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to support our practice community in offering dharma and meditation instruction? (see also Volunteering)
- The cruelty and violence of the Hindu Caste System toward "Untouchables" remains virtually unknown in the West. To find out more, read this article on sfgate.com "Finding my Religion", or read this blog written in India, Atrocity News. If you may be interested in being supported to go to the UK to help fundraise, see Karuna Appeals.
Go to top of this page
Special Events
Fri, May 2, 8:15pm - "Waking Life"
Waking Life is an amazing, visual, and completely original work of art from filmmaker Richard Linklater. Digital animation is put over live action actors in a style that every scene is like some kind of a post-modern painting. The story follows a young man who is in an ongoing lucid dream that takes him to odd, but fascinating encounters with people and places. Visually stunning. (Dir. Richard Linklater, US 2001)
June Film: Tokyo Story (Dir. Yasujiro Ozu, Japan 1953)
Sat, May 10, 10:00am-4:00pm - Dharma study led by by Dh. Saramati (Alan Sponberg, Ph.D.),
a senior member of the Western Buddhist Order, professor, and scholar. (View PDf file of this event.)
"Gampopa on the Working Basis for Dharma Practice."
This daylong is part of a Sangha night series beginning May 7 but may be attended on its own.
(see Ongoing Classes/Second Saturday)
To pre-register, call or email the Center by Weds, May 7. Sliding scale $60-$30 (brown bag lunch) + optional dana for teacher.
Go to top of this page
Introductory Classes
See also Affinity Groups and Yoga/Meditation for other events that may be appropriate for beginners.
Thursdays, 7-8pm — Drop-in Intro to Buddhist Meditation Class (course descriptions)
Tuesday Six-Week Introduction to Meditation Courses
2008 Courses begin: Apr 22, Sep 9, Oct 21 (course descriptions)
Six Tuesdays, 7:00-9:15pm
Sliding scale: $135-$90*
Register
Tuesday Six-Week Introduction to Buddhism Courses
2008 Courses begin: Oct 21 (course descriptions)
Six Tuesdays, 7:00-9:15pm
Sliding scale: $135-$90*
Register
Go to top of calendar
Regular Ongoing Classes - Open to All
Second Saturday Sangha Mornings (New program in 2008)
2nd Saturday of each month, 9:30-11:30am
Mar 8, Apr 12
Begins with yoga 9:30–10:30, followed by meditation and dharma teaching. This is a community drop-in that offers a chance to enjoy meditation and a dharma teaching during the more relaxed weekend time. Open to all. Please join us!
Suggested donation: $10-$5*
Sangha Night
Wednesdays, 6:45-9:15pm
Sangha Night is a weekly class open to all that provides regular support for those interested in Buddhist practice. Sangha is the Buddhist word for spiritual community. Each week begins with a meditation and is followed in the second half of the evening by a talk or other program. Meditators of all experience levels are also welcome to drop-in for just the meditation at 7:00pm.
Suggested donation: $10-$5*
Apr 30 - An evening with Order members visiting from India.
Sangha Night course: The Heart of the Dharma: Three Complimentary Perspectives. (View PDf file of this event.)
A three-part dharma study series conducted by Dh. Saramati (Alan Sponberg, Ph.D.),
a senior member of the Western Buddhist Order, professor, and scholar.
Pre-registration for the series is recommended, or you can pre-register for Saturday only. To pre-register, call or
email the Center by Weds, May 7. Drop-ins are always welcome on Sangha nights.
Whole series (dates and times listed above): sliding scale $75-$35 + optional dana for teacher.
Saturday only (May 10, 10:00am-4:00pm): sliding scale $60-$30 (brown bag lunch) + optional dana for teacher.
Weds Sangha night drop-in: sliding scale $10-$5 nightly
May 7 - The Buddha on Recognizing What is Dharma
May 10 (Saturday), 10:00am-4:00pm - Gampopa on the Working Basis for Dharma Practice
May 14 - Sangharakshita on the Transcendental Principle of the Dharma
NOTE: The themes for May 10 and May 14 were recently switched! If you see a flyer with the themes in a different order - the above
is correct. The theme for the Saturday daylong is "Gampopa on the Working Basis for Dharma Practice".
