Learn Meditation

We offer these introductory meditation classes:

Drop-in intro. to meditation :: Meditation courses :: Daytime, low-cost courses :: Stress reduction :: Weekend intro to Meditation

This page gives a brief description of the various kinds of introductory meditation classes we offer. Some of them are offered ongoingly and some only occasionally - current offerings are always listed on Upcoming Events.

Drop-in Introduction to Buddhist Meditation Class

Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm (February-December)
(Doors open at 6:45pm.)
Suggested donation: $10-$5/class*

A very brief introduction to two basic Buddhist meditation practices. The Mindfulness of Breathing and the Cultivation of Loving-kindness (metta bhavana) meditations are alternately taught, providing a balanced basis for the development of insight, clarity, and compassion. Come as often as you like - no pre-registration required.

Six-Week Buddhist Meditation Course

Six consecutive Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:00pm
Cost $145 - $95* + $10 for book (Change Your Mind by Paramananda.)
This course is offered 5 times a year. For start-dates, please see the calendar
Class size is usually 20-30 people.

A comprehensive introduction to the art of Buddhist meditation, this course provides the opportunity to practice meditation in a supportive setting with practical instruction, guidelines and advice for anyone wishing to bring meditation into their life. We will introduce and practice the Mindfulness of Breathing, the Cultivation of Loving Kindness (Metta Bhavana), Walking meditation, Body awareness, posture, ways to work with distractions, and other topics arising from these experiences. Participants also benefit from practicing regularly with a consistant group and check-ins on individual practice. For start-dates, please see the calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.)

Pre-registration and a deposit are required for this course. (How to register for SFBC events.)

Daytime, Low-cost Meditation Courses

Three consecutive Fridays, usually 11:50am-1pm
Cost: By donation* Offered once a year.
Class size is usually 5-10

An introduction to the art of Buddhist meditation (a shorter version of our 6-week Tuesday meditation course.) All welcome.

If there is a course currently scheduled, it will be listed under the introductory section of the calendar. (If you'd like to get started now, please go to our Recommended Books page.)

Please pre-register and for this course if possible. (How to register for SFBC events.)

Stress Reduction Events

Ongoing, chronic stress can have various adverse effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, irritability, depression, insomnia, addictive behavior, forgetfulness, restlessness, and anxiety. Stress can also lower our resistance, making us more vulnerable to illness and disease.

Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can help people feel better, sleep better, increase ability to cope with stressful situations, improve self-esteem and renew enthusiasm for life and work.

If there is a course currently scheduled, it will be listed on the calendar.

Weekend Introduction to Meditation

Pre-registration and a deposit are required for introductory meditation days. You can send an email (letting us know your name, email address, phone number and the class you want to attend) to register.

Introductory days provide an overview of two basic Buddhist meditation practices with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

One-Day Saturday course, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: $50 - $35 sliding scale*
Class size is usually 5 - 15 people

If there is a weeekend introduction to Meditation scheduled, it will be in the current calendar.

*A note about fees and donations
Unless otherwise stated, all fees and donations go toward operating costs of the San Francisco Buddhist Center, a nonprofit organization. Teaching at this Center is done by volunteers. For events with a sliding scale, please pay what you can afford within that range, or contact us in advance to arrange a further reduced rate. The suggested donation given for most of our regular events is there as a guide and you should feel free to pay more if you can and less if you need to. Make checks out to the "FWBO" (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order.) Please give your name and the reason for your donation. Thank you!