October 2025 Newsletter

November 5, 2025

Message from Kate Munding about our upcoming November 1st retreat

In his lifetime the Buddha saw social unrest, the rise and fall of various ruling factions, and many forms of suffering. His message, conveyed throughout, was unwavering and remains relevant today: Awakening our heart and mind, upending the roots of greed, hate, and delusion, is the way towards peace and happiness. 


Yet these are extraordinary times that we are navigating. How do we walk this path of awakening while also encountering so much suffering in our world? One response is that we don't have to do it alone. 


On this retreat, we will come together, connected by our care for the world and our love for the Dharma. The day’s theme will center around Self-Compassion and Worldly Compassion. We will be led by Spirit Rock Retreat Center teacher 
Anushka Fernandopulle and Kate Munding, Guiding Teacher of Assaya Sangha. We will cultivate compassion in our hearts in order to attend to our own challenges and then practice extending that compassion outward.


This will be a day of meditation, movement, connection, and teachings. The tone of the day will be heart-opening and empowering. All levels of meditation experience are welcome. 


This is a fundraising event. All donations received will go to Assaya Sangha, a women's Insight Dharma Community based in the San Francisco-East Bay area.


Click HERE to Play Kate's message: https://vimeo.com/1121305015?share=copy

By Lucia Longhi December 3, 2025
Dear Sangha, As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I wanted to share a brief update about our Fall Appeal. Thanks to the generosity expressed at our recent fundraiser, we are already close to halfway toward our $18,000 goal for 2026. I recorded a short message to share my gratitude and to invite you into this effort as we move toward the new year. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch. To play the video, click here: https://vimeo.com/1142137720/af278a7e30?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci To support Assaya Sangha: https://assayasangha.app.neoncrm.com/forms/fall-appeal-2025 Thank you for your practice, your presence, and your generosity. This sangha is truly shaped by each one of you, and I am grateful we walk this path together. These funds directly support our community: Re-fund the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Fund. Increase the number of in-person and Zoom full- and half-day retreats. Continue our Dharma Series, with some offered in person. Community outreach and marketing to help people who are seeking refuge and connection find their way to Assaya Sangha. Ways to Give Credit Card: https://assayasangha.app.neoncrm.com/forms/fall-appeal-2025 Check: If you prefer to send us a Check, please make your check out to Assaya Sangha and mail it to: 17 El Rincon, Orinda, California 94563 Donor-Advised Fund: If you would like to donate from your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), please email Katemunding@assayasangha.org for instructions and support. Again, thank you for your support. We hope to see you at the Winter Solstice event on the 21st. Wishing you all well, Kate Munding Guiding Teacher, Assaya Sangha Check this message and upcoming events in: https://mailchi.mp/assayasangha.org/november-2025-newsletter-17447678?e=ab8754a2bc
By Lucia Longhi November 13, 2025
The Support of the Sangha
Stone Buddha statue in lush green garden, pink flowering bush nearby.
September 16, 2025
Although meditation on the breath is not the only Buddhist practice, it is often taught as a foundational one. The breath has much to share with us. As a practitioner, you already know that when you bring mindful attention to it, the breath helps gather a scattered mind into a state of easeful concentration. It can als