Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Group

Meditations for Cultivating Stillness and Revealing Insight - with Doug Veenhof
2018-08-24 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
The close observation of individual moments of experience combined with inquiry can reveal experiential insights about the nature of the self, the mind, and the world of phenomena that have greater transformational power than conceptual analysis alone. Join Doug Veenhof as we examine how these empirical insights are what actually cut through the subtlest obscurations to Pristine Awareness.
This “fusion of shamatha and vipashyana,” as Tsongkhapa calls it, is presented within the context of Dzogchen, Tibetan Buddhism’s Great Perfection. Participants will learn why the still awareness achieved with shamatha practice is essential before experiential wisdom can flourish.
This weekend retreat will be organized into one-hour modules that begin with instruction on a progression of meditation techniques designed to produce the effortless stillness and vividness of mind achieved with shamatha practice and then apply that single-pointed focus to an investigation of individual moments of experience. Each one-hour module also includes a guided meditation and a period of silent, self-guided meditation to integrate the new practice as your own to take home .
Participants will learn a full range of shamatha practices, from breath meditations to Taking the Mind as the Path, and Awareness of Awareness. These latter practices will feature a new , very effective approach that Doug learned in his recent two-month retreat with his teacher, renowned shamatha master Lama Alan Wallace. We then explore the fusion of shamatha and vipashyana with insight practices drawn from the traditions of Dzogchen and Mahamudra.
This clear and systematic approach will provide a great foundation for those new to meditation, and long term practitioners may find that this empirical approach to revealing wisdom is just what they have been missing.
At Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento, CA 95818
Parking lot in back, ADA accessible
cost: $40-$60 one day/$75-$110 one weekend
Scholarships Available (email diamond light.sac@gmail.com)
To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meditation-to-reveal-insight-with-doug-veenhof-tickets-47389636679
Doug Veenhof is a former mountain guide, an award-winning journalist, author, and long-time Buddhist practitioner. He studied for twenty years with esteemed Gelugpa teachers and now devotes himself to the study and practice of shamatha and vipashyana in the Dzogchen tradition with Lama Alan Wallace.
Doug is a certified trainer of Cultivating Emotional Balance, a program using meditation to promote emotional self-regulation and he travels much of the year leading CEB trainings and shamatha and vipashyana retreats. His schedule this year includes leading a two-month retreat for Buddhist nuns at Dharamsala, India. He is also currently collaborating with Lama Alan Wallace on the design and construction of the Center for Contemplative Research in Tuscany, a project enthusiastically endorsed by H.H. the Dalai Lama.

Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva with Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim
2018-08-28 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva with Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim
4 Tuesdays 8/28-9/18 6:30pm-8:30pm
The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva is an important Lojong text containing thirty-seven verses with instructions on following the Bodhisattva path. A Bodhisattva is a person who has cultivated bodhicitta, the compassionate wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. It is said that, of all the Buddhist realizations and practices, the most essential is bodhicitta. Join us as Geshe Tsultrim instructs us on developing the qualities of a Bodhisattva and how this practice is critical during these troubled times.
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim is part of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in south India. “Geshe” is a monastic degree similar to a PhD that is earned after decades of intensive study and passing the highest-level exams. Geshe Tsultrim is an expert on Buddhist philosophy and a skilled artist, specializing in traditional Tibetan art.
In 2001, Gaden Shartse sent Geshe Tsultrim to the US to continue his studies and to work at the Gaden Shartse Thubten Dhargye Ling Center in Long Beach, CA. Geshe-la returned to south India to complete his next level of studies at Gyudmed Tantric University. In 2015, Geshe Tsultrim returned to the US to resume teaching traditional Buddhist philosophy as well as travelling and teaching internationally in the Americas and Europe.

