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Oct 2009
Hello, I am new to the area and was wondering if there is a place
for public meditation that has children or family service? We
belonged to a wonderful Zen temple in Chicago that has a family
meditation once a month, and I was wondering if there is
something similar here.
I don't know where you live or how far you're willing to travel,
but Spirit Rock Meditation Center
in Woodacre (Marin county) is
fabulous. They have a wonderful family program. Check it out at
http://spiritrock.org.
Their approach is from the Vipassana Buddhist tradition; somewhat
Americanized, very relaxed and accessible to beginners. A
beautiful setting, too!
Judy in Berkeley
Welcome!
I know of Spirit Rock
(Therevadan Buddhism) in Woodacre, Marin,
which offers wonderful day long Family Programs several times a
year, as well as a very popular, lottery-based, family retreat.
www.spiritrock.org
Also, a local dharma practitioner, dharma musician in the area
is revitalizing the East Bay Family Sangha.
I'm sure there must be Zen groups in the E. Bay, too.
Take care
Hi!
I know there were, at one time, several children that lived
within the Berkeley Zen Center community, so you may want to
check them out: http://www.berkeleyzencenter.org/aboutBZC.shtml
Also, the San Francisco Zen Center used to offer a weekly (?)
childrens program on Saturdays - not sure if they still do or
not: http://www.sfzc.org/cc/default.asp
OR
Green Gulch Green Dragon Temple, in Muir Beach (another branch of
the SF Zen Center): http://www.sfzc.org/ggf/default.asp
I just Googled it & found: http://tinyurl.com/yzljg5w
Cheers!
KC
March 2008
Re: Longtime atheist looking for spirituality
Buddhist meditation changed my life-it's so very intelligent, and based
completely on ones experience, no dogma. Try the East Bay Meditation
Center, which is in Berkeley.
http://www.eastbaymeditation.org/
There are lots of options, Buddhist-wise, in the bay area I recommend
picking up a copy of Inquiring Mind for listings of sitting groups
http://www.inquiringmind.com/ - and do go to as many dharma centers and
sitting groups as you can to find the best fit for you. I' like going to
the first Tuesday of every month at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery when
the monastics from Abhayagiri come down from Ukiah. On the other end of
the spectrum, Orgyen Dorje Den is a GREAT Tibetan temple in Alameda (the
Nyingma tradition) - it's the most beautiful I've seen locally - and
they have a pretty active Sangha. Tibetan Buddhism is very catholic and
mystical, so you might want something a little more straightforward.
I've heard good things about Empty Gate Zen Center in Berkeley, I don't
know anything about Berkeley Zen Center. I really like going to Ed
Brown's one day sits at Green Gulch, he's my favorite Zen teacher. Try a
bunch of different styles - the Buddhist magazines are a good resou!
rce - the key is finding a teacher and a tradition that speaks to you.
Good Luck!
jennifer
Oct 2006
I am becoming very interested in buddism and wondering if anyone could suggest a few books for
beginners, I am interested in Tibetian ( Lama) and the difference in the other forms of buddism
that chant Nam GeRengo Ko and or Zen as well.
Thanks,
Natalie
I would recommend Start Where You Are, by Pema Chodron, as an excellent
introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and meditation practice. Or from a Zen angle, I
love Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki.
I practice Tibetan Buddhism at the Berkeley Shambhala center, where there is an
open house every Sunday morning from 9am-noon. There is a dharma talk at 11.15
a.m. (followed by tea and cookies) that would give you a good feel for the
teachings.
See http://www.berkeley.shambhala.org/ for more info.
Zen and Tibetan Buddhism have very different ''flavors'' and I think all that
matters is to find the one that clicks with you and try it out. meditating mama
March 2004
My post's title, I'm sure, suggests a certain desperation. Yes.
