East Bay Meditation Center

ONLINE: Alphabet Sangha
2024-10-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | East Bay Meditation Center, 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
A meditation group for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Same-Gender Loving, and Two-Spirit communities. Because that’s such a mouthful, we call ourselves the Alphabet Sangha.
Tuesdays
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Please email: alphabetsangha at eastbaymeditation dot org to request Zoom link to join online.
For more information, visit the ALPHABET SANGHA WEBSITE

ONLINE: Midday Sangha
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:35, 2024-10-16 12:00 - 13:35
Join our peer-led multicultural sangha for silent meditation practice and community building.
Every Wednesday
12:00 – 12:45pm PST Silent sitting, standing or lying down meditation with optional walking meditation.
12:55 – 1:35pm PST Facilitated conversation about our practice and being the dharma in the world
HYBRID EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY, ONLINE FOR OTHER MEETINGS (unless otherwise noted)
Midday Sangha Coordinating Committee:
emiko yoshikami, Jennie Powe Runde, Sakshi Uomoto, Elese Lebsack and Robert Gavino
email middaysangha at eastbaymeditation dot org for zoom link and password

HYBRID: Path of the Modern Bodhisattva (Class Series 1)
2024-10-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-10-16 18:30 - 20:30
Path of the Modern Bodhisattva (Class Series 1 of 2)
with Mushim Ikeda
Wednesday Evenings
October 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th 2024
6:30 – 8:30 PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
HYBRID (if we can get at least 20 in-person sign-ups!)
Closed Captioning Provided on Zoom
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

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
Embodiment! Joy! Commitment! Strategic Action! In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva works and plays ceaselessly to liberate all suffering beings, lifetime after lifetime. And – how do you and I show up, day after day, in the gigantic mess of our times, to do the great work?
For the sixth 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 Fourteenth Dalai Lama and by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Mushim (Patricia) Ikeda received Bodhisattva precepts and vows at the Zen Buddhist Temple-Toronto, Canada in 1983. She is an EBMC core teacher, a widely-published writer, and a social justice activist based in Oakland, California. Mushim has practiced as both a monastic and a lay householder. For events, writing, video teachings, go to www.mushimikeda.com
*PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited resources, we will ONLY run these meetings hybrid IF we get at least 20 in-person sign-ups. If a meeting has fewer than 20 in-person sign-ups, we will notify all registrants to meet online only (at least 24 hours in advance). Thank you!

For in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

For Zoom participation, these are our Universal Access Guidelines:
– Please do not use virtual or blurred backgrounds
– Please keep your camera still when it’s turned on
– Please say your name when you speak
– Facilitators will attempt to read any comments in the chat out loud
– Please mute when you’re not speaking.

Cost
The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
Venmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda
PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com
Please indicate “Bodhisattva” in the subject line.

Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.

Teacher

Mushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. She is the founding and guiding teacher of EBMC’s Practice in Transformative Action, a yearlong program that completed its tenth cohort in July 2023, providing secular mindfulness training for justice activists and agents of change. Mushim was selected by Lion’s Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six “Great Buddhist Teachers” in the January 2022 issue. If you would like to make a gift to our beloved teacher, please do so via Venmo: @MushimPatricia-Ikeda or PayPal: info@mushimikeda.com

Center Open Hours
2024-10-10 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-15 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-17 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-22 11:00 - 13:00
We welcome you to drop by the center for unguided silent practice, our library, or a cup of tea in our kitchen.
with EBMC Staff
Daytime: Tuesday & Thursday
11 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time
EBMC is a fragrance-free center and is wheelchair accessible. N95/KN95 masks required.
Note: Due to capacity limitations of our small staff, we may occasionally need to shorten or cancel open hours. We will do our best to give as much advanced notice as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

ONLINE: Ancestors Welcome Here: Healing White Supremacy (for White People)
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:00, 2024-10-17 17:30 - 19:00
Ancestors Welcome Here: Healing White Supremacy (for white people)
Thursdays Evenings
October 10, 17, and 24
with Ream and Sara Oakes
Closed Captioning Provided on Zoom

White people*: We need all the help we can get. Working at the level of the body, we will welcome our well ancestors of blood and bone to extend their blessings to us, and to give us their full support and backing in our efforts to end white supremacy in our lifetimes.

