The Little Book of Zen Healing book study drop-in series: A2Z Weekly Meditation Group
May
19
to Nov 24

The Little Book of Zen Healing book study drop-in series: A2Z Weekly Meditation Group

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is continuing our study of The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love by Dr. Paula Arai. Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love by Dr. Paula Arai. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, chapters of Zen Healing are shared by Rev. Liên, highlighting the Zen principles behind Dr. Arai’s sharings and exploring the real-world applications of her beautiful ritual suggestions.

DATE
Every Monday evening until TBD.
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION

In-person 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (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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Rev Liên, co-guiding teacher at Mind & Life Summer Research Institute
Jun
1
to Jun 6

Rev Liên, co-guiding teacher at Mind & Life Summer Research Institute

Rev will be a guiding teacher at the 2025 Mind & Life Summer Research Institute: Reimagining Contemplative Education-Shaping a Collective Future.

Alongside Valerie Brown, Hawah Kasat, and Srinivas Reddy, Rev. Liên will be leading daily meditations and teachings for the participants of the 2025 Mind and Life Summer Research Institute, an immersive weeklong program that goes beyond the traditional academic settings to foster deep interdisciplinary dialogue and personal reflection.

DATE
Sunday, June 1st - Friday, June 6th

LOCATION
Garrison Institute

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Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group BIPOC Sangha, Meditation and Dharma Talk (Hybrid)
Jun
8
1:15 PM13:15

Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group BIPOC Sangha, Meditation and Dharma Talk (Hybrid)

Join Rev Liên at SBMG in-person or online for the Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group’s BIPOC Sangha gathering. Rev will lead guided meditation and offer a dharma talk. All who identify as BIPOC are welcome!

DATE
Sunday, June 8th. 1:15pm-3pm PST


LOCATION
Sacramento Dharma Center

3111 Wissemann Drive

Or join by Zoom.

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A2Z Weekly Meditation Group ONLINE
Jun
9
6:00 PM18:00

A2Z Weekly Meditation Group ONLINE

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is studying The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love by Dr. Paula Arai. Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love by Dr. Paula Arai. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, chapters of Zen Healing are shared by Rev. Liên, highlighting the Zen principles behind Dr. Arai’s sharings and exploring the real-world applications of her beautiful ritual suggestions.

You don’t need to have read the book to join, and you are welcome to read it beforehand if you’re interested!

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

LOCATION

Online.

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Healing 5-day Silent Retreat (In-person and Online)
Jun
15
to Jun 22

Healing 5-day Silent Retreat (In-person and Online)

  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Rev. Liên Shutt at Jikoji Zen Center for a week-long silent retreat, with the A2Z 2025 theme, healing.

The second annual Access to Zen week-long silent retreat is scheduled for June 15th - June 22nd at Jikoji Zen Center, Los Gatos. 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 to heal that is inside all of us.

DATE
Sunday, June 15th - Sunday, June 22nd

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

LOCATION
Jikoji Zen Center - Los Gatos, CA

Online participation available as well.

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Dharma Talk at Jikoji Zen Center (Hybrid)
Jun
22
10:40 AM10:40

Dharma Talk at Jikoji Zen Center (Hybrid)

Join Rev Liên for a dharma talk at Jikoji Zen Center.

This will be the last day of the 2nd annual Access to Zen week-long retreat. All are welcome!

DATE
Sunday, June 22nd. 10:40am-11:30am PST.

Before the talk there is Zazen that begins at 9am, with optional Zazen instruction at 8:45am.

At 11:30am there is a social tea you are welcome to join.


LOCATION
12100 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos CA.

Or online with Zoom.

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A2Z Weekly Meditation Group HYBRID
Jun
30
6:00 PM18:00

A2Z Weekly Meditation Group HYBRID

Monday night weekly meditation gathering is studying The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love by Dr. Paula Arai. Newcomers welcome!

Together in sangha, we are enjoying The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love by Dr. Paula Arai. Each week we begin with 30 minutes of meditation led by Rev. Liên. Then, chapters of Zen Healing are shared by Rev. Liên, highlighting the Zen principles behind Dr. Arai’s sharings and exploring the real-world applications of her beautiful ritual suggestions.

You don’t need to have read the book to join, and you are welcome to read it beforehand if you’re interested!

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

LOCATION

Online AND in-person.

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A, San Francisco, CA 94612

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Brooklyn Zen Center: Online HiH Book Event
Jul
16
3:00 PM15:00

Brooklyn Zen Center: Online HiH Book Event

Join Rev Liên for an interactive Home is Here book event at Brooklyn Zen Center!

Rev will offer guided meditations, exercises, and dharma teachings for a virtual book event Dharma sharing at Brooklyn Zen Center. These offerings will be centered on Rev’s book Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path.

Open to all!