Center Closed for Labor Day
2018-09-03 | CA

Learn Tibetan Buddhist Meditation!
2018-09-10 18:30 - 20:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Evidence shows that even 5 minutes of meditation a day can go a long way to reduce stress, increase happiness, and sharpen focus. Sometimes it seems just getting to the cushion is the biggest obstacle! Join long time meditator and Tibetan Buddhist practitioner David Drabble as he shows us what it takes to set up and keep a daily practice! Each class will have instruction, discussion and meditation.
Mondays Sept 10-Sept 24 6:30-8:00pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento, CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
www.diamondlightsac.org

Escaping Uncertainty, a Study of Buddhist Ethics with Heather Breault
2018-09-12 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
The Buddha taught that to reduce suffering and live a happy life, you must watch your actions and live a life of virtue. Luckily, he laid out a code of ethics to follow that would do just that.
In a world where morality seems to be declining, in this course will learn the reasons to choose an ethical life. How this leads to deeper happiness and fulfillment, and ultimately freedom from suffering.
The Ethical Life covers the Buddhist code of ethics and the relationship between an ethical way of life, meditating deeply, and experiencing ultimate reality.
Topics include: the three trainings; one day vows; the five lifetime lay vows; the individual freedom vows; an outline of novice, intermediate, and fully ordained monastic vows; the essence of vows; the basic nature of vows; reasons to live an ethical life; reasons to take vows; why morality is the key to meditation and seeing emptiness directly; how to keep vows from being damaged; how vows are lost; the specific karma resulting from each of the ten non-virtues; how to find a teacher; the characteristics of a qualified teacher; taking refuge; the four forces of karmic purification; the four truths; and the six perfections.
This class is for students who have taken introductory Buddhist classes. This course is open for the first three weeks, afterwards please wait for the next course to begin attending.
Each class will have a dharma teachings, discussion and meditations. There are optional readings, homework and quizzes for deeper study and understanding.
10 Wednesdays September 5-November 7, 6:30pm-8:30pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs), Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
cost: suggested donation $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
www.diamondlightsac.org

Heather started practicing yoga in 2001 and finished her teacher training in 2008. Yoga is what led her to Buddhism, with her first class taught by Lama Marut in 2008. She has studied with many amazing teachers over the years, her closest teacher being Amie Diller. Heather’s passion is the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition, in the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She recently finished a six year, eighteen course intensive and is excited to share these classes with others.
Heather grew up in Northern California and received her Bachelor of the Arts in Communication at San Diego State University. She also has an Associate of the Arts degree in Visual Communication from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Being A Game Changer: Taking Our Practice Into the World with Winston McCullough
2018-09-15 - 2018-09-16 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Learn to be happier, healthier and more peaceful while living an engaged spiritual life. Discover how to make a real difference in the well-being of others. We will focus on cultivating and applying mindfulness, wisdom and compassion in our relationships with others, serving beneficial causes in the world, relating to our technology and how we relate to ourselves. This class will include meditations, dharma talk, discussion, individual and group exercises.
This class is for everyone; no prior experience with Buddhist philosophy required.
Sat & Sun Sept 15 & 16 11:00am-4:00pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
Suggested donation: $40-$60 one day/$75-$110 one weekend;
Scholarships available (email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com);
Visit https://goo.gl/forms/8UEB5VnyX6kdLJg12 to register
donate online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/
www.diamondlightsac.org

Dr. Winston McCullough has two master’s degrees and a PhD in psychology from NYU and has worked in industry for 25 years as an industrial and organizational psychologist and director of communications and employee benefit programs. He taught for several years at Columbia University and teaches currently at Oregon State University, including courses such as Positive Psychology, Psychology of Meditation, World Religions, and Great Figures: Jesus and Buddha. Winston enjoys exploring the intersections of 21st century psychology and spiritual paths such as Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Yoga, and progressive Christian life. He is dedicated to sharing fundamental truths that empower people to live happier lives. A loving husband and father to three amazing children, he is a grateful and happy man.

Learn Tibetan Buddhist Meditation!
2018-10-01 18:30 - 20:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Evidence shows that even 5 minutes of meditation a day can go a long way to reduce stress, increase happiness, and sharpen focus. Sometimes it seems just getting to the cushion is the biggest obstacle! Join long time meditator and Tibetan Buddhist practitioner David Drabble as he shows us what it takes to set up and keep a daily practice! Each class will have instruction, discussion and meditation.
Mondays 10/1-10/29 6:30-8:00pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento, CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
www.diamondlightsac.org