May 21-June 11
Sangha Night Course: Meditation as a Path.
Suggested donation for whole course: $30-15 sliding scale. Pre-registration requested.
Option to drop-in any night. (Suggested donation $10-5/night.)*
May 21 - Overview of samatha and vipassana meditations in the Buddhist tradition.
May 28 - Metta as a path.
Jun 4 - Mindfulness as a path.
Jun 11 - Devotion as a path.
Weekday Morning Sits
Monday through Friday (except holidays), 7:30am.
Group sits open to anyone with a meditation practice. No instruction. Doors open at 7:25 for a 40-minute sit starting at 7:30. If you arrive late and the door is locked please do not interrupt the meditation - come back next time! Also see Introductory Classes.
Go to top of
this page
Residential Retreats
For information about registering for retreats, venues, and ridesharing, please see
general information about retreats including how to register.
Register online for the Summer retreat...or here is more info about
how to register for a retreat.
June 15-22 (Sunday to Sunday) OR June 15-17 (Sunday to Tuesday)
Being in Nature - Connecting with the Elements
Summer Meditation Immersion Retreat
Led by Viveka, with Suvarnaprabha and Padmatara, at Jikoji.
The retreat will explore the six elements (earth, water, fire, air, space and consciousness) within us and in the outer world as a means of realizing inter-connection and touching into a deeply authentic and more open mode of being. Much of the practice will take place outdoors. We will use a body-based approach and build on the breath awareness and loving kindness meditations. Appropriate for all practitioners introduced to these two meditation practices from beginners to experienced meditators. The next open retreat offered by the SFBC will be
Oct 10 weekend.
Our longer immersion retreats are an opportunity to deepen meditation practice in supportive conditions including:
- Daily meditation teachings accompanied by group meditation periods throughout the day and silence to deepen practice and learning
- Individual meditation interviews/guidance
- Ample time to enjoy and soak in the Santa Cruz mountains environment
- The collective practice of silence (beginning the afternoon of the first full day and ending the afternoon of the last full day)
- Living in a community of like-minded practitioners with a wide range of practice experience
Registration deadline with full payment or $75 deposit: Wed, June 1.
Sliding scale: $475-$395 (Jun 15-17 only: $200-140) * + dana for teachers and the cook.
(Paying the higher rate in advance helps others come on retreat at a lower rate).
Let us know if you are interested in being the cook on this retreat. Cooks get a free retreat, dana, and can attend morning and evening sessions of the retreat.
Register for the Summer retreat online...or here is more info about
how to register for a retreat.
Next retreats:
See also SFBC 2008 Retreat Dates.
Open retreat Oct 10-13; Winter meditation retreat led by Tejananda, Dec 21-30.
Go to top of this page
Affinity Groups
See also Introductory Events and Yoga/Meditation for events open to mixed levels of experience.
Dharma Dykes — Thu, Apr 17, May 15, 7pm. Meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday. Inviting those who identify as Queer Women to join us for a monthly chance to meditate together and explore our unique experiences in applying the dharma to all aspects of our lives. Open to all levels of experience. $5 suggested donation*
More info from
kicagazmuri@hotmail.com.
Family Practice — Sat, June 7, July 5, 10:30am-12:30pm.
First Saturday of every month, offering space for moms and dads to find support in the practice of mindful parenting and enjoy a brief meditation. Buddhists from the Center come to support and play with the kids (including reading a Buddhist story). The group’s three founders have four kids, ages 2 through 6.
For more info, contact Kim at kmsm27@hotmail.com. $5 suggested donation*
People of Color Sitting Group — Sun, Apr 13, 1-3:30pm.
