buddhism in pittsburgh

THE BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH

The Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh (BSP) is an inter-Bud-dhist community from various traditions and includes the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, Three Rivers Dharma, Olmo Ling Temple, Pitts-burgh Shambala Meditation Group, Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh, Laughing Rivers Sangha, One Pine Zen Meditation Center, Zen Cen-ter of Pittsburgh and all other sanghas who wish to participate.

The purpose of the BSP is to promote the wisdom of the Buddha and dharma throughout Greater Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. You can find BSP on Facebook.

“The Day of Vesak is a joyous occasion marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. On this day millions of people, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, take time to reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha, and to receive guidance from them. … On this Day of Vesak, let us affirm our essential interdependence. Let us pledge to work together for the common good, and for the bet-terment of all humankind. I thank you for your commitment to these ideals, and wish you all an enriching celebration.” United Nations Secretary-General’s message on Vesak Day 2008 [Delivered by Kiyotaka Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information]

BuddhisminPittsburghMay 18, 2014

The Bodhichitta Foundation Sangha (Tradition: Tibetan)412-536-1154 or [email protected]

The Buddhist Meditation Center of Pittsburgh (Tradition: Theravada)412-521-5095, [email protected], www.facebook.com/bmcpitts

City Dharma (Tradition: Japanese Zen/Mahayana) [email protected] www.city-dharma.org

Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh(Tradition: Tibetan-Dzogchen)dzogchen.sangha.of.pittsburgh@gmail.comwww.dzogchensanghaofpittsburgh.com

Flower Dance Temple(Tradition: Nonsectarian Universal Buddhist)[email protected]/WesternPASangha.html

Jewel Heart Pittsburgh Study Group (Tradition: Tibetan-Gelugpa) [email protected] www.jewelheart.org

Laughing Rivers Sangha (Tradition: Vietnamese Zen/Mahayana)[email protected]

Olmo Ling Center (Tradition: Tibetan-Bon) [email protected]

One Pine Zen Meditation Center (Tradition: Ch’an, Chinese Zen/Mahayana) [email protected] [email protected]

Pittsburgh Buddhist Center (Tradition: Theravada) 724-295-2525 [email protected], www.pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org

The Red Tara Study Group (Tradition: Tibetan) [email protected] http://snowcrest.net/chagdud

Shambhala Meditation Center of Pittsburgh (Tradition: Tibetan-Shambhala) [email protected] www.pittsburgh.shambhala.org

Stillpoint, a Pittsburgh Zen community (Tradition: Japanese Zen/Mahayana)[email protected] www.stillpointzen.org

Stillworkers, Pittsburgh’s Engaged Buddhist Network (Tradition: various)http://stillworkers.wordpress.com/[email protected]

Theravada Dhamma Family (Tradition: Theravada)[email protected]

Three Tibetan Cultural Center (Tradition: Tibetan) [email protected] www.threeriversdharma.org

Vipassana Sitting Group (Tradition: Vipassana/Theravada)[email protected]

Zen Center of Pittsburgh (Tradition: Japanese Zen/Mahayana)412-741-1262, [email protected] www.deepspringzen.org

Zen Group of Pittsburgh (Tradition: Korean Zen/Mahayana)412-491-9185 www.zengrouppitt.org

Pittsburgh Area Buddhist Organizations Content

A brief history of Buddhism 1

Story of the Buddha 3

The Dharma 4

Four Noble Truths 4

Noble Eightfold Path 4

The Bodhicitta Foundation Sangha 6

The Buddhist Meditation Center of Pittsburgh(BMCP) 6

CityDharma 7

Dzongchen Sangha of Pittsburgh 8

Flower Dance Temple 9

Jewel Heart Pittburgh Study Group 9

Laughing Rivers Sangha 10

Olmo Ling Center 11

One Pine Zen Meditation Center 12

Pittsburgh Buddhist Center 13

The Red Tara Study Group 13

Shambhala Meditation Center of Pittsburgh 14

Stillpoint, a Pittsburgh Zen Community 15

Stillworkers, Pittsburgh's Engaged Buddhist Network 15

Theravada Dhamma Family 16

Three Tibetan Cultural Center 17

Vipassana Sitting Group 17

Zen Center of Pittsburgh 18

Zen Group of Pittsburgh 19

Resources 20

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A Brief History of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha Shakyamuni, lived and taught about

2,500 years ago in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. His philosophical dis-

coveries and teachings have resounded down through the centuries, traveling from

teacher to student across continents and oceans to reach us today.

