Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups

No Cost – Usually, registration is not required to participate in IMC’s offerings. Although there is no cost for any of our programs, we are grateful for donations to support our activities and teachers.

Black Practitioners Meditation and Wisdom Circle

With Anne Roise

On Zoom

Five Saturdays: January 28  – February 25, 2023

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Pacific Time

This five-session series provides a safe and supportive space for Black practitioners to begin, refresh and strengthen their meditation and daily mindfulness practice. The sessions focus on the intersection of Buddhism and Black collective wisdom as the teachings of the Buddha are explored in the context of our unique experiences and expressions. The framework for the series is the Divine Abodes (lovingkindness, compassion, empathetic joy, equanimity) which cultivate positive mind states. These qualities can be empowering to face social and racial injustices in a manner that reduces harm for all. The group’s time together will include guided meditation, facilitated discussions and opportunities to share and connect with each other.

To register and receive the Zoom link for the program, click on the following linkhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYud-uopjsiHtL9NPQ-r1kxBvmzXVyYlqUN

Facilitator: Anne Roise

Anne Roise has been a Zen practitioner since 1971 when she left Canada as a teenager to study with her first teacher, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. She is lay-ordained in the Soto Zen tradition. Anne completed the Buddhist Chaplaincy program at the Sati Center and is also a trained mindfulness facilitator through the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. She is the Director of Programs and Online Operations at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and serves on the boards of Mindful Schools and the San Francisco Zen Center. Anne has a graduate degree in City Planning from MIT and is a Certified Life Coach.

Dharma Circle for People of Asian Background

Facilitated by Lilu Chen and Ying Chen

Fourth Sunday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Open to drop-in at any time

This monthly dharma circle includes sitting meditation, a short dharma talk, dharma discussion and community activities. We intend to provide a safe, friendly and nourishing environment. Open to all self-identified people of Asian or South Asian background, No registration required. For more information contact asianimc2020@gmail.com.

Dharma in Spanish: Meditative Movement, Sitting and Talk

Led by Andrea Castillo or occasional guest teacher
Tuesday Evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
A 30-minute meditative movement session is followed by a 30-minute sitting and a talk with time for questions. [Learn More]

Dharma en Español: Movimiento Meditativo, Meditación y Plática

Dirigido por Andrea Castillo o en ocasiones por maestros visitantes.
Martes en la noche, 7:00 a 9:00 pm
30 minutos de movimiento meditativo, seguida por 30 minutos de meditación y una plática con tiempo para preguntas. [Aprende Más]

At Home in the World: Dharma for People in their 20s and 30s

Led by Max Erdstein and guest teachers
Sunday Evenings (except the 2nd Sunday of the month), 7:30 – 9 pm
At Home in the World is an ongoing dharma practice group addressing themes relevant to people in their 20s and 30s. It includes guided meditations, dharma talks, small and large group discussions, and social interaction. Each Sunday we have a mix of returning, regular members and new attendees. Those at any level of practice experience are very welcome. Zoom Link on IMC’s calendar.   [Learn More]

LGBTQIA+ Sangha

Guiding teachers: bruni dávila
First and Third Sunday of the month, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, intersex and queer individuals.
Contact us at imcqueersangha@gmail.com

Senior Sangha

Led by by David Cohn, Fiona Barner, and Robert Cusick
On Zoom

Monthly — usually on the Third Thursday of the month, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Check the calendar to confirm which Thursday we’ll meet on

Suzuki Roshi was asked, “Why do you practice?”  He laughed and said, “To enjoy my old age.”  Please join us as we create a dharma-based community of IMC seniors of all ages.  Everyone is welcome. We will cultivate enjoying our journey through the vicissitudes and blessings of aging with kindness and wisdom practices.  There will be guided meditations, talks, and discussions on topics that support aging with ease and contentment.

Please fill out this short form to be added to the email list for class materials and announcements and class Zoom links.

For questions, email imc.seniorsanghagroup@gmail.com.

Women’s Circle of Mindfulness

Facilitated by Hilary Borison
Second Thursday of each month, 10:45 am – 12:30 pm

A gathering for women who wish to deepen practice by exploring together how to bring principles of mindfulness into our daily lives. You are welcome to bring lunch or have tea until 1:00 pm. For information contact Hilary Borison (hborison@sbcglobal.net).