A meditation community for all people who seek to manifest the values and principles of the Buddha in their daily lives.
What to Expect / FAQ
Q. Is there a fee for the Sunday night group?
A. There is no set fee as these teachings are considered priceless. How much you give is based on your own sense of inspiration and desire to support the teacher and dharma in relation to how much you can afford. Suggested minimum donation is $10, but you are welcome to give whatever you wish. The teachings and teachers are supported by dana (generosity), an important practice within the Buddhist tradition, in addition to help cover operating expenses. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
Q. Are we meeting on Zoom or in person?
A. We are currently meeting on Zoom. You will find the link on the home page and the calendar. We are in discussion with the Sangha, guided by the CDC and the city guidelines as we consider how we transition post-Covid.
Q. When we meet in person, will I know where to go or what to do when I first walk in?
A. We meet in the Thomas Starr King room at the Unitarian-Universalist church. (1187 Franklin St @ Geary) Sometimes we change rooms to accommodate a church function. There is a chalk-board that lists where groups are meeting in the church.
Q. What’s the format of the evening?
A. The general format is: 6 pm Meditation for about 30 minutes, a 10 minute break to stretch, get tea, socialize, etc. and then a dharma talk and/or discussion. We end by 7:30.
Q. Do I bring my own cushion? Are there chairs?
A. There are some cushions for sitting on the floor, but if you have one, please bring it if you can. There are plenty of folding chairs.
Insight Meditation
Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana (also known as Insight or Mindfulness) Meditation is a simple technique that has been practiced in Asia for over 2,500 years.
Mindfulness cultivates a sense of wholeness that brings us into the experience of “things-as-they-are” moment by moment. Cultivating awareness of breath, body, and the processes of heart and mind, mindfulness offers insight into the transient (impermanent), unsatisfactory (suffering) and universal (selfless) nature of reality.
Mindfulness practice develops clarity of understanding and allows grasping, judgment, and fear to fall away. As these obscurations fall into abeyance, one discovers loving-kindness, compassion, equanimity, joy, and wisdom as the qualities of our true nature. The ultimate aim of Dharma practice is to end suffering. Buddha described this freedom, not based on external conditions, as “the unconditioned.”
The Three Jewels
Buddha
Over 2,500 years ago in northern India a young prince named Siddhartha Gautama was gripped by the realization that as human beings we are all vulnerable to suffering because of sickness, old age, and death. Six years later, after an intensive quest, he discovered an answer to this universal problem of suffering through profound insight into the nature of life. As he began to share his understanding with others, he was known as the “Buddha,” or Awakened One – one who has come to great depths of wisdom and compassion through his own realization.
Dharma
The Buddha’s teaching is referred to as the “Dharma,” a Sanskrit word meaning “Truth” or “Law” or simply, “the way things are.” The Buddha’s “Dharma” was a rediscover of universal truth.
Sangha
One who practices the teaching of the Buddha is said to be a member of the “Sangha,” or community of followers of the Dharma. These three facets of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are known collectively as the Three Refuges or the Triple Gem.
Lineage
After the Buddha’s death, his teaching spread from India throughout Asia. As it encountered other cultures it took different forms. Three main schools of Buddhism thrive in Asia today. The Theravada (Way of the Elders) still flourishes in Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka. The Mahayana (Great Vehicle) characterizes the various traditions within China, Korea, and Japan. The Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle) is associated primarily with Tibet and Bhutan. The San Francisco Insight Meditation Community, part of the emerging western tradition, draws primarily from the practices and dteachings of the Theravada but is also influenced by the other Buddhist traditions.
Precepts
The foundation of the Buddhist path is a life of non-harming, which expresses compassion in our relationship to all living things. Entry into the Buddhist path is marked by taking the Five Precepts:
To refrain from killing living beings. Reverence for life.
To refrain from stealing or taking what is not ours. Respect for others.
To refrain from sexual misconduct that causes harm to ourselves or others. Respect for the power of sexuality.
To refrain from false speech. Respect for the power of language and communication.
To refrain from using alcohol or drugs that intoxicate the mind. Recognizing that we have all we need to be happy.
These ethical guidelines are the natural outer expression of realization. Through their guidance we discover the heart of compassion within us. Thich Nhat Hanh has an expanded version to reflect practicing in current times.
Introductory Courses
Throughout the year, we offer courses that explore the basic teachings of the Buddha in both meditation practice and daily life. We will introduce and deepen the practice of mindfulness, with the aim of integrating mindfulness into all aspects of our lives. Each session will include guided meditation instruction, talks on fundamental Buddhist teachings, and time for questions and discussion. This class is appropriate for those new to meditation as well as those wishing to refine their existing practice. People of all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome.
We may be offering a 6 week Beginning Meditation Class in early 2022.