Like a pebble dropped in a calm pond, Buddha’s impact traveled like

ripples from Northern India. It spread from that center, following the highways

and byways of the times, influencing philosophical thinkers on its way. As they

spread, Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) became incorporated into the cultures with

which they came in contact, creating a rich diversity of practice.

From Northern India, the teachings traveled south and east along the

coast and across the Indian Ocean. The Theravadan communities and monastic

forest retreats emerged in Southern India, Sri Lanka and the Southeast Asian pen-

insula of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This tradition of

Buddhism was firmly anchored in the Pali Cannon, the earliest written Buddhist

records, and it is from here that Vipassana (Insight Meditation) has grown and

flourished.

Buddhist teachers also traveled west to current Afghanistan and into Cen-

tral Asia, flowing north, following trade caravans, and establishing centers along

the Silk Road. It was in this early era that the concept of Prajnaparamita (wisdom

of non-duality and compassion) emerged as the basis of the Mahayana tradition.

Buddhism reached China around the time of Jesus. As the Dharma took hold, in-

spired pilgrims traveled to India (no small undertaking) to clarify understandings

for future practitioners. Pure Land practices emerged in the 2nd century CE, and

in the 5th century CE the Indian sage Bodhidharma ‘arrived from the west’. His

extraordinary practice informed the early Ch’an traditions, the common root of all

Zen schools.

From China, Mahayana flowed northeast to Korea and Japan and south

to Vietnam. Though linked philosophically, these branching streams of Zen have

unique ways of teaching and practicing; for example, koans are conundrums for

the mind that are used in some Japanese and Korean traditions. Some Zen schools

such as Soto Zen practice zazen (just sitting), and Vietnamese Zen commonly

practice walking meditation.

Well-buffered by the Himalayas, the Tibetan people did received the

Buddha’s teachings during the 6-8th centuries CE. Building upon Mahayana tra-

ditions, Vajrayana and Tantric lineages became well-rooted in Tibetan schools;

Bon, Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya and Geluk are examples. Many great Tibetan mas-

ters have shared their practices with contemporaries, a non-sectarian movement

known as Rimé, while the Shambhala community, whose origins are Tibetan,

carries a distinctly Western flavor.

We now live in an era of technological sophistication, where mountains

and oceans do not impede the Dharma. How extraordinary it is, then, to have ac-

cess to such a vast treasure of thought and experience!

We are very fortunate to have a wide representation of Buddhist tradi-

tions in Pittsburgh where the Three Rivers meet. It is here we gather to celebrate

Vesak, in honor of the Buddha, in deep appreciation and peaceful community.

May everyone be happy and well!

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Story of the Buddha The Buddha was not born the Buddha. Historically, it is accepted that his

name was Siddhartha Gautama. He was born into a princely life kept away from

worldly troubles and provided a life where he was to only to know pleasure.

One day, Siddhartha left his castle with his charioteer. He came across an

ill man, an old man and a dead body. It became clear to the young prince that as

much as we all try to avoid the reality; we are all subject to sickness, old age and

death. Unlike most of us who intellectually acknowledge this reality, Siddhartha

became truly aware of these truths and what they mean.

The young prince overcome with new understanding of life’s discontent-

ment and suffering, felt the clinging of his princely life fall away and cease to have

meaning for him. He left his palace to understand the nature of suffering and truth.

Over the next six years, he studied under the greatest Brahman holy teachers of the

day, and the sadhu ascetic hermits. The Brahman teachings brought him no sense

of peace. The austere ascetic life brought him to starvation and near death, but also

gave him no further insight.

Siddhartha, who had been a prince, a holy man, a hermit left to find the

answer on his own. He realized the blindness of extreme sensual indulgence and

futility of extreme ascetic practices. Then he followed what came to be known

as “the Middle Path,” which focuses on the inner development of the mind while

taking proper care of the body. Eventually, he sat underneath a Bodhi tree. He

remembered a time as a child when he sat under another tree watching his father

perform a harvest ceremony, when he was at peace. He then started a process of

meditation where he developed great insight and understanding so profound that

he embodied a state of enlightenment.