As many typical, Bay Area, working parents of young children,
with mortgages and/or other bills; worries that range from
keeping the house clean, to body image, to the state of the
public schools, to the violence and commercialism our culture
seems to insist on...I worry. None of these are mutually
exclusive or inclusive catagories, I realize. Let them serve as
a backdrop to parts of my self. Perhaps that's ''part'' of my
search. To decrease the sense that I feel departmentalized and
catagorized differently from moment to moment and I'm looking
for an outlet. Not the meaning of life neccessarily. I'm an
educated person drawn to the literary. At the same time, the
wonders and joy of new motherhood have ''drained my brain'' in
ways I didn't expect. In short, I'm lookin' to combine,
hopefully, my longtime interest in Buddhism, Zen and meditation
(that I've never had time pursue) and...my need for a little
peace! I'm not looking for ''the answer.'' I'm just wondering
what
Eastern philosophy has to offer. More background? I grew up in
an entrenched, German Protestantism ( but have not been a part
of the Church in my adult life...agnostic at best). So any
leftover stoisicm or skepticism that that may suggest may also
suggest my need to tread carefully. I'm not a joiner either.
I've read other posts about the Berkeley Zen Center and Spirit
Rock. Are these orgs good for families or individuals who are
serious beginners? Where might I start? How about books? Primary
or secondary sources will do.Thich Nhat Hanh looks interesting,
but he has so many books, I dont know where to start. Something
introductory, but skillfull written; rich in ideas and language
and absorbing while not so overwhelming that a working mom of a
toddler feels she needs to ''wade through it.'' I'm just
beginning
what I hope will be a journey. I know this is a rant...but I
feel rushed...... and don't want to be. Any suggestions?
desperately seeking mindfullness
Just sit! To help start a regular meditation practice (if you
haven't already) read Zen Mind, Beginners Mind - Shunryu
Suzuki, and Taming The Mind - Chogyam Trungpa. Visit different
centers, see where feels ''right'', get a meditation instructor
and stick with it.
My own path has been largely through Shambhala Buddhism
(www.shambhala.org), which appeals to me largely because of the
emphasis on mindfulness in day to day living. This has been an
enormous help through these early years of motherhood. There is
a centre in Berkeley and in SF.
As far as reading, I cannot recommend Pema Chodron's writings
enough, as a source of wise and gentle guidance through the
perils of our day to day life and mind. And for some more in
depth teachings, guaranteed to provide intellectual
stimulation, anything by Chogyam Trungpa, particularly,
Shambhala: Path of The Sacred Warrior. All these can be found
at Shambhala books on Telegraph (if it hasn't closed down
yet?), at the Berkeley Shambhala center, or via the above web
link.
maya
For a first book, I recommend Pema Chodron's ''The Wisdom of No
Escape.'' As a typical Bay Area parent of young children I'm sure
that title already resonates! What she makes so immediately
clear is how we all have the opportunity to use the very
personal difficulties and confusions of our own circumstances as
the building blocks of our own mindfulness practice. You don't
escape from all your baggage, you work with it. All her books
are neat, but I like this one the best.
I was lucky enough to be able to read this book together with a
group at the New York Shambhala Center for my introduction to
Buddhism, and it really started me off right. Check out the
course offerings and open meditation schedule at the Berkeley
Shambhala Center--they're a Westernized form of Tibetan Buddhism-
-if they're anything like they were in New York, they might have
weekly talks and be very welcoming of newcomers.
Spirit Rock has teachers and groups who meet in Berkeley, which
you can find on their website. That would probably be more
convenient than finding your way to Woodacre. A beginning
meditation class at any of these places will introduce you to
the style, philosophy and general gestalt of the groups, and
you'll be able to tell where you feel comfortable (if you don't
get stuck thinking about how UNcomfortable you feel when
starting out!).
Good luck! See you around the sangha--
Heidi
Firstly, your simple act of seeking peace and clarity is a wonderful
beginning in and of
itself! As for specific guidance in this effort, I do not have any
particular recommendations,
only to suggest that you simply pick anything that draws you. If you
like Thich Nat Hahn
then don't worry about which book, just pick one that jumps out at you
and start there.
I generally go for things that are recommended to me so if friends have
told you about
Spirit Rock, then just go check it out! If you like it and the place
and people resonate with
you, then great. If not, try the next place. Maybe you will like Spirit
Rock for a couple of
months and then someone there tells you about another place and you
check it out and
you like it better or also, or... you get my point?
There is no right way or best place - just honest seeking! Have fun
finding each and
every resource that helps you on your way!!!
