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

    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. 


  • Monday Night Meditation

    In person and Online 

    7:00pm to 8:30pm Pacific Time


    We usually start with a 30 minute meditation (guided or silent), followed by a 30 miniature Dharma talk by one of the Assaya Sangha teachers or guest teacher. We'll conclude the evening with time for questions and comments.


    Our Monday Night gathering is held in person and on Zoom on the first and third Mondays of each month at Northbrae Community Church in Berkeley CA. On the second and fourth Mondays, we'll gather on Zoom only. 

  • Wednesday Morning Practice Intensive

    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

  • Friday BIPOC Sit and Dharma Offering

    Online 

    Fridays 6:00pm to 7:00pm Pacific Time


    Assaya Sangha welcomes you to its ongoing meditation and Dharma offering for self-identified BIPOC women, led by Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith and Shakthi Ganeshan. (BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.) This group shares the Dharma and practices meditation in a safe, supportive, and inclusive way. See the Event Calendar for details. ​

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

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

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

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:



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

Books on Women in Buddhism