James teaches you a way to find consistent peace and inner happiness in your life. He helps…read moreintegrate meditation into your daily life (I still meditate twice a day after taking his Vedic Meditation course two years ago). The practice has helped me have a calm mind and live life in HD with a higher level of presence ... life flows, music sounds better, I appreciate the details of nature more. I feel very lucky that I took James' course and I hope you will too!

I like to describe James' teaching process as "mindfulness for the modern world". He focuses on the…read morehuman aspects of learning to meditate rather than the rigid, dogmatic approaches that are often put forward by focus-based meditation practices and even some of the mindfulness apps. The key differences are twofold: flexibility and ease. Learning skills through meditation that can be applied to everyday life helping to embrace change with poise and grace. And the practice itself is effortless and sustainably stress alleviating. If you're interested in mindfulness or already practicing and ready to accelerate progress, joining one of James' courses or events is a recommended next step.

I said that I am trying to get into Buddhism now. Since I live in SF, this is possible because…read moreBuddhism is favorable in this kind of big city. Kadampa is suitable for me. I had been calling to ask about their events. I decided to spend a good portion of my day today at Kadampa. First they had a meeting at 5:30pm called "Heart Jewel Puja." This is the description: By engaging in the Guru Yoga practiced in conjunction with Je Tsongkhapa we can purify negativity, accumulate merit, receive blessings, and attain a very special compassion, wisdom, and spiritual strength....This involved silent meditation and some prayer that I didn't understand. You look toward the buddha. There were two people at this event other than me. After that, I stepped out of the building to walk around Valencia. I came back for the Happy Hour event. A Buddhist nun who works at the center made some nice slider sandwiches with pesto, cheese, and tomato. And there were some sweet potato chips, drinks, etc. It was a nice snack and you could meet some others. After the Happy Hour(6:45pm), there was "Drop-in Class with Gen Kelsang Choma." This went from 7:15pm-8:30pm. It felt like an extended period of time. It's interesting what can stretch an hour of your life. This is described: "Our Tuesday evening drop-in meditation classes provide a basic introduction to Buddhist teachings and meditation that are suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Each month we explore a new topic from Buddha's teachings and learn how to practically apply it in our daily lives." Basically, this is where you have a Buddhist preacher give a sermon about living life with Buddhist philosophy. Buddhists like love and kindness. Buddhists believe we need to relieve ourselves of jealousy and negativity. We need to find relationships we enjoy with people, so that we are not feeling lonely. Buddhists have basic lessons and I listened to this preaching today. The center seems to be run by older women who have gray, short hair and they wear Buddhist robes. The founder is from Tibet, but this western Buddhist. Most people were white and there was a nice black lady who has a family in Berkeley...and then there was me. It was for liberals. After that, I went home by taking the Muni bus #22 and before I took the bus, I stopped in at Manny's and there was a meeting by leftists who were talking about climate change and reform...something like that. So that is my day in San Francisco, CA. I am at home with my parents now. Good night.

Very lovely and welcoming community. The Buddhist teachings and meditations are very practical and…read morehelpful for daily life. They have certainly changed my life for the better. The center is very beautiful and peaceful and they offer many different classes for all levels. Highly recommend checking it out.

I've been back twice now, and plan to go many more times. An incredible way to recapture yourself -…read moreespecially on a Wednesday during a hectic work week. I found my whole being incapable of even a stressful thought after the class. Just relaxed and energized and clear-headed. Not intimidating for first-timers or physically challenging, either! Sign up, take a friend and just breathe.

This class is an absolute must-do. Breathwork invokes a sense of clarity and energy that I haven't…read morebeen able to experience with other forms of meditation--I truly felt different after just one class! I've been back with newbies and seasoned meditators (meditatees?) and everyone has left in a better space than when they arrived. The music, the pace, the sense of community, the proprietary diffuser scent (!!) all set Chorus apart. Founders Ali and MK are also two incredible souls and natural teachers that you need to have in your life.

Looking for lunchtime meditation in the FiDi? This is it…read more All meditation at WITHIN is lead, and the teachers vary quite a bit in their style. Still, I'm always glad I've gone when I walk out of there. Devon is my preferred teacher by a mile. Classes appear to be made up of folks who are relatively new to mediation, and in need of a break from their office jobs, with the occasional serious devotee thrown in the mix. You don't need to bring anything, or wear anything special. Just show up.

Love, love, love WITHIN Meditation! I come here through Satori Yoga Studio - I bought an "Urban…read moreYogi" package ($69/month) that includes 4 classes/month and unlimited meditation. Funnily enough, I ended up using the meditation way more than the yoga - because it helped me so much! Meditation is guided (though there are silent classes as well), and instructors vary in their style. Devon seems to be the most popular, but the others are great also - I've never had a bad experience. I regularly try to go to sessions with Renee on Thursday afternoon, where she offers a special, personal element I haven't felt elsewhere. I've tried meditation on my own and nothing seemed to "click" until WITHIN - the supportive instructors (and fellow students) makes a HUGE difference. Before and after each class, we talk about our practice and the reasons we're in the class. People come for all sorts of reasons - work anxiety, stress around having a baby, looking for clarity on major life decisions. There's no pressure to share (as a Yelper, you may guess I'm one of the more vocal ones), but sharing is a key element that makes WITHIN so valuable to me - Devon once tailored a class to me because I was the only one who shared about having work anxiety! Renee has chatted with me after class about work, relationships, and meditation - and has become a key voice in my life. I feel very fortunate that I found WITHIN. In hectic San Francisco, it's often difficult to find a healing place of refuge. I highly recommend it!

