Talk Series,
Guest Teachers
and Events
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW:
"WINGING IT"
Wisdom and compassion are the two wings of the Buddhist path, we need both to fly.
Based on the discussions within the group from the current or previous week, I'll dive deeper into a subject offering commentary for contemplation and discussion.
The intent is to bring out the practicality of the Buddha Dharma, to boil down complicated doctrine to the point where we can actually use the teachings as a road map, or user's manual for life's problems.
Come with your questions or 'fixed views & opinions' and let's see if we can put something together, or break something apart 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
DHARMA BOOX!
Launched Mid-2024, A DPXSF Book Club hosted by Emily. This casual group commits to reading through curated, primary-source Dharma books, and meeting weekly to share our discoveries. Members volunteer to start the discussion each week with their highlights.
Join our regular Wednesday night group to ask for details, day, and time.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT:
I TAKE REQUESTS! Feel free to suggest a particular area of focus for a talk or series and related literature for consideration.
Like this, in January '24: Q&A, "no shortcuts to liberation", Not-self / 5 Aggregates.,
February '24: Wise Speech... This turned into a 4-week series. Discussing evolution of communication, Buddhas advice and similes, media communication, propaganda, and the harm of complacency and inner dialogue.
February '24: Wise Speech... This turned into a 4-week series. Discussing evolution of communication, Buddhas advice and similes, media communication, propaganda, and the harm of complacency and inner dialogue.
FOR MORE UPDATES:
Please check out our Journal & Newsletters HERE
and SIGN UP FOR OUR MAILING LIST
ALSO, keep an eye on our social media posts on
Instagram and facebook
Please check out our Journal & Newsletters HERE
and SIGN UP FOR OUR MAILING LIST
ALSO, keep an eye on our social media posts on
Instagram and facebook
WHAT JUST HAPPENED:
(mid)MARCH - JULY 2024 >>
TOPIC STUDY SERIES
Paṭiccasamuppāda; links of co-dependent origination
With articles and commentary from Ajahn Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu, making the case for dependent co-arising as a natural law, and builds a compelling presentation of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice.
Participants:
Find the Under the Bodhi Tree Book HERE
& a super-geeky article referenced here HERE
TOPIC STUDY SERIES
Paṭiccasamuppāda; links of co-dependent origination
With articles and commentary from Ajahn Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu, making the case for dependent co-arising as a natural law, and builds a compelling presentation of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice.
Participants:
Find the Under the Bodhi Tree Book HERE
& a super-geeky article referenced here HERE
LAST YEAR:
August - December 2023
BOOK-FOCUSED SERIES
Breath By Breath; The Liberation Practice of Insight Meditation by Larry Rosenberg PURCHASE OPTIONS OF THE BOOK HERE
Freedom from suffering is not only possible, but the means for achieving it are immediately within our grasp—literally as close to us as our own breath. The guidance found in this book is a conversational and user friendly commentary on the Anapanasati Sutta as presented by Bhikkhu Buddhadhasa, a favorite among SF Dharmapunx!
This is the primary book I recommend for this course. It's for everyone as an easy read, light-hearted and sometimes funny. That's the mode I bring to the weekly groups. However, this is a serious practice. And as serious meditators, i would like to invite you to take a (much) deeper dive into the vastness of depth the teaching has to afford us. Please consider referring to Mindfulness with Breathing A Manual for Serious Beginners by Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and for the true aspirant, check out this (FREE pdf) version of the Anapanasati manual, which is pretty hard-core (especially in the beginning) as it was mainly intended for monks and translated from 1959 Thai teachings.
This course, like any other, is available to pop in and out of as you are able. And, it is true that you will get of it what you put in. Please consider making a commitment to show up for the entire course.
We'll have a soft launch the first week or two of August
BOOK-FOCUSED SERIES
Breath By Breath; The Liberation Practice of Insight Meditation by Larry Rosenberg PURCHASE OPTIONS OF THE BOOK HERE
Freedom from suffering is not only possible, but the means for achieving it are immediately within our grasp—literally as close to us as our own breath. The guidance found in this book is a conversational and user friendly commentary on the Anapanasati Sutta as presented by Bhikkhu Buddhadhasa, a favorite among SF Dharmapunx!
This is the primary book I recommend for this course. It's for everyone as an easy read, light-hearted and sometimes funny. That's the mode I bring to the weekly groups. However, this is a serious practice. And as serious meditators, i would like to invite you to take a (much) deeper dive into the vastness of depth the teaching has to afford us. Please consider referring to Mindfulness with Breathing A Manual for Serious Beginners by Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and for the true aspirant, check out this (FREE pdf) version of the Anapanasati manual, which is pretty hard-core (especially in the beginning) as it was mainly intended for monks and translated from 1959 Thai teachings.
This course, like any other, is available to pop in and out of as you are able. And, it is true that you will get of it what you put in. Please consider making a commitment to show up for the entire course.
We'll have a soft launch the first week or two of August
May-July 2023
BOOK-FOCUSED SERIES:
Lovingkindness; The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg GET A COPY HERE
Insight meditation practice can be a treacherous journey without a good map and proper equipment. In this series, we look into our ability to armor ourselves with attitudes of kindness, compassion, appreciation and equanimity.
A staple in any aspiring western Buddhist's library, this book is a classic introduction to the Divine Abodes.
Hop in anywhere! Suggested reading is 2 chapters a week (about 30 pages) if you want to keep pace, or just show up go along for the ride.