Regular sits are the second Sunday of every other month, 1:00-3:30pm (6/8, 8/10, 12/14). An extended practice mini-retreat on Oct 19 (1-5pm) replaces the October sitting group. If you are a person of color with a meditation practice or with an interest in developing a practice, then these gatherings would be of benefit. Instruction is offered by Viveka and Kica Gazmuri. $5 suggested donation* (more info)
Go to top of this page
Hatha Yoga/Buddhist Meditation
See also Introductory Events and Affinity Groups for events open to mixed levels of experience.
Friday Practice Night
with Yoga, Meditation, and Discussion
Fridays, 6–8pm, $10* (exact change appreciated)
(doors open at 5:45pm)
Most people don't realize that Hatha yoga was invented thousands of years ago for the purpose of preparing the yogi or yogini for meditation. Please join us for a class of approximately 1 hour of Hatha Yoga, 30 minutes of meditation and 30 minutes of discussion. The class is led by two different yoga and meditation teachers each week. Open to all levels of experience with yoga and meditation.
Second Saturday of each month, 9:30-10:00am. (Before Second Saturday Sangha Mornings, above.) (More info about these yoga teachers.)
Go to top
of calendar
Practice Opportunities for Mitras and Order Members
(See What is a Mitra? or What is an Order member? for more information.)
Mondays, Mar 31-May 5 (6 weeks)
Study on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of life
Offered by SFBC Council members.
Go to top of this page
Volunteering for the Center
There are several options if you would like to give back to the Center. Help with regular
or online publicity, for example, is always needed. You can also keep one area of the Center
clean for one month--just put your name on the cleaning sign-up sheet in the Center.
Occasionally there are openings on the Center Management Team (CMT), the main group of
volunteers who along with Center Director/Manager Suvarnaprabha meet once a month and supports the day-to-day activities of the Center.
If you would like to volunteer, please email info [at] sfbuddhistcenter.org. (See also, Who Does What at the SFBC and Opportunities to Give Back)
Go to top
of calendar
Renting
the SFBC/FWBO space
The SFBC space is
available to rent. (more info)
Go to top of this page
Summary of Upcoming Events
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
| APR 20 |
APR 21
7:30am meditation |
APR 22
7:30am meditation
6:45pm intro to meditation
course
|
`
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
APR 24
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation |
APR 25
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night |
APR 26
10am conference
7pm cultural celebration |
| APR 27 |
APR 28
7:30am meditation |
APR 29
7:30am meditation
|
APR 30
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
MAY 1
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation |
MAY 2
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night
8:15pm film
|
MAY 3
10:15 family practice
1pm work party
|
| MAY 4 |
MAY 5
7:30am meditation |
MAY 6
7:30am meditation
|
MAY 7
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
MAY 8
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation
| MAY 9
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night |
MAY 10
10am study day
4pm reception
|
| MAY 11 |
MAY 12
7:30am meditation |
MAY 13
7:30am meditation
|
MAY 14
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
MAY 15
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation
7pm dharma dykes
(annex) |
MAY 16
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night |
MAY 17
|
| MAY 18 |
MAY 19
7:30am meditation |
MAY 20
7:30am meditation
|
MAY 21
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
MAY 22
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation
|
MAY 23
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night |
MAY 24
|
| MAY 25 |
MAY 26
memorial day
7:30am meditation |
MAY 27
7:30am meditation
|
MAY 28
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
MAY 29
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation
| MAY 30
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night |
MAY 31
9:30am level 2 practice day
|
| JUN 1 |
JUN 2
7:30am meditation |
JUN 3
7:30am meditation
|
JUN 4
7:30am meditation
6:45pm sangha night
|
JUN 5
7:30am meditation
7pm drop-in intro to
meditation
| JUN 6
7:30am meditation
6pm practice night |
JUN 7
|
Go to top of this page
Note
about prices
The
activities of the Bay Area Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO),
a nonprofit organization, are dependent on donations and the support
of those attending its events and classes. Fees go toward the costs of operating this public center. All teaching is done on a volunteer basis. We would
like to offer the Dharma to anyone with interest and are happy to reduce
the rates listed on this site. Reduced rates must be arranged before the registration deadline.
Go to top of this page
|