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Alphabet Sangha

Sign up   |   Tuesdays, 7 PM PST   |   Online

We are a weekly meditation group for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Two-Spirit, Queer, Intersex, Same-Gender Loving, Questioning (LGBTQIA+) and all of the other letters of the queer alphabet communities.

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We gather for Buddhist meditation practice, Dharma teachings, and friendly, supportive community. Together we explore mindfulness and awareness for cultivating an open heart in our everyday lives.

We are a diverse, multicultural community, committed to social justice and to maintaining a Sangha that’s led by and for people of all races, ethnicities, classes, genders, abilities, sizes and ages.

We welcome people at all levels of practice. Simple beginning meditation instructions are always offered. If you have specific questions about meditation, a teacher is usually available to answer questions.

WHEN

We meet every Tuesday at 7:00 pm PST, usually until 8:30 pm.

WHERE

During the COVID19 pandemic, we only met online. Now we meet online and sometimes hybrid.

When we meet in person, we meet at East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC), 285 17th Street, Oakland, CA . Cross roads are 17th St and Harrison in downtown Oakland. There is usually plenty of street parking, and the center is close to the 19th Street BART station.

JOIN US

To join us, please register for our newsletter to receive weekly invites.

COST

EBMC is supported by the generosity of the Dharma communities that make a home there. There is never a fee charged for any event at EBMC. The teachings and space are always offered freely, and you are invited to donate money or offer your support through participation in the community.

ACCESSIBILITY

EBMC is fully wheelchair accessible, with two accessible bathrooms. Chairs and cushions are provided, and you are free to bring whatever else you need to make yourself comfortable. Out of respect for people with environmental illnesses, please do not wear fragrance or scented products.

GROUP FORMAT

We have wonderful teachers from a variety of Buddhist traditions, including Theravadin traditions via Thailand and Burma, the Mahayana traditions of SF Zen Center and Thich Nhat Hanh, Shambhala’s Vajrayana tradition, and others. One or two teachers generally lead(s) the group, and sometimes there are peer-led sits with no teacher, facilitated by members of the Sangha.

The typical evening format (subject to change!):

7:00 PM Welcome

7:10 PM Guided meditation

7:40 PM Dharma talk & group activity

8:30 Closing

Please try to arrive a little before 7:00 pm so we can begin together.

Newcomers at any level of meditation experience are always welcome!

GET INVOLVED

This sangha is completely run by volunteers. If you want to get involved, drop us a line! alphabetsangha@eastbaymeditation.org

QUESTIONS? 

Look around the site. And feel free to email us. alphabetsangha@eastbaymeditation.org