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+)
See all- "No Mud, No Lotus" Recovery Dharma meetingLink visible for attendees
please consider making a DONATION in order to support the Online Center for Pragmatic Buddhism
join the Online Sangha every Thursday at 12:00 noon EST for this weekly Recovery Dharma meeting, entitled No Mud, No Lotus
via: https://zoom.us/j/95555482224
or by selecting Enter Meeting Room Now
the No Mud, No Lotus Recovery Dharma meeting includes:
- meditation
- a reading from Thich Nhat Hanh's book entitled "No Mud, No Lotus"
- a period of sharingRecovery Dharma is a peer-led movement and community that is unified by our trust in the potential of each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction.
We believe that the traditional Buddhist teachings, often referred to as the Dharma, offer a powerful approach to healing from addiction and living a life of true freedom.
We believe that recovery means empowerment, and we support each other as partners walking the path together.
- Sitting ZazenLink visible for attendees
join the Columbus Sangha ( Central Ohio Center for Pragmatic Buddhism ) every Sunday at 9:30 am EST ( 8:30 am CST ) for weekly Sitting Zazen practice
via: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81057467961?pwd=FZQTsnjS1jXd7AHlZ6eWIcAUQdhgim.1
or by selecting Enter Practice Room Now
if attending in-person, the Columbus Sangha ( Central Ohio Center for Pragmatic Buddhism ) is located at:
3166 W. Broad Street in Columbus, OH 43204Sitting Zazen practice includes:
- meditation
- a short Sutra service
- a Dharma talk followed by discussion