BOOK-FOCUSED SERIES:
Lovingkindness; The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg GET A COPY HERE
Insight meditation practice can be a treacherous journey without a good map and proper equipment. In this series, we look into our ability to armor ourselves with attitudes of kindness, compassion, appreciation and equanimity.
A staple in any aspiring western Buddhist's library, this book is a classic introduction to the Divine Abodes.
Hop in anywhere! Suggested reading is 2 chapters a week (about 30 pages) if you want to keep pace, or just show up go along for the ride.
Join us in committing to a Deep-Dive practice in Metta (Loving-kindness) meditation everyday for the Month of May.
Connect weekly for more info and sharing your experience. |
In the works: TWO BOOKS for group study this summer.
Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg and Breath By Breath by Larry Rosenberg To be prepared and engaged, get a copy of these books in hand! If you'd like a free copy sent to you, compliments of SFDPX, just reach out and ask. |
FEB-MAR '23:
6-Part Book-Focused Series
Topics and talks inspired by, and sharing from, the teachings of Ajahn Chah as collected in this book;
"Everything Arises, Everything Passes Away"
RIGHT VIEW, ANNICCA (Impermenence), DUKKHA (Unsatisfactoriness), ANNATTA (Not-Self), POINTS IN MEDITATION & COMPLETING THE PATH.
6-Part Book-Focused Series
Topics and talks inspired by, and sharing from, the teachings of Ajahn Chah as collected in this book;
"Everything Arises, Everything Passes Away"
RIGHT VIEW, ANNICCA (Impermenence), DUKKHA (Unsatisfactoriness), ANNATTA (Not-Self), POINTS IN MEDITATION & COMPLETING THE PATH.
The registration window to join the 2023 Year to Live Group has closed and monthly sessions are now underway through February. 2024.
I encourage everyone to engage in this experiment at some point in their lives. Feel free to contact me with questions or support for your own practice. And... we may just do it again someday/year ;)
I encourage everyone to engage in this experiment at some point in their lives. Feel free to contact me with questions or support for your own practice. And... we may just do it again someday/year ;)
The Year To Live book by Stephen Levine, maps out a unique opportunity to prepare for the most significant and guaranteed part of your life; your death. It’s a year to imagine you are given a terminal diagnosis. And experience what you will feel, think, fear, and do with your remaining 12 months in preparation for the final breath. Almost no one prepares for dying their best death while trying to live their best life. Then we find out far too late that there’s no time left for it. Stephen outlines a suggested course of kind, aware and compassionate action for group practice in the back of the book, which will be utilized as our blueprint.
The second Sunday morning at 10:00 (PST) of each month is for the large group meeting which would begin February 12th (REGISTRATION CLOSES BEFORE)
- Create a monthly group to meet in for a couple hours or more if needed, to engage in the practices outlined and discuss our process and discoveries along the way.
- Commit to readings and other suggested activity in getting your affairs in order.
- Present guest speakers with prior experience leading in this program and chaplaincy work.
- Meditation guidance and relative Buddhist teachings discussed.
- Dedicate a private/secret social media page for interim group sharing
- Encourage participants to connect voluntarily between meetings for accountability and support.
In 2018, Emily and I experienced this yearlong process together, guided by Vinny Ferraro and Noah Levine. To say it was a year to remember would be a massive understatement. It reorganized the way we consume the world around us, culminating in the virtue of treading lightly and with fewer regrets of haste or waste. Later that year, this very Sangha was formed as a direct result of this refreshed attitude toward our time here. Now, as an endorsed Buddhist Meditation Teacher, I am encouraged and supported to facilitate this course.
These offerings are typically $750 - $1,500 for the (online) course elsewhere. But that’s not how we roll. We’ll offer this at your discretion of generosity. However, a real commitment to oblige the group of your time and attention is totally required. So please consider your willingness and ability to stick with it all the way through before you decide. And pick up a copy of the book (paperback is best in this case).
March 2023: THIS COURSE IS CLOSED FOR NEW REGISTRATION. I encourage everyone to take on this experiment, however, at some point in life before it's "too late". Please reach out for any way you feel I may be of assistance,
2022 and before:
Aug 10th, 2022 >>>
The Buddha’s teachings, shared and spread orally for centuries, seemed to be designed for carrying in mind.
Lists and repetition are common: 3 refuges, 4 noble truths, 5 hindrances, etc… In this series, we’ll start with one* (or zero) and take it on up the numbers week by week. Hop in anywhere, no previous (or too much) knowledge required. *See HERE that we cannot be "One With Everything" 🤣 |
A VERY LOOSE SCHEDULE OF TEACHINGS:
(Mid-August, 2022) 1 – Mind, Opportunity 2 – Wings of Dharma, Kinds of thinking (September - October) 3 – Refuges, Ways of Suffering, Kinds of Craving, Poisons, (Characteristics of Existence) 4 – Noble Truths… (November) …Foundations of Mindfulness, Divine Abodes 5 – Hindrances, Aggregates, Precepts (December - January) 6 – Sense doors, Realms of Rebirth (samsara) 7 – Factors of Awakening 8 – Fold Path 10 – Perfections 12 – Links of Dependent Origination 16 - steps of Anapanasati |
WARD!AUGUST 3rd
Please come out and join us in welcoming Ward Robinson, from Los Angeles, to lead our Sangha for an evening of meditation and Dharma discussion. Ward Robinson is a facilitator trained in Theravada Buddhism by Noah Levine at Against the Stream. He has been teaching weekly dharma and meditation classes since late 2019 and has been practicing and studying the dharma since 2008. Ward is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology and has a deep love for and interest in the enduring beauty, power, and accuracy of the teachings of the Buddha. |
BOOK STUDY: The Breakthrough
MAY the 4th (be with you) through July, 2022 Please get your digital or paper book HERE and consider making a donation to Abhayagiri Monastery |
~ Some of you may have heard me use the term "unentangled participating" ...a term I ripped off directly from Ajahn Amaro in this amazing book.