Some time later, a man on the road who could recognize the specialness

of Siddhartha questioned him. He asked him if he was a god, a demon, or a deva.

Each time Siddhartha replied “no.”

“Then what are you?” asked the stranger on the road.

“I am awake,” replied Siddhartha. The sanskrit word for awake is “budh.”

From that time on, he would be known as the Buddha, or “the awakened one.”

Because he had enlightened himself, he is also referred to as Samma Sambuddha

or “the one who has awakened himself.”

For the next 45 years, the Buddha offered his wisdom to all. After 2,500 years his

teachings affect how we understand the universe, the mind, society, family, com-

munity and happiness. “What I teach,” said the Buddha, “is the understanding of

suffering and the cessation of suffering.”

The Dharma It is not surprising, that over 2,500 years the face of Buddhism has

changed. It is a very adaptive faith, which integrates into the local social and cul-

tural fabric. Of all of the Buddhist traditions, most can be associated within three

major categories (Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana). Common to Buddhist

traditions are basic teachings of the Buddha, commonly referred to as Dharma.

Four Noble Truths 1.There is a nature of suffering (discontentment) to living.

2.There is an origin to suffering, which is self-centered craving based on

ignorance of the true nature of reality.

3.There is an end of suffering.

4.The end of suffering can be achieved through transformation of person-

ality by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

Noble Eightfold Path The Noble Eight Fold Path consists of eight factors, which we can de-

velop ourselves to be wiser, moral and mentally developed. This path is also called

“the Middle Way,” because it avoids the two extreme religious practices of ex-

treme sensual indulgence and extreme mortification of the body to gain libera-

tion. This path aims to develop three aspects of our personality: morality, mental

culture and wisdom. With the development of these three factors, we can liberate

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ourselves from unwholesome cravings and respond to the world with compassion,

acceptance and bliss.

1.Right View: Understanding how suffering arises in the human mind

and the possibility of overcoming it.

2.Right Intention: Developing the intentions of non-violence, letting go

and compassion, which reduce suffering of oneself and others

3.Right Speech: Cultivating truthful, peaceful, kind and meaningful

speech

4.Right Action: Cultivating harmless, honest and faithful behaviors by

refraining from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct.

5.Right Livelihood: Following a righteous career that does not harm

other living beings.

6.Right Effort: Constantly attempting to maintain good thoughts and

habits

7.Right Mindfulness: Developing awareness of our body, feelings, the

nature of our mind and thoughts.

8.Right Concentration: Developing the ability of concentration of our

mind and the settling of the mind into peace and tranquility.

"However many holy words you read, however many you speak,

what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?"

the Buddha Shakyamuni

PITTSBURGH AREA BUDDHIST ORGANIZATIONS

The Bodhichitta Foundation Sangha

Tradition: Tibetan

The Bodhichitta Foundation Sangha is a Tibetan Buddhist study and

meditation group under the spiritual direction of Yogi Lama Gursam, of the

Drikung Kagyu lineage. Our members include Buddhist practitioners as well as

non-Buddhists seeking to incorporate Buddhist philosophy into their lives. At our

weekly meetings, we read and discuss texts that are known for their accessibility

to Westerners, such as “Indestructible Truth” by Reginald Ray and “The Tibetan

Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche. We also discuss issues related

to incorporating Buddhist practice into our daily lives. We practice traditional Ti-

betan Buddhist prayers and group meditation at each meeting, sometimes includ-

ing mantra chanting or walking meditation. When his schedule allows (usually in

the late summer or early autumn), we bring Yogi Lama Gursam to the Pittsburgh

area for a week of instruction and dedicated practice.

Schedule

(most) Mondays 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Contact

Gail Rowe Phone:412-536-1154 or 724-625-6267, Email: [email protected]

La Roche College Campus, Allison Park (McCandless township), 9000 Bab-

cock Blvd., Pittsburgh.