DATE
Wednesday, July 16th. 3-5pm PT / 6-8pm ET


LOCATION
Online with Brooklyn Zen Center

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Berkeley Zen Center Dharma Talk
Jul
26
10:15 AM10:15

Berkeley Zen Center Dharma Talk

Join Rev Liên for a Saturday morning dharma talk at Berkeley Zen Center.

Rev will offer a dharma talk in-person during the Saturday morning program at Berkeley Zen Center. You can also join by Zoom. There is a full meditation schedule before the talk and optional tea following.

DATE
Saturday, July 26th. 10:15am-11:15am PST


LOCATION
Berkeley Zen Center (1931 Russell Street)

& online (Zoom)

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Dharma in Nature, Nature in Dharma Retreat w/ Gil Fronsdal & Rev. Liên assisting
Aug
16
to Aug 23

Dharma in Nature, Nature in Dharma Retreat w/ Gil Fronsdal & Rev. Liên assisting

Rev. Liên will be assistant teaching with Gil Fronsdal for a week-long silent meditation retreat.

Gil Fronsdal is leading a week-long retreat at Big Springs Retreat Center, and Rev will be assistant teaching. The week will consist of silent meditation, instruction, dharma talks, and work periods.

DATE
Saturday, August 16th - Saturday, August 23rd


LOCATION
Big Springs Retreat Center - Outside of Sierra City CA

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Meditation Training: Establishing a Meditation Practice in 4 Short Weeks (Online)
Oct
1
to Oct 22

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
4 Wednesdays: October 1, October 8, October 15 & October 22.
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time


LOCATION
Online w/ San Francisco Zen Center: City Center

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Zen's Relationship to Crisis - Panel Discussion
May
25
9:00 AM09:00

Zen's Relationship to Crisis - Panel Discussion

Rev will be a speaker on the panel “Seeking an appropriate response - Zen’s relationship to crisis”.

Along with Roshi Joan Halifax, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, and Roshi Paul Rosenblum, Rev Liên will speak to the role of Zen in these times of crisis.

This is part of the launch event weekend for Dharma Academy. If you are interested in joining the other talks, discussions and events that are part of this weekend, learn more at the link below.

DATE
Sunday, May 25th
9:00am - 10:30am PT / 10:00am -11:30am MT

LOCATION
Online

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Meditation and Dharma Talk at Insight Meditation Center (Hybrid)
May
18
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, May 18. 9:25am-10:45am PST.

LOCATION
108 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA

Or join online

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Half-Day Meditation Retreat at Insight Meditation Center (in-person)
May
14
9:30 AM09:30

Half-Day Meditation Retreat at Insight Meditation Center (in-person)

Join Rev. Liên at Insight Meditation Center for a half-day meditation retreat.

This half-day will consist of periods of meditation, a dharmette offering, temple cleaning, and an informal bag-lunch gathering before parting ways.

DATE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
9:30am-1:00pm

LOCATION
108 Birch Street, Redwood City

Insight Meditation Center


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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 5/12 (closed for DBA)
May
12
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 5/12 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, May 12th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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Gay Buddhist Fellowship Dharma Talk (Hybrid)
May
11
10:30 AM10:30

Gay Buddhist Fellowship Dharma Talk (Hybrid)

Join Rev at the San Francisco Gay Buddhist Fellowship in person for a dharma talk.

BF welcomes people of all races, backgrounds, and gender and sexual identities: BIPOC, men, women, LGB, Trans People, differing educational and economic backgrounds, and differently abled.  

DATE
Sunday, May 11th
10:30am-12:00pm Pacific Time

LOCATION
We gather at the San Francisco Buddhist Center at 37 Bartlett Street in San Francisco’s Mission District. 

Bartlett Street is between Mission & Valencia. Look for the red door near 21st Street.

Or join on Zoom

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EBMC Alphabet Sangha (Online)
May
6
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.

DATE
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
7:00pm-8:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION
Online

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 5/5 (closed for DBA)
May
5
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 5/5 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, May 5th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/28 (closed for DBA)
Apr
28
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/28 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, April 28th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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A2Z 1-Day Silent Meditation Retreat (Hybrid)
Apr
26
9:00 AM09:00

A2Z 1-Day Silent Meditation Retreat (Hybrid)

REGISTRATION ENDS at 8pm PT on Wed., 4/23

Join us for a 1-day silent meditation retreat.

Rev. Liên will offer teachings and lead periods of meditation and movement through the day.

Only 12 spots open for in-person. Register through the webpage linked below.

DATE
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9:00am-5:00pm PST

LOCATION
1252 Valencia Street, Suite A, San Francisco, CA 94612

Online - Zoom


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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/21 (closed for DBA)
Apr
21
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/21 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, April 21st for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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CANCELLED: Brooklyn Zen Center: Online Dharma Share
Apr
16
4:00 PM16:00

CANCELLED: Brooklyn Zen Center: Online Dharma Share

Join Rev Liên for an exploration of Zen practice in an informal and interactive virtual space.