We all come from people who lived in interdependence with each other and connection with the Earth. This class invites a reconnection to our lineages through practicing meditation, healing and repair, so that we can know ourselves and our inherent belonging more deeply.

*For self-identified white people. If you identify as white and are committed to racial justice, this class is for you.

For Zoom participation, these are our Universal Access Guidelines:
– Please do not use virtual or blurred backgrounds
– Please keep your camera still when it’s turned on
– Please say your name when you speak
– Facilitators will attempt to read any comments in the chat out loud
– Please mute when you’re not speaking.

Teaching Team

Ream
Community Teacher
Pronouns: They/Them
Ream is a queer organizer and somatics practitioner of European ancestry on unceded Ohlone Land, organizing for economic and racial justice and immigrants’ rights, working for over 25 years in the labor movement and currently as the Strategic Campaigns Director for the United Domestic Workers’ Union. Ream is a graduate of EBMC’s PITA and WAS programs and is a co-founder of the Social Justice Sangha. Ream is a practitioner with Generative Somatics, teaching “Somatics for White Racial Justice Organizers” and holds trauma healing groups with activists and movement leaders.

Sara Oakes
Teen Sangha Teacher
Pronouns: She/Her
Sara began her spiritual practice in the path of yoga and devotional chanting in 2000 when she also started training in dance and the healing arts. She has practiced in the Insight Meditation tradition since 2004 attending regular retreats with teachers in the U.S.A., Europe, India and Myanmar. She is a graduate of both the Dedicated Practitioners and the Community Dharma Leader Programs at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She has a private practice in Craniosacral therapy, Organic Intelligence, and Somatic Experiencing trauma resolution for people of all ages in the East Bay. Website: LucidHuman.org.

Cost
The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
To support our teachers, you may send a financial gift via:
Vemmo: @Ranger18Ream
PayPal: adelante@riseup.net
Please reference “Ancestors Welcome Here”. The teachers will share the gifts.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.

ONLINE: Maintaining the Calm Within the Storm: Anxiety in Times of Elections
2024-10-11 12:00 - 13:30
HYBRID: Maintaining the Calm Within the Storm: Anxiety in Times of Elections
3 Fridays: October 11th 2024, November 15th 2024, January 24th 2025
12:00 – 1:30 PM PT (Time Zone Converter)
with Kinshasa Bennett, Renata Moreira, Andrés González, & Anjali Sawhney
Closed Captioning Provided on Zoom
N95/KN95 Masks Required at EBMC

This will be a 3-part series where we have stationary practice, dharma talks, and discussion as related to using the dharma and mindfulness to relate differently to anxiety as it arises in the mind and body (physical, emotional and energetic) in times of elections. We ask participants to attend all sessions if possible. This series will advance the principles of Engaged Buddhism and address current concerns.

Open to all who are interested and no experience necessary.

NOTE: In-person ticket sales end on January 22nd at 1pm PT so we can finalize our headcount. If we have fewer than 20 in-person registrations, we may opt to run online only. We will confirm with everyone by January 23rd. Thank you!

For in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

For Zoom participation, these are our Universal Access Guidelines:
– Please do not use virtual or blurred backgrounds
– Please keep your camera still when it’s turned on
– Please say your name when you speak
– Facilitators will attempt to read any comments in the chat out loud
– Please mute when you’re not speaking.

