FAQ

Our usual program starts at 1:15 p.m. with the sound of the bell. After a brief introduction by the host, there is a silent meditation – brief instruction is sometimes included – that lasts 30 minutes, and then announcements and a break allows time for browsing at the info tables, meeting people, etc. At 1:45 p.m., the teacher or practice leader offers a dharma talk, usually including a question period, until we close at 3:00 p.m. with the sound of the bell. We welcome everyone to stay afterward for conversation and refreshments. The Sunday afternoon programs are hybrid; teachers are either in person or on the big screen in the meditation hall, and available live via Zoom (see calendar for link). Some afternoons we may have guest speakers, practice talks, or practice circles. On some occasions our scheduling and program flow will change to accomadate the needs of visting teachers or practice leaders.

Chairs, meditation benches, and floor cushions are provided. Please silence cell phones, and avoid wearing scented products in consideration of allergies. We ask that only covered containers of water come into the meditation hall. There are plenty of bathrooms on the premises, as well as a modest kitchen including a refrigerator if needed.

We understand how hard it can be to find child care and want to make space for many who might wish to join us but struggle finding a way to do so with or without their children. It is important to note we discuss many topics during sangha that may be sensitive including racial trauma, politics, death, love, romance and more. There is space for children to sit in the meditation hall as long as they are able to respect the sacred space during meditation which calls for silence. Children are also welcome to sit in the dining area during the sit and work on homework, watch videos quietly on a device, enjoy snacks or otherwise. This would mean they’d be outside of their parents view and so this decision would be dependent on your comfort and be your responsibility to manage. 

All events and teachers at the BIPOC Sangha are sustained by generosity, or “Dana” in the language of the Buddha. You are invited to enjoy the practice of Dana through contributing at the Dana baskets, helping out when you come or in a variety of ways, or visiting our Donate page.

Please come whenever you can; there is no pre-registering or signing in. For our retreats, registration is requested; see our calendar for specific retreat details.

You can join us with little to no meditation experience. If you would like to join a meditation 101 class, or have guided meditation when you join us, please let us know during your visit.

All who seek to live with wisdom and kindness are welcome. There is no need to be Buddhist.

Thank you for your generosity of spirit. Please see our Get Involved page to learn more about volunteering.

You can donate online by credit card or your PayPal account, or in person in the dana baskets. Please click here to learn more.

We recognize that racial/ethnic identity can be complex and fluid, and the term BIPOC may not be universally known or globally used. If you are uncertain about whether this space is appropriate for you, our facilitators are available for a conversation.

However, we humbly suggest considering the following: If in your daily life, (1) you primarily self-identify as white, (2) others perceive and treat you as white, and (3) you align with the social and cultural norms of whiteness, then this space and our events may not be the best fit for you. If you navigate the world with white privilege but still identify as a BIPOC individual, we welcome a Zoom or telephone conversation to provide clarity on the situation.

Please write to us at bipocsanghasac@gmail.com and we are happy to arrange the call with you.