Events 2024 |
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Please include: Event Title, Date(s), Time(s), Description, URL (link) to register or find more information |
From Payback to Love Back: Relating Without Retaliating
A Day Workshop with David Richo and Barry Brown
Saturday April 13 from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
San Francisco Buddhist Center, 37 Bartlett St.
In person or on Zoom.
Bring a bag lunch or go together to a restaurant nearby.
To register write [email protected]
The donation to cover expenses is $30-$50 (PayPal or Zelle to [email protected])
The will to retaliate is in all of us. Spiritual teachers have offered an alternative: “Love your enemies.” This is a challenging practice indeed. It will take effort and an openness to grace if we are ever to fulfill it, or even believe it has value.
When we notice that we retaliate even against those we love, within a family or in an intimate relationship, we come face to face with a big challenge: we wonder whether love has truly taken hold in us.
This workshop is an invitation to explore the role of revenge in ourselves and in the world around us. We can look for ways to choose reconciliation over retribution, forgiveness over payback, love over division. We can find spiritually skillful ways to respond when others retaliate against us.
Come join us as we visit together the possibility of full commitment to caring and compassion.
David Richo, Ph.D., is psychotherapist and self-help writer who combines psychological and spiritual perspectives in his work. His website for information is davericho.com
Barry Brown, is a teacher, mentor, and workshop leader. Barry combines storytelling and spiritual formation/practices in his work.
Previous Events 2022
Finding Refuge in our True Nature: Dharma, Wisdom, and Compassion
Open to: Self-identified LGBTQIA+ Tues - Sun, Oct 17 - 22, 2023 (5 Nights) at Spirit Rock, An Insight Meditation Center Teachers: Noliwe Alexander, Carol Cano, John Martin, Louije Kim, Kimber Simpkins-Nuccio (movement) and Mario Castillo (guest trainee) Please visit this page for rates, descriptions and other policies. |
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Previous Events 2022
Reclaiming our Path of Freedom Through Love: A Retreat for the LGBT/Gender Non-Conforming Community
Open to: Self-identified LGBTQIA2S+
September 23 to 28, 2022
at Spirit Rock, An Insight Meditation Center
Teachers: Arinna Weisman, Noliwe Alexander & Jozen Tamori Gibson
Please visit this page for rates, description and other policies.
Open to: Self-identified LGBTQIA2S+
September 23 to 28, 2022
at Spirit Rock, An Insight Meditation Center
Teachers: Arinna Weisman, Noliwe Alexander & Jozen Tamori Gibson
Please visit this page for rates, description and other policies.
The SFLGBT Sangha is Celebrating our 20th Anniversary with a Daylong
In-Person and Online (Zoom)
Saturday, June 18, 2022
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
SF Buddhist Center
37 Bartlett St, San Francisco, CA 94110
In-Person and Online (Zoom)
Saturday, June 18, 2022
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
SF Buddhist Center
37 Bartlett St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Previous Events 2021
Online: 5-Day Silent Retreat led by Rev. Liên
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 6:00 AM-Saturday, April 3, 2021 2:00 PM
REGISTRATION CLOSES on WEDNESDAY, 3/24, at 5 pm PT
5 days of A2Z/Rev. Liên’s combo of Soto Zen & North American Insight practices & teachings.
Register HERE
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 6:00 AM-Saturday, April 3, 2021 2:00 PM
REGISTRATION CLOSES on WEDNESDAY, 3/24, at 5 pm PT
5 days of A2Z/Rev. Liên’s combo of Soto Zen & North American Insight practices & teachings.
Register HERE
2021 Buddhism and Race Speaker Series given by the Harvard Buddhist Community from the Harvard Divinity School.
Our original Core Teacher, Larry Yang, will be the first speaker in the Free series!
Larry's talk "Multicultural History of Dharma and Diversity: Focus on US and Insight Meditation communities"
January 28th, 4-6 PM PST, Register HERE
Our original Core Teacher, Larry Yang, will be the first speaker in the Free series!
Larry's talk "Multicultural History of Dharma and Diversity: Focus on US and Insight Meditation communities"
January 28th, 4-6 PM PST, Register HERE
Insight Retreat Center
The Insight Retreat Center (IRC) is a community-based retreat center just outside of Santa Cruz, CA. We offer silent meditation retreats throughout the year primarily focused on insight meditation (Vipassana) and the liberation teachings of the Buddha.
