What we’re about
PASADHARMA BUDDHIST MEDITATION is a circle of seekers, practitioners, and few openminded skeptics. We explore "meditation" (bhavana, jhana/Dhyana, samadhi, vipassana) from an ancient Buddhist perspective. Yoga, an ancient Vedic tradition, informs us as do Jainism and Taoism.
We are on a quest for the meaning of life and the ultimate -- enlightenment and nirvana. Serenity and insight, compassion and wisdom, integrity and authenticity are our tools. What is the "Middle Way" the Buddha pointed out? It is our Path to liberation and complete freedom: Nirvana.
As a supportive "spiritual community," a sangha, we utilize teachings from the diverse Buddhist schools -- Theravada, Himalayan Vajrayana, Zen, American Vipassana, Far Eastern Mahayana-- to learn, explore, and adapt techniques and useful yogic practices.
Sitting as a group enables us to establish a daily practice on our own, building independence in a community of mutual support.
It's free, donations are accepted, and ALL are welcome. We serve in the spirit of making the historical Buddha's Dharma (the gift of the Teaching) available to all. This is the Path of Purification, the Path to Freedom...with a healthy and sometimes irreverent sense of humor. Come play. Enlighten up.
How should I dress? Come as you are: casual, loose, comfortable clothes for indoor sitting on a soft seat and mindful outdoor walking in our garden under giant redwood trees. Between Old Town Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. Our practice hall is warm and inviting. Beginners always welcome.
What shall we eat? Delicious vegan refreshments and time to socialize as we close each session. Come meet your tribe, companions, maybe even your soul mate.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ZEN Zoom: The return of Rev. Jeff "Tairen" AlbrizzeAlexandria II Bookstore, Pasadena, CA
Once upon a time there was a man on a mission, what mission was yet to be determined. It finally became Zen.
He studied at ZCLA, the Zen Center of Los Angeles. But he remained a rebel and founded the practice group PasaDharma in Pasadena. Work and family obligations pulled him from his life's mission, but the mission called him back.
Want to make God laugh? Tell [the Supremo] your plans. Why? Life is never what we planned; life is something we can't understand.
Now where is he? Buddhist Goddess of Compassion Kwan Yin (Kwannon) called him back to train at the Still Center, where he is now a teacher (stillcenter.org/teachers). His teacher is Western Sensei Ryuko Dr. Tim Langdell.
Sensei has a weekly Zen Zoom meeting at 9:00 am (Pacific) on Saturdays. It starts with a brief 10 minute meditation, followed by a talk and discussion session.
It goes on for an hour, a lively group, discussing a wide range of Zen topics.
Sensei is a Western Soto Zen priest and a Master Zen teacher in various traditions. His practice is based on Japanese Soto Zen combined with a background in Rinzai (koan work), Korean, and Vietnamese (like Thich Nhat Hanh) Zen practices.
All are welcome regardless of experience, particularly welcome if sharing this community's spirit -- the faith that helping ourselves is tantamount to helping others.
- Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/516177070
The Still Center is is a "Zen center without walls" using Zoom to meet. Visit website to contact with questions or for more info, recorded talks, books, and more: stillcenter.org
It is open to all members worldwide. See Meetup:
- IN PERSON: Donation-based beginner Yoga with JanetHeal One World, Los Angeles, CA
CLASS: New to yoga or familiar with the practice, fresh or experienced, this yoga class develops balance, strength, and flexibility.
We take our time to get into postures or asanas, focusing on the basics. We combine these yoga poses with breathing exercises to strengthen the body, reduce tension, and calm the mind. No experience necessary.
TEACHER: Janet is passionate about yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic health. She is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and Ayurvedic wellness educator. She received her yoga certification from the Yoga Vidya School of India. Janet’s classes offer a safe space to connect with our inner selves, release stagnant energy from the body, and breathe a little deeper. She began practicing yoga in 2003 and is grateful for her daily practice or sadhana due to its physical and mental benefits, as well as the joy it brings to life.
Must sign up at least one hour prior to the start of class. If having difficulty registering, please email [email protected]
HEAL ONE WORLD is a nonprofit dedicated to providing holistic preventative healthcare services and low or no cost. No one is turned away due to lack of funds. To contribute to our mission and help us continue to provide services, choose to donate any amount on PayPal. Also accepting donations on Venmo: @howdonation for anyone wishing to make a contribution. healoneworld.org
- In-person group meditation with ShambhalaShambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, Burbank, CA
Burbank in-person community meditation
Inside the Main Shrine Room of the BURBANK CenterJoin community for group meditation practice
Sessions are open with a few brief English chants. Short periods of silent sitting meditation alternate with walking meditation, contemplation practice, and group discussion.The final half hour is for snacks and socializing. ALL are warmly welcome.
Meditation instruction is available.Practitioners are welcome to arrive and leave at any time to fit their needs and schedule.
