In the spring of 2003, local Northern Nevada community dharma teacher Christie Tews offered a course in basic meditation at A Rainbow Place, Reno’s GLBT Community Center. From this simple beginning, a continuous sitting group (or “sangha”) emerged, meeting every Tuesday evening at A Rainbow Place.

While our roots are in the Buddhist Vipassana tradition, we follow no particular Buddhist tradition other than sitting together in silence, relaxing and breathing. Those who wish to sit on the floor should bring whatever cushion, mat or kneeling bench that would help maintain their comfort. Chairs are available. Regardless of sitting style, an upright, relaxed posture is encouraged. A bell sounded three times signals the beginning of a “sit,” which typically lasts 30 minutes. At the end, another bell is rung. Some members may choose to close with a simple seated bow.

Tea usually follows, allowing opportunity to get to know one another a little better, or to ask questions. Occasionally, we may listen to recorded teachings concerning meditation techniques or dharma lessons. Book readings and poetry have been known to steal the show. Movie nights are not unheard of. And whether it’s the first time together or the 100th, whether the day has been easy or difficult, here is a sangha where sexual orientation is no more or less than a given part of the human being you are: gay, lesbian, bi, trans, questioning, or straight. Everyone is a buddha, and we all can learn from each other.

One River Sangha opens its collective heart to all those who wish to realize the benefits of meditation within our mutually created common ground – where we may continue to discover, in the words of the great Zen teacher Suzuki Roshi, that “our own true nature resumes itself.”

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Last Update:

Sun., July 20, 2008

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