“...The Breakthrough is intended to be a somewhat more specialized toolkit, describing the path of Buddhist meditation in an in-depth way, specifically highlighting the role of wisdom and reflective investigation in the development of insight and thereby psychological freedom. The title The Breakthrough comes from the Pali word ‘abhisamaya’. The word, as used by the Buddha, is synonymous with the first level of liberation, known as ‘stream-entry’ – the ‘stream’ in question being the Eightfold Path, which leads to full emancipation, enlightenment. As is described in these pages, this breakthrough is considered to be a spiritual turning point of great significance. It marks the point on the spiritual journey beyond which enlightenment is assured and freedom guaranteed.” Excerpt From: The Breakthrough, by Ajahn Amaro This material may be protected by copyright. |
Come meet Noah Levine!
Dharma teacher, best selling author, founder of Against the Stream and Refuge Recovery and most importantly, our good friend Noah will be with us this week.
We’ll be in conversation about meditation practice and application of Dharma practice in daily life. A great opportunity to ask questions in a casual setting.
Please come if you can, we want to appreciate the effort of his travels and support of our sangha. Bring your friends and please arrive before 7:30.
(On Zoom too)
Always freely offered, $20 is a nice contribution.
Dharma teacher, best selling author, founder of Against the Stream and Refuge Recovery and most importantly, our good friend Noah will be with us this week.
We’ll be in conversation about meditation practice and application of Dharma practice in daily life. A great opportunity to ask questions in a casual setting.
Please come if you can, we want to appreciate the effort of his travels and support of our sangha. Bring your friends and please arrive before 7:30.
(On Zoom too)
Always freely offered, $20 is a nice contribution.
Sunset Sea Kayaking Trip June 25th!
RSVP for this special event provided by Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
Trip details HERE (offered by donation)
RSVP for this special event provided by Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
Trip details HERE (offered by donation)
Community Picnic May 7th!
Wonderful, locally prepared food provided for all
who RSVP!! Bring you choice of beverage and toys!
Wonderful, locally prepared food provided for all
who RSVP!! Bring you choice of beverage and toys!
February/March 2022Find a copy of the book HERECome join us for a trip through this practical perspective.
We’ll keep a reasonable weekly reading pace and spend some time each week sharing our takeaway. |
“In this simple but important volume, Stephen Batchelor reminds us that the Buddha was not a mystic who claimed privileged, esoteric knowledge of the universe, but a man who challenged us to understand the nature of anguish, let go of its origins, and bring into being a way of life that is available to us all. The concepts and practices of Buddhism, says Batchelor, are not something to believe in but something to do—and as he explains clearly and compellingly, it is a practice that we can engage in, regardless of our background or beliefs, as we live every day on the path to spiritual enlightenment.” “…A national bestseller and acclaimed guide to Buddhism for beginners and practitioners alike.” Buddhism Without Beliefs Reading Schedule:
Read By: 2/2/22 Preface through page 20 2/9/22 21 – 38 2/16/22 39 – 54 2/23/22 55 – 74 3/2/22 75 – 90 3/9/22 91 – 108 3/16/22 109 – 115 (catch up/wrap up) |
- Beginning AUGUST 2021:
- This 8-week series, Exploring Anapanasati, will follow the wisdom and guidance of this book by Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. we'll learn together about this ancient meditation method, believed to be most often practiced and taught by the Buddha himself.
- We’ll commit to reading 8 short chapters over 8 weeks and to the corresponding meditation practice along the way.
- Further commentary from other sources will be presented and open discussion about our experience and insights welcomed and encouraged.
- Continued attendance is highly recommended for this course, however dropping in is always fine too!
- Our classes are always freely offered and sustained by your generosity.
- Open to all and any level of experience. No registration required.
- We will have a few copies of the book available for cost or pick up a copy on your own to be engaged in the classes. You can buy them direct from the publisher here: Mindfulness with Breathing (Wisdom Publications)
About the book:
“Any practitioner, after meditating for some time, inevitably wonders what meditation method the historical Buddha Shakyamuni himself used while beneath the Bodhi Tree. Many people understand that prior to his realization, Shakyamuni Buddha studied with many of the great yogis of his time, but most do not know what method he ultimately found leads most directly to nirvana. In Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's book, Mindfulness With Breathing, the Thai meditation master provides practitioners with penetrating insights into the Anapanasati Sutta, the canonical text which many believe is the most direct transmission of Shakyamuni Buddha's breath meditation methods. Combined with a concise translation of the sutta itself, Mindfulness with Breathing is one of the best guides to Buddhist meditation practice available in the English language.”