Please visit their Online Retreat Schedule to find out about upcoming retreats.
The Insight Retreat Center (IRC) is a community-based retreat center just outside of Santa Cruz, CA. We offer silent meditation retreats throughout the year primarily focused on insight meditation (Vipassana) and the liberation teachings of the Buddha.
Please visit their Online Retreat Schedule to find out about upcoming retreats.
Previous Events 2020
Online Retreat for the Queer & Gender-fluid Community
Saturday, Thursday Oct. 1 - Wednesday Oct. 7, 2020
We are offering a virtual one-week Vipassana Retreat, creating a container for those who identify as LGBTQIA & Gender non-conforming. Dhamma Dena Meditation Center will be hosting this online retreat with teachers Arinna Weisman, Leslie Booker and possibly others.
Please visit this page for more information and to register.
Saturday, Thursday Oct. 1 - Wednesday Oct. 7, 2020
We are offering a virtual one-week Vipassana Retreat, creating a container for those who identify as LGBTQIA & Gender non-conforming. Dhamma Dena Meditation Center will be hosting this online retreat with teachers Arinna Weisman, Leslie Booker and possibly others.
Please visit this page for more information and to register.
Awakening in Each Moment with Compassion: An LGBTQI Day Retreat at Spirit Rock
Saturday, April 25, 2020; 10:00am – 4:30pm.
Sliding Scale: $45 – 108.
Practicing compassion for ourselves and for others in community not only allows us to be sustainable in our personal and community struggles but also supports us in allowing new wisdom, joy, and love to be integrated as part of our life experiences.
Join us on this spacious land, where we will dip into the Buddhist practices of compassion for self and others, supported by offerings of music, movement, and reflection that open, nourish, and reconnect the heart. Our day together will include guided meditation, music, mindful movement, discussion, and a community-building potluck lunch.
Visit the event page for all the details.
Saturday, April 25, 2020; 10:00am – 4:30pm.
Sliding Scale: $45 – 108.
Practicing compassion for ourselves and for others in community not only allows us to be sustainable in our personal and community struggles but also supports us in allowing new wisdom, joy, and love to be integrated as part of our life experiences.
Join us on this spacious land, where we will dip into the Buddhist practices of compassion for self and others, supported by offerings of music, movement, and reflection that open, nourish, and reconnect the heart. Our day together will include guided meditation, music, mindful movement, discussion, and a community-building potluck lunch.
Visit the event page for all the details.
Previous Events 2019
LGBTQI DAY RETREAT at Spirit Rock
April 27, 2019; 10:00am – 4:30pm
Sliding Scale: $40 – 100
Teacher: John Martin
We will come together for this day of Insight Meditation practice in the safety of community, embracing all of ourselves as we cultivate the wholesome and loving qualities of our hearts and minds. There will be guided sits, instructions and periods for walking practice. In addition, there will be opportunities for sharing within the retreat container.
April 27, 2019; 10:00am – 4:30pm
Sliding Scale: $40 – 100
Teacher: John Martin
We will come together for this day of Insight Meditation practice in the safety of community, embracing all of ourselves as we cultivate the wholesome and loving qualities of our hearts and minds. There will be guided sits, instructions and periods for walking practice. In addition, there will be opportunities for sharing within the retreat container.
Previous Events 2018
LGBTQI LOVING KINDNESS DAY RETREAT at Spirit Rock
Saturday June 30, 2018, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Community Meditation Center Teacher: John Martin
Cost: Sliding Scale $40 – 100
This LGBTQI Community retreat will be spent cultivating love and loving-kindness (Metta). The practice of loving-kindness was taught by the Buddha to cultivate the natural beautiful qualities of an open and loving heart. The practice begins with ourselves and expands outward for all beings. The cultivation of loving kindness supports a caring and balanced heart that is able to open to all the joys and difficulties of life.
In this day together, there will be instructions and teachings to develop this practice and to work with the challenges that may block the full expression of the heart.
Young Adults (18-26) and Seniors (65+ with limited income) are invited to attend this day for $45.
