Who We Are
We are a diverse group of people who practice mindfulness meditation as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet and peace activist. Our practice encourages the importance and joy of bringing a mindful awareness into all aspects of our lives.
Thich Nhat Hanh predicts that the next living Buddha will be the Sangha, or spiritual community. Our practice reflects a special emphasis on community building. We welcome people of all backgrounds to practice with us.
What We Do
Weekly Practice: Our regular weekly practices on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday nights include sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion.
Mindfulness Mornings and Retreats: We also host a mindfulness morning one Saturday a month, as well as retreats in the spring and the fall led by a Dharmacharya (teacher) in Thich Nhat Hanh’s tradition. Everyone is welcome to participate in all Sangha activities.
Membership: People who are committed to a regular meditation practice, want to participate in the development of the Sangha and make a monthly financial contribution, may become regular members of BMS by joining the Circle of Bodhisattvas. We are always happy to welcome new members to our community. Each one of us brings unique practice and life experiences to the community, and our diversity of interests and perspectives enriches us all. For more information about ongoing practice opportunities and upcoming events, please go to the Sangha Activities page.
Our Vision
Our practice supports living mindful lives so that we may deeply understand the interdependence that connects us to each other and the world. We have a community structure that nurtures peace, healing,inclusiveness, understanding, and connection, for individuals, their families and the greater society.
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few."
From Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Suzuki Roshi
Our Mission
The mission of Beginners Mind Sangha is to support and nurture the community of people who practice mindfulness and meditation inspired by the Buddha Dharma. We follow the tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh who reminds us often
that liberation from suffering and awakening to ease and joy are only available in the present moment. We offer activities that encourage us to live fully in the here and now, and that help to deepen our understanding and capacity for love and compassion. It is our sincere wish that living in this manner will reduce suffering for ourselves and for all beings.