BE HAPPY MEDITATION CLUB

History
The meditation club was originated in 2013 by a group of Dhamma friends (kalyāṇa-mitta) who just wish to meet regularly to practice meditation together and to support each other on the cultivation journey. Fast forward to 2025, our Dhamma family now has grown with over 150 members with the majority of them based in the Bay Areas, California, a handful in other states and a few in other countries.

We occasionally invite guest teacher and organize Sangha Dana/half-day/daylong/multi-day retreat. All teachings are free of charge and the club does not accept any monetary donations. Attendees are welcome to make donations to the guest teacher and our event host (meditation center/temple). The club is open to the public and anyone can join; there is no membership fee. Dhamma teachings and Mahasi Sayadaw Basic Meditation Instruction are available in 13 languages on the Be Happy Meditation Club Youtube Channel

BHMC members
The members consist of Dhamma friends from various meditation traditions (Mahasi, Mogok, Sunlun, Pa-Auk, Goenka, Thai lineages, Zen, and Tibetan tradition). They range from beginners to advanced practitioners and many are active Dhamma leaders of various monastic communities (Burmese, Sri Lankan, Thai,  Laos,  Cambodia, Chinese, Vietnamese,  Tibetan, etc.). They also range in ethnicity from African American, Burmese, Caucasian, Chinese, Filipino, Hispanic, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Russian, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese. Aside from being part of BHMC, many club members are also regular/active devotees of various meditation centers, monasteries, and nunneries.

Meditation Cushion Project (MCP)
In 2012, we started the Meditation Cushion Project where we make meditation cushions and donate them to meditation centers/temples if the conditions are ripe. The Meditation Cushion Project is now managed by BHMC volunteers. For more information, please visit the MCP page.

Sangha Health Project (SHP)
In 2012, we started the Sangha Health Project to offer free medical treatments to Sangha (both monks and nuns) and the project is now managed by BHMC volunteers. The Sangha Health Project establishes a unique network of medical practitioners (both eastern and western) where they are also meditators and members of BHMC. The missions of the project is to create a directory of medical volunteers, provide on-site treatments, coordinate health events locally and medical mission overseas, donate medical supplies, and establish a Nutritional Dana Program where healthy foods are donated and similarly recommended to donors. For more information, please visit the SHP page.

As a diverse community of meditators, we often join forces to support various  other causes including: Buddhist Global Relief Annual Walk to Feed the Hungry (Our Happy Feet Team!), International Tipitaka Chanting, and other causes. Members receive a monthly newsletter that includes the most updated information about BHMC projects, upcoming retreat schedules, and access to our shared learning resources. 

If you wish to join our big Dhamma family, just simply text your request to Kari at 510-927-6936 with your full name and email address. May you be well, happy and peaceful!