Teaching Team

Kinshasa (she/her). Queer, African-American listener, healer, learner. 15 years of experience as a psychologist by day. 46 years as a student of life. Currently integrating sitting, dancing, praying, and vocal meditation practices. Exploring sacred reciprocity in relations with all beings. Incorporating ritual, indigeneity, and authenticity into my (spiritual) life. Launched from EBMC in 2009 and Spirit Rock in 2011 into the spheres of Buddhism, ancestral knowledge, and plant medicine. My formal training includes graduating from the EBMC Spiritual Teacher and Leadership training program in 2023. You may find me watching women’s sports, exploring the community by foot, or dancing in my living room.

Renata Moreira, M.A.S.T, CCHT (She/they/Ela/Elu) is a queer mixed race lifelong educator of Indigenous Xucuru Kariri and Portuguese ancestries. She brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, development and strategic communications to the intersections of trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and culture making. This dynamic first generation immigrant mama is connected to an eclectic lineage of spiritual wisdom and earth keepers across the Americas. Currently, Renata serves as a social impact and wellness consultant, transpersonal therapist, and mindfulness teacher. She has brought a passionate Metta praxis to countless educational, public, and private sectors since 2012; always holding the firm belief that all people within systems can liberate themselves towards the rise of a more loving and just world for all beings. She is certified as an MBSR instructor, is a graduate of EBMC’s Pita Program, and has served EBMC as Transition Director. When not co-creating beloved communities, cultivating medicinal allies, or geeking out on somatics and liberation, Renata can be found dancing with her 8 yr old magickal daughter and cooking up new ways to play into healing. Connect with Renata via renatametta | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Andrés González, MSW (he/they/él) is a queer, two-spirit Mestizo with primarily Yaqui, Mexican, Spanish, & Scottish ancestries. He’s also a transracial adoptee, connected to a lineage of indigenous adoptees separated from family, land, & culture by way of the U.S. child welfare system. Andrés’ lived experience integrating these many worlds has informed his path as a curandero, dharma teacher, and healing-justice practitioner. Trained in harm reduction as a psychotherapist, he holds a masters degree in social work. He is also a graduate of East Bay Meditation Center’s two-year Spiritual Teacher & Leadership Training and the 2023-2024 Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics’ certification program in psychedelic facilitation. Andrés resides on Yokuts’ land (aka Bakersfield, CA) and lovingly traverses life with his adored service dog, Junior.

Anjali Sawhney (she/her/s) is a Certified Integral Life Coach and a trained international Leadership Embodiment Teacher (somatic coaching based on Aikido & Mindfulness). Anjali has coached & facilitated somatics & mindfulness workshops in the non-profit, corporate, and educational sectors including the Richmond Community Foundation, California Endowment, UCSF & City of San Francisco. Anjali also serves directly with untapped BIPOC students, those unhoused, and those in recovery by providing coaching, counseling & series workshops through various non-profits as well as independently. She is currently on the EBMC Program Committee and Leadership Sangha (Board). She is passionate about rallying people through community & spirituality as well as street protests for equity & systemic change, is in awe of nature & live music, & on rare occasions is allowed to groove with her children, Aanika and Jai.

Cost
The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
The ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. Please scroll through the entire menu to see all the options. For those who wish to give more, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give, there is an option for that.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
To offer a gift to the teachers for their teachings, please do so via:
Venmo: @Kinshasa-Bennett
(the teachers will share the gifts with each other)

Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.