Rev will offer a dharmette—short dharma offering, and hold space for a group discussion on our personal experiences with Zen practice.

DATE
Wednesday, April 16th. 4-5:30pm PST / 7-8:30pm EST


LOCATION
Online with Brooklyn Zen Center

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/14 (closed for DBA)
Apr
14
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/14 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, April 14th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/7 (closed for DBA)
Apr
7
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 4/7 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, April 7th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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Half-Day Meditation Retreat at Insight Meditation Center (in-person)
Apr
2
9:30 AM09:30

Half-Day Meditation Retreat at Insight Meditation Center (in-person)

Join Rev. Liên at Insight Meditation Center for a half-day meditation retreat.

This half-day will consist of periods of meditation, a dharmette offering, temple cleaning, and an informal bag-lunch gathering before parting ways.

DATE
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
9:30am-1:00pm

LOCATION
108 Birch Street, Redwood City

Insight Meditation Center


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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/24 (closed for DBA)
Mar
24
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/24 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, March 24th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/17 (closed for DBA)
Mar
17
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/17 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, March 17th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/10 (closed for DBA)
Mar
10
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/10 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, March 10th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/3 (closed for DBA)
Mar
3
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 3/3 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, March 3rd for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 2/24 (closed for DBA)
Feb
24
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 2/24 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, February 24th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 2/17 (closed for DBA)
Feb
17
6:00 PM18:00

No drop-ins to A2Z Meditation Group, 2/17 (closed for DBA)

NO A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, February 17th for the Dharma of Being Antiracist course.

From February 17th to May 12th, Access to Zen will be offering the 12-week course The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing on Monday evenings. Until then, regular weekly meditation on Monday nights will be on hiatus. We will restart on May 19th!

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The Dharma of Being Antiracist: 12-Monday Course
Feb
17
to May 12

The Dharma of Being Antiracist: 12-Monday Course

Engage in undoing deep conditioning, and join us for "The Dharma of Being Antiracist: Accessing Skillful Engagement for Healing"

This 12 Monday series will be taught by Rev Liên with wonderful guest teachers Willie Mukei Smith, Dawn Haney, and Rev. Sarah Emerson. Together, in a large group as well as in smaller affinity groups, we will study the 8-Fold Path for how to live an intentional life of non-harming. In the midst of our racial conditioning, we will be practicing connecting to how we have agency and power in ourselves and our communities. Each week we will study ways to apply traditional and contemporary social justice frames to our lives in real ways. This will be the first A2Z course that uses Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path as its central study text. Apply by February 10th!

DATE
12 Monday evenings: February 17th - May 12th
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time


LOCATION
Online (Zoom)

This course is now closed. Join our newsletter to find out about A2Z events.

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A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, February 10 (Online)
Feb
10
6:00 PM18:00

A2Z Weekly Meditation Group, February 10 (Online)

Monday night meditation gathering, welcome to all! ***Note this week is ONLINE ONLY.

The A2Z Sangha meets every Monday evening (except on noted holidays and other dates that Rev. Liên can’t be there to facilitate). This is a space for meditation, and some moments to connect, and dharma teachings from Rev. It is welcome to everyone who is interested, regardless of your experience with meditation.

We are currently reading Dr. Paula Arai’s book The Little Book of Zen Healing. You don’t need to have read the book to drop in!

DATE
Monday 2/10
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

LOCATION
ONLINE

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Meditation Training Practice Day: 1-Day Retreat (Online space available; in-person full!)
Feb
8
9:00 AM09:00

Meditation Training Practice Day: 1-Day Retreat (Online space available; in-person full!)

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, February 8, 2025
9am - 3pm

Online AND in-person (full):

1252 Valencia Street, Suite A, San Francisco, CA 94612. (about 2 blocks from the 24th Street Bart Station). Since we are trying out in-person again on a trial basis, unfortunately, our space is not wheelchair accessible at this time. We apologize for this lack of access.  

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Meditation Training 2.0 : Mindfulness & Working with the Five Hindrances (Online)
Feb
5
to Mar 19

Meditation Training 2.0 : Mindfulness & Working with the Five Hindrances (Online)

A 7-week practice and study course designed to enrich your meditation, making it easier to bring the fruits of your practice into everyday life.

This follow-up series to Meditation “1.0” will offer an extensive investigation for meditators by incorporating the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Specifically, we will learn how we have been conditioned to perceive and react, also learning about how to work with the Five Hindrances. With this knowledge, it will be easier to put into practice how to be with and respond to strong emotional and mental states.

DATE
February 5th - March 19th, 2025.

7 Wednesdays: February 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th … March 5th, 12th and 19th.
6:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time


LOCATION
Online w/ San Francisco Zen Center: City Center

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