The Buddhist Meditation Center of Pittsburgh (BMCP)

Tradition: Theravada

BMCP, established in 2011, is the Thai Theravada Buddhist Meditation

Center in Pittsburgh. The center serves as a place for religious ceremonies, Dham-

ma study and meditation. The Thai people in Pittsburgh needed a place to worship

and gather. They traveled to seek advice and guidance from Luang Ta Chi, abbot

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of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. in setting up a meditation center in Pittsburgh. He

agreed with the idea and let Dr.Phramaha Thanat Inthisan, the Secretary-General

of the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A.to send two missionary monks (Phra

Suriya and Phramaha Piya) to carry out the project. The center is open for all

walks of life.

Schedule:

Sunday–Friday 5–7 p.m. Daily Chanting and Meditation

Saturday 3–5 p.m. Meditation and Dhamma Talk

Sunday 1–3 p.m. Buddhist Study

For a complete listing of daily and weekly activities visit our website

Contact:

Wat Padhammaratana (BMCP)or Phone: 412-521-5095, 412-326-7373

Phramaha Piya Jundadal Email: [email protected], or

5411 Glenwood Ave. [email protected]

Pittsburgh, PA 15207 website: www.bmcpitts.org,

www.facebook.com/bmcpitts

www.youtube.com/watpadhammaratana

CityDharma

Tradition: Japanese Zen (Mahayana)

Rev. Jisen Coghlan is a recognized teacher in the Soto Zen Buddhist lin-

eage; she trained under the guidance of Rev. Kyoki Roberts, Head Priest, Zen

Center of Pittsburgh, beginning in 1999. She has backgrounds in music, dance,

physical therapy, certification in the Alexander Technique and Chaplaincy train-

ing under Rabbi Larry Heimer, Director of Spiritual Care at UPMC Presbyterian/

Montefiore Hospitals. Presently, she coaches a team called City Dharma. Since

2012, she has been roving throughout Pittsburgh with hockey bags full of medita-

tion cushions, bells, benches and books. If you are interested in the heart of Zen

practice, meditation, there will be a seat for you and an open door for meeting your

life. Everyone is welcome to join the dance of Zen. See www.city-dharma.org for

the latest schedule listings.

Schedule:

Saturdays 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Beginning June 8

Thursdays 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Introduction offered first Thursday of the month

Contact:

Meets at Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill, adjacent to

St. Edmund’s Academy

Email: Rev. Jisen Coghlan at [email protected],

Website: www.city-dharma.org

Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh

Tradition: Tibetan-Dzogchen

The Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh was established in 2000 by students

of Lama Surya Das, a Lineage Holder of the Rimé (non-sectarian) Dzogchen Lin-

eage of Tibetan Buddhism. We practice Dzogchen meditation, which is some-

times known as natural- or non-meditation; this is the practice of being present,

moment-to-moment, without effort or technique. Our Sangha meets in Oakland

on Saturday afternoons for conversation and Dzogchen practice according to the

traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. We are an informal community that welcomes

meditators of all levels of experience. We are happy to discuss questions you have

about meditation practices.

Schedule

Saturday 3:30–5:00 p.m. Meditation (at Three Rivers Dharma)

Contact

Bob Marin or Alisa Grishman Email: [email protected]

201 S. Craig Street Website:www.dzogchensanghaofpittsburgh.com

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Flower Dance Temple

Tradition: Nonsectarian Universal Buddhist

Flower Dance Temple, aka Chojung Dorje Ling, was established in 2004.

Our on-going New York and Western Pennsylvania ministry includes Buddhist

studies, spiritual direction, solitary and small-group forest mountain practice and

retreats, meditation practice and guidance, community outreach, and trans-faith

dialogues.

Founder and Spiritual Director: Venerable Ani Drubgyudma

Schedule & Contact Information

www.chojung.org/Schedules.html

Western PA Sangha Schedule: www.chojung.org/WesternPASangha.html

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Website: www.chojung.org

Jewel Heart Pittsburgh Study Group

Tradition: Tibetan-Gelugpa

Jewel Heart, founded by Gelek Rimpoche in 1988, is dedicated to the

preservation of Tibetan Buddhism and to bringing the practice of this rich tradi-

tion within the context of contemporary life to everyone. Jewel Heart carries on

the living tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, with a particular emphasis

on the lineage of Je Tsong Khapa. All Jewel Heart programs are generated under

Gelek Rimpoche’s guidance. Gelek Rimpoche’s unique programs offer authentic-

ity and accessibility, serving spiritual seekers at all levels of interest. The Pitts-

burgh Study Group meets monthly to watch online teachings or to discuss reading

material. Jewel Heart headquarters are in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There are chap-

ters in Cleveland, New York City, Chicago, and Lincoln, Nebraska. Please visit

the homepage: www.jewelheart.org for more information.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.jewelheart.org

