There’s ample street parking, as well as a gravel lot behind the building, which you can get to using the alley driveway just to the north.
Restrooms are in the back of the building and are also handicap accessible. Occasionally, we share the space with another group, in which case we will use the restrooms on the second floor, all the way at the end of the hall and to the left.
Seating is provided in folding chairs (some with padding…). We also have some pillows and rugs, but if you have your own meditation cushion, please bring it!
We always have a table in back with water and snacks, so feel free to bring something for the communal nosh, along with your own water bottle.
– The Buddha refers to not only the historical figure, but all enlightened teachers who lift a lamp along the path.
– The Dharma is the universal truth of how things are, and often refers specifically to the teachings of the Buddha. While study is important and builds a solid foundation, it is also the direct experience of these truths that can truly awaken. Don’t listen to what others say — you must try it out for yourself.
– The Sangha is the gathering of sentient beings setting out on the path of awakening. At IPBC, you are supporting others just by showing up, and they are here supporting you. And we are all in this together.
So this is the Refuge Prayer we say three times:
In Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,
We go for refuge until fully awakened.
Through the practice of generosity, ethics,
Patience, enthusiastic effort,
Concentration, and wisdom,
For the sake of all beings,
May we realize and demonstrate
Our innate goodness.
May the pure brilliant sun of Bodhicitta
Dawn in each and every heart and mind,
Dispelling the darkness of suffering and confusion
Unstoppably, until all are illumined and awakened.
Anatta: Not-self; non-existence of a personal, immortal soul; one of the three marks of existence — anicca, anatta, dukkha.
Anicca: Impermanent, subject to change; one of the three marks of existence — anicca, anatta, dukkha.
Bodhi: Enlightenment, awakening.
Bodhicitta: Awakened heart-mind.
Bodhisattva: One who has taken a vow to become fully enlightened, and who, out of compassion, remains in samsara for the sake of all beings.
Brahma-Vihara: Literally, “divine abodes,” or the four sublime mindstates of loving-kindness, compassion, equanimity, and empathetic joy.
Buddha: One who is awake.
Dana: The practice of generosity.
Dharma: (also Dhamma) The Buddha’s teachings, the fundamental truth of reality.
Dukkha: Dissatisfaction, pain of change, suffering.
Kalyanamitra: Spiritual friend.
Karma: Law of cause and effect; intentional actions that bring about results.
Metta: Loving-kindness.
Nirvana: Extinguishing the fires of attachment, hatred and delusion that cause suffering; liberation from cyclic existence.
Samsara: “Wandering on”; the cycle of life, death and rebirth; the ocean of worldly suffering.
Sangha: The community of practitioners on the Buddhist path.
Sutra: “thread”; a discourse by the Buddha or one of his disciples.