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation
2018-10-02 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation
The benefits of meditation are vast. It calms the mind and is the foundation for every spiritual realization. Meditating 5 minutes a day and more can change our brains, our minds and our view of the world we live in.
Buddhist meditation is part of a tradition of techniques that go back at least 5,000 years. Like any other skill, proper technique makes meditation easier, more productive and saves you a lot of time. This class is perfect for those who are new to meditating and would like an introduction to the fundamental practices: posture, types of meditation, progressive stages of meditation and how to develop a meditation practice. Each class will have teaching, discussions, and practice.
3 Tuesdays: 10/2, 10/9, 10/23*
6:30-8:30pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
271 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento, CA 95818
Home

All classes are donation based, drop ins welcome!
*please note on 10/16 there will be a special meditation event with another teacher! Please join us for that event!
Marc Ross was introduced to Buddhism and meditation through the study of yoga in the mid 1990’s. Since then he has been blessed to study the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Geshe Michael Roach, Alan Wallace along with several other wonderful teachers. He has been teaching meditation in the US and Europe for 15 years and is delighted to once again have the opportunity to pass on this delightful practice.

Breakfast for the Homeless
2018-10-08 07:00 - 08:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Each month, through YOUR generosity we are able to offer a hot, hearty, nutritious breakfast to a portion of the population living among us that might otherwise go hungry.
Our breakfast includes hot coffee and oatmeal with fixings, two hard-boiled eggs, and two or three pieces of fresh fruit. Each month we depend on YOU to provide the eggs and fruit and to help serve breakfast, often to as many as 275 people, at Friendship Park.
To sign up to donate food, supplies and other resources, or to help serve breakfast follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/DL-BreakfastProgram ***The downtown Sacramento drop off location is listed within each food donation description.***
You can also email us at breakfastprogramsac@gmail.com
Food donations can be dropped off any time during the day prior to the breakfast.
Not near or unavailable to help out in person??? Cash donations help us to purchase supplies when donations run low – which they sometimes do – and also to provide a special breakfast on Christmas morning. Online donations may be made on our website (http://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/), please select “Homeless Breakfast ” from the drop-down menu.
If you prefer you can mail a check to Diamond Light, 2791 24th St, Sacramento 95818.
Along with breakfast we often handout other supplies as well. We are always on the lookout for reusable bags to serve breakfast in, rain ponchos, and reusable hot cups to distribute. Next time you’re cleaning out your closets and cupboards keep us in mind if you find a stash of conference giveaway bags, an old duffle bag or backpack, perhaps even a small overnight bag or cache of unused large purses. Send us an email at breakfastprogramsac@gmail.com you can drop those off anytime at our easy-to-park-at downtown location 😉
Questions? Please email breakfastprogramsac@gmail.com
Thank you so much for all you do to support the program.
#BreakfastProgramSac

Hurry Up and Wait: Radical Meditation for Modern Times with Keith Dowman
2018-10-13 10:00 - 16:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Looking to deepen your meditation practice or learn new meditation techniques? Join Keith Dowman as he leads us through the principles of the Dzogchen path, a profound and effective tradition of teachings in Tibetan Buddhism enabling us to attain perfect enlightenment for the benefit of ourselves and all living beings.
Considered to be the heart of all Buddhist teachings, Dzogchen has been practiced throughout history by masters of all different schools of Buddhism, including by the current Dalai Lama and his predecessors.
The Dzogchen view and meditation recognize the perfection of the here and now, regardless of one’s emotional or intellectual state of mind, inducing satisfaction in the moment by demonstrating the non-duality of reality. There is no distinction between the goal and the starting point, and each moment achieved is also an achievement of the goal.
This weekend seminar will include teachings and meditations.
Saturday and Sunday October 13 and 14, 10:00am-4:00pm (with a lunch break)
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 Sacramento CA 95818
[upstairs, ADA accessible, parking lot in the rear]
cost: $100-$150 for full weekend. No one turned away for lack of funds. Scholarships available, please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com for information.
Please pre-register here: https://goo.gl/forms/1nrSRywgkfrT7tfs2
We encourage attendees commit to the entire weekend.