Saturday June 30, 2018, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Community Meditation Center Teacher: John Martin
Cost: Sliding Scale $40 – 100
This LGBTQI Community retreat will be spent cultivating love and loving-kindness (Metta). The practice of loving-kindness was taught by the Buddha to cultivate the natural beautiful qualities of an open and loving heart. The practice begins with ourselves and expands outward for all beings. The cultivation of loving kindness supports a caring and balanced heart that is able to open to all the joys and difficulties of life.
In this day together, there will be instructions and teachings to develop this practice and to work with the challenges that may block the full expression of the heart.
Young Adults (18-26) and Seniors (65+ with limited income) are invited to attend this day for $45.
Lake Chabot Camping and Meditation Retreat with Arinna Weisman
(download event flyer for more information)
For Trans, Queer, Lesbian and Bi Women and the Gender Non-Conforming Community
Thursday July 12th, 4:00pm thru Sunday July 15th, noon
As we cultivate awareness and kindness we come closer to both our hearts of generosity and the coverings of defense and dis-ease. In the environment of dharma, nature and community there is the beautiful support to open, relax and let go into wisdom and friendship. There will be guided meditations, dharma talks, group sharing and time for exploring and walking.
Register online: arinnaweisman.org/retreats
(download event flyer for more information)
For Trans, Queer, Lesbian and Bi Women and the Gender Non-Conforming Community
Thursday July 12th, 4:00pm thru Sunday July 15th, noon
As we cultivate awareness and kindness we come closer to both our hearts of generosity and the coverings of defense and dis-ease. In the environment of dharma, nature and community there is the beautiful support to open, relax and let go into wisdom and friendship. There will be guided meditations, dharma talks, group sharing and time for exploring and walking.
Register online: arinnaweisman.org/retreats
A Path of Happiness: A Retreat for the LGBTQI Gender-Fluid Community at Spirit Rock Meditation Center
[download flyer here for more information]
Auguest 13 (Monday) 3:00 PM – August 18 (Saturday) 11:30 AM
with ARINNA WEISMAN, LAMA ROD OWENS, NOLIWE ALEXANDER, KATY WISS (TRAINEE)
How do we open to the challenges and uncertainties of our lives and the worlds we live in without being imprisoned in hatred, passivity or grief. The Buddha’s teaching of liberation offers us a practice to build the capacities of faith, kindness and wisdom and to orient towards building peace.
In the blessings of our queer community, we will explore ourselves through guided meditations, dharma talks, and group and individual inquiry.
Spirit Rock extends a special invitation to young adults (age 18-26) who wish to attend this retreat at a rate of $35 per night, on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of special rates are available, please apply early.
[download flyer here for more information]
Auguest 13 (Monday) 3:00 PM – August 18 (Saturday) 11:30 AM
with ARINNA WEISMAN, LAMA ROD OWENS, NOLIWE ALEXANDER, KATY WISS (TRAINEE)
How do we open to the challenges and uncertainties of our lives and the worlds we live in without being imprisoned in hatred, passivity or grief. The Buddha’s teaching of liberation offers us a practice to build the capacities of faith, kindness and wisdom and to orient towards building peace.
In the blessings of our queer community, we will explore ourselves through guided meditations, dharma talks, and group and individual inquiry.
Spirit Rock extends a special invitation to young adults (age 18-26) who wish to attend this retreat at a rate of $35 per night, on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of special rates are available, please apply early.
Mindfulness Care Center, 42 Gough St, SF --- Saturday September 16th 9:30-1:00pm
This half-day retreat is open for those in the LGBTQ who might be new to mindfulness and meditation, as well as those who have a longer meditation practice. The day includes silent meditation, walking practice, short dharma talks and some relational practices.
The focus of the half-day is on the third refuge, sangha, and our response to current events. We’ll explore the teachings of the Buddha in meditation practice and how to integrate mindfulness into our daily lives. We view the dharma through a queer perspective, viewing the Buddha’s teaching through our LGBTQ experiences to see how this can lead to greater freedom.
