Welcome!

If you are kind-hearted ,at least deep down then please read on. Wake-up to the idea that joy and compassion can be realized despite much selfishness and hopelessness in these times
We changed our name from Joyful Buddhist for a good reason. Original Buddhism,Taoism ( philososphical school),Zen and Modern Zen were secular practices devoid of deities,the supernatural and religion. We are NOT anti-religious , we are just non-theological. The Dalai Lamas Tantric Buddhism ,Jodo Buddhism are breakaway sects that mixed Buddhism with supernatural beliefs such as reincarnation and even other beliefs ( the Bon religion is part of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.) If you are an atheist,agnostic or even somewhat religious ,but enjoy doing kind things,dislike being used and are a bohemian nature lover this might be what you are looking for.
If the notions of Japanese formalities in Zen seem antiquated or religious rather than spiritual,then this may be for you. Our orientation is scientific ,existential and psychological -yet warm and empathic. Chan (original Zen)and Vissipana ( Theravada )did not start with notions of ''inka'' and the entire ''hierarchal mess''. The Zen Roshi is a teacher but the ordination of one is based on answering koans and one imperfect person ranking another one. This is good perhaps for monastics but becomes a trap for both Roshi and Zen practitioner
If you feel that laughing,smiling or hugging have no place in Buddhism -please go no further. EMOTIONAL CONTROL IS NOT EMOTIONAL DEADNESS ! That is ''Misery Flavored Zen'' . Permanent happiness-not a Zen notion. Reality is changing and we seek a middle path between extremes. This gives us tools to deal with change in our lives. Ikkyu -a Zen priest had mindful sex and even had mindful beer drinking mentioned in his autobiographical poems

We can share readings,meditation practice and perhaps -throw a frisbee !

Ethical work and volunteerism are encouraged .

Any bowing is MUTUAL . There is no rank,nor admiration cult here.

Existentialist concepts are also included.

Imposing political agendas turns a Sangha into a political
group!

Imposing beliefs or even practices is not endorsed.

On violence use of force in Self-defense is o.k. but not attacking.

Titles,robes. Well the Organizer is my title,but my robe is in the bathroom!

Sanctimonious conduct- a lampoonable conceit

Activities can include meditation, nature observance and
Frisbee tossing!

Disagreeing is fine, emotional arguing discouraged.

If you are well versed in Insight, Vissapana or Modern Zen good-we can use others with experience in practice.I'd like this to be council directed and extend much participation to membership.

A pantheistic oneness with nature will be a strong feature. We can find happiness daily in ordinary non-magical ways. The organizer is imperfect,and so was Siddhartha ----and so are you. Then again what is perfect,and in whose eyes?

The bottom line -direct experience of joy,making peace ,love and understanding fashionable. This is not a read and debate group of talk,talk ,talk . We can clean litter perhaps in the park.

Who the heck is the organizer?

My background was growing up in a broken home, low income inner city living. I graduated Stuyvesant H.S. with a major in particle physics . This was extremely important in my understanding of how scientific thinking and philosophy denote agnosticsim ,secular humanism. I'm vegetarian not for seeking a kingdom of heaven. I just don't like being the cause of animal suffering. In my afterlife I will be non-existent. Reincarnation is a vajranic concept and this group is not. I've had feelings of great joy and satisfaction while the world changes rapidly. Death is the reason to make life enjoyable ,but with caring forother people,animals and the Earth itself.
I've overcome much. I've read much only to close books and act. I suffered from agoraphobia and severe depression. In the past few years much psychological turmoil has subsided. I was sexually abused and nearly raped. I took up self-defense . This aroused my curiosity into Buddhism. I went on to be an NYC teacher in poverty areas. I've done volunteer work. I worked and was commended as a Chinese Yoga teacher for a contracted 6 months at Fort Hamilton Outpatient Clinic of NYS
Office of Mental Health. Zen for me is spiritual,yet scientific . ''Perfect'' is an opinion as is ''great'' . These are perceptions. I'm not famous nor is that my interest. Celebrities are banned from this group ( LOL) Lets just get calmer,kinder and enjoy life while we are alive. That's all

ATTENTION - SNAKE OIL SALESMEN: You may not join this group to advertise ANYTHING without the organizers consent . I run NYC Chinese Yoga which is devoid of pseudo-science or magical energies.