Year of Kindness: A2Z Weekly Meditation Group
Jan
5
to Dec 28

Year of Kindness: A2Z Weekly Meditation Group

2026 is A2Z’s Year of Kindness! Monday night weekly meditation gathering will focus on the practice of kindness from a Buddhist perspective. Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying a Year of Kindness. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, teachings are shared by Rev. Liên, appropriate and relevant to the current time. Special offerings on Monday nights such as Releasing/Letting Go Into Kind Speech, and Precepts series, will be updated on our Events page and Home page.

DATE
Every Monday evening in 2026.
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

In-person 1st and 3rd Mondays (unless otherwise noted) and online always. Check the Meditation Weekly group page for the Zoom link. Always check the page for any changes in scheduling.

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Genjokoan: Realizing Life Daily - 5 Month Study Series (online)
Jul
18
to Dec 19

Genjokoan: Realizing Life Daily - 5 Month Study Series (online)

  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Rev. Liên for a 5 Saturday study series on Dōgen’s Genjōkōan!

Translated to “the actualization of reality/ultimate truth", we’ll focus on how to apply Dogen’s teachings on how we can relate to reality to our daily lives.

DATE
3rd Saturdays from July to December 2026 (7/18, 8/15, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19).
8:30am-11am Pacific Time

LOCATION

Online

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all about love: Supported by the 4 Brahma Viharas (9-3pm PT)
Oct
24
9:00 AM09:00

all about love: Supported by the 4 Brahma Viharas (9-3pm PT)

IN-PERSON ONLY. And from 9am - 3pm PT.

A workshop with EBMC on the dharma of bell hook’s All About Love: New Visions!

We all want love.

And, having and holding love and loving feelings can be challenging. Let’s explore how love can be when expressed in conjunction with the qualities of the Four Divine States of Equanimity, Kindness, Compassion, and Inclusive Joy.

While grounded in these teachings and related meditations, the course will be framed by short readings from bell hook’s All About Love: New Visions. This, combined with inter-active exercises, offers a blend of fierce feminist social criticism, asking us to transform our challenges into strength, manifesting the love and caring we want in our lives.

A great workshop to get ready for the holidays season!


NOTE: Not enough online registration so IN-PERSON ONLY

DATE
October 24
9 am - 3pm PDT


LOCATION
In-person at East Bay Meditation Center WEBSTER ST. location: 2406 Webster St., Oakland

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Meditation and Dharma Talk at Insight Meditation Center (Hybrid)
Oct
25
9:25 AM09:25

Meditation and Dharma Talk at Insight Meditation Center (Hybrid)

Rev. Liên is leading meditation and giving a dharma talk at IMC’s weekly Sunday Morning program.

This program is in person at Insight Meditation Center, and you can also join online via live stream on IMC’s YouTube channel or on the IMC website. Anyone who joins is welcome to stay for the vegetarian potluck lunch afterwards.

DATE AND TIME
Sunday, October 25

9:25am-10:45am PST.

LOCATION
108 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA

Or join online via livestream

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10/26 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online (Full-Moon Ceremony)
Oct
26
6:00 PM18:00

10/26 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online (Full-Moon Ceremony)

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
October 26th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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11/2 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID
Nov
2
6:00 PM18:00

11/2 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all!

Together in sangha, we enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Liên.

Welcome to all!

DATE
November 2nd
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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Meditation Training Practice Day: 1-Day Retreat (Hybrid)
Nov
7
9:00 AM09:00

Meditation Training Practice Day: 1-Day Retreat (Hybrid)

Rev Liên will lead a 1-day silent retreat, geared towards those who have completed Rev’s 4 week Meditation Training program or have equivalent experience.

See the below link for full info!

DATE
Saturday, November 7th, 2026
9am - 3pm

Online AND in-person. (Sign up asap for in-person participation as slots do fill up.)

IN-PERSON: 1252 Valencia Street, Suite A, San Francisco

Online via Zoom.

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11/9 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Nov
9
6:00 PM18:00

11/9 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
November 9th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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11/16 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID
Nov
16
6:00 PM18:00

11/16 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all!

Together in sangha, we enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Liên.

Welcome to all!

DATE
November 16th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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11/23 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Nov
23
6:00 PM18:00

11/23 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
November 23rd
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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Meditation Training: Establishing a Meditation Practice in 4 Short Weeks (ONLINE)
Jan
6
to Jan 27

Meditation Training: Establishing a Meditation Practice in 4 Short Weeks (ONLINE)

A practical and simple 4 part course led by Rev. Liên, designed to help you build the confidence and skills to practice meditation

This 4 week series will provide you a training container to build up the practical skills and experience you need to feel more confident in beginning or returning to your meditation practice. Some of the things that will be covered include posture guidance, general meditation instruction, how to create a meditation schedule, and how to work with some of the common things that may come up for you while you meditate. The course will be structured around the theme of body, mind and heart, and you will have access to many resources that you can draw on after the class is over.

DATE
January 6th-27th, 2027.

