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Sunday Sangha – 8th November 2026

JD Doyle

This session is led by JD Doyle.

Start Time: 11 am PST (LA) / 2 pm EST (NY) / 7 pm GMT (London) / 8 pm CET (Paris). 90-minute live session.

This week’s theme: The Dharma of Trees

Dharma of Trees
In this talk we will explore the Dharma of Trees. The Buddha encourages us to meditate at the base of a tree and frequently uses trees to emphasize teachings, especially regarding the three characteristics: anatta(not-self), dukkha(stress), and anicca (impermanence). We will learn how the Buddha’s teachings on trees and forests supports us in orienting towards freedom for ourselves and all beings.

This session is freely-offered, but dana/donations are invited to help us meet our substantial running costs and to support our teachers. To donate, please click here. We appreciate your generosity 🙏

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JD Doyle

JD Doyle

JD Doyle (they/them) co-founded the East Bay Meditation Center’s LGBTQIA+ (Alphabet) Sangha over 15 years ago and co-lead the first Buddhist meditation residential retreats for transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive people. While JD is based in Oakland, CA they offer meditation retreats and classes for many Buddhist Centers. Their training includes: Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s  retreat teacher training, Community Dharma Leader training and the Dedicated Practitioner program. They’ve practiced Buddhism since 1995 in the U.S., Thailand, and Burma. For over twenty years, they worked as a public school teacher. JD identifies as genderqueer. They are committed to celebrating the diversity of our human sangha, addressing the impact of racism on our communities, expanding concepts of gender, and living in ways that honor the sacredness of the Earth. Click here to learn more about JD Doyle.

View Recordings of Past Sunday Sangha Sessions

The spectrum of awareness practices

With Diana Winston Recorded : April 15, 2018

This session explores different ways in which attention works and associated meditation practices: from focused awareness, to flexible awareness, to natural awareness. We do a number of fun experiential practices in hopes of understanding...

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When Less is More

With Jaya Julienne Ashmore Recorded : April 8, 2018

Gautam Buddha said he gained nothing from complete awakening. What are our everyday experiences of the magic of less? Trying less does not mean less energy, connection or insight. How little effort is needed...

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How to structure your practice in life

With Shinzen Young Recorded : March 25, 2018

Shinzen guides you through his “See, Hear, Feel” focus technique. This technique is designed to be applicable in any life situation — driving a car, having a conversation, working out, puttering around the house…....

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Don’t be realistic. Be real

With Martin Aylward Recorded : March 18, 2018

Through the cultures within family, education and work, we are constantly orientated towards ‘realistic’ expectations and visions for our lives. Dharma practice asks us to abandon the realistic in favour of the real; listening...

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With Martin Aylward Recorded : March 17, 2018

People often ask about the importance (or not) of working closely with a teacher. One can benefit greatly from general meditation instruction, but personalised guidance from someone who knows you and your practice well...

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With Ralph Steele Recorded : March 11, 2018

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With Dave Smith Recorded : March 4, 2018

Without a doubt, Buddhism is recognized as one of the world’s great religions. For almost three millennia these ancient teachings have spread rapidly around the globe influencing humanity in a variety of ways. Needless...

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Insight and practices for difficult times

With James Baraz Recorded : February 4, 2018

We are in a race between fear and consciousness. Never before have forces of greed hatred and ignorance enjoyed such a platform of populist divisiveness that instills fear and separation throughout society, endangering our...

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