Buddhadharma Sangha is an inclusive Buddhist Sangha rooted in Soto Zen forms, we practice seated meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), ceremonies, Dharma talks, study, discussions, and one-day sittings.
We have also observed various special events, including jukai lay-ordination ceremonies as well as several Shuso ceremonies.
The group has helped many incarcerated people to ground themselves in their inner freedom, and has brought inspiration to the hundreds of individuals who have joined from the outside and participated over the years.
We have met Sunday evenings in the Chapel at San Quentin since 1999 when several incarcerated people who had been practicing meditation on the yard, requested support from the outside community. Only COVID-19 and prison lock-downs have interrupted