Offerings & Resources

As a community of self-identified women, we support each other in deepening our practice of Buddhist teachings. We receive guidance from wise teachers, draw strength from our shared journey, and engage the challenges of current times and our daily lives. 


However you choose to participate, and whether you are new to meditation or have decades of experience, we welcome you. We hope our sangha becomes a refuge for you and a source of nourishment for your practice. 

Explore Our Weekly Offerings

Each week we offer a regular schedule of in-person and online events.

  • Morning Meditations

    Woman meditating at sunset on a beach, hands in lap, silhouetted against the sun and ocean.

    Online 

    Daily 7:00am to 8:00am Pacific Time


    Morning meditation offerings are led every day of the year by different teachers throughout the week. The routine will differ depending on who is teaching but the basic offering includes guided or silent meditation, reflection, and a question and answer period. 


  • Wednesday Morning Practice Intensive

    Woman leading a yoga class, seated in front of students, in a sunny room with decor.

    In person and Online 

    Wednesdays 10:00am to 12:00pm Pacific Time


    The Wednesday Practice Intensive is usually taught by Kate Munding. You can choose to attend in person at Yuga Kula in Berkeley, or via Zoom. These weekly offerings are an opportunity for our community to have two hours of practice together to strengthen and enrich your spiritual path. All experience levels are welcome. 


    Wednesdays from 10 am - 12 pm PST

    • 10:00 Welcome and Sitting Meditation
    • 10:30 Walking or Movement Practice
    • 10:45 Dharma Reflection
    • 11:00 Stretch and Sitting Meditation 
    • 11:45 Q&A 
    • Noon Closing

  • Dharma Education Series

    Group of women meditating indoors with eyes closed.

    Throughout the year, Assaya Sangha offers a rotation of 4–6 week special classes that invite our community to explore the Dharma more deeply.


    Each series includes teachings, guided practice, and group reflection to support your spiritual growth.


    New classes are announced seasonally. Please check the Event Calendar and the “Upcoming Special Events / Retreats” section for upcoming offerings.


DANA

Our teachings are freely offered in accord with the traditional practice of dana (generosity.) The Buddha taught that the practice of generosity is the first step on the path to spiritual awakening. Assaya Sangha relies on the generous donations and contributions of energy, time and talents from sangha members.

Thank you for your support.

Book Group

Black mug with

The Assaya Sangha book group meets every month, usually on a Sunday afternoon, 

as part of our shared path of learning and reflection.


We meet in person at a sangha sister's home in the East Bay, and some of us attend via Zoom, nurturing connection, curiosity, and community.


Check the Event Calendar for the exact dates and times, and for the Zoom link.

Wise Action Group

Woman writing at a desk with a laptop and coffee cup. A

Buddhism teaches us that wise action benefits all beings. Sangha members have worked together to benefit our larger community to organize environmental cleanups, make masks during early COVID, collect food bank donations, share non-partisan voting information, and more.


Check our newsletter for more information. 

Volunteer

Hands of various skin tones holding young plants, arranged in a circle on green grass.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect and support our sangha. Assaya runs on 100% women power. We depend on community members lending their time, expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm to accomplish all that we offer.


In Buddhism, the Path of Service, Seva, is a form of practice: selfless service offered with compassion and without attachment to outcome. It nourishes the community while deepening one’s own path of awakening.


Volunteer roles range from setting up chairs to leadership to data entry and more. There is something for everyone’s skill sets, abilities, and interests.To see our Volunteer Roles and let us know your interests, click here.

Resources for new and seasoned practitioners

Here are some of our most recommended sources for experienced and new meditators:



Hand holding a light pink water lily with a yellow center, over a pond. Pearl bracelet on wrist.
Betsy Rose. Woman with short white hair, hands clasped in front of her face, glasses on. Light green patterned top, indoor setting.
Kate Muding. Woman with blonde hair smiles in front of a tree in a park, with trees and water in the background.
Two magnolia blossoms, outlined in black, arranged horizontally with surrounding leaves.

INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHIST MEDITATION

Dharma Fundamentals Class 1

Dharma Talk by Kate Munding - Dharma and Dukkha explanations and definitions.


Introduction to Buddhist Meditation

by Kate Munding

Books on  Buddhism

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Books on Women in Buddhism

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Book cover: Dipa Ma, a Buddhist master, in maroon robe and glasses.