ONLINE: Maha Sangha with Arisika Razak and Ramona Lisa-Ortiz Smith
2024-10-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-18 19:00 - 20:30
Friday, January 7th Teachers: Arisika Razak and Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith
Maha Sangha for All People & Communities
Creating Freedom in Community
Every Friday night at EBMC, 7:00 – 8:30pm.
Zoom Info: email mahasangha at eastbaymeditation dot org to ask for a Zoom link.
The EBMC Maha Sangha for All People and Communities is a meditation and dharma group with an emphasis on radical inclusivity and social justice.
Maha is a Pali word meaning whole, great, larger/largest, deepest, and Sangha is a Pali word for community, or community of practitioners. Together, these words represent a place where all people and communities are warmly invited to explore the Dharma together in keeping with East Bay Meditation Center’s core mission to foster liberation, personal and interpersonal healing, social action, and inclusive community building. We hope that you will join us.
The EBMC Maha Sangha’s leadership team of teachers, dharma leaders, and sangha members includes: Arisika Razak, Baruch Golden, Chinh Nguyen, Crystal Johnson, Fresh! Lev White, Jd Doyle, Lisa Moore, Shahara Godfrey, Syra Smith, Shay, and Anni Mackin.
Contact: mahasangha at eastbaymeditation org

ONLINE: Maha Sangha
2024-10-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-18 19:00 - 20:30
Maha Sangha for All People & Communities
Creating Freedom in Community
Every Friday night, 7:00 – 8:30pm.
Hybrid, every 4th Friday of the month
Event Details: Meets weekly on zoom, and starting to meet once a month in person, email mahasangha at eastbaymeditation dot org for more info and get on our newsletter
The EBMC Maha Sangha for All People and Communities is a meditation and dharma group with an emphasis on radical inclusivity and social justice.
Maha is a Pali word meaning whole, great, larger/largest, deepest, and Sangha is a Pali word for community, or community of practitioners. Together, these words represent a place where all people and communities are warmly invited to explore the Dharma together in keeping with East Bay Meditation Center’s core mission to foster liberation, personal and interpersonal healing, social action, and inclusive community building. We hope that you will join us.
The EBMC Maha Sangha’s leadership team of teachers, dharma leaders, and sangha members includes: Arisika Razak, Fresh! Lev White, Rebekah Eppley, Sarwang Parikh and Shay.
Contact: mahasangha at eastbaymeditation org

HYBRID: Taming Anxiety
2024-10-12 09:00 - 15:00
Taming Anxiety
One-Day Workshop Open to All
with Rev. Liên Shutt
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PT (Time Zone Converter)
HYBRID (if we can get at least 30 in-person sign-ups!)
Closed Captioning Provided on Zoom
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

Does your mind seem to “be all over the place”? Do you find yourself worrying a lot? Do you feel easily overwhelmed and filled with anxiety? Do you obsess about “shoulds’” and “coulds’” and, therefore, find it hard to focus?
Buddhist teachings and meditation practices have long addressed ways to be with such emotions and thoughts. In this one-day, we will gather and to learn ways in which we can work with worry and anxiety. You’ll learn ways to be with these emotions and be able to practice meditations which can foster calm and ease in body and mind.
Meditations, Dharma teachings, group discussions, and experiential exercises are offered.

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

Teacher Bio

REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a priest lineage holder in the Shunryu Suzuki tradition. Born to a Buddhist family in Vietnam, she received her meditation training in the Insight and Soto Zen traditions in the United States, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. A founding member of the Buddhists of Color in 1998, she currently is the guiding teacher of Access to Zen, an inclusive, anti-oppression sangha and nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her book, Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path, was published by North Atlantic Books in 2023. She lives north of San Francisco, on Southern Pomo land, with her partner, exploring waterways and forests as often as they can. Visit AccessToZen.org for ways to connect.

Cost
The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, please do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.
Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
Venmo: @SuddenLeap-A2Z
last 4 #: 2585
PayPal: SuddenLeap.A2Z@Gmail.com

For in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 40 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website.
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

For Zoom participation, these are our Universal Access Guidelines:
– Please do not use virtual or blurred backgrounds
– Please keep your camera still when it’s turned on
– Please say your name when you speak
– Facilitators will attempt to read any comments in the chat out loud
– Please mute when you’re not speaking.

