COVID-19 UPDATE

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Dear SIM attendees,

As we stated in last week’s eNews, all SIM in-person events at the Sacramento Dharma Center are suspended through April 15th. We successfully held our first Thursday night evening and two ongoing classes this week using the Zoom application. We had good participation and only a few minor technical issues, so we’re off to a good start.

Note: Hyperlinks for online meetings will be listed each week on SIM’s online calendar. Go to the event you are interested in and click on the event title to get the event details, the link to join the meeting, and the link to contribute to the dana bowl.

TIP: For best results, when joining an online meeting, we recommend using a device that has a camera and microphone so that you can see and communicate with everyone. If you have a desktop computer without a camera or microphone, you might want to use at tablet or smartphone. Some people find it helpful to have a headset if you’re in a noisy environment or find it difficult to hear. This tip is added to an updated instructional post (https://sactoinsight.org/instructions-to-join-a-remote-meeting/).

A word about dana

Our Dharma teachers rely on the generosity of our attendees. Though we’ve had to postpone Vance Prior’s visit this coming week, he relies on dana for his livelihood. We encourage you to give as generously as you can to support Vance – visit https://sactoinsight.org/retreat-dana-online/.

Please take a moment to think of members of our SIM community who might not be comfortable going online and reach out to them directly or let us know so we can follow up with them. We want to include as many as possible as we begin using this technology to meet!

Summary of upcoming online events

Thursday 3/26 at 5:30 pm – Intro to Zoom Session

Just getting started with Zoom? Have Questions? Join us for an informal 30 minute drop in session to go over the nuts and bolts for participating in SIM events.
Join Online: https://zoom.us/j/333557730
Join by phone: 1-669-900-9128 ( Meeting ID: 333 557 730 )

Thursday 3/26 at 6:00 pm – Intro to Meditation Class

Interested in learning to meditate (or need a refresher)? Join Dennis Warren online using Zoom for this Introduction to Meditation Class.
Join Online: https://zoom.us/j/333557730
Join by phone: 1-669-900-9128 ( Meeting ID: 333 557 730 )

Thursday 3/26 at 7:00 pm – Sitting and Dharma talk

Join Online: https://zoom.us/j/540557536
Join by phone:1-669-900-9128 ( Meeting ID: 540 557 536 )
Dana e-Bowl: click here

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(Remote) Young Persons Sangha

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To join this remote meeting, note the following: 
Online access: https://zoom.us/j/388112480
Passcode: simyps 
Phone access: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 388 112 480 ) For instructions on how to use the access methods listed above, click here.

Meeting on the Second and Fourth Tuesday evenings in the SDC Library, a ​young persons group studying mindfulness and meditation.

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(Remote) Young Persons Sangha

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To join this remote meeting, note the following: 
Online access: https://zoom.us/j/310591485
Passcode: 312995
Phone access: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 310 591 485 ) 
For instructions on how to use the access methods listed above, click here.

Meeting on the Second and Fourth Tuesday evenings in the SDC Library, a ​young persons group studying mindfulness and meditation.

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(Remote) Introduction to Meditation with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

To join this remote meeting, note the following:
Join Online: https://zoom.us/j/333557730
Join by phone: 1-669-900-9128 ( Meeting ID: 333 557 730 )
For instructions on how to use the access methods listed above, click here.

This 45-minute course is suitable for beginners or anyone who would like a refresher. It is offered on the fourth Thursday of every month before the regular sitting and dharma talk. There is no fee.

DENNIS WARREN is SIM’s Founding Teacher and has been teaching mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practices since 1998. He recently completed his 11th year as a Volunteer Clinical Professor in Mindfulness in the Division of Pain Medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center. He is certified as a Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P), by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. He is a graduate of the professional trainings in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression. He also is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Medication Center’s Dharma leaders training program. You can learn more about Dennis’ background and activities at https://www.denniswarren.net/ .
Dennis has been participating in residential meditation retreats, and has maintained a daily meditation practice, in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition for over 30 years. 2018 was his 20th year of teaching Insight Meditation and mindfulness practices in residential, retreat, educational, medical, corporate and community settings. In 2007 and 2014, Dennis led month long pilgrimages and moving retreats in Thailand, India and Nepal. A third is being planned for late 2021.

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha.

At the bottom of this page, you may enter the number of people planning to attend and select the button “Confirm RSVP“.
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Board of Directors Update

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UPDATE – March 15, 2020

Dear SIM attendees,

SIM is working with the Sacramento Dharma Center and our sister sanghas to minimize the threat of coronavirus/COVID19 transmission.

To that end, we are suspending all SIM in-person events at the Sacramento Dharma Center through April 15th. Instead we will offer our Thursday night evenings and ongoing classes online using the Zoom application. It is easy to use if you have access to the internet. See the instructions below to join this Thursday night.

We will send an update regarding next week’s scheduled events with Vance Pryor later this week.

We recognize that meeting online is not the same as practicing together in one place, but in light of the rapidly evolving situation and the risk of person-to-person transmission, we think this is the best way to protect the health of our community for the near term.

Please take a moment to think of members of our SIM community who might not be comfortable going online and reach out to them directly or let us know so we can follow up with them. We want to include as many as possible as we try using this technology to meet!

A word about dana: SIM relies on the generosity of our attendees. Though we won’t be meeting at the SDC for the near term, there will still be bills to pay and teachers to support. We encourage you to give generously online at https://sactoinsight.org/what-is-dana.

