
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](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](http://pragmaticbuddhism.org/)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Dharma Talk & Discussion with the Scotland SanghaLink visible for attendees
join the Scotland Sangha every Wednesday at 1:00 pm EST ( 12:00 noon CST ) for Meditation, Dharma Talk & Discussion
via: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2857119945
or by selecting Enter Meditation Room Nowjoin us to explore how the core teachings of the original Buddha can be applied to your present circumstance
we value free expression and support each individual finding their own way, with mutually agreed values and intentions
we are inspired to create a truly Western expression of the Buddha's insights and practice, combined with a working knowledge of key Buddhist teachings, to provide the basis for a contented and fruitful life
- "No Mud, No Lotus" Recovery Dharma Online MeetingLink visible for attendees
join the Online Sangha for Pragmatic Buddhism every Thursday at 12:00 noon EST ( 11:00 am CST ) for this weekly Recovery Dharma meeting, entitled "No Mud, No Lotus"
via: [https://zoom.us/j/95555482224](https://zoom.us/j/95555482224)
or by selecting Enter Meeting Room Nowthe 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