“Dharma for Dummies” Class Series with Rev. Bob Oshita

"Spiritual friendship is Sangha."Miriam Davis,1998 FacilitatorMissionSacramento Buddhist Meditation Group is a peer-guided spiritual community (sangha) offering a place of inspiration, refuge and stability for the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion. We welcome people to a sangha that embraces diversity of members and Buddhist traditions.DescriptionOur IntentionWe seek to foster peace, wisdom and compassion in ourselves and in the world around us.Our IntentionWe seek to reduce suffering for ourselves and for all beings.We seek to provide a place of refuge and stability for the cultivation of mindfulness.Our PracticeThe Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group was formed in January, 1991 as a service to the Sacramento community. Our purpose is to create and sustain a spiritual community (Sangha) and to serve the Sangha by introducing and supporting meditation practice. We provide opportunities to meet and work with trained Dharma teachers who offer a range of Buddhist practices and ideas.Our central activity is a Sunday evening gathering which consists of a 40-minute silent meditation period followed by a talk by a visiting teacher or a Sangha member. It is our intention that presentations by Sangha members be based on their experience as students of meditation. We also regularly sponsor one-day meditation retreats.All Sangha activities are sustained through the practice of generosity (dana).It is our ongoing intention to build a community which is safe, open, wholesome and healing in tone and which is democratic and non-hierarchical in structure. Sangha activities are organized by a Board and various committees whose monthly meetings are open for participation or observation to anyone in the Sangha.

Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group

<P>How can stress and hard times in our lives and the world be encountered wholeheartedly?  What teachings from the Buddhist tradition support our living a joyful and generous life in the midst of daily ups and downs?  Rev. Bob will bring his lifelong experiences and good humor to investigate these and other questions.</P>
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<H3>This is a four class series. </H3>
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<LI><SPAN><SPAN>12/5, Tueday </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN><SPAN><SPAN>7-9 p.m.</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI>
<LI><SPAN><SPAN>12/6, Wednesday 7 - 9 p.m.</SPAN></SPAN></LI>
<LI><SPAN><SPAN><SPAN><SPAN><SPAN>12/12, Tueday </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN><SPAN><SPAN>7-9 p.m.</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI>
<LI><SPAN><SPAN>12/13, Wednesday 7 - 9 p.m.</SPAN></SPAN></LI>
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<H3><STRONG>Registration</STRONG></H3>
<P>We encourage advance registration and offer this on a sliding scale of $35 - $65 (for all four classes)</P>
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<LI>Registration for this class series includes dana (donation generosity) for the teacher.</LI>
<LI>Please note that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.  Contact the coordinators at either terry.sbmg@gmail.com or joseph.sbmg@gmail.com.</LI>
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<H2>Biography</H2>
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<P>Reverend Bob Oshita, ordained in 1973 in the Jodo Shinshu tradition, retired in 2016 from the Buddhist Church of Sacramento on Riverside Blvd., where he led classes and services for the 1,000 member community for many years. Rev. Oshita now serves as Chaplain to the CA State Legislature.</P>
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<H3>Details to Consider</H3>
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<LI>Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early to register and settle in.</LI>
<LI>Wear comfortable clothing,bring a covered mug or water bottle and your personal cushion if you have one.</LI>
<LI>Chairs and cushions will be available for the classes, as well as tea and hot water.</LI>
<LI>In the spirit of doing no harm, we ask that you refrain from using scented products that may affect others. The Dharma Center is wheelchair accessible.</LI>
<LI>SBMG hosts teachers from all Buddhist traditions at weekly meetings and monthly daylong retreats. All have been welcome since 1991. SBMG is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.</LI>
<LI>Please contact registrar if you have any questions.</LI>
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