Flowing River Sangha

Rooted in presence, united in practice—supporting each other on the path to compassionate living through Zen meditation.

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About Flowing River Sangha

We are an interfaith gathering of people who support one another in the practice of Zen meditation. This practice can deepen the roots of one’s faith tradition or simply open the way to a spiritual life grounded in the reality of the present moment. Zen allows us to flow through life with more equanimity so that we might engage in compassionate action.

Compassion in Action

A Jukai Ceremony in Our Own Zendo!

May 15, 2025

The members of Flowing River Sangha were filled with gratitude during their Zazenkai on Feb 1 as one of their own completed her Jukai ceremony. This is the first time that Flowing River has had a Jukai ceremony in our own Zendo! We thank Daisetsu for traveling from...

Shukke Tokudo Ceremony

May 15, 2025

Another first for our Sangha! Gessho Sensei has taken a big step and made a deep commitment when, on Saturday, she took vows in a Shukke Tokudo ceremony to become a Zen priest with 3 other candidates from Red Rose Sangha and Clare Sangha. We are so, so grateful for...

A Social Crafting Experience

May 15, 2025

Our Sangha tried something new with a social craft afternoon at one of our Sangha members' home. We learned how to hand-sew fabric hearts to give as gifts and spread love to others. Thank you, Peg, for sharing your home and your deep knowledge of sewing with the...

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Finding Balance & Peace

Meditation offers a pathway to finding balance and peace by quieting the mind and tuning into the present moment. Through regular practice, we learn to release stress, let go of distractions, and cultivate inner stillness. As we connect more deeply with ourselves, we begin to respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity, allowing peace to grow from within. Meditation helps us embrace each moment with a sense of groundedness, fostering a balanced life centered in mindfulness and compassion.

Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.

― Dalai Lama

Only when you can be extremely pliable and soft can you be extremely hard and strong.

– Zen Proverb

All that we are, is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.

― Buddha