Laughing Rivers Sangha

Tradition: Vietnamese Zen (Mahayana)

The Laughing Rivers Sangha, established in 1991, is one of hundreds

of communities worldwide practicing mindfulness as taught by Vietnamese Zen

Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Our meditation periods, which include both sitting and

walking meditation, are followed by other practices, such as the recitation of the

Five or Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings (from our Teacher’s Order of “Interbe-

ing”), dharma talks and discussion, and a monthly social. Our sangha also gath-

ers for regular Days of Mindfulness, and twice a year we organize retreats with

an ordained dharma teacher from Thich Nhat Hanh’s “Order of Interbeing.” We

warmly welcome newcomers, and offer meditation instruction and orientation for

beginners.

Our teacher Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, au-

thor, poet, and peace activist. His approach combines traditional Zen teachings

with methods from Theravada Buddhism, insights from the Mahayana traditions,

and ideas from Western psychology. Thich Nhat Hanh has also been a leader in

the “Engaged Buddhist” movement. According to our Teacher, “The function of

meditative practice is to heal and transform.”

Schedule

Tuesday 7:00–9:00 p.m. Meditation (Location: Squirrel Hill)

Contact

Deborah Brooks Email: [email protected]

Phone: 412-408-3426 Website: www.laughingrivers.org

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Olmo Ling Bon Center

Tradition: Tibetan-Bon

Olmo Ling was founded by resident lama Tempa Dukte Lama in 2007 to bring the practices and wisdom of the Tibetan Bon tradition to the West. An ordained Bon lama, Tempa Lama trained with His Holiness 33rd Menri Trizin, the spiritual head of Bon, at Menri Monastery, India, from a young age. He is an artist, poet, author of four books, and teaches internationally. Our Center is affiliated with Menri Monastery and we are honored to have hosted visits of H.H. 33rd Menri Trizin in 2011 and 2013. Through weekly Dharma talks, meditation and meditation instruction, Children’s Programs for younger and older children, Tibetan yoga and Hatha yoga, and monthly healing practice we create a space of refuge where we can reconnect with our good heart and pure nature. The weekly program is offered free of charge (donations wel-come) and we are happy to welcome new people any time. Regular retreats with Tempa Lama and visiting teachers offer deeper understanding of Bon. Through the Olmo Ling Program on Being with Dying we offer training in contemplative practice to support the dying and to prepare for a peaceful and conscious death. Through Olmo Ling Publications we are building a program of Bon publications. ScheduleThe weekly program is free (except for the Bon chant class) and always open to newcomers Monday 5:30–6:45 p.m. Hatha Yoga with RYT Ena SeltzerMonday (w.registration) 7:30-8:15 p.m. Bon chant class (Fee: $10 to support the Music for Menri Project)Tuesday 7–8:15 p.m. Meditation and Dharma TalkEvery First Wednesday 7-8 p.m. Evening of Healing PracticeThursday 6-7 p.m. Thrul Khor practice (Tibetan Yoga)Thursday (by Appt.) 7–8 p.m. Meditation InstructionFriday 5-6:30p.m. Youth Sangha ages 8-16Saturday 9–10 a.m. Meditation and ChantingSaturday (twice a month) 10:15-11:30a.m. Youth Sangha ages 0-7Sunday 12-1p.m. Dzogchen Ngondro practice (for Ngondro practitioners)

ContactOlmo Ling Center 1101 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15217 Phone: 412-904-1112 Email: [email protected] Website: www.olmoling.org

One Pine Zen Meditation Center

Tradition: Ch’an (Chinese Zen-Mahayana)

The pine, sacred to Chinese Buddhism and Taoism, is an emblem of lon-

gevity and immortality, and since the pine can grow on the highest of mountains

and in the harshest of climates, it is both a symbol of enlightenment and sus-

tained practice. The name of our Sangha, One Pine Zen Meditation Center, is a

testament to our lineage of authentic Zen meditation and Buddhist philosophy

which stretches back to ancient China. More, the name embodies perseverance in

the face of adversity and stands as our long-standing commitment to making the

Dharma available to all.

