We Are…
- A drop in group open to anyone identifying as a person of color, whether you have an established practice or have never meditated before
- Practicing together to create a safe and supportive community where People of Color can explore our spiritual path through meditation and the teachings of the Buddha, honoring our shared experience
- A peer led group where together we explore this path of awakening in terms of issues that are real in our lives
We Meet…
- On the First and Third Thursday each month, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
- Our time together begins with a 20 to 30 minute silent meditation, with some guiding
- Followed by introductions and a brief check-in
- On the First Thursday, we next introduce the Dharma topic for the evening
- we may listen to a recorded talk
- one of the peer leaders may give an introduction to a text
- The balance of our time is used to engage in discussion, share reflections, insights
- The Third Thursday also begins with a 20 to 30 minute silent meditation, with some guiding
- the rest of this time is for check-in and discussion. It is an opportunity for folks to talk about what is present for them, such as reflections on what is coming up in practice, carry over from the previous POC discussion, insights about something else read, or something happening at work, community or personal life. The intention is that we support one another in a sort of reconciling what arises when developing a mindfulness based meditation practice while living in this world as brown person.
- Quarterly on the Third Thursday, we share a meal together, potluck style, following the silent meditation
We are all learners together, and in this space we can simply show up to explore. We can set aside our conditioning to have answers or fix problems, and practice patient, non-judgmental listening.
Resources for Practice and Study
What we’re studying now
The Four Divine Abodes
Previously Studied
Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha’s Path by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
The Four Noble Truths
Five Precepts for Ethical Living
Dharma, Color, and Culture: New Voices in Western Buddhism, edited by Hilda Gutierez Baldoquin
Other Resources
Articles by Larry Yang and other teachers of color can be found on the page, Our Commitment to Inclusion, on Common Ground’s Website
Dr. Bonnie Duran on Race, Racism, & the Dharma
If you are new to meditation, you may consider visiting these websites…
- “New to Meditation”
- East Bay Meditation Center POC
- New York Insight
- Insight Meditation Society
- Vipassana Fellowship
Other Useful Information
Dana
There is no cost or required donation for any of the programs at Common Ground. Continuing a tradition from the Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia, all programs are offered free of charge in the spirit of generosity. This offering is possible because of the generosity of people like you who wish to support the continuation of the center.
Generosity or “dana” as spiritual practice invites us to explore the effects of giving and receiving freely. There is no right way to practice dana except to bring greater and greater awareness to the process of giving and receiving. Mindfulness provides the necessary space needed to recognize and act on our generous intentions. Only by listening can we discover an appropriate level of support.
Bowing
Many people who participate at Common Ground bow at the end of meditation or when talking in a small group. Most commonly this is an expression of appreciation and gratitude. This bowing is not required.
Fragrance-Free
In respect of those with sensitivities and allergies, We request that you not wear scented products at the center.
Program Information
You can find detailed program information on the website in the Programs section, and the Calendar, which has the most recent updates.
Audio Dharma
Talks given at Common Ground are usually recorded and posted on the website under Audio Dharma.