4 Wednesdays: January 6th, 13th, 20st & 27th.
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time


LOCATION
ONLINE w/ San Francisco Zen Center: City Center

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1 Week Insight Retreat w/ Gil Fronsdal and Liên Shutt
Jan
24
to Jan 31

1 Week Insight Retreat w/ Gil Fronsdal and Liên Shutt

Join Gil Fronsdal and Rev. Liên a 1 week-long silent meditation retreat at Insight Retreat Center in Santa Cruz!

The week will consist of silent seated meditation, walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussions with teachers. This is a suitable retreat for both beginners and more experienced practitioners.

Acceptance is determined by a lottery. When you register you will automatically be entered into the lottery. The retreat is full, but you can sign up to be put on the waitlist (with no guarantees that a space will open up).

DATE
Sunday January 24th - Sunday January 31, 2027


LOCATION
Insight Retreat Center - 1906 Glen Canyon Road, Santa Cruz CA 95060

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EBMC Alphabet Sangha w/ Rev Liên (Hybrid)
Oct
20
7:00 PM19:00

EBMC Alphabet Sangha w/ Rev Liên (Hybrid)

Meditation and dharma talk for LGBTQIA+ folx

A weekly meditation group at East Bay Meditation Center 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. This week will be guided by Rev Liên!

DATE
Tuesday, October 20th, 2026
7:00pm-8:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION
285 Harrison St., Oakland Uptown (& online)

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10/19 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID
Oct
19
6:00 PM18:00

10/19 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all!

Together in sangha, we enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Liên.

Welcome to all!

DATE
October 19th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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9/28 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Sep
28
6:00 PM18:00

9/28 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
September 28th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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EBMC Alphabet Sangha (Online)
Aug
25
7:00 PM19:00

EBMC Alphabet Sangha (Online)

Meditation and dharma talk for LGBTQIA+ folx

A weekly meditation group at East Bay Meditation Center 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. Join their newsletter to get the Zoom info!

DATE
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
7:00pm-8:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION
Online

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8/24 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Aug
24
6:00 PM18:00

8/24 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
August 24th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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A2Z Practice Day: 1-Day Silent Retreat (Hybrid)
Aug
22
9:00 AM09:00

A2Z Practice Day: 1-Day Silent Retreat (Hybrid)

Come join Rev Liên for a 1-day silent retreat, open to those with prior meditation experience.

The day will consist of periods of meditation, a break for bag lunch (participants will bring their own) on-site, and light guidance by Rev. Liên as needed.

See the below link for full info!

DATE
Saturday, August 22, 2026
9am - 5pm PT

Online AND in-person

Location in Oakland, to be shared upon registration and completion of Noble Giving.

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8/17 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID
Aug
17
6:00 PM18:00

8/17 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all!

Together in sangha, we enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Liên.

Welcome to all!

DATE
August 17th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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EBMC BIPOC Sangha, meditation and dharma talk with Rev Liên (Online)
Aug
13
7:00 PM19:00

EBMC BIPOC Sangha, meditation and dharma talk with Rev Liên (Online)

Join the East Bay Meditation Center BIPOC Sangha, to enjoy meditation and a dharma talk with Reverend Liên!

Open to all BIPOC practitioners and newcomers. Go to EBMC’s website to learn details of how to join virtually.

DATE
Thursday, August 13th
7:00pm-8:30pm Pacific Time


LOCATION
Online w/ East Bay Meditation Center

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8/10 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Aug
10
6:00 PM18:00

8/10 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
August 10th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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8/3 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID
Aug
3
6:00 PM18:00

8/3 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all!

Together in sangha, we enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Liên.

Welcome to all!

DATE
August 3rd
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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7/27 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Jul
27
6:00 PM18:00

7/27 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
July 27th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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Daylong Meditation Retreat at Insight Meditation Center (in-person)
Jul
25
9:30 AM09:30

Daylong Meditation Retreat at Insight Meditation Center (in-person)

Join Rev. Liên at Insight Meditation Center for an in-person daylong meditation retreat.

This daylong retreat will consist of periods of meditation, a dharma offering, bring your own bag-lunch, and instructions from the teacher.

DATE
Saturday, July 25, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm

LOCATION — NO Registration needed!
108 Birch Street, Redwood City

Insight Meditation Center


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7/20 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group w/ Guest Teacher Rev. Syd Yang - HYBRID
Jul
20
6:00 PM18:00

7/20 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group w/ Guest Teacher Rev. Syd Yang - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering, with special guest teacher Rev. Syd Yang on the dharma of loneliness!

Together in sangha, we will enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Syd Yang on the topic of practicing with loneliness.

Welcome to all!

Rev. Syd Yang, MDiv (they/them), is a mixed race/Taiwanese American queer trans/non-
binary Buddhist Minister, movement chaplain, spiritual counselor and writer who engages decolonial possibilities for shared liberation through their practice, Blue Jaguar Healing Arts. Syd’s work and writing finds its resonance in the stories we each hold at the intersection of memory, body, sexuality and mental health. Syd works primarily with queer and trans BIPOC as well as regularly leads workshops and facilitates community based practice spaces for wellbeing + healing justice, body liberation and recovery.

www.bluejaguarhealingarts.com / IG @bodyliberationchaplain and @bluejaguarlove

DATE
July 20th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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7/13 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Jul
13
6:00 PM18:00

7/13 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
July 13th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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Classical Sitar Concert with Srinivas Reddy and Ferhan Qureshi at EBMC
Jul
11
1:00 PM13:00

Classical Sitar Concert with Srinivas Reddy and Ferhan Qureshi at EBMC

Srinivas Reddy will give a special sitar concert alongside Ferhan Najeeb Qureshi on tabla at East Bay Meditation Center!

