Due to the current widespread and worsening outbreak of the Covid omicron variant the SIM Board of Directors unanimously passed a new policy effective immediately suspending all in-person activitiesat Sacramento Dharma Center until February 8th, 2022. Our regular Thursday evening meditation and dharma talks, the ongoing faculty-led courses and end-of the-month daylong retreat will be presented online only. Please find links for those events on our calendar.
This decision was made after careful consideration by the Board of all the relevant factors needed to ensure for the health of the sangha, faculty and visiting teachers during the current pandemic.
We appreciate your acceptance and understanding of this decision and look forward to meeting you in-person soon.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2022-01-10 21:30:122022-02-12 12:25:09Online Only Events Until Feb 8
To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
Did you know that listening is a learned skill? Unlike speech which comes naturally to us, REALLY listening isn’t an innate trait. Why is that? Listening requires taming the ego-driven addiction to being center stage, and trying to take over another’s “air time”. To speak is to articulate words that convey meaning, and to listen is to understand the true intent behind words being spoken. When the Buddha spoke about Right Speech, he was including both sides of the communication equation; skillful means of intentional speech as well as intentional listening. Skillful listening means listening mindfully to others, especially when we habitually discount what “they” have to say. It also means listening deeply to our own innate wisdom, which we too frequently ignore because it may not align with our long-held beliefs about ourselves. Learning how to deeply listen is a skill that changes attitudes and beliefs as well as enhancing empathy and community. Deep listening is a great skill to learn for the new year.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Audio-Dharma2.jpg7371007Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2022-01-06 22:00:002022-01-17 12:39:1201/06/2022 “Are You Listening?” with Diane Wilde
Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher Seth Castleman
* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center
Thursday Night Talk Dana [give_form id=”16677″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha For remote meetings, please use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Seth Castleman.
SETH CASTLEMAN is a teacher, writer, and storyteller with over twenty years experience teaching mindfulness and spiritual practice. Castleman is trained in both the Jewish and Buddhist traditions. After 20 years of meditation practice and two years of silent retreat as a lay-person in the US, India, and Nepal and as a monk in Burma, Seth was trained as a teacher by Jack Kornfield at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He was authorized as a meditation/dharma teacher in 2008. Following eight years of rabbinical studies in the US and Israel/Palestine, Castleman was ordained in 2011 as a rabbi by one Orthodox, one Conservative, and one Reform rabbi. Castleman has published in two dozen newspapers, periodicals, and anthologies on the intersection of contemplative practice and social justice and the transformational power of brokenness. As a storyteller, Seth has performed in theaters, on radio and television, and at countless kitchen tables. Seth uses myth, storytelling, and humor as central tools in his teaching and counseling work. Seth Castleman is married to Reverend Elizabeth Griswold, making them, quite possibly, the only rabbi—Christian minister married couple in the US. Seth and Elizabeth live in Davis, CA with their three children.
Hybrid (in-person and online)
3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM) Sacramento,
CA
95826United States
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Community Teacher Rev. Diane Wilde
Talk topic: What about God?
* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center
It seems appropriate to discuss a “supreme being” and its compatibility with Buddhist practice — or not. The holiest seasons in the Judeo-Christian and Muslim calendars are approaching in April. Passover, Easter and Ramadan celebrations of God in his/her various manifestations will all be taking place.
There is a widespread assumption that a person can’t be a Buddhist and also believe in a supreme being. Yet at SIM and other Buddhist sanghas, many practitioners often embrace the Buddha’s path and simultaneously maintain a strong allegiance to a belief system whose purpose is the worship and celebration of a “supreme being.” For many, the apparent “atheism” in Buddhism, and personal belief in god can cause confusion. For others there is no problem at all, with a comfortable mixing of both. In Buddhism itself, there are “gods” that are an important component of the culture. We will discuss them as well as the Buddha’s teachings on a supreme being and what a few contemporary teachers think about this issue. Should make for a lively discussion!
“Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha Please use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Rev. Diane Wilde.
Hybrid (in-person and online)
3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM) Sacramento,
CA
95826United States
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Diane-Wilde-headshot.jpg200200Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2022-01-05 20:23:182022-03-03 17:17:04(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk – Diane Wilde – What about God?
Talk Topic: Letting Go, Inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Chah
Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Senior Teacher Heather Sundberg
The teacher will present via Zoom and this talk will be recorded.
Thursday Night Talk Dana [give_form id=”4336″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha You may use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 100% of your donation will be shared with Heather Sundberg.