One Pine Zen Meditation Center meets in Pittsburgh on Wednesday eve-

nings at 7 p.m. in order to practice authentic Ch’an (Chinese for “Zen”) Buddhism.

One Pine offers services that include meditation instruction, walking meditation,

evening chanting, and Dharma talks. Other offerings include classes, discussions,

and other sangha activities. Be sure to check One Pine Zen Meditation Center’s

Facebook page.

Schedule

Wednesday 7–8:30 p.m. Meditation

(6:40 beginner instruction)

Contact

One Pine Ven.Shih He-Laohu: [email protected]

Temple Emanuel Ven.Shih Shen Xinren: [email protected]

1240 Bower Hill Road

(in Mt. Lebanon)

Pittsburgh Buddhist Center


Established in 2006, the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center is a Theravada Bud-

dhist Temple. Theravada is practiced predominantly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bur-

ma, Cambodia and Loas. Its teachings are based on the early discourses of the

Buddha, which are preserved in Pali language. Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka

reside in this temple and provide teachings and services.

The temple has a rich dharma program for children and adults as well as

weekly meditation. The temple is also a strong community anchor for Buddhist

communities from Sri Lanka and South East Asia.

Schedule:

Wednesday: 7–9 p.m. Meditation and Dharma Talks

Monthly programs, lectures and classes are listed on the website

Contact:

Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Phone: 724-295-2525

111 Route 908 Email: [email protected]

Natrona Heights, PA 15065 Website: www.pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org

The Red Tara Study Group

Tradition: Tibetan

The Red Tara Study Group meets bi-weekly for the study and practice of

Vajrayana Buddhism under the auspices of the Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. The

Chagdud Gonpa was founded by H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, a revered medi-

tation master of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Schedule

Every Other Sunday 7 p.m. meetings at Three Rivers Dharma

Contact

Red Tara Study Group Email: [email protected]

Chagdud Gonpa Foundation Website: http://snowcrest.net/chagdud

Shambhala Meditation Center of Pittsburgh

Tradition: Tibetan-Shambhala

The Shambhala view is that the fundamental nature of every human being

is one of goodness, warmth and intelligence. This nature can be cultivated through

meditation practice. Engaging daily life with mindfulness and awareness develops

it further, so that it radiates out to family, friends, community, and society.

Shambhala Pittsburgh is part of Shambhala International, a global com-

munity of practitioners. We offer sitting and walking meditation sessions, as well

as a comprehensive path of classes, weekend intensives, and retreats to help awak-

en to the joy of fully living in this world. Everyone is welcome, regardless of

meditation experience. Instruction is available for newcomers.

Weekly Schedule

Mondays – Open Night (open meditation, instruction provided) 6:30–8 PM

Tuesdays – Heart of Recovery (meditation and discussion, especially for those

recovering from addiction, instruction provided) 7-8:30 PM

Tues, Wed, Thursdays – Basically Good Morning! (yoga & meditation, instruc-

tion provided) 7–8 AM

Sundays – SunDay (open meditation, instruction provided, preempted by week-

end programs *please check website for schedule*) 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Sundays (every other) – Ziji Collective (young practitioners group, instruction

provided, see website for dates) 4-6 PM

Please see our website for a complete listing of events, programs and retreats.

Web: pittsburgh.shambhala.org


733 North Highland Avenue

Rear Carriage House

Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (behind Western Pennsylvania Family Center)

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Stillpoint, a Pittsburgh Zen community


Founded In 1990, Stillpoint is a nonprofit organization and practice com-

munity based in Lawrenceville, a centrally located urban neighborhood in Pitts-

burgh. Our members come from diverse backgrounds to share a common spiritual

practice based mainly on zazen, sitting meditation.

Stillpoint offers many practice opportunities including:

•ZazensessionsWednesdayeveningsandSundaymornings.

