Our name incorporates “Occidental,” as this is the town where we first started meeting together. The word also carries the meaning “Western,” where the Buddha Dharma is now being established. “Laguna” is where we currently meet and meditate together, right next to the beautiful Laguna de Santa Rosa in Sebastopol California.
The Sangha is respectful of all the teachings and schools of Buddhism and includes practitioners of all levels, from complete beginners to the very experienced. All are welcome to practice with us.
The guiding teacher for the Sangha is Bruce Fortin. He was ordained a Soto Zen Priest in the lineage of Suzuki Roshi in 1976 and has received Dharma Transmission to teach in that lineage. He has also studied with a number of other teachers in the Tibetan and Vipassana traditions and his teachings reflect their influence.
Petaluma River Sangha is a branch of Occidental Laguna Sangha and meets every Thursday 11:00am - 12:15 pm at 224 A Weller Street, Petaluma, at the Wellness by Design Yoga Studio. 30 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation, dharma talk and discussion until 12:15.