Keith Dowman, a cultural exile from England, has spent his life since the mid-sixties living in India and Nepal. During this time he has led a renunciate lifestyle within the ethos of Dzogchen which he learned primarily from the first generation of Nyingma Lamas to teach and practice outside of Tibet, in particular Dudjom Rinpoche and Kanjur Rinpoche. He is familiar with the Tibetan Literary Language and has translated a battery of Dzogchen texts which are both manuals and poems of realization. He teaches “Radical Dzogchen” which embodies the essential Dzogchen view and meditation and yet is free of cultural embellishment. Living a nomadic lifestyle, Keith has taught in Asia, Europe, and America’s since the early 1990s.

Dharma Talk with Amie Diller
2018-10-30 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
More info to come!

Learn Tibetan Buddhist Meditation!
2018-11-05 18:30 - 20:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Evidence shows that even 5 minutes of meditation a day can go a long way to reduce stress, increase happiness, and sharpen focus. Sometimes it seems just getting to the cushion is the biggest obstacle! Join long time meditator and Tibetan Buddhist practitioner David Drabble as he shows us what it takes to set up and keep a daily practice! Each class will have instruction, discussion and meditation.
Mondays 6:30-8:00pm
please note the center is closed 11/12
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento, CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
www.diamondlightsac.org

Center closed for Veteran's Day
2018-11-12 | CA

Center Closed for Thanksgiving
2018-11-29 | CA

Beginner's Yoga & Meditation: Stretching the Body & Mind
2018-12-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2018-12-13 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Join Ryan for an evening of yoga and meditation. Students will do a traditional Tibetan Buddhist yoga practice during the first part class to open the chakras (energy centers) in their body. After a short break students will sit for a guided meditation to center and calm the mind.
Please bring a yoga mat and water. Beginners to both yoga and meditation are welcome.
Wednesday 12/5 and 12/12 6:30pm-8:30pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
ADA accessible, parking lot in back
Ryan has been a student of Lama Amie Diller and Tibetan Buddhism for the past 6 years. During this time he has completed the 18 Courses of the Asian Classics Institute, receiving the title of “Maroke,” and has also completed several short group and solo meditation retreats. Ryan is a yoga teacher and has casually studied yogic philosophy in tandem with his Tibetan Buddhist studies. He lives happily with his two cats, Sam and Ash, in downtown Sacramento.

Introduction to Compassionate Communication with Sunil Joseph
2018-12-15 10:00 - 15:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
How do we stay connected to the innate goodness of our basic human nature in the midst of challenging times? How can I make the world a kinder place by changing how I communicate? In this class, we will introduce the principles and practices of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to cultivate empathy and compassion. No prior knowledge of NVC is necessary. All are welcome.
We will introduce the fundamentals of NVC – Observations, Feelings, Needs, and Requests. We will introduce core NVC distinctions that lead to our freedom:
– observations vs judgement
– feelings vs thinking
– needs vs strategies
– requests vs demands
We will bring non-judgmental awareness to our current communication strategies. We will use NVC tools to shift our attention from right-wrong/reward-punishment thinking to a human needs-centric view. We will introduce practices for cultivating greater felt awareness of our inner world and also learn how to compassionately listen and receive others. We will explore ways to respectfully ask for what we want while also including the other person’s needs.
To quote the Dalai Lama – “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
At Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
Cost: $20-$60, no one turned away for lack of funds
This event is a fundraiser for the Diamond Light Homeless Breakfast fund which offers a monthly breakfast to anyone who needs it. For more about this amazing group of local volunteers: https://www.facebook.com/events/631610420518953/
To register: email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
pay at the door, or to pay online: http://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/
scholarships available! email for more info
About the instructor: Sunil Joseph has been a student of NVC since 2004. He attended BayNVC’s Leadership program in 2008 where he learned to share NVC with others. Sunil is passionate about sharing his appreciation for NVC with others.

