Open Kalyana Mitta Groups

The following East Bay Kalyana Mitta Groups are accepting new members:

Berkeley: New ethnically and culturally-diverse, peer-led group seeking people of diverse experiences, ages, and colors. Focus on developing Equanimity and Lovingkindness. Twice a month, Tuesdays 7:30 – 9:30. Meditate for 30-40 minutes, brief check-in, book discussion, intention setting, brief closing meditation, check-out. Also seeking co-facilitator and multiple hosts. Contact Verna Lim by email or phone: 510-684-0884.

Oakland/Berkeley Border: Peer-led group meets every other Tuesday from 7:30-9:30 pm at a member's home near the Rockridge BART station. We begin with a 30-minute meditation, followed by a brief check-in. The meeting continues with a discussion of the book chapter we're reading. Books of interest have been The Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield and Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart. We end with a 5-minute meditation. Our meditations focus on Metta (lovingkindness). Please contact Heather Ellsworth by email or phone: 415-548-0679.
North Berkeley: New peer-led group that will meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, 7:30-9:00 p.m. The meeting location is at a private home near Marin Ave & Grizzly Peak Blvd—rides up the hill may be available. We read and discuss books about Buddhist teachings and practice, select aspects of practice to focus on between sessions, and share reflections and questions about our experiences with these practices. Sessions will begin with 15 minutes of sitting, followed by these discussions. If you are interested, please email Betty.
Berkeley (or Oakland): New peer-led group for parents. Format to be determined by group members. Meet once or twice a month, possibly during weekday hours. Focus will be on our practice in relation to parenting although other topics can be included. We would like to find a way for our children to be present. If you are interested, please contact Susannah Mackintosh by email or by phone: 917-667-3069.

The Spirit Rock website also lists contact information for groups with openings in the East Bay and elsewhere in addition to a variety of resources for Kalyana Mitta groups including meeting guidelines and a list of suggested books.

(Kalyana Mitta Group Introduction)