Peace :)
sister seeker
You might want to read ''The Buddha in Your Mirror'', by Woody
Hochswender, Greg Martin, And Ted Morino. It is published by
Middleway Press and you can find it at your local Barnes and
Noble. It explains Buddhist concepts in an accessible, practical
way, yet it is very profound.
Laura
Dear Desperately Seeking Mindfulness,
I know the feeling! Overwhelm, brain lapses and little feeling
of rejuvenation. I have had a vipassana meditation practice
for most of my adult life. However, I didn't fully understand
mindfulness until I began working with the Alexander
Technique. I work with someone who brings Alexander Technique,
mindfulness, and spirituality together. I have found a
relaxation in my body that I didn't know was possible and my
relationship to worry is forever changed. It's not that worry
doesn't still happen, it's just that I understand the habits of
my body and my mind and I can use what I learned about
attention, breath and relaxation with my teacher to practice
unwinding, moment to moment. I really needed the addition of
having a highly skilled teacher with a strong spiritual
practice put her hands on me to deepen my understanding so
profoundly. It's particularly helpful in relating with my two
children, so I don't snap at them like I used to. Now they
even know to breath deeply when emotions start running high.
I've learned to open my mind, heart, and spirit during anything
that is occurring. It's powerful work, really. And as an
aside, it's opening my relationship with my partner in all
these wonderful ways as well. I have a lot more to say about
this practice and I'd be happy to connect with you personally
about it.
Galen
I know you asked about Buddhist meditative practices but
there are also Christian ones that are often overlooked. If
you are interested, you can check out the Centering Prayer
website, http://www.centeringprayer.com/introCP.htm. My
church, St. Alban's in Albany, has a group that meets
Monday evening.
Before I joined the Episcopal Church, I read many of Thich
Nhat Hanh's books and one of my favorites is the Blooming
of a Lotus, which has specific meditative exercises in it. It's
crucial to find a way to calm down, so I hope you find what
works for you.
Nancy
You mentioned books -- I recommend Polly Berrend Berend's ''Whole
Child, Whole Parent'' (Harper Collins 1983).
anon
December 2003
I have reached a point in my life when I would like to pursue
some kind of spiritual training, and from my readings, I am
most interested in Buddhism. I would be grateful for
information from any Buddhists who could advise me on where to
begin. I live in Berkeley.
Thank you.
My recommendation is not based on personal practice, but I have
been consulting for the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association for
their construction of their new International Campus in Ukiah
and have found all of the people I have met there spectacular.
One of the most interesting and fascinating people is Rev. Heng
Sure, and he is here in Berkeley (he runs the Institute for
World Religions). I have heard him speak a few times and have
been intrigued. I know they have services, where all are
welcome, and personally I've been wanting to go. They are
located at 2304 McKinley Ave. and their phone number is 510-848-
3440.
There is also Green Gulch in Marin. I've been their a few
times (my college room mate grew up their) and it is quite
beautiful. I believe on Sunday's they have open services.
Again, I do not practice Buddhism, but I was SO impressed by
Rev. Heng Sure that I tell everyone I meet to go and hear him
talk, it will most certainly be enlightening and thoughtful.
He is a very special soul.
Good Luck.
new to Buddhism
I'd recommend you go to Green Gulch Zen Center (Marin County) or
San Francisco Zen Center (they are affiliated). They have a
wide range of classes and offer opportunities for the public to
come and sit at the zendo. Green Gulch is Sunday mornings, SF
Zen Center is daily. You can investigate all they have to offer
on their website http://www.sfzc.com/ggfindex.htm.
Catherine
I truly enjoy Thich Nhat Hanh's writings.
I would start with ''Teachings on Love.'' It has some basics in
buddhism but is not at all academic - very real life practical
application. I give this to many friends and suggest skipping
the first chapter, read the book, then go back and read the
first chapter (it's a bit technical on various buddhist ideas.)
Then for a more in-depth dive into buddhism is, ''Heart of
Buddha's Teaching.'' Some monks from korea i met with
recommended this book as a great primer, and i agree!
i try not to get caught up in the different variations of
buddhist teachings, my cultural background is more zen and Hanh
is vietnamese tradition, but find i can learn from all the
approaches how to live a mindful life.