•day-longzazen(zazenkai)everyfourthSaturdayofthemonth

•studyanddiscussiongroups

•annualretreatsledbyhighlyrespectedvisitingZenteachers

•publictalksbyvisitingteachersandpractitioners

In addition to providing a place for our Zen community and for other

Buddhist practice organizations, we are a resource for information on Zen practice

and teachings in the Pittsburgh area. Newcomers are always welcome to attend

sitting practice and other activities and can arrange an orientation session with a

community member.

Contact

Stillpoint 137 41 St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201

[email protected]

Website: www.stillpointzen.org

Stillworkers, Pittsburgh’s Engaged Buddhist Network

Tradition: various

Stillworkers is a fellowship of engaged Buddhists from various traditions

in the Greater Pittsburgh area whose current work is at Allegheny County Jail.

Recognizing the innate goodness of Buddha nature in each of us accessed through

the practice of meditation, we support inmates who have a Buddhist practice as

well as those who wish to develop and grow their meditation practices in this

challenging environment. We also teach a curriculum based on meditation and

mindfulness to inmates in HOPE, a pre-release program.

Schedule:

Meetings scheduled as needed.

Contact:

Website: http://stillworkers.wordpress.com


Theravada Dhamma Family


Brief History: Theravada Dhamma Family is a cultural touchstone for

Pittsburgh’s Myanmar Buddhism as well as a nexus for them. It was founded in

2009 by Ven. Ankura and Myanmar Buddhist people for theravada practice and

spiritual guidance. By the time of our new monastery accomplished, meditation

for individual worship would be a major component of this temple. The monastery

offers the children Buddhist teachings on week-end and during summer break,

Buddhist cultural teachings, ethic and moral foundations, traditional cultural heri-

tage of Myanmar for all.

Schedule

Everyday Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Every Sabbath day 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Contact

Theravada Dhamma Family

20 Kirchner Drive, Union Township, PA 15129

Phone: 412-833-2989, Email: [email protected]

www.theravadadhammafamily.com

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Three Tibetan Cultural Center

Tradition: Tibetan

Three revers dharma center is the Tibetan Buddhist arm of the newly-

formed Three Rivers Tibetan Cultural Center. Founded in the Drikung Kagyu

tradition, our resident lama is Khenpo Choephel. We offer numerous meditation

practices on a weekly and monthly basis; all are welcome and no prior experience

is necessary. In the coming year we plan to offer more activities aimed at preserv-

ing and celebrating Tibetan culture. Please check our website for more informa-

tion.

Schedule

Sunday 11 a.m. Purification practice

Wednesday 7 p.m. Deity Practice

Saturday 11 a.m. Teachings with Khenpo

Thursday 7.30 p.m. Calm Abiding meditation

We also have special practices on new moon and full moon days, and dakini days;

please see our website for more info.

Contact

Three Tibetan Cultural Center Email: [email protected]

201 S. Craig Street Website: www.threeriversdharma.org

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Vipassana Sitting Group

Tradition: Vipassana (Theravada)

Led by Rhonda Karlton Rosen, This community can help provide the sup-

port for the continued development of a daily meditation practice. All instruction

is drawn from the Theravada tradition of Vipassana, or Insight meditation. We

meet each Thursday evening, barring major holidays, from 6 to 7:30. Please come

ten to fifteen minutes early your first time. We meet at Temple Sinai. We may be

transitioning to Wednesday at some point, so please call or email Rhonda before

you come the first time.

Schedule

Thursday 6–7:30 p.m. meditation

Contact

Vipassana Sitting Group Email: [email protected]

Temple Sinai Phone: 412-487-1967

5505 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pa 15217-1199

Zen Center of Pittsburgh


Zen Center of Pittsburgh is a Soto Zen Buddhist Temple founded in 1999.

Zen Center serves the community by offering services, meditation and individu-

alized Zen training with our Resident Priest, Rev.Kyoki Roberts. Children are

welcome. Deep Spring Temple is located just thirty minutes north of Pittsburgh,

Pennsylvania on fourteen isolated acres with stunning views of the Western Penn-

sylvania forests. We offer monthly retreats and for those who would like to in-

vestigate ordination, we offer residency training. We also run a mediation and

facilitation service for spiritual communities and other nonprofits (www.an-olive-

branch.org).