Add to calendar

ONLINE: 8 Step Buddhist Recovery Deep Refuge
2024-10-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-19 10:00 - 11:30
Every Saturday from 10AM – 11:30AM PST / PDT ONLINE
Compassionate Dharma Deep Refuge Buddhist meetings focus on ways to heal addiction. Based on the Eight Steps to Recovery developed by Dr. Mason-John M.A (hon.doc) and Dr Groves, we believe this inclusive approach can build a solid foundation for those at any level of recovery and for those who have yet to seek help.
Through these practices we hope you gain a practice that can sustain you in your recovery.
We are a multi-recovery space. Whether you are navigating addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol, or process addictions, such as disordered eating, codependency, or sex and love addiction–you are welcome here.
Advance Registration is not required.
For additional information, please contact: ebmcrecovery at gmail dot com.

ONLINE: Multiracial Peer-Led Deep Refuge Group
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00
The Multiracial Deep Refuge Group is a monthly exploratory Deep Refuge Group for and by people who identify as multiracial. Our meetings include periods of mindfulness meditation and sharing of narratives and perspectives as we come together to be seen and to see one another. By sitting and exploring our own unique stories, we can come to know and care for the common threads that bind us together. Our collective work bravely expands the narrative that informs multiracial experience today. Meets 7pm-9pm on the second Saturdays of every month. Online and occasionally hybrid (in-person at EBMC + online).
Newcomers welcome- please contact us before your first visit: mrdrcoordinators at googlegroups dot com

HYBRID: Gathering Kapwa: Connecting Filipinx Diaspora Through Sangha
2024-10-13 10:00 - 16:00
Gathering Kapwa: Connecting Filipinx Diaspora Through Sangha
with Victoria Mausisa, Kimi Mojica, Jonathan Relucio, and Jessy Zapanta
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT (Time Zone Converter)
HYBRID (if we can get at least 20 in-person sign-ups!)
Closed Captioning Provided on Zoom
The center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible
N95/KN95 masks required

Join us for our 2nd annual gathering and embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and connection as we dive into the inquiry: As Filipinx in the diaspora, how do we deepen our roots? How do we strengthen our understanding of what it means to be Filipinx and find connection when we feel separate from our homeland and each other? How do we see beyond separation to feel our connection with ancestors and each other?
Guided by a cadre of Filipinx teachers, this daylong retreat is a welcoming space open to self-identified Filipino/a/x/o practitioners of all levels, from beginners to experienced meditators. Weaving in teachings of the Buddha, we will offer ceremony, meditation, and movement practices, alongside Dhamma talks and discussions that invite reflection, compassion, joy, love and understanding on our path. Through the shared experiences and wisdom of the collective, we will create a supportive and nurturing community that encourages growth and transformation.
This hybrid* format allows participants to join either in person at EBMC or virtually from the comfort of their own homes. All registered participants will be invited to bring an object from home to add to our community centerpiece and supplies for ritual will be forthcoming. Those in person can look forward to a potluck lunch . Let us celebrate and make meaning together, nuancing what our cultural identity means on our spiritual path.
*PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited resources, we will ONLY run these meetings hybrid IF we get at least 20 in-person sign-ups. If a meeting has fewer than 20 in-person sign-ups, we will notify all registrants to meet online only (at least 24 hours in advance). Thank you!

For in-person participation:
For those wishing to practice in person, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants will be asked to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching.
To attend in person, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products, including those that are especially good for people of color, appears on our website
East Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible.

For Zoom participation, these are our Universal Access Guidelines:
– Please do not use virtual or blurred backgrounds
– Please keep your camera still when it’s turned on
– Please say your name when you speak
– Facilitators will attempt to read any comments in the chat out loud
– Please mute when you’re not speaking.