The path to mindful living is in front of you!
it start's with your breath!
Empty Gate Zen Center sponsors an open house every Wednesday
evening at 7pm. The program includes chanting, meditation and a
dharma talk by one of the sangha members and Zen Master Jeff
Kitzes, during which any questions that you have about Buddhism,
meditation, or Empty Gate can be addressed. The Center is
located at 2200 Parker, (corner of Parker and Fulton).
Information about the center, as well as practice and retreat
schedules can be found on the EGZC website
http://www.emptygatezen.com/. Empty Gate is part of the Kwan Um
School of Zen, introduced in the U.S. in the early 70's from
Korea by Zen Master Seung Sahn. www.kwanumzen.com/
Bill
I am sure many people will write in to tell you about Spirit
Rock, a Vispassana meditation center in Marin. A very gentle
place. The website I believe is spiritrock.org.
There are also weekly meditation sittings in Berkeley with
teachers/leaders associated with Spirit Rock. James Baraz
leads one on Thursday nights. Kevin Griffin holds one on
Wednsday nights. The locations of these two ongoing sitting
groups are listed on the East Bay Dharma website
(http://www.eastbaydharma.org/groups.html). You could speak to
either James or Kevin about meditation classes for beginners,
or just kind of where to start out. There is also a meditation
group that meets on Mondays at the Seventh Heaven Yoga Studio
in Berkeley, lead by a man name Daniel who is also affiliated
with Spirit Rock.
So there are a lot of resources out there. And I wish you luck
on your journey. And if you would like to contact me please
feel free to.
margo
Hi there
there was a recent, similar post and many people responded.
Several of us recommended James Baraz' class at the Northbray
Community Center/Church. It's a buddhist/mindfulness class, he
is one of the best teachers in this field. I had tried to
meditate for 8 years but was ''unsuccessful'' and I finally was
able to learn it in this class. James is connected with Spirit
Rock and he has a regular meditation group in Berkeley on
Thursdays where he brings in the best teachers from around the
country and also teaches himself, so you will be able to
continue your practice in a wonderful community that is already
established. Call Spirit Rock and find out when his next class
starts. 415-488-0164. Metta,
Martina
Berkeley has numerous Buddhist spiritual training groups, but
the 2 that I have had personal experience with is the Shambhala
Center at 2288 Fulton Street and the Tibetan Nyingma Meditation
Center on Loma Street. Both have instruction and classes. Both
are welcoming groups whose members appear to be dedicated and
encouraging. A good way to visit is to go to their Open House
Sundays. Nyingma and Shambhala both have them, check their
website and call each Center before going -- sometimes their
Sunday schedule changes depending on whether there are special
events going on. In my opinion Nyingma literature & studies are
a bit more estoteric, while the Shambhala's is a bit more
accessible. It gets all involved on who is the founder of the
respective centers and their particular Buddhist viewpoint and
approach to teachings. They have different ''styles''. I go to
both when I can because I find the 2 centers each have something
to offer me. I have not pursued a whole course of studies at
these centers -- my family obligations take most of my spare
time. But I have participated in numerous activities, classes
and workshops conducted by both groups and find them to be
enlightening and wonderful. Best Wishes in your studies!
frankie
Spirit Rock (www.spiritrock.org) is wonderful. James Baraz
offers an introdutory class in Berkeley that is a great
beginning, just look at Spirit Rock's website. the Berkeley Zen
Center is also good, I started my practice there.
me
Sogyal Rinpoche, who is the author of the Tibetan Book of
Living and Dying, has a center in San Francisco, where
ongoing courses are given and Tibetan Buddhist masters
give teachings. You can look at their website at
www.rigpabayarea.org or call 415 777-0052. There is also
a meditation evening at one member's house in Berkeley on
Wednesday nights that you can inquire about. In the
meantime, you could read his book, to see whether you
have a connection with this particular teacher.
student of Sogyal Rinpoche
I think most all of the suggestions made so far are good ones --
Spirit Rock is quite wonderful (particularly if you want your
meditation practice shorn of almost all ''religious'' trappings),
and the temples of the San Francisco Zen Center -- Green Gulch
in Marin, Tassajara near Carmel, and the Center in SF -- have
been my spiritual home for (yikes!) 20 years.