Can someone tell me how I can get a healing session or consultation with Ra. I have read up on him…read moreand I would love to get a healing. I injured my knee and leg and limping around. I have skin issues also, itching non-stop. The website does not seem to work on yelp page and I cannot find a phone#. I am in IL, so too far to show up in Ca but if I can do a remote session, I would love to.

I have gone to the group healing and have had such great experience I had to write a review. This…read morestuff is blowing my mind. It's magical how in the past I had so much body pain that I couldn't lay down flat. Now after the healings I can lay flat and be relaxed without pain. This is wonderful!!! Also somehow it has helped me with my digestive issues as well. Now I can eat anything without any trouble. I'm feeling healthier and stronger than ever. This is wild and I believe if you are in pain or have body troubles it might be a great idea to check this all out. He does remote online group sessions too, if you are too far away or want to share this with friends and family members. His website has a button to make a free phone consultation with him to see if you are a good match for some great healing.

"You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop" (Rumi)…read more It's brilliant that SF Insight has added Zoom group meditations due to COVID-19. They're so convenient that I've made it to more meditations the last few months than the last few years. It's easier to meditate in a group. The process of meditation opens up a realm of aliveness within, enlivening the breath and elevating one's thoughts and vision. Led by Eugene Cash, a very skilled and kind teacher, the group meditations are suitable for beginner and advanced meditators alike. Happy meditating!

This review is for the San Francisco Meditation Community, otherwise known as SF Insight, which…read moremeets mainly on Sunday evenings but also at other times at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco at Franklin St and Geary St. The group is an independent organization and may someday be located at its own signt up near Fort Mason or in another area of the city (doublecheck the address on the website before you go!). To my knowledge, it was started as a spin-off sitting group for vipassana / insight meditation by Eugene Cash and is affiliated with Spirit Rock Meditation Center up in Woodacre, CA. In order to bring vipassana / insight meditation more into daily life (i.e. not just on weeklong retreats once in a blue moon), weekly sitting groups were brought into communities throughout the Bay Area years ago. I've been coming to the Sunday Night sitting of the group for about a year and really find it to be a helpful start to my week. I've also gone to the Wednesday night group a few times, which is smaller and more intimate - also very good. Each sitting follows a similar format - the group meditates for approx. 45 minutes, then breaks for 10-15 min. for everyone to grab tea and connect as a community, then sangha announcements are given, and a 50-60 min. dharma talk is given by the teacher - sometimes with room in there for questions and answers with the audience. The sitting and teachings are given freely, but attendees are encouraged to give a donation (dana) at the end of the evening to help with operating expenses and give a contribution to the teacher. I really enjoy the SF Insight community and recommend checking out - there is a wide amount of diversity in attendees and everyone is friendly and welcoming. I do not feel pressured when I am there to keep up appearances or to commit myself religiously - I am not asked to "accept anyone into my life" - many people there are either past or present participants of other religious traditions and find the meditation, mindfulness training, and observations about the nature of life given here helpful in their daily living - for me it is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. I encourage you to come and see what you think - on their website there are also free downloads of talks so you can explore before attending if you'd like. A few FYI's: 1. Once per month (usually the first Sunday), there is a potluck prior to the main event - very fun - great way to meet other sangha members. 2. Once per month (usually the second Sunday), there is an optional orientation for new attendees or those less familiar with insight / vipassana meditation. 3. Most Sundays when there is no potluck there is a free offering of Chi Gung (stretching) from approx. 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm in the main sitting room to help participants prepare for sitting meditation. I try to go whenever I can make it - it's a nice way to unwind from the day. 4. Eugene Cash is the founding teacher of SF insight (and an excellent meditation teacher). He was in a bicycle accident in Summer/Fall 2011 and is still recovering - his return date to teaching is unsure. Until then, Anushka Fernandopulle will be filling in for him (at least until Feb 2012), and the group is committed to keeping the group going with her and guest teachers from throughout the Bay Area. If you are interested in contributing to Eugene's recovery, you can do so at www.sfinsight.org.

Great Tibetan Buddhist Temple Loved it ! Went for The…read moreMedicine Buddha service. Highly recommend

This place is a hidden gem. The center offers both active programs year-around: they have regular…read moreprograms every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and they have special programs for special guests and events. The center often invites amazing speakers and teachers, and this year, they hosted Robert Thurman and Thubten Jinpa (principal translator of Dalai Lama). The community is warm and welcoming, regardless of your level of interests in Buddhism and meditation. I'm very glad to have this place in the midst of the busy-ness of San Francisco. If you want to explore Tibetan Buddhism and meditation, this is a place to go to.

Augusta was a wonderful teacher, and I grew to expect our weekly Monday sessions as if they would…read morecontinue on indefinitely. The class combined psychology, a range of Eastern practices, group therapy and practical stress reduction practices for us all to engage with. Augusta is compassionate, understanding, and really gets to know everyone in the class. We all felt like a community by the end. I'd recommend this class both to those who have never tried mindfulness and are looking for an introduction, as well as those who have practiced before and are looking for more guidance and structure. Thanks for a great couple of months Augusta!

Augusta is one of the best meditation teachers I've ever had. Her style is compassionate, kind, and…read more empathetic. I worked with her as my mentor during two incredible years where I was able to deepen and transform my practice and become a teacher hopefully one day like her. Augusta is authentic, warm, fun, kind, compassionate and empathetic. Very profesional and respectful.