Teaching Team

Victoria Mausisa, (she/siya/we), Filipina, Lola/grandmother. Victoria began her practice over 20 years ago and is ordained in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Order of Interbeing. She is a community builder, sangha and retreat leader. An advocate for racial and social justice, she co-founded ARISE Sangha — Awakening Through Race, Intersectionality and Social Equity. Victoria is called to heal communities of color and to cultivate inclusiveness. She combines trauma resiliency with mindfulness and also trained at the Sati Center Buddhist Chaplaincy program. She is a graduate of East Bay Meditation Center’s inaugural Spiritual and Teacher Leader Program. A contemplative at heart who leans on authenticity and ritual, Victoria thrives on spiritual practice and deep relationships with our ancestors, our lands, family, and friends.

Kimi Mojica (they/she/siya) fell deeply in love with the Buddha Dharma over twenty years ago when they touched the earth at Deep Park Monastery’s People of Color retreat with the venerable Thich Nhat Hahn. Since 2007, they’ve considered East Bay Meditation Center their spiritual home and currently serve as one of BIPOC Sangha’s Guiding Teachers. Previously she held roles as Chair of the Leadership Sangha, co-founder of the Restorative Practices for Dharma Practitioners (RPDP) deep refuge group, and is a graduate from EBMC’s Commit2Dharma and Spiritual Teacher and Leadership (STL) programs. Kimi has taught at Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Braided Wisdom and Dhamma Dena among others. Siya’s commitment to racial, gender and healing justice is evident through the dynamic ways they hold space as a facilitator, process strategist, coach, and conflict transformation practitioner. It brings Kimi much joy to commune with ancestors, plantcestors and beings through ritual, movement and creative arts, all while discovering, co-creating and centering liberatory practices that cultivate wholeness and well-being for all in everyday life.

For a decade, Jonathan Relucio (he/him/siya) was a Senior Trainer for Niroga Institute, teaching trauma-informed yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in urban schools, mental health clinics and juvenile detention centers. He completed Spirit Rock’s Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation Training (MYMT); Communities Rising Yoga and Meditation Training for People of Color; and East Bay Meditation Center’s inaugural two-year Spiritual Teacher & Leadership (STL) training. Currently, he teaches at both Spirit Rock Meditation Center and East Bay Meditation Center and will begin Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders Program in January 2025. Jonathan facilitates transformation in social justice movements as a Trainer for Rockwood Leadership Institute; integrates mindfulness with restorative circles for healing and racial equity as co-founder of AllThriveEd.org; and serves on the Healing Advisory council for Filipino Advocates for Justice. With over 20 years of experience in social services, community organizing, training, and leadership development, Jonathan values Buddha Dharma, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, indigenous medicine, martial arts, dance, DJing and grounding in his Filipino ancestral roots as practices for liberation that heal us from systems of oppression.

Founder of Healing Without Hierarchy & Kapwa Flow Somatic Meditation, Jessy Zapanta (he, she, siya) is a community builder, educator, and survivor-centered mindful movement and meditation facilitator born and raised in the working-class, BIPOC-majority parts of the lands known as the Bay Area (Ohlone territory). Jessy is a graduate of EBMC’s Practice in Transformative Action Program and inaugural two-year Spiritual Teacher and Leadership Program, and is a co-founder of Dharma in Motion Sangha. Experienced in western and Asian bodywork, counseling, Raja Yoga, qigong, somatics, and improv, he has held space for queer, trans, gender-diverse, disabled, and neurodivergent folks of all ages. Siya is passionate about radical inclusion and access, inviting the collective needs of participants into the room. With roots spanning across Pangasinan and Pampanga, Nagasaki, and Fujian, Jessy’s path includes reclaiming diverse ancestral teachings, trusting intuition, and building intersectional, intergenerational communities of care.

Cost
The teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers.
Other ways to give:
To make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
Please also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well, who do not receive a salary for their work, and give their teachings freely to all.
Venmo:@Kimi-Mojica
Paypal: kimi.mojica@gmail.com
CashApp:$KimiMojica.
Please indicate “Teacher dana for 10/13 Gathering Kapwa EBMC” in the subject line. Kimi Mojica will collect dana on behalf of the teachers.
Thank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time.