Access to Zen is thrilled to co-sponsor this Hindustani musical performance which will be hosted at East Bay Meditation Center as part of their Watering Out Roots, Planting Seeds: Exploring South Asian Lineages and Collective Futures summer party! Srinivas is a scholar and translator with a PhD in South and Southeast Asian Studies from UC Berkeley, as well as a classical sitarist trained by his guru Pandit Partha Chatterjee, a direct disciple of the late sitar maestro Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. Save the date!

DATE
Saturday, July 11th, 2026
The event at EBMC is from 1-5

LOCATION
2406 Webster St. Oakland

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Classical Sitar Concert with Srinivas Reddy and Ferhan Qureshi
Jul
10
7:30 PM19:30

Classical Sitar Concert with Srinivas Reddy and Ferhan Qureshi

For a beautiful night of classical sitar sounds, we invite you to a special concert with Srinivas Reddy, alongside Ferhan Najeeb Qureshi on tabla: Nada Brahma, "Universe is Sound".

Access to Zen is thrilled to co-sponsor this Hindustani musical performance which will be hosted at San Francisco Zen Center, City Center! Srinivas is a scholar and translator with a PhD in South and Southeast Asian Studies from UC Berkeley, as well as a classical sitarist trained by his guru Pandit Partha Chatterjee, a direct disciple of the late sitar maestro Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. After a brief introduction to the cultural and spiritual context of the tradition, Srinivas will offer a performance alongside dear friend and tabla player Ferhan Qureshi. Seats are limited, so save the date and get your tickets at the link below!

DATE
Friday, July 10th, 2026
7:30pm-9pm

LOCATION
San Francisco Zen Center *City Center: 300 Page Street

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6/29 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online
Jun
29
6:00 PM18:00

6/29 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - Online

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all! Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying virtual time in practice and study together. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, Rev teaches on a relevant topic for the group.

DATE
June 29th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

Join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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6-day BIPOC Nature Dharma and Insight Retreat (In-person)
Jun
23
to Jun 28

6-day BIPOC Nature Dharma and Insight Retreat (In-person)

  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Liên Shutt and Ram Appalaraju at Big Springs Garden Retreat Center for a BIPOC silent retreat with Insight Retreat Center!

This nature-based Dharma retreat, for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), offers an exploration of Buddhist teachings on interdependence and our profound oneness with the natural world. Through daily Dharma talks, we will reflect on Buddhist teachings on Dharma and how mindfulness reveals our inseparability from all life. Silent practice will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, inviting participants to attune to the rhythms, beauty, and stillness of the environment. Supported by the living landscape, a beautiful retreat center in the Sierras, we cultivate presence, compassion, and clarity, deepening our understanding of both inner and outer nature. This retreat offers a spacious container for renewal, insight, and heartfelt connection with all beings.

DATE
Tuesday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 28th


LOCATION
Big Springs Garden Retreat Center - Sierra City, CA

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Kindness 5-day Silent Retreat (In-person)
Jun
13
to Jun 20

Kindness 5-day Silent Retreat (In-person)

  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Rev. Liên Shutt at Big Springs Garden Retreat Center for a week-long silent retreat, with the A2Z 2026 theme, kindness. Apply now!

The third annual Access to Zen week-long silent retreat is scheduled for June 13th - June 20th at Big Springs Garden Retreat Center, Sierra City. This silent Insight-Zen hybrid style retreat will be an opportunity for our sangha to gather and take time and space to connect with the capacity for kindness to ourselves and each other that is inside all of us.

DATE
Saturday, June 13th - Saturday, June 20th

*The first & last days are travel and sangha days, bookending the 5-day silent retreat.

LOCATION
Big Springs Garden Retreat Center - Sierra City, CA

Retreat Application is closed at this time. Join our mailing list for next retreat offerings.

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5/18 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID
May
18
6:00 PM18:00

5/18 A2Z Weekly Meditation Group - HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is open to all!

Together in sangha, we enjoy meditation and teachings from Rev. Liên.

Welcome to all!

DATE
May 17th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A

Or join online by Zoom (click the button below for the link).

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EBMC BIPOC Sangha, meditation and dharma talk with Rev Liên (Online)
May
14
7:00 PM19:00

EBMC BIPOC Sangha, meditation and dharma talk with Rev Liên (Online)

Join the East Bay Meditation Center BIPOC Sangha, to enjoy meditation and a dharma talk with Reverend Liên!

Open to all BIPOC practitioners and newcomers. Go to EBMC’s website to learn details of how to join virtually.

DATE
Thursday, May 14th
7:00pm-8:30pm Pacific Time


LOCATION
Online w/ East Bay Meditation Center

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