Basic format (approximate):
- 10:00 am - Welcome, chants, brief guided meditation instruction
- 10:10 am - Sitting and Walking Meditation
- 11:45 am - Contemplation Practice and Discussion
- 12:30 pm - Community Social Time
Every first Sunday of the month includes tonglen (“sending and taking”) instruction and practice. This is a traditional Buddhist compassion practice: We breathe in the pain and suffering of others so they can be well. Then we breathe out happiness, joy, or whatever will relieve that suffering. This is best practiced with the support of a meditation community (sangha).
There is ample free street parking. This group meditation is a free offering, but donations are always welcome.
- la.shambhala.org/in-person-meditation
- (Also in Santa Monica and Orange County)
- ONLINE: 7-Day Retreat: A Wise Heart on the Cushion and in the WorldNeeds location
Please note this retreat meets the requirements for participants in Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher certification program through SoundsTrue.com. Please read the Criteria for MMTCP Retreat Attendance Requirements.
Cultivating the Wise Heart on the Cushion and in the World: Practicing Mindfulness and the “Divine Abodes” (Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity)
Buddhism's Four Divine Abidings (Brahma Viharas) are lovingkindness, compassion, joy in others' joy, and equanimity. These are the places where the open, awakened heart abides.In this week-long retreat, on the foundation of insight meditation (vipassana) and the development of mindfulness (sati), we will learn the formal practices of lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
We will also offer guidance for bringing these practices into daily life in the world, including in challenging situations — relationships, work, community lives, being present in a pandemic, or in our efforts to bring about social justice.
All of these Buddhist practices strengthen clear-seeing (insight) and wisdom, self-confidence, self-acceptance, generosity of spirit, steadiness of mind and heart, and skillful action.
This reveals our fundamental kindness and wisdom, in a culture in which heart and mind are often forcibly disconnected.
Core instructions in these practices will be offered during periods of sitting meditation, complemented by talks, discussion, meetings with the teachers, walking meditation, and brief daily guided movement sessions.
This retreat is suitable for those wanting a dedicated at-home retreat, much like a residential retreat, and for those with some responsibilities wanting a home retreat with many hours of formal practice but also time for other activities.
For all, there will be an emphasis on bringing practice both into our time together and our time away from the group. We have designed this retreat so that it can work well for those in the Pacific time zone as well as the Eastern time zone, and time zones in between.
Tentative Schedule (all times Pacific)
Sessions: Day 1
2:00–3:00 pm - Organizing meeting on practical and technical matters: Required for all retreatants
3:00–4:00 pm - Open time
4:00–5:30 pm - Opening session
5:30 to rest time. Home practiceSessions: Day 2-6
6:00 to 6:45 am - Qigong and sitting meditation
6:45 to 8:00 am - Home practice
8:00 to 9:00 am - Instructional sitting, Q&A
9:00 to 10:20 am - Home practice
9:15 to 10:15 am - Practice discussions in small group (when assigned)
10:20 to 11:00 am - Sitting meditation
10:30 to 11:30 am - Practice discussions in small group (when assigned)
11:00 to 11:45 am - Home practice
11:45 am to 12:15 pm Sitting meditation
12:15 to 2:00 pm - Home practice
12:45 to 1:45 pm - Practice discussions in small group (when assigned)
2:00 to 3:00 pm - Instructional sitting, Q&A
3:00 to 3:55 pm - Home practice
3:55 to 4:25 pm Sitting meditation
4:25 to 4:30 pm Break
4:30 to 5:30 pm - Dharma Talk, discussion/Q&A
5:30 to 6:00 pm - Walking meditation
6:00 to 6:30 pm - Sitting meditation, chanting
6:30 pm to rest time - Home practiceSessions: Day 7
6:00 to 6:45 am - Qigong and sitting meditation
6:45 to 8:30 am - Home practice
8:30 to 9:00 am - Sitting meditation
9:00 to 10:00 am - Home practice
10:00 to 11:30 am - Closing session
11:30 am END of retreat.*All are strongly encouraged to attend as much of this retreat as one's schedule allows with emphasis on the bold sessions. Each retreatant will attend two group meetings in the week.
**Upon registering, please be sure to read and bookmark the Retreat Homepage in the auto-confirmation email for important tips on setting up your space and what to expect on retreat.
Pricing
This is a dana (donation-based) retreat. The Class Fee includes InsightLA’s administration fees only and it does not include compensation for the teachers. There will be an opportunity at the end of the retreat to give a donation or dana to the teachers. The practice of donating or dana helps continue the ancient Buddhist monastic tradition of teaching on a dana basis, dana being the Pali (the language the Buddha spoke) word for "generosity" or "giving freely."Contributions help teachers lead a life devoted to teaching both at InsightLA and in other parts of the world, including communities without the means to donate. Gifts also allow teachers to take time for their own practice, ensuring that their teachings are continuously enriched.
It takes courage and faith (confidence, saddha) for meditation teachers to dedicate their lives to offering the Buddha's Teachings. They must trust that daily personal and family needs will be met through this practice of dana – an ancient Indian system of compensation that is generally less familiar in our culture.
REGISTER: insightla.org/event/cultivating-the-wise-heart-2024/2024-12-01-14-00/