*** I also highly recommend reading "Breath By Breath" by Larry Rosenberg which I will be referencing during the series.
You can find copies of Larry's book on Amazon or through buying direct from the Publisher, Shambala or get a PDF of it HERE
MINDFULNESS - A Deep Dive into the Satipatthana Sutta
JUNE - JULY 2021 We'll study and practice the Buddha's teaching on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The Buddha described this as the direct path to realization of liberation from suffering. 'The Buddha introduces this discourse with an amazingly bold and unambiguous statement: “This is the direct path for the purification of beings, for the surmounting of sorrow and lamentation, for the disappearance of pain and grief, for the attainment of the true way, for the realization of nibbāna—namely the four foundations of mindfulness.” Given the magnitude and import of this declaration—this is the direct path to liberation—it will be useful to explore this discourse in detail, using the Buddha’s own words to guide and deepen our understanding. And as we look at this sutta, we find that all of the Buddha’s teachings are contained within it. With each of these four ways of establishing mindfulness, the Buddha teaches different methods and techniques that liberate the mind. By the end of the discourse, he has laid out this most amazing and complete path to awakening.' Goldstein, Joseph. Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening . |
Resources for this Series include:
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening and Satipatthana; The Direct Path to Realization |
MARCH - MAY, 2021, we'll work through the Fourth Noble Truth by investigating the Eightfold Path in detail, referring to Bhikkhu Bodhi's The Noble Eightfold Path; Way to the End of Suffering.
The intent will be to focus on one aspect each week for eight weeks. The invitation will be for the group to contemplate and focus on how each of these aspects shows up in daily life as we move through them.
Please consider getting yourself a copy of this book, support local businesses if possible. And... HERE is a free downloadable PDF version.
Enjoy!
The intent will be to focus on one aspect each week for eight weeks. The invitation will be for the group to contemplate and focus on how each of these aspects shows up in daily life as we move through them.
Please consider getting yourself a copy of this book, support local businesses if possible. And... HERE is a free downloadable PDF version.
Enjoy!
Taking it from the top in 2021:
A new series beginning in JANUARY will take us from Sid's early days to the Awakening, The Turning of the Wheel of Dharma and on into the Eightfold path. This Series will take on a life of its own and likely take us through Winter.
By Spring, I'm working on and idea to combine and compare two Major Teachings: The Satipatthana (the "What is" of mindfulness) and the Anapanasati Sutta (which I like to refer to as the Buddha's "How to" of mindfulness meditation)
Resourses: Buddhism, A concise Introduction | What the Buddha Taught | The Life of Buddha | Dancing with Life
A new series beginning in JANUARY will take us from Sid's early days to the Awakening, The Turning of the Wheel of Dharma and on into the Eightfold path. This Series will take on a life of its own and likely take us through Winter.
By Spring, I'm working on and idea to combine and compare two Major Teachings: The Satipatthana (the "What is" of mindfulness) and the Anapanasati Sutta (which I like to refer to as the Buddha's "How to" of mindfulness meditation)
Resourses: Buddhism, A concise Introduction | What the Buddha Taught | The Life of Buddha | Dancing with Life
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Grab bag Dharma topics for the month of DECEMBER, 2020. Stop in to join the conversation, reviewing former topics, current events in the Dharma lens and sharing of favorite Buddhist teachings, fables and metaphors.
This PDF book will be used for reference at times over the course of the series:
acharn_surin-the_perfections_leading_to_enlightenment.pdf Drop in to any or all classes (free/donation) Enjoy! |
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2020
CLASS SERIES: The Ten "Paramis" (Perfections) ~or~ How to Improve Your Karma in Ten (not-so-easy) Steps! In this series, we'll take a look into each of these qualities which are said, once perfected, to completely eradicate defilements and lead to total enlightenment! - Guaranteed! Who wouldn't want that? Generosity, dåna & Intro: 9/2 Morality, síla: 9/9 Renunciation, nekkhamma: 9/16 Wisdom, paññå: 9/23 Energy, viriya: 9/30 Patience, khanti: 10/7 Truthfulness, sacca: 10/14 Determination, adiììhåna: 10/21 Loving-kindness, mettå: 10/28 Equanimity, upekkhå: 11/4 |
AUGUST 2020: Not Holding to Fixed Views
Here, we'll be looking at ways we get stuck holding on to stuff that might be holding us back from freedom to grow, open up and gain wisdom and compassion. The way we place narratives around the people we know, the stories of our past experiences and how the teachings of the Buddha (and our lives) are "supposed to be".
We play a round of "Two Truths and a Lie" with each other as a fun way to discover the the book doesn't always match the cover. I'll offer a few stories and relative teachings around this theme and the focal point of of Sutta Study will be:
Alagaddupama Sutta: The Water-Snake Simile / The Simile of the Raft
Here are a couple of links for reference (MN:22):
suttacentral.net by Sujato
and
accesstoinsight.org by Thanisarro
Here, we'll be looking at ways we get stuck holding on to stuff that might be holding us back from freedom to grow, open up and gain wisdom and compassion. The way we place narratives around the people we know, the stories of our past experiences and how the teachings of the Buddha (and our lives) are "supposed to be".
We play a round of "Two Truths and a Lie" with each other as a fun way to discover the the book doesn't always match the cover. I'll offer a few stories and relative teachings around this theme and the focal point of of Sutta Study will be:
Alagaddupama Sutta: The Water-Snake Simile / The Simile of the Raft
Here are a couple of links for reference (MN:22):
suttacentral.net by Sujato
and
accesstoinsight.org by Thanisarro
Beginning June 3rd, 2020
Update: Group Led by (Author) Noah Levine June 17th!
