What we're about
We are a meditation community that is inclusive, pragmatic, and rooted in the Mahayanan Buddhist tradition of being of service to others.
Pragmatic Buddhism is a synthesis of traditional Nikayan (Early Indian) Buddhism, Chinese Chan and Japanese Zen, and Western Pragmatism.
We want our community to be inclusive. We believe Buddhist teachings should be accessible to everyone, no matter whether they choose to identify as a Buddhist. All are welcome and we embrace members from all racial or ethnic groups, sexualities, genders, ages, ability levels, social classes -- we open space for all the characteristics that define an individuals' social location.
Our approach to Buddhism is pragmatic, emphasizing those aspects of the practice that relate to directly lived experience. Our teaching is agnostic when it comes to metaphysical questions, like “what happens after you die?” or “is there a god?”.
We are inspired by the Zen and Chan branches of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, which emphasize direct experience of meditation as the best way to understand and reduce suffering. We were originally founded as the Dragon Flower Sangha by Ryugen Fisher.
Common questions and answers:
Do I need to know anything about Buddhism beforehand?
Not at all! The weekly practice is designed to be open to all. Pragmatic Buddhism is a path that's accessible to everyone.
Do I need to bring anything?
No - everything is provided. We have cushions, chairs, and a limited number of meditation benches. Of course, feel free to bring your own zafu, zabuton, and/or bench if you have them.
What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable so that you can relax completely during meditation.
How do I get in to the church?
First Unitarian Church, 5007 Waterman Blvd, St Louis, MO (http://goo.gl/maps/e1J64). The best way in is through the back (north side) of the church. There is a walkway up to the garden there and you'll see us through the glass doors on the left.
Where can I learn more about CPB?
http://www.pragmaticbuddhism.org
Upcoming events (4+)
The Central Ohio Center for Pragmatic Buddhism ( COCPB ) opens its weekly Sunday practice via Zoom to those unable to attend the center in person.
The Sunday practice includes a sitting meditation and a short Sutra service followed by a Dharma talk and discussion.
You are welcome to attend in person, if you find yourself in Columbus! The COCPB is located at: 3166 W. Broad Street in Columbus, OH 43204
- Danielle
- Monica C.
- Dan M.
- 3 attendees
Join us for a discussion about "Threads of Awakening, An American Woman's Journey into Tibet's Sacred Textile Art". The introduction starts with "This is a book about wonder...It's about charting a course in life with wonder as your guide-your wonder, which is unlike anyone else's. It's about delight in the simplest, most ordinary details and encounters..." Feel free to join the conversation even if you haven't read the book.
- Danielle
- Linda H.
- Dan M.
- 3 attendees
Join us online on the first Tuesday of every month for meditation and group dharma discussion in the Pragmatic Buddhist tradition.
This practice is led by the Pragmatic Buddhist online sangha.
- Danielle
- Micah Y.
- Karen F.
- 4 attendees
This online meditation and discussion is led by the Scotland chapter of Pragmatic Buddhism.
Each week we greet each other, meditate together, share in a wee ritual and discuss a topic that relates some Buddhist insight to our lives.
Everyone is welcome, with or without experience in meditation.
The communication with the Scotland sangha is moving to Slack!
Join us on our new Slack workspace where you can get involved in chat channels and working groups. Find us at https://cpbscotland.slack.com/
Unless stated, all our events and activities are offered free of charge and any costs are met through member donations.
- Danielle
- 1 attendee
Past events (1,008)
First Unitarian Church of St. Louis (North side, via the parking lot and alley, through the bank of glass doors)
- Aaron G.
- Danielle
- Mary
- 8 attendees