HEATHER SUNDBERG has practiced insight meditation since 1993, and was first invited to teach meditation classes in 1999. Soon afterwards, she participated in the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader program (CDL2), graduating in 2003. She began teaching Residential Retreats in Insight Meditation in 2004. Next, Heather completed the four-year Spirit Rock/Insight Meditation Society Senior Teacher Training. Additional biographical details are available at http://heathersundberg.com/about.html.
Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84091660102 Passcode: 435020 Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 840 9166 0102 ) For tips and instructions on how to participate, check this news blog.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Headshot-HeatherSundbergx200.jpg200200Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2022-01-05 19:35:292022-02-15 20:14:38(Remote) Sit & Dharma Talk – Heather Sundberg – Letting Go, Inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Chah
“Mindfulness”, “Mindfulness Based” Programs and Buddhist Mindfulness Are Not the Same Thing
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.
There are an endless number of on-line podcasts, events, retreats, magazine articles, websites, books, YouTube videos and personal services describing themselves as involving “Mindfulness” or being “Mindfulness-Based.” Popularized Mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based programs and Buddhist Mindfulness are not the same things.
This evening will explore some of the important commonalities and differences to help us evaluate available practice options and to be clear about what we are doing in our own individual practices.
The subject matter of this evening is appropriate for all stages of practice. Attendance is by ZOOM only.
Thursday Night Talk Dana [give_form id=”10310″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha You may use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Dennis Warren.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Dennis-Warrenx200pic.png200200Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2022-01-05 15:22:202022-02-06 10:13:16(Remote) Sit & Dharma Talk – Dennis Warren – “Mindfulness”, “Mindfulness Based” Programs and Buddhist Mindfulness Are Not the Same Thing
Please join me in welcoming Jon Siiteri as President of the Sacramento Insight Meditation Board of Directors. Our SIM community is fortunate to have Jon assume this leadership position.
Jon’s professional credentials include a doctoral degree in endocrinology and over twenty years of clinical practice as a Physician Assistant, specializing in urology. He also taught aspiring NP/PA students at the university level. Even while pursuing this busy career Jon maintained an active volunteer presence in organizations that included the Buddhist Pathways Prison Project and the Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals. Recently retired from clinical practice, Jon is devoting his time to further service. Jon was accepted to this year’s Sati Center Buddhist Chaplaincy program, where he is studying with Gil Fronsdal and other senior teachers. And he’s generously taking on the SIM Board Presidency!
Consistent with their proud Finnish heritage, Jon and his wife Becky are lovers of the outdoors, the natural world and taking hot saunas. They are avid campers, hikers and members of the California Alpine Club, and Jon is frequently on the move running and biking. Jon’s devotion to his wife, son and extended family are evident to all who know him.
Jon has already made significant contributions to our community as a member of the SIM Board, his skillful role in helping to craft a plan for our return to the Sacramento Dharma Center last July being only one example. In addition to his keen intelligence and superior organizational skills, Jon’s patience, kindness, and ability to listen wholeheartedly will serve our community well during his presidency. Jon’s good heart shines forth in all that he does. Next time you see Jon please congratulate him, thank him, and ask him what you can do to help support him in his new role.
These last four years serving as President of the Sacramento Insight Meditation Board has been an honor, a privilege, and an opportunity for me to grow. I am delighted to turn this important work over to someone as capable and committed as Jon.
I’d also like to express gratitude to all members of our outstanding Board for their devoted leadership and hard work. Special thanks to Tony Pruitt who will replace Jon as Vice President and a member of our finance committee as part of this transition. We are also delighted to welcome Karen Tercho to our Board. Please thank both of them as well when you get a chance.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Siiteri-new-pres.jpg840560Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2022-01-01 17:47:282022-01-01 17:47:32Welcoming New Board President Jon Siiteri
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2021-12-27 21:44:262021-12-27 21:59:50(Remote) Buddhist Recovery Group
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2021-12-27 20:51:482021-12-27 21:39:00(Remote) Buddhist Recovery Group
Online Only Events Until Feb 8
COVID-19, NewsDue to the current widespread and worsening outbreak of the Covid omicron variant the SIM Board of Directors unanimously passed a new policy effective immediately suspending all in-person activitiesat Sacramento Dharma Center until February 8th, 2022. Our regular Thursday evening meditation and dharma talks, the ongoing faculty-led courses and end-of the-month daylong retreat will be presented online only. Please find links for those events on our calendar.