BOOK STUDY SERIES:
"The Heart of the Revolution; The Buddhas's Radical Teachings on Forgiveness, Compassion and Kindness" By Noah Levine
Learn about the rare, radical and rebellious journey few are willing and ready to take into redirecting their hearts and minds from the natural tendencies to fear, hate and grasp and toward the hidden freedom and power of compassion, forgiveness and universal kindness.
These topics will be integrated into our usual meeting format. Additional resources and commentary will be provided in short Dharma talks as well.
In this 6 week (+/-) Series of classes, we'll practice and discuss our own findings as we work through the chapters and recommended meditations. Pick up a copy of the book or simply join in the conversation at any point.
The topics will be integrated into our usual meeting format. Additional resources and commentary will be provided in short Dharma talks as well.
Digital copies of the book are available at online retailers and the paperback is available HERE through Against The Stream Meditation Center. if you'd like to support local business, please contact your local bookseller and have them send you one. One of our group recommends calling Walden Pond Books of Oakland.
Tentative Reading Schedule:
Part 1: Week 1-2
Part 2: Week 3-4
Part 3: Week 5-6
**I also recommend reading Sharon Salzberg's "Lovingkindness; The Revolutionary Art of Happiness" as a complimentary supplement to this series.
Update: Group Led by (Author) Noah Levine June 17th!
BOOK STUDY SERIES:
"The Heart of the Revolution; The Buddhas's Radical Teachings on Forgiveness, Compassion and Kindness" By Noah Levine
Learn about the rare, radical and rebellious journey few are willing and ready to take into redirecting their hearts and minds from the natural tendencies to fear, hate and grasp and toward the hidden freedom and power of compassion, forgiveness and universal kindness.
These topics will be integrated into our usual meeting format. Additional resources and commentary will be provided in short Dharma talks as well.
In this 6 week (+/-) Series of classes, we'll practice and discuss our own findings as we work through the chapters and recommended meditations. Pick up a copy of the book or simply join in the conversation at any point.
The topics will be integrated into our usual meeting format. Additional resources and commentary will be provided in short Dharma talks as well.
Digital copies of the book are available at online retailers and the paperback is available HERE through Against The Stream Meditation Center. if you'd like to support local business, please contact your local bookseller and have them send you one. One of our group recommends calling Walden Pond Books of Oakland.
Tentative Reading Schedule:
Part 1: Week 1-2
Part 2: Week 3-4
Part 3: Week 5-6
**I also recommend reading Sharon Salzberg's "Lovingkindness; The Revolutionary Art of Happiness" as a complimentary supplement to this series.
MAY/JUNE 2020
"DHARMATALK MASHUPS"
Yeah, It's been kind of a thing with me lately. Taking a couple of teachings or Buddhist philosophies and combining them into a talk, then looking for connections, similarities, paradoxes ...all that.
For example: "Sole Salvation vs. Metta", "Appreciation vs. Non-attachment" and "Karma vs. Not-self or; what you are and what you aren't". See? So come check it out and you call me crazy too! haha!
Settling in here on Zoom we're just pretending like it's as normal as possible. It's actually been a lot of goodness! Meeting people from all over the world and becoming friends in the Sangha. In fact, if (and when) we ever get back into a room together, we may just have to keep this new channel open so we don't disconnect. That would be a shame.
I'm also going to take the leap into taking the weekly meeting on to Facebook Live, for the first time on 5/20/20. Due to my negligence in adhering to requests to record things, and from a solid nudge from my teacher to get myself out there a bit more. So - we'll see how this goes.
That's what's up these days.
"DHARMATALK MASHUPS"
Yeah, It's been kind of a thing with me lately. Taking a couple of teachings or Buddhist philosophies and combining them into a talk, then looking for connections, similarities, paradoxes ...all that.
For example: "Sole Salvation vs. Metta", "Appreciation vs. Non-attachment" and "Karma vs. Not-self or; what you are and what you aren't". See? So come check it out and you call me crazy too! haha!
Settling in here on Zoom we're just pretending like it's as normal as possible. It's actually been a lot of goodness! Meeting people from all over the world and becoming friends in the Sangha. In fact, if (and when) we ever get back into a room together, we may just have to keep this new channel open so we don't disconnect. That would be a shame.
I'm also going to take the leap into taking the weekly meeting on to Facebook Live, for the first time on 5/20/20. Due to my negligence in adhering to requests to record things, and from a solid nudge from my teacher to get myself out there a bit more. So - we'll see how this goes.
That's what's up these days.
March - April, 2020
CLASS SERIES:
Seven Factors of Awakening
“Bhikkhus, this is how ānāpānasati, which one has developed and made much of, perfects the four foundations of mindfulness.”
“Bhikkhus, how do the four foundations of mindfulness, which one has developed and made much of, perfect the seven factors of awakening?"...
Buddhadasa. Mindfulness with Breathing
The first of these classes (March 4th) will give an overview of Teachings and Practices that naturally lead to this seven-layered cycle of mental states within all of us that can be captured and cultivated for our benefit.
These will then be the topics over the following 7 weeks, and conclude with review on the last week of April.
This course may be seen as a progression from the recently completed Class Series' (Anapanasati Aug. '19, and Satipatthana/Four Foundations Dec. '18). Or as a stand alone course which may enrich understanding or serve as an introduction into core teachings and inspire further investigation. Either way, it's always best if you can commit to a Class Series from beginning to end. And of course, dropping in to any class is just fine, too.