Center Closed
2018-12-25 | CA

New Year’s Retreat: Cultivating a Spacious Mind and a Good Heart with Emily Hsu
2018-12-28 17:00 - 2019-01-01 15:00 | Harmony Ridge, Grass Valley, CA, 95945, United States
New Year’s Retreat: Cultivating a Spacious Mind and a Good Heart with Emily Hsu
New Year’s is a great time to heal from the past year, and set an intention for the year to come. Going into retreat with a supportive community gives us the opportunity to rest, restore, and transform our minds to benefit ourselves and those around us. Join Emily Hsu for a 5 day residential retreat aimed at bringing a spacious mind and a good heart into 2019!
Emily will lead us in guided meditations that will help us access our minds natural spaciousness and tranquility, bringing greater space and perspective to our minds. She will also include meditations on loving-kindness, compassion and forgiveness toward oneself and others, opening the heart and feeling a greater sense of connection with others. These meditations support us in processing difficult emotions which harm ourselves and others and obscure our inner potential.
This retreat is taught from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective, but will be beneficial for anyone who is interested in meditation. The retreat will include guided meditations, dharma talks, New Years fire puja, nature and R&R.
What: a silent, residential retreat
Where: Harmony Ridge, a retreat center in Grass Valley
When: 12/28/2018-1/1/2018
Cost: $500 per person
The cost includes a semi-private room and bathroom (with one roommate) and prepared meals. Harmony Ridge is a lovely retreat center with walking trails and plenty of space to relax.
A $175 deposit is required to register and reserve your spot, full payment due by 11/25/2018 to continue holding your spot.
We have payment plans and scholarships available, please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com to register or ask any questions!
There are only 16 spots available, so reserve today!
Cancellation policy: To register for the retreat, we ask for 1/3 of the retreat fees as a non-refundable deposit to register and reserve a spot. We need full payment of all retreat fees by 11/25/2018 to continue holding your spot.
If you cancel your registration after 11/25/2018 we will do our best to fill your spot and refund your retreat fees. If this is not possible, we cannot issue a refund. Please understand that Diamond Light is a small, volunteer run dharma center, and the students attending pay for the retreat. There are not additional funds to accommodate last minute cancellations and refunds.
About Emily: Emily Hsu is an FPMT registered teacher who graduated in 2004 from FPMT’s seven-year Masters Program of Sutra and Tantra at Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa in Italy. In 2005 she completed a ten-month solitary retreat to integrate the material, and since that time has mainly been teaching and doing some retreat every year. She taught at Ocean of Compassion (Gyalwa Gyatso) Buddhist Center and other Bay Area centers for ten years, with the last four years as resident teacher until leaving in 2016 to do longer retreat.
Emily teaches Basic Program, Discovering Buddhism, introductory courses, meditation, and leads retreats, with particular emphasis on emptiness, bodhicitta, Lamrim, and calm abiding (shi-ne or shamatha) meditation.

Center Closed for New Years
2019-01-01 | CA

Meditation and Music with Jay Nair
2019-01-08 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Join Jay Nair as he leads us in an evening of meditation and music. There will be three sessions of ten minutes of music and 20 minutes of meditation with breaks in between. Learn more about Jay at https://www.nairjay.com
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14
Sacramento, CA 95818
cost: suggested donation $10-$20

Perfect Generosity: Becoming a Bodhisattva with Heather Breault
2019-01-09 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Suffering is all around us, and it can be overwhelming to know what to do or how to help. Master Shantideva wrote a detailed guide on how to live as a Bodhisattva, or spiritual warrior who works to reach enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This guide teaches us how to reduce others’ suffering though generosity, ethics, patience and wisdom.
Topics include: the benefits of being a bodhisattva, the preliminaries you must undertake to become a bodhisattva, how to remove existing obstacles which prevent realization of true bodhichitta, how to collect the causes to develop true bodhichitta, the recollection and watchfulness required to think and act like a bodhisattva, The Guide as a description of the six perfections, the order in which to undertake practice of the six perfections, how to treat your mental afflictions, and an explanation of the perfection of giving and the perfection of an ethical way of life.
This class is for students who have taken introductory Buddhist classes. This course is open for the first three weeks, afterwards please wait for the next course to begin attending.
Each class will have a dharma teachings, discussion and meditations. There are optional readings, homework and quizzes for deeper study and understanding.
10 Wednesdays January 9-March 13, 6:30pm-8:30pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs), Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
cost: suggested donation $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
www.diamondlightsac.org

