About Our Sangha
Whether you have decades of experience or none at all, you are welcome to our Zen practice in the city.
Participation is free and open to all.
We are oriented toward an urban lay practice, as opposed to cloistered monasticism. Zen is as much about engaging in day to day life as it is about meditation.
For schedule details, please see our Schedule.
- Tuesday evenings, in person, for an “Intro to Zen” meditation.
- Wednesday evenings, in person and online, for a discussion of the teachings.
- Saturday mornings, in person, for a longer meditation.
Since 2014
The White Forest Sangha (WFS) is a 21st century Western lay Zen Buddhist practice community rooted in the ancestral lineage teachings of Ch’an and Zen. We inherit from these traditions the practice of vow, meditation, and wisdom-compassion.
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Participation Guidelines
Whether it is your first time or 1000th, understanding a few guidelines help establish the right mood and mindset.
Intro to Zen Meditation
Zazen is a type of meditation unique to Zen Buddhism. It involves focusing on the breath and remaining in the moment.
Chant Booklet
Chants are a recitation or musical verse that is integral to Zen Buddhist practice. They are a form of meditation.
Non-discrimination and Grievance Policy
The White Forest Sangha (WFS) considers the ideal of non-discrimination as arising directly from Buddhism’s core teachings. The WFS seeks to willingly and knowingly embody this ideal of non-discrimination in its practices and policies.
Zenchishiki Roles 2024
Roles are established annually and fulfill many needed tasks required to maintain the Zendo.
TS Crisman (Mushin Hojin)
Founder, Guiding Teacher/Sensei(先生)
Nicholas Rossler (Musō Gyōkai)
Director/Esshu (悅衆)
Jeffrey Keith (Gyozan Rishin)
President of the Board Directors