To join SIM’s Zoom meeting online for Thursday March 19th, note the following:

Whether or not you join us on Thursday night, remember that you can access recent talks on our audio dharma page: (https://sactoinsight.org/category/audio-dharma/).

Thank you for your flexibility and help in keeping our community healthy!
The SIM Board

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Instructions to join a remote meeting

For SIM events held via teleconference or online, here are general instructions for how to participate. The two main methods for joining meetings are by phone or by internet (choose only one method). If you have concerns about getting online or into the meeting, call or text David at 562-310-2383 or Sara at 916-620-3795 for help.

Before you Join the meeting

  • Enter the meeting 10 to 15 minutes early to be sure you’ll have time to address any connection issues.
  • We recommend that you close other applications on your computer before you open Zoom.
  • Join the meeting by either hyperlink or by phone.

— join by hyperlink (via computer or Smartphone)

  • SIM is using an application called “Zoom” to host our meetings. You may download the application directly from their official website at https://zoom.us/ or …
  • Click on the hyperlink that the meeting organizer has provided. If you have registered to a course, the instructor will email all students with a hyperlink to join the course meetings. Links for other meetings can be found on SIM’s online calendar. Go to the date and the event you are interested in and click on the event title to get the details and link to the meeting. (Thursday evening Zoom links are updated Quartey and are posted here.)
  • If you don’t already have Zoom installed, when you click the link it should prompt you to click on a button to download Zoom instantly. Then you can join the meeting.

–– join by phone (internet access not needed)

  • Dial the phone number and meeting access code that the meeting organizer has provided.
    • If you are registered to a course, the instructor will email all students with a meeting access code to join the course meetings. Access codes for other meetings can be found on SIM’s online calendar. Go to the date and the event you are interested in and click on the event title to get the details.
    • Note, when phone numbers are not toll-free, there may be long distance fees incurred depending on your service plan. To find the number nearest your location, click here.

Leaving the meeting

  • After you leave the meeting, go to the top left corner of your screen to quit the Zoom program.
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Board of Directors Message, coronavirus

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March 12, 2020

Dear SIM attendees,

Tonight’s SIM gathering will be focused on “Meditative Tools for These Uncertain Times”.  The evening will include an opportunity for people to share what is happening for them, as well as some thoughts from Rich Howard about how practice can help us deal with the current situation in a helpful, heartfelt way.

We want you to know that SIM is working in concert with the Sacramento Dharma Center and our sister sanghas to minimize the threat of coronavirus/COVID19 transmission. We are not cancelling our events at this point but ask that you read the following, use wise judgement, and help keep everyone safe and reduce the potential spread of this virus.

What we are doing at SIM events:

  • Extra cleaning, wiping of shared surfaces with disinfectant.
  • Setting up chairs farther apart.
  • Discontinuing tea service for the near term. (We have been asked to not use SDC utensils, dishes or cups at this time.)
  • Discontinuing providing shawls/blankets for the near term.
  • Providing paper towels in the bathroom.

What you can do to help:

  • Please stay home and make use of our audio dharma link.
    • If you have a fever (oral temperature 99°F or greater), cough or shortness of breath
    • If you have traveled by plane within the past 14 days
  • Use bows or verbal greetings instead of handshakes or hugs to greet people.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before coming in the Dharma hall for at least 20 seconds (hum Happy Birthday twice or chant the Refuges to time yourself!). Also wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or touching shared surfaces. 
  • Keep your hands away from your face – mouth, nose, eyes (a good awareness practice).
  • For sneezes and coughs, do so into the crook of your arm. If you have them, you may use tissues, then throw away and wash your hands as described immediately.
  • Bring your own water container with a lid. 
  • Bring your own shawl or blanket if you want one.

We will continue to track the situation and make adjustments as needed. 

Thank you for your help keeping our community healthy! 

The SIM Board

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Sit & Dharma Talk – Rich Howard – These Uncertain Times

Meditative Tools for These Uncertain Times

Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Community Teacher Rich Howard

This gathering will be focused on “Meditative Tools for These Uncertain Times”. The evening will include an opportunity for people to share what is happening for them, as well as some thoughts from Rich Howard about how practice can help us deal with the current situation in a helpful, heartfelt way.

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha.

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03/05/2020 “Suburban Arhats” with Tony Bernhard

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

Suburban Arhats — exploring the possibilities of full awakening for those of us living a lay lifestyle

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02/27/2020 “Awareness, Effort, and Right View” with Rich Howard

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
HANDOUT: Awareness, Effort, and Right ViewDownload

Google “mindfulness” and you’ll find this definition (from Psychology Today): “Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present.” On the other hand, Burmese monk and meditation teacher Sayadaw U Tejaniya titled one of his books “Awareness Alone is Not Enough.” What else is needed? Won’t it be complicated? With all the approaches to mindfulness floating around, it may be a challenge to know how to practice a simple yet effective form of awareness that leads to insight and eventually freedom. With reminders from Sayadaw’s two most recent books, “Collecting Gold Dust” and “Relax and Be Aware” as well as his classics, we will look at the wider context of Awareness/Mindfulness/Attention: how it might differ from some of the popular notions, how it fits in the Noble Eightfold Path, and how it supports our search for freedom. This evening will be a good preparation for the retreat on February 29*.

* The daylong retreat on February 29 was themed “Awareness Practice and Inquiry”. Although the retreat talks were not recorded, here are a couple of related handouts that Rich Howard wanted to share with this post.

HANDOUT: Right Attitude for MeditationDownload
HANDOUT: Collecting Gold DustDownload
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