The Day of Mindfulness in Oakland, California

July 24, 1999

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On July 24, 1999, The San Francisco Chronicle published an article on the upcoming Day of Mindfulness to be held in Oakland, California in mid-September. As many as 5,000 people are expected to flock to Lakeside Park on the shores of Lake Merritt to experience the first-ever day of meditation in an urban setting. The event will be lead by Vietnamese meditation master Thich Nhat Hanh and will include walking and sitting practice and a discussion on how to employ Buddhist practices in everyday life. Mayor of Oakland Jerry Brown will introduce Hanh and kickoff the ceremonies. We The People, Jerry Brown's organization, will be an event sponsor. Tickets for the Day of Mindfulness are $75, with those under 18 and low-income asked to pay $25. Organizers have urged that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Money raised by the event will be used by Hanh to continue his work to fund medical clinics and schools in Vietnam.