CLASS SERIES:
Seven Factors of Awakening
“Bhikkhus, this is how ānāpānasati, which one has developed and made much of, perfects the four foundations of mindfulness.”
“Bhikkhus, how do the four foundations of mindfulness, which one has developed and made much of, perfect the seven factors of awakening?"...
Buddhadasa. Mindfulness with Breathing
The first of these classes (March 4th) will give an overview of Teachings and Practices that naturally lead to this seven-layered cycle of mental states within all of us that can be captured and cultivated for our benefit.
These will then be the topics over the following 7 weeks, and conclude with review on the last week of April.
This course may be seen as a progression from the recently completed Class Series' (Anapanasati Aug. '19, and Satipatthana/Four Foundations Dec. '18). Or as a stand alone course which may enrich understanding or serve as an introduction into core teachings and inspire further investigation. Either way, it's always best if you can commit to a Class Series from beginning to end. And of course, dropping in to any class is just fine, too.
- Class Series' are open to everyone, and no registration is required
- Classes include: guided and silent meditation (suitable for all levels of experience), recommended reading, Q&A, Dharma talk, guided and open discussion.
- We'll be pulling wisdom from sources such as: Joseph Goldstein, Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, Analayo, other scholar's commentaries citing the Samyutta Nikaya (sec.46) - and naturally formulating our own ideas and perceptions about these things and sharing them in our native tongue!
- These Class Series have been a lot of fun for us as group over the past - because we make it that way! Plan to come and really get into it and... be ready to really get something out of it!
January/February 2020: Ongoing discussions of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in daily life.
Here are a few of the Headlines brewing for upcoming talks (in no particular order):
Here are a few of the Headlines brewing for upcoming talks (in no particular order):
- Forgiveness vs. Renunciation
- Acrobats and Ox Puddles
- Long Spoon Arms
- Imitators and Innovators
February 26
Guest Teacher: NOAH LEVINE Rolls in to SomaDharma! |
We're happy to be once again welcoming and hosting an evening with our good friend, Noah.
Don't miss the rare opportunity to experience Noah's unique style of guiding meditation and teaching that opened the door to Dharma, Buddhism and recovery for thousands of people (like me) Live in San Francisco! Noah has been practicing Buddhism since 1988. He turned to Buddhist meditation practice to recover from addiction and has successfully maintained abstinence. His teachers are mostly westerners who trained in the Theravadan tradition in Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka.
His first book, Dharma Punx was published in 2003 and helped to spread the dharma to his generation. In 2007 he founded the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. In 2008 he developed and implemented a Buddhist based addiction treatment program called Refuge Recovery, which is now flourishing around the world with hundreds of meetings. These days Noah is primarily engaged in teaching Dharma in classes, workshops and retreats, training new Dharma teachers and spending time with his two young children. |
01.01.2020
Start off that commitment to meditation in 2020 right on day one ! Please join us in celebrating the 100% success rate of surviving life’s every moment this far! We’ll get together and figure out how we did it and how we want to continue this year. Guided meditation and fellowship. Fun, informative and informal special event. Everyone welcome. There’ll be some food to share and a gift to give yourself. Clean and sober community. RSVP, Reach out for more info or just show up! . |
NOVEMBER 27TH - DECEMBER 4TH: Buddha, The Rebel Saint.
In these couple of weeks, we'll take a look at how Siddhartha found a path long forgotten and woke up to see the corruption of the status quo. How most religions follow similar traits that lead us according to authority, tradition and ritual rather than our own internal wisdom. This freedom, developed through direct experience and practice of the eightfold path might be seen as problematic to a culture that wants to keep us going with the flow of greed, hatred and delusion.
In these couple of weeks, we'll take a look at how Siddhartha found a path long forgotten and woke up to see the corruption of the status quo. How most religions follow similar traits that lead us according to authority, tradition and ritual rather than our own internal wisdom. This freedom, developed through direct experience and practice of the eightfold path might be seen as problematic to a culture that wants to keep us going with the flow of greed, hatred and delusion.
OCTOBER 16th, 23rd & 30th
3-part Talk Series: The Triple Gem
Also known as the "Three Refuges" of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
Discover what it means to "go for Refuge" in our potential for awakening, the laws of nature and the community that supports our search for harmony.
3-part Talk Series: The Triple Gem
Also known as the "Three Refuges" of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
Discover what it means to "go for Refuge" in our potential for awakening, the laws of nature and the community that supports our search for harmony.
- Our classes are always freely offered and sustained by your generosity.
- Open to all and any level of experience. No registration required.
- Drop-in classes, ok to come in at any point. Start where you are!
OCTOBER 9th
SPECIAL GUEST: Eben Sterling
Presents a practice, reading, Q&A and book signing of his brand new, completely self produced and published book:
"YOGI IN DISNEYLAND; Finding Enlightenment On The Dark Rides Of The Magic Kingdom"
Eben is one of my very best friends and I'm delighted by his work. After 25 years at Thrasher Magazine, he's collected a number of very talented, artistic friends to help illustrate this beautiful collection of short stories documenting a personal spiritual awakening via the rides and rituals of Disneyland.
Please join us in celebrating his work, support of artists and DIY efforts.
Copies currently available only by contacting Eben on Instagram, Facebook or of course, in person!