This decision was made after careful consideration by the Board of all the relevant factors needed to ensure for the health of the sangha, faculty and visiting teachers during the current pandemic.
We appreciate your acceptance and understanding of this decision and look forward to meeting you in-person soon.
On behalf of the SIM Board of Directors,
Jon Siiteri
01/06/2022 “Are You Listening?” with Diane Wilde
Audio DharmaDid you know that listening is a learned skill? Unlike speech which comes naturally to us, REALLY listening isn’t an innate trait. Why is that? Listening requires taming the ego-driven addiction to being center stage, and trying to take over another’s “air time”. To speak is to articulate words that convey meaning, and to listen is to understand the true intent behind words being spoken. When the Buddha spoke about Right Speech, he was including both sides of the communication equation; skillful means of intentional speech as well as intentional listening. Skillful listening means listening mindfully to others, especially when we habitually discount what “they” have to say. It also means listening deeply to our own innate wisdom, which we too frequently ignore because it may not align with our long-held beliefs about ourselves. Learning how to deeply listen is a skill that changes attitudes and beliefs as well as enhancing empathy and community. Deep listening is a great skill to learn for the new year.
(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk – Seth Castleman – Honoring Our Lineage of Teachers
Online Remote, Weekly MeditationMarch 10, 2022 @ 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm PST
Talk topic: Honoring Our Lineage of Teachers
Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher Seth Castleman
Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85647629321 , Passcode: 364353
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 856 4762 9321 )
SETH CASTLEMAN is a teacher, writer, and storyteller with over twenty years experience teaching mindfulness and spiritual practice. Castleman is trained in both the Jewish and Buddhist traditions. After 20 years of meditation practice and two years of silent retreat as a lay-person in the US, India, and Nepal and as a monk in Burma, Seth was trained as a teacher by Jack Kornfield at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He was authorized as a meditation/dharma teacher in 2008. Following eight years of rabbinical studies in the US and Israel/Palestine, Castleman was ordained in 2011 as a rabbi by one Orthodox, one Conservative, and one Reform rabbi. Castleman has published in two dozen newspapers, periodicals, and anthologies on the intersection of contemplative practice and social justice and the transformational power of brokenness. As a storyteller, Seth has performed in theaters, on radio and television, and at countless kitchen tables. Seth uses myth, storytelling, and humor as central tools in his teaching and counseling work. Seth Castleman is married to Reverend Elizabeth Griswold, making them, quite possibly, the only rabbi—Christian minister married couple in the US. Seth and Elizabeth live in Davis, CA with their three children.
Hybrid (in-person and online)
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States
(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk – Diane Wilde – What about God?
Online Remote, Weekly MeditationMarch 3, 2022 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm PST
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Community Teacher Rev. Diane Wilde
Talk topic: What about God?
It seems appropriate to discuss a “supreme being” and its compatibility with Buddhist practice — or not. The holiest seasons in the Judeo-Christian and Muslim calendars are approaching in April. Passover, Easter and Ramadan celebrations of God in his/her various manifestations will all be taking place.
There is a widespread assumption that a person can’t be a Buddhist and also believe in a supreme being. Yet at SIM and other Buddhist sanghas, many practitioners often embrace the Buddha’s path and simultaneously maintain a strong allegiance to a belief system whose purpose is the worship and celebration of a “supreme being.” For many, the apparent “atheism” in Buddhism, and personal belief in god can cause confusion. For others there is no problem at all, with a comfortable mixing of both. In Buddhism itself, there are “gods” that are an important component of the culture. We will discuss them as well as the Buddha’s teachings on a supreme being and what a few contemporary teachers think about this issue. Should make for a lively discussion!
Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88314627748 , Passcode: 066470
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 883 1462 7748 )
Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”9758″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”]
“Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
Please use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Rev. Diane Wilde.
Hybrid (in-person and online)
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States
(Remote) Sit & Dharma Talk – Heather Sundberg – Letting Go, Inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Chah
Online Remote, Weekly MeditationFebruary 17, 2022 @ 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm PST
Talk Topic: Letting Go, Inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Chah
Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Senior Teacher Heather Sundberg
Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”4336″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
You may use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 100% of your donation will be shared with Heather Sundberg.
HEATHER SUNDBERG has practiced insight meditation since 1993, and was first invited to teach meditation classes in 1999. Soon afterwards, she participated in the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader program (CDL2), graduating in 2003. She began teaching Residential Retreats in Insight Meditation in 2004. Next, Heather completed the four-year Spirit Rock/Insight Meditation Society Senior Teacher Training. Additional biographical details are available at http://heathersundberg.com/about.html.