The class is offered on a dana/donation basis, the MCC is supported by the practice of shared generosity. To register for the retreat: http://mindfulnesscare.org/calendar/828 click on + Book this event
Teachers:
Pam Peirce began practicing meditation in 1995, studying in the traditions of Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron. She has completed Spirit Rock Meditation Center's Dedicated Practitioner Program and is currently training with the Community Dharma Leadership Program. She lives with her wife in San Francisco.
Baruch Golden has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1998. He completed the Community Dharma Leaders program through Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Buddhist Chaplaincy Training Program at the Sati Center in Redwood City. He teaches at East Bay Meditation Center and at sitting groups in the Bay Area.
This half-day retreat is open for those in the LGBTQ who might be new to mindfulness and meditation, as well as those who have a longer meditation practice. The day includes silent meditation, walking practice, short dharma talks and some relational practices.
The focus of the half-day is on the third refuge, sangha, and our response to current events. We’ll explore the teachings of the Buddha in meditation practice and how to integrate mindfulness into our daily lives. We view the dharma through a queer perspective, viewing the Buddha’s teaching through our LGBTQ experiences to see how this can lead to greater freedom.
The class is offered on a dana/donation basis, the MCC is supported by the practice of shared generosity. To register for the retreat: http://mindfulnesscare.org/calendar/828 click on + Book this event
Teachers:
Pam Peirce began practicing meditation in 1995, studying in the traditions of Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron. She has completed Spirit Rock Meditation Center's Dedicated Practitioner Program and is currently training with the Community Dharma Leadership Program. She lives with her wife in San Francisco.
Baruch Golden has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1998. He completed the Community Dharma Leaders program through Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Buddhist Chaplaincy Training Program at the Sati Center in Redwood City. He teaches at East Bay Meditation Center and at sitting groups in the Bay Area.
5 day LGBTQI Insight Retreat with John Martin and Bruni Davila
October 4 to 8, 2018 - Hours: Thursday check-in is from 2:00 to 4:00 pm End time: Monday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat for the LGBTQI community. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together in the safety of community, embracing all of ourselves as we cultivate the wholesome and loving qualities of our hearts and minds. There will be alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners who self-identify as LGBTQI or genderqueer.
FAQ - APPLY ONLINE - Registration opened June 4, 2018 - Login or Register for Carpooling
October 4 to 8, 2018 - Hours: Thursday check-in is from 2:00 to 4:00 pm End time: Monday 1:00 pm
A silent mindfulness retreat for the LGBTQI community. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together in the safety of community, embracing all of ourselves as we cultivate the wholesome and loving qualities of our hearts and minds. There will be alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners who self-identify as LGBTQI or genderqueer.
FAQ - APPLY ONLINE - Registration opened June 4, 2018 - Login or Register for Carpooling
- Note: Your application and $100 deposit must by received by 6/25/18 to be entered into the lottery. Applicants will be notified in mid-July if they have been Accepted or are on the Waiting List. Subsequent applications will be added to the Waiting List.
- Questions: Contact the Registrar (email preferred), Leo Hirai, [email protected] or 310-804-1384
Healing the Oppressor Within: A Space for White Men to Explore the Intersection of Whiteness and Masculinity in the Context of the Dharma
Dear Awakening White Men,
You are warmly invited to attend a daylong at the East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland. During the day we will investigate the intersections of masculinity and whiteness, within the context of the dharma. We will reflect on and practice with how we can gain increasing awareness of, take responsibility for, and ultimately heal the parts of ourselves that cause oppression in the world. If you are a white man and wish to explore your own masculinity and whiteness, join us for this rare opportunity. If you know any white men who may be interested, please share this with them.
Deep bows.
Baruch Golden, Gregory Mengel and Tom Malarkey
Dear Awakening White Men,
You are warmly invited to attend a daylong at the East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland. During the day we will investigate the intersections of masculinity and whiteness, within the context of the dharma. We will reflect on and practice with how we can gain increasing awareness of, take responsibility for, and ultimately heal the parts of ourselves that cause oppression in the world. If you are a white man and wish to explore your own masculinity and whiteness, join us for this rare opportunity. If you know any white men who may be interested, please share this with them.
Deep bows.
Baruch Golden, Gregory Mengel and Tom Malarkey
If you'd like us to post your Buddhist event here, please send us an email with all the details.