SPECIAL GUEST: Eben Sterling
Presents a practice, reading, Q&A and book signing of his brand new, completely self produced and published book:
"YOGI IN DISNEYLAND; Finding Enlightenment On The Dark Rides Of The Magic Kingdom"
Eben is one of my very best friends and I'm delighted by his work. After 25 years at Thrasher Magazine, he's collected a number of very talented, artistic friends to help illustrate this beautiful collection of short stories documenting a personal spiritual awakening via the rides and rituals of Disneyland.
Please join us in celebrating his work, support of artists and DIY efforts.
Copies currently available only by contacting Eben on Instagram, Facebook or of course, in person!
- Beginning the FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST:
- This 8-week series, Exploring Anapanasati, will follow the wisdom and guidance of this book by Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. we'll learn together about this ancient meditation method, believed to be most often practiced and taught by the Buddha himself.
- We’ll commit to reading 8 short chapters over 8 weeks and to the corresponding meditation practice along the way.
- Further commentary from other sources will be presented and open discussion about our experience and insights welcomed and encouraged.
- Continued attendance is highly recommended for this course, however dropping in is always fine too!
- Our classes are always freely offered and sustained by your generosity.
- Open to all and any level of experience. No registration required.
- We will have a few copies of the book available for cost or pick up a copy on your own to be engaged in the classes. You can buy them direct from the publisher here: Mindfulness with Breathing (Wisdom Publications)
About the book:
“Any practitioner, after meditating for some time, inevitably wonders what meditation method the historical Buddha Shakyamuni himself used while beneath the Bodhi Tree. Many people understand that prior to his realization, Shakyamuni Buddha studied with many of the great yogis of his time, but most do not know what method he ultimately found leads most directly to nirvana. In Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's book, Mindfulness With Breathing, the Thai meditation master provides practitioners with penetrating insights into the Anapanasati Sutta, the canonical text which many believe is the most direct transmission of Shakyamuni Buddha's breath meditation methods. Combined with a concise translation of the sutta itself, Mindfulness with Breathing is one of the best guides to Buddhist meditation practice available in the English language.”
*** I also highly recommend reading "Breath By Breath" by Larry Rosenberg which I will be referencing during the series.
You can find copies of Larry's book on Amazon or through buying direct from the Publisher, Shambala or get a PDF of it HERE
SOMA SANGHA FIELD TRIP! Saturday, September 14, 2019
Our beloved member of the Sangha, Chris, is a professional adventure guide and the Owner/Operator of Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. As a gift of generosity to our Sangha, we are offering this amazing opportunity to enjoy an evening/night paddle on the serene waters of Pillar Point harbor together.
Come by and sit with us to learn more and sign up for this free event.
Details: http://www.hmbkayak.com/trips/nightpaddle/
Our beloved member of the Sangha, Chris, is a professional adventure guide and the Owner/Operator of Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. As a gift of generosity to our Sangha, we are offering this amazing opportunity to enjoy an evening/night paddle on the serene waters of Pillar Point harbor together.
Come by and sit with us to learn more and sign up for this free event.
Details: http://www.hmbkayak.com/trips/nightpaddle/
JUNE 12th, 2019!
GUEST TEACHER Jason Murphy-Pedulla
This evening event is open to anyone who would like to deepen their understanding of Insight meditation practices and Buddhist psychology.
No prior meditation experience necessary.
All teachings are freely offered and your practice of generosity is appreciated.
Participants will gain an understanding of the basic tenets of the Buddha’s teaching i.e. wisdom, compassion and ethical integrity. How we can apply this ancient wisdom teaching to our current life and society? The teachings found in early Buddhism are a revolutionary and rebellious path to inner freedom. This sit will focus on engaged Buddhist practice as well as everyday mindfulness. Rebel Against Greed! Against Hatred! Against Delusion! Join in the Rebellion!
Jason Murphy-Pedulla MA, LMFT has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1994. He is a meditation teacher, and therapist helping youth, families and adults for over 20 years. Jason has studied and trained with several prominent teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah and Burmese Masters Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita. Among them are Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Passano and Amaro Bhikkhu. Other teachers and mentors have been: Mary Grace Orr, Gil Fronsdal, John Travis, Sylvia Boornstein, Jack Kornfield and Steven Smith. Jason has sat long-term residential retreats in the U.S as well as in Asia. He received ordination in the Mahasi Sayadaw lineage in 2016. Jason is empowered to teach by the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. He received his training with Noah Levine, Mary Grace Orr, Spirit Rock teacher and Bob Stahl, Ph.D., guiding teacher at Insight Santa Cruz, international teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and author of several books including Living With Your Heart Wide Open.
GUEST TEACHER Jason Murphy-Pedulla
This evening event is open to anyone who would like to deepen their understanding of Insight meditation practices and Buddhist psychology.
No prior meditation experience necessary.
All teachings are freely offered and your practice of generosity is appreciated.
Participants will gain an understanding of the basic tenets of the Buddha’s teaching i.e. wisdom, compassion and ethical integrity. How we can apply this ancient wisdom teaching to our current life and society? The teachings found in early Buddhism are a revolutionary and rebellious path to inner freedom. This sit will focus on engaged Buddhist practice as well as everyday mindfulness. Rebel Against Greed! Against Hatred! Against Delusion! Join in the Rebellion!