But I was a little surprised that there was only a passing
mention of the Berkeley Zen Center, which is an affiliate of
SFZC (the abbot at Berkeley is a Senior Teacher and ex-Abbot of
SFZC). BZC is located on Russell, above MLK, and has
meditation instruction and an open program most every Saturday
morning, often w/ kiddie activities/childcare provided There
is a strong community feeling there, and it is much more
oriented toward family/''householder'' practice than most Zen,
etc., groups.
peace,
monshin
July 2003
I am becoming more and more interested in Buddhism and was
wondering how I could learn more about it. I only know a little
bit and I'm wondering how I can involve myself, my kids, and my
(very skeptical) husband. Is there a family-friendly temple
anyone would recommend (the Berkeley Zen Center)? Any books?
Help. Thanks,
Seeking
Hi -- I think you'll find several local Buddhist centers to be
quite family friendly. Berkeley Zen Center has a regular
Saturday program that includes childcare and activities for
kids; San Francisco Zen Center (saturday) and the beautiful
Green Gulch Farm (in Muir Beach, on Sunday)have once-a-month
programs geared to kids. Probably the Buddhist center that is
going to seem least like a church or temple of some sort (and
so be least off-putting to your skeptical spouse) is Spirit
Rock, also in Marin, and I think they do lots of kids and
family things.
good luck and please have fun with it.
cold mountain
Also received 2 reviews for Spirit Rock Meditation Center
July 2003
I am becoming more and more interested in Buddhism and was
wondering how I could learn more about it. I only know a little
bit and I'm wondering how I can involve myself, my kids, and my
(very skeptical) husband. Is there a family-friendly temple
anyone would recommend (the Berkeley Zen Center)? Any books?
Help. Thanks,
Seeking
Hi -- I think you'll find several local Buddhist centers to be
quite family friendly. Berkeley Zen Center has a regular
Saturday program that includes childcare and activities for
kids; San Francisco Zen Center (saturday) and the beautiful
Green Gulch Farm (in Muir Beach, on Sunday)have once-a-month
programs geared to kids. Probably the Buddhist center that is
going to seem least like a church or temple of some sort (and
so be least off-putting to your skeptical spouse) is Spirit
Rock, also in Marin, and I think they do lots of kids and
family things.
good luck and please have fun with it.
cold mountain
Spirit Rock Meditation Center www.spiritrock.org/ has a
lovely family day in Marin every few months. It's nice for little
kids, bigger kids, and there's a meditation for the grownups.
Scoop (Wes) Nisker is leading a program for grownups on
fun and zen (I think) in the next few months.
Berkeley Zen Center also has some family events, as does
Green Gulch Farm (in Marin).
merry
Hi there
I know this is not a buddhist temple but Spirit Rock is a
buddhist community and meditation center and we attend their
family days and retreats. We also are part of the East Bay
Family Sangha that meets twice a month at the Buddhist Monastery
in Berkeley. This sangha was started 2 years ago by a group of
parents. The monastery gives us their space for dana which is
very generous. The organization of the sangha however is fully
in the hands of the parents, which is why some things are
developing slowly. We have childcare and a child curriculum in
the making and parents get a chance to sit and discuss mindful
parenting. The age of our kids is around 2-7. We would like to
expand the age range, but there has not been anyone with an
older child who could help make that happen. If you want to
find out more about the East Family Sangha you can write to me
I'll send you more information. Best
wishes and Metta, Martina
January 2003
I'm interested in learning more about Buddhism. I would like to
find somewhere that myself and my 2 year old daughter (more of a
family atmosphere) could go to learn more. I would appreciate
any information or suggestions. Thank-you.
Janet
Check out Berkeley Zen Center. Some of their Saturday morning
lecturesinclude a children's program. They have a web site
(www.berkeleyzencenter.org) where you can find out more. Also,
Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin (teaching in the ''Vipassana''
tradition) is well known for their children's and family programs. Their
web site should have the specifics-- http://www.spiritrock.org/
Scott
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