Schedule

Sunday 9:30 a.m. Intro to Zen (all newcomers welcome)

10 a.m.–12.30 p.m. zazen/service/Discussion/lunch

Wed 6–7:15 p.m. zazen

Contact

Zen Center of Pittsburgh Phone: 412-741-1262

Rev Kyoki Roberts Email: [email protected]

Deep Spring Temple Website: www.deepspringzen.org

124 Willow Ridge Road

Zen Group of Pittsburgh

Tradition: Korean Zen (Mahayana)

An affiliate of the Kwan Um School of Zen, an international network of

Zen Centers under the direction of founding Zen Master Seung Sahn, Dae Soen Sa

Nim. Zen based on the Korean tradition they offer meditation instruction and hold

weekly sitting and chanting meditation practice consisting of 30 minute chanting,

30 minute silent sitting meditation, and followed by a reading of a teacher. Chant-

ing books are provided.

The group holds approximately four retreats a year locally and usually

one-day retreats held on Saturday, preceded by a public talk on Friday. (See the

webpage for more information)

Schedule:

Wednesday 7 p.m.

Contact:

Zen Group of Pittsburgh Phone: 412-491-9185

Friends Meeting House Fell Room Website: www.zengrouppitt.org

(Second Floor)

4836 Ellsworth Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn

for the past, nort to worry about the future, but to live the

present moment wisely and earnestly."

the Buddha Shakyamuni

19

General introductionsWalpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught, Grove Press, 1959, 1974.Karen Armstrong, Buddha, London: Phoenix, 2004.Samuel Bercholz and Sherab Chödzin Kohn, The Buddha and his teachings, Boston: Shambhala, 2003.Rick Fields, How the swans came to the lake: A narrative history of Buddhism in America, Boston & London: Shambhala, 1992.

Zen BuddhismRobert Aitken, Taking the path of Zen, New York, North Point Press, 1982.Tenshin Reb Anderson, Being Upright: Zen Med-itation and the Bodhisattva Precepts, Rodmell Press. 2000 Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace is every step: The path of mindfulness in everyday life, New York, Bantam, 1991. Edited by John Daido Loori, The Art of Just Sit-ting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza, Wisdom Publications, 2002Dainin Katagiri, Returning to Silence: Zen Prac-tice in Daily Life, Shambala Publications, Inc., 1988Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal talks on Zen meditation and practice, Weatherhill, Inc., Thirty-third printing 1994Edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi, Moon in a Dew-drop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen North Point Press, 1985 Kosho Uchiyama, Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice, Wisdom Publications 2004Alan Watts, The Way of Zen, Arkana, 1990Charlotte Joko Beck, Everyday Zen, Harper San Francisco, 1989.

Theravada BuddhismAjahn Chah, Everything arises, everything falls away: Teachings on impermanence and the end of suffering, Boston and London: Shambhala, 2005.Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, Seeking the heart of wisdom: The path of insight medi-tation, Boston and London: Shambhala, 2001.U Sayadaw Pandita, In this very life: The lib-eration teachings of the Buddha, Somerville, Mass.: Wisdom Publications, 1993.Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein, Insight meditation: A step-by-step course on how to meditate, Boulder: Sounds True, [n.d.]

Tibetan Buddhism and BonPema Chodron, Start where you are: A guide to compassionate living, Boston: Shambhala, 2001. Lama Surya Das, Awakening the Buddhist heart: Integrating love, meaning, and connec-tion into every part of your life, New York: Broadway Books, 2000.Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen, A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path, Snow Lion Pub-lications 2009 Khandro Rinpoche, This precious life: Tibetan Buddhist teachings on the path to enlighten-ment, Boston and London: Shambhala, 2005.Sakyong Mipham, Turning the mind into an ally, New York: Riverhead Books, 2003.Tempa Dukte Lama, Heart Drop of the Loving Mother, Olmo Ling Publications, 2014.Tempa Dukte Lama, Journey into Buddha-hood, Olmo Ling Publications, 2013.Tempa Dukte Lama, Inexhaustible Miracles, Olmo Ling Publications, 2011.Tempa Dukte Lama, The Intimate Mind, Olmo Ling Publications, 2011.

Resources