Remote Meeting Zoom
(Remote) Sit & Dharma Talk – Dennis Warren – “Mindfulness”, “Mindfulness Based” Programs and Buddhist Mindfulness Are Not the Same Thing
Online Remote, Weekly MeditationFebruary 10, 2022 @ 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm PST
“Mindfulness”, “Mindfulness Based” Programs and Buddhist Mindfulness Are Not the Same Thing
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.
There are an endless number of on-line podcasts, events, retreats, magazine articles, websites, books, YouTube videos and personal services describing themselves as involving “Mindfulness” or being “Mindfulness-Based.” Popularized Mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based programs and Buddhist Mindfulness are not the same things.
This evening will explore some of the important commonalities and differences to help us evaluate available practice options and to be clear about what we are doing in our own individual practices.
The subject matter of this evening is appropriate for all stages of practice. Attendance is by ZOOM only.
Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”10310″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
You may use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Dennis Warren.
Remote Meeting Zoom
Welcoming New Board President Jon Siiteri
NewsPlease join me in welcoming Jon Siiteri as President of the Sacramento Insight Meditation Board of Directors. Our SIM community is fortunate to have Jon assume this leadership position.
Jon’s professional credentials include a doctoral degree in endocrinology and over twenty years of clinical practice as a Physician Assistant, specializing in urology. He also taught aspiring NP/PA students at the university level. Even while pursuing this busy career Jon maintained an active volunteer presence in organizations that included the Buddhist Pathways Prison Project and the Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals. Recently retired from clinical practice, Jon is devoting his time to further service. Jon was accepted to this year’s Sati Center Buddhist Chaplaincy program, where he is studying with Gil Fronsdal and other senior teachers. And he’s generously taking on the SIM Board Presidency!
Consistent with their proud Finnish heritage, Jon and his wife Becky are lovers of the outdoors, the natural world and taking hot saunas. They are avid campers, hikers and members of the California Alpine Club, and Jon is frequently on the move running and biking. Jon’s devotion to his wife, son and extended family are evident to all who know him.
Jon has already made significant contributions to our community as a member of the SIM Board, his skillful role in helping to craft a plan for our return to the Sacramento Dharma Center last July being only one example. In addition to his keen intelligence and superior organizational skills, Jon’s patience, kindness, and ability to listen wholeheartedly will serve our community well during his presidency. Jon’s good heart shines forth in all that he does. Next time you see Jon please congratulate him, thank him, and ask him what you can do to help support him in his new role.
These last four years serving as President of the Sacramento Insight Meditation Board has been an honor, a privilege, and an opportunity for me to grow. I am delighted to turn this important work over to someone as capable and committed as Jon.
I’d also like to express gratitude to all members of our outstanding Board for their devoted leadership and hard work. Special thanks to Tony Pruitt who will replace Jon as Vice President and a member of our finance committee as part of this transition. We are also delighted to welcome Karen Tercho to our Board. Please thank both of them as well when you get a chance.
With gratitude to every one of you,
Cathy Vigran
Beginning Meditation Course Starts March 2022
NewsOur popular six-week Beginning Meditation Course begins Tuesday, March 29th and general registration opens on Monday, Jan 3. Rich Howard and Sara Denzler will be instructing. For more information, visit the course summary page at https://sactoinsight.org/activities/practice-opportunities/meditation-courses/.
(Remote) Buddhist Recovery Group
Buddhist Recovery Group, Online Remote, Weekly MeditationFebruary 14, 2022 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm PST
Remote Meeting Zoom
Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87807139796
Passcode: 533507
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 878 0713 9796 ) For tips and instructions on how to participate, check this news blog. To make a donation for this event, click here.
Our Buddhist Recovery Group meets every Monday evening. For additional information, visit the 12 Step Sangha page at https://sactoinsight.org/activities/practice-opportunities/12-step-sangha/.
(Remote) Buddhist Recovery Group
Buddhist Recovery Group, Online Remote, Weekly MeditationFebruary 7, 2022 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm PST
Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87807139796
Passcode: 533507
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 878 0713 9796 ) For tips and instructions on how to participate, check this news blog. To make a donation for this event, click here.
Our Buddhist Recovery Group meets every Monday evening. For additional information, visit the 12 Step Sangha page at https://sactoinsight.org/activities/practice-opportunities/12-step-sangha/.
Tom Hopkins
1-916-307-8066
thopkins415@gmail.com