Every Body Every Mind Sangha
2024-10-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-10-20 18:00 - 19:30
Every Body Every Mind Sangha is a weekly practice group for people living with disabilities, limitations, differences and chronic illnesses.
Sundays
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

ONLINE WITH SPECIAL HYBRID DATES
March 23rd 2025 with Arisika Razak
April 20th 2025 with Anne Finger
May 18th 2025 with Mushim Ikeda
June 22nd 2025 with Anne Finger
No registration needed to attend these meetings in person. More hybrid dates may be announced in the future.

To join online, please email: ebem at eastbaymeditation dot org to request a Zoom link.
Please come and take part in this time to meditate, share our lives and support with each other, and learn more about the dharma. There is no need to register for these weekly meetings, just come and share this path together!
EveryBody, EveryMind Teacher Group: Debra Kerr, Kenji Oshima, Anne Finger, Master John W. Ellis IV, Beth Smith, Mushim Ikeda, Victor Jih, & Zac Krohn
For more info, visit the Every Body Every Mind Sangha Website.

HYBRID: Alphabet Sangha
2024-10-15 19:00 - 20:30
A meditation group for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Same-Gender Loving, and Two-Spirit communities. Because that’s such a mouthful, we call ourselves the Alphabet Sangha.
Tuesdays
7:00 – 8:30 pm
HYBRID on First and Third Tuesdays of the month! Meet at EBMC or online.
Please email: alphabetsangha at eastbaymeditation dot org to request Zoom link to join online.
For more information, visit the ALPHABET SANGHA WEBSITE

ONLINE: Racial Justice Skills for White Practitioners Peer-Led Deep Refuge Group
2024-10-17 18:00 - 19:00
Racial Justice Skills for White Practitioners meets monthly online in 2024 on the third Thursday of the month from 6PM-7PM Pacific time, with the intention to support self-identified white practitioners of meditation in working with the skills and commitments of meditation practice to contribute to racial justice and to end white supremacy, in ourselves and in the world. This group is open to all self-identified white people who have a regular meditation practice and are working towards racial justice. In each meeting we will work with a skill from dharma practice to undo a habit of white supremacy culture.
Sign up for the Zoom link at tinyurl.com/RJSWP21

HYBRID: People of Color Sangha
2024-10-17 19:00 - 20:30
The People of Color Sangha is a growing community of people of color waking up and getting free!
Thursdays
7 – 8:30 PM PST
(please note the 7pm start time is new for 2024)
Closed Captions Provided.
Zoom info: Meeting details are shared through their mailing list (subscribe on their website), and their Facebook group.

ONLINE: Kapwa Deep Refuge Group for Filipinx/a/o Practitioners
2024-10-20 09:00 - 10:30
This is a peer-led deep refuge group for self-identifying Filipinx/a/o (including mixed) folks. Together we cultivate a special community space in the intersection of Filipinx/a/o identity + culture + history and Buddhist spiritual practice. We gather to support each other, heal, and walk the Dharma path.

Kapwa Deep Refuge will meet every 3rd Sunday at 9am PST – 10:30am PST via Zoom. The inaugural meeting will be on April 21, 2024.

If you identify as Filipinx/a/o and would like to join, please contact us at: kapwa.deep.refuge@gmail.com

Center Open Hours
2024-10-20 16:00 - 18:00
We welcome you to drop by the center for unguided silent practice, our library, or a cup of tea in our kitchen.
with EBMC Staff
Sundays
4 – 6 PM Pacific Time
EBMC is a fragrance-free center and is wheelchair accessible. N95/KN95 masks required.
Note: Due to capacity limitations of our small staff, we may occasionally need to shorten or cancel open hours. We will do our best to give as much advanced notice as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

HYBRID: Midday Sangha
2024-10-23 12:00 - 13:35
