The Occidental Laguna Sangha is a Zen Buddhist Sangha located in Sebastopol, California. Though our emphasis is primarily Zen we integrate mindfulness and other teachings from the Vipassana and Tibetan traditions into our practice. We believe that everything that comes our way is an opportunity for opening — our work in the world, our everyday tasks, our relationships — everything is an opportunity to practice the Bodhisattva ideals of mindfulness, compassion, generosity and kindness. 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.
Schedule and Events
Sunday morning meditation 9:00-9:35, then walking meditation, dharma talk and discussion until 10:30. New meditators welcome (meditation instruction given if requested). Fine to just show up, chairs are provided.
Sebastopol Community Center Teen Annex, 425 Morris Street, Sebastopol CA, next to the large Sebastopol Community Center. Sunday morning meditation also available via Zoom. For further information contact Bruce Fortin. Contact information at bottom of page.
Tuesday morning meditation, reading and discussion 7:00-8:00am Sebastopol. For further information contact Bruce Fortin. Contact information at bottom of page.
Wednesday evening Dharma study group and meditation 5:30-7:00 pm. We meditate and study a spiritual text together. By Zoom only. For further information contact Bruce Fortin. Contact information at bottom of page.
Thursday morning half-hour meditation and Dharma study 10:00am-11:15am. We study the teachings of Suzuki Roshi. By Zoom only. For further information contact Bruce Fortin. Contact information at bottom of page.
Half day extended sittings, usually every other month, announced by Sangha email list. In person and also by Zoom. For further information contact Bruce Fortin. Contact information at bottom of page.
Longer two or three day retreats, first week in December.
Special classes often offered
Previous classes offered:
– The Bodhisattva Way of Life
– The Bodhisattva Precepts
– Relationship as a Spiritual Practice
– Basic Zen and the Teachings of Suzuki Roshi
– Introduction to Buddhism
– Commentary on Sandokai
Practice discussion, an integral part of practice, can be arranged by appointment with Bruce.
Membership
Membership is open to anyone who wishes to practice and support the Occidental Laguna Sangha. Support can be in the form of participation in our activities and through Dana (generosity). We particularly welcome monthly pledges, which help with expenses in renting the meditation hall, supporting teachers and providing some scholarship assistance for retreats.
Contact Bruce Fortin for
more information:
707-544-1436
or
click here to send an E-mail.
Occidental Laguna Sangha
3535 Hillcrest Avenue
Sebastopol, California 95472