Heather started practicing yoga in 2001 and finished her teacher training in 2008. Yoga is what led her to Buddhism, with her first class taught by Lama Marut in 2008. She has studied with many amazing teachers over the years, her closest teacher being Amie Diller. Heather’s passion is the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition, in the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She recently finished a six year, eighteen course intensive and is excited to share these classes with others.
Heather grew up in Northern California and received her Bachelor of the Arts in Communication at San Diego State University. She also has an Associate of the Arts degree in Visual Communication from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Breakfast for the Homeless
2019-01-14 07:00 - 08:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Each month, through YOUR generosity we are able to offer a hot, hearty, nutritious breakfast to a portion of the population living among us that might otherwise go hungry. Our breakfast includes hot coffee and oatmeal with fixings, two hard-boiled eggs, and two or three pieces of fresh fruit. Each month we depend on YOU to provide the eggs and fruit and to help serve breakfast, often to as many as 275 people, at Friendship Park.
When: The second Monday and third Friday of each month! Food service happens at 7am, donations need to be dropped off the day before.
What: cash and food donations or help serve breakfast!
Where: drop off food donations in midtown, breakfast is served at Friendship Park in downtown!
To help, please sign up: https://tinyurl.com/DL-BreakfastProgram
You can also email us at breakfastprogramsac@gmail.com to get added to the list serve
Not near or unavailable to help out in person??? Make an online donation to help us to purchase supplies when donations run low Online donations may be made on our website (http://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/), please select “Homeless Breakfast ” from the drop-down menu. If you prefer you can mail a check to Diamond Light, 2791 24th St, Room 14Sacramento 95818.
Along with breakfast we often handout other supplies as well. We are always on the lookout for reusable bags to serve breakfast in, rain ponchos, and reusable hot cups to distribute. Next time you’re cleaning out your closets and cupboards keep us in mind if you find a stash of conference giveaway bags, an old duffle bag or backpack, perhaps even a small overnight bag or cache of unused large purses. Send us an email at breakfastprogramsac@gmail.com you can drop those off anytime at our easy-to-park-at downtown location 😉
Questions? Please email breakfastprogramsac@gmail.com
Thank you so much for all you do to support the program.
#BreakfastProgramSac

From Zen to Tantra: Poetry of Spiritual Speech with Keith Emmons
2019-01-15 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Please join us for our inaugural meeting of
BUDDHISM AND THE ARTS
Keith Emmons will present:
FROM ZEN TO TANTRA
Poetry of Spiritual Search
Join us for an evening of poetry with spiritual commentary influenced by:
• Ram Dass, the Beats, and Gary Snyder
• The Soto Zen of D.T. Suzuki and Suzuki Roshi, and The Rinzai Zen of Phillip Kapleau
• Tibetan Buddhist Open and Secret Teachings
• Three-Year Great Retreat in the Diamond Light Tradition.
Keith will share experiences representing each of these formal Buddhist Traditions displayed in his published and unpublished poetry and will address the influence of spiritual exploration on expression in the arts.
Unified through clarifying questions and presenting realizations of the spiritual life, we will consider original line drawings by Cyrus Charters, Keith’s poetry, music by the Robert Gass choir, meditation, commentary and Q&A. How should you direct your spiritual life? How can you utilize artistic expression to advance your spiritual life?
Both those newly curious about spiritual questions and those whose practice is lifelong, will enjoy this lively thought-provoking evening of insight and humor.
Refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday January 15 6:30pm-8:30pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
suggested donation $10-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds.

Enlightenment Tips from the 14 Dalai Lamas with Glenn Mullin
2019-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Jewel Heart Northern California and Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Group are excited to welcome Glenn Mullin to Sacramento! Reading from his books “The Fourteen Dalai Lamas: A Sacred Legacy of Reincarnation” and “From the Heart of Chenrezig: The Dalai Lamas on Tantra,” Glenn Mullin will distill the simple principles of happiness, humor and wholeness embodied in the lives and teachings of the Dalai Lamas.
Suggested donation: $20
Friday, January 18, 7pm-9pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14, (upstairs)
Sacramento, CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
Space is limited, to ensure you are able to attend, please preregister at:
https://www.jewelheart.org/events/2019-glenn-mullin-tour-norcal-registration/?s2p-option=7
GLENN MULLIN is a Tibetologist, Buddhist writer, translator of classical Tibetan literature, and teacher of Tantric Buddhist meditation. He studied philosophy, literature, meditation, yoga, and the enlightenment culture under thirty-five of the greatest living masters of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Glenn is the author of over 20 books on Tibetan Buddhism, founded and directed the Mystical Arts of Tibet, and has curated a number of important Tibetan art exhibitions. He divides his time between writing, teaching, meditating, and leading tour groups to the power places of Nepal and Tibet.