Jason Murphy-Pedulla MA, LMFT has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1994. He is a meditation teacher, and therapist helping youth, families and adults for over 20 years. Jason has studied and trained with several prominent teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah and Burmese Masters Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita. Among them are Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Passano and Amaro Bhikkhu. Other teachers and mentors have been: Mary Grace Orr, Gil Fronsdal, John Travis, Sylvia Boornstein, Jack Kornfield and Steven Smith. Jason has sat long-term residential retreats in the U.S as well as in Asia. He received ordination in the Mahasi Sayadaw lineage in 2016. Jason is empowered to teach by the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. He received his training with Noah Levine, Mary Grace Orr, Spirit Rock teacher and Bob Stahl, Ph.D., guiding teacher at Insight Santa Cruz, international teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and author of several books including Living With Your Heart Wide Open.
Beginning mid-April, 2019 we will begin a series of classes focused on the topics of the Four "Brahma-Viharas" or "Sublime Abidings" as taught by the Buddha and commentaries.
Learn or enliven skills to befriend and care for ourselves and others, in any state of being, through understanding the true resting state of our hearts is found in freedom from fear and connection to others. This culmination was referred to by the Buddha as “the sure heart’s release” and considered to be the fulfillment of a spiritual path.
During these groups, we will refer to written words by Sharon Salzberg's "Loving-Kindness; The Revoutionary Art of Happiness" and primarily work through these FOUR wonderful little books, recently produced by by Ajahn Amaro available by clicking the links below:
.
Or by going to the Abhayagiri Monastery eBook store and requesting (Free) printed copies.
Better yet, plan a visit to the Monastery in person, located in Ukiah, CA and join the Monks for lunch!
Soma Dharma is open and welcoming to ALL who come seeking.
DROP IN TO ANY CLASS, ANY TIME.
"Series" are more like themes, or trends of subject matter, don't wait for one to begin or end to jump in.
Group classes are ALWAYS freely offered, we are sustained by offerings of group generosity, no one is discouraged from attending, regardless of ability to donate. Your presence itself is an act of generosity.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Soma Dharma is a clean and sober environment.
Learn or enliven skills to befriend and care for ourselves and others, in any state of being, through understanding the true resting state of our hearts is found in freedom from fear and connection to others. This culmination was referred to by the Buddha as “the sure heart’s release” and considered to be the fulfillment of a spiritual path.
During these groups, we will refer to written words by Sharon Salzberg's "Loving-Kindness; The Revoutionary Art of Happiness" and primarily work through these FOUR wonderful little books, recently produced by by Ajahn Amaro available by clicking the links below:
.
- Loving Kindness (Metta)
- Compassion (Karuna)
- Appreciative Joy (Mudita)
- Equanimity (Upekkha)
Or by going to the Abhayagiri Monastery eBook store and requesting (Free) printed copies.
Better yet, plan a visit to the Monastery in person, located in Ukiah, CA and join the Monks for lunch!
Soma Dharma is open and welcoming to ALL who come seeking.
DROP IN TO ANY CLASS, ANY TIME.
"Series" are more like themes, or trends of subject matter, don't wait for one to begin or end to jump in.
Group classes are ALWAYS freely offered, we are sustained by offerings of group generosity, no one is discouraged from attending, regardless of ability to donate. Your presence itself is an act of generosity.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Soma Dharma is a clean and sober environment.
Loving-Kindness Daylong in Eugene, OR.May 18th, 2019 I'm taking this show on the road!
Hosted by Refuge Recovery Eugene. The day will be held mainly in Noble silence, holding to our own containers in welcoming insight. There will be periods of sitting and walking meditations with short talks and instruction, personal time for your meal and concluding with a chance to share our experiences. Appropriate for beginning or long-time practitioners. facebook link here |
Starting the FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY, 2019 we’ll get into an 8-week practice series taking on an intentional investigation of individual aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path into our day-to-day lives for one full week each.
Bhikkhu Bodhi;
“The essence of the Buddha’s teaching can be summed up in two principles: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The first covers the side of doctrine, and the primary response it elicits is understanding; the second covers the side of discipline, in the broadest sense of that word, and the primary response it calls for is practice. In the structure of the teaching these two principles lock together into an indivisible unity called the dhamma-vinaya, the doctrine-and-discipline, or, in brief, the Dhamma...
... it would be pointless to pose the question which of the two aspects of the Dhamma has greater value, the doctrine or the path. But if we did risk the pointless by asking that question, the answer would have to be the path.”
From “The Noble Eightfold Path; Way to the End of Suffering” <<click
~Recommended reading and referencing for this series
- Try to commit to all eight, but dropping in is just fine too.
- Always by donation only and of course ALL are welcome.
- Come prepared to take a few notes and journal your weekly insights for contributing to the group experience in conversation.
Bhikkhu Bodhi;
“The essence of the Buddha’s teaching can be summed up in two principles: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The first covers the side of doctrine, and the primary response it elicits is understanding; the second covers the side of discipline, in the broadest sense of that word, and the primary response it calls for is practice. In the structure of the teaching these two principles lock together into an indivisible unity called the dhamma-vinaya, the doctrine-and-discipline, or, in brief, the Dhamma...
... it would be pointless to pose the question which of the two aspects of the Dhamma has greater value, the doctrine or the path. But if we did risk the pointless by asking that question, the answer would have to be the path.”
From “The Noble Eightfold Path; Way to the End of Suffering” <<click
~Recommended reading and referencing for this series
Emily's Artistry:
Emily is a classically trained, professional watercolor artist and has offered to create original works of art in these high-quality special-edition prints, exclusively for DharmaPunxSF!
Proceeds from the sale of these prints directly support our expenses and group interests.
Inquire in person or online