Closed for the Holiday!
2019-01-21, 2019-02-18 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States

Intro to Buddhist Meditation with Marc Ross
2019-01-22 18:30 - 20:30 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
The benefits of meditation are vast. It calms the mind and is the foundation for many spiritual realizations. Meditating 5 minutes a day or more can change our brains, our minds and our view of the world we live in.
Buddhist meditation is part of a tradition of techniques that go back at least 5,000 years and have stood the test of time. Like learning any skill, proper technique makes meditation easier, more productive and gives one confidence in their meditation practice. This class is perfect for those who are new to meditating and would like an introduction to the fundamental practices: posture, types of meditation, progressive stages of meditation and how to develop a meditation practice. Each class will have teaching, discussions, and practice.
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
ADA accessible, parking lot in back
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class

Marc Ross has been a body therapist for over 40 years and is blessed with a profession that is a spiritual path. He has meditated for over 25 years and has taught meditation in the US and Europe for 12 years.

Introduction to Compassionate Communication with Sunil Joseph
2019-02-02 10:00 - 16:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
How do we stay connected to the innate goodness of our basic human nature in the midst of challenging times? How can I make the world a kinder place by changing how I communicate? In this class, we will introduce the principles and practices of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to cultivate empathy and compassion. No prior knowledge of NVC is necessary. All are welcome.
We will introduce the fundamentals of NVC – Observations, Feelings, Needs, and Requests. We will introduce core NVC distinctions that lead to our freedom:
– observations vs judgement
– feelings vs thinking
– needs vs strategies
– requests vs demands
We will bring non-judgmental awareness to our current communication strategies. We will use NVC tools to shift our attention from right-wrong/reward-punishment thinking to a human needs-centric view. We will introduce practices for cultivating greater felt awareness of our inner world and also learn how to compassionately listen and receive others. We will explore ways to respectfully ask for what we want while also including the other person’s needs.
To quote the Dalai Lama – “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
At Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
parking lot in back, ADA accessible
Cost: $20-$60, no one turned away for lack of funds
To register: email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
pay at the door, or to pay online: http://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/
scholarships available! email for more info
About the instructor: Sunil Joseph has been a student of NVC since 2004. He attended BayNVC’s Leadership program in 2008 where he learned to share NVC with others. Sunil is passionate about sharing his appreciation for NVC with others.

How to be Happy with Elaine Jackson
2019-02-09 10:00 - 13:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Join Elaine Jackson as we explore the 12-links of dependent origination, how we create suffering for ourselves each day, and how we can break free from the cycle! Happiness, like suffering is in our mind. When we engage in the patient observation of our thoughts, feelings, emotions and mental images, or any object of the mind, we come to see they are not real things. They arise because they have been entertained in the past.
To begin developing new habits requires radical re-thinking – radical re-doing. It requires stepping outside our everyday life patterns into moments of quietude. It requires mental re-training through which we can transform our attitudes, positively shape our minds, gain confidence to tackle the problems created by disturbing emotions and awaken to an enlightened state.
“The awakening mind is the root of all happiness and peace in the entire universe,” says His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Saturday 2/9/2019 10am-1pm
At Diamond Light Meditation Center
2417 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95819
Parking lot in back, ADA accessible
www.diamondlightsac.org
Suggested donation: $40-$60 No one turned away for lack of funds. Pay online: http://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/, or check/cash at the door.

Elaine Jackson is a founding member of Vajrapani Institute and has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism since 1977, studying with many of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time. Every year for 12 years she engaged in a month-long solitary meditation retreat to deepen her practice.
She served as Executive Director of Vajrapani Institute for over five years just prior to entering a three-year meditation retreat completed in April, 2014. She lives a contemplative life off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz mountains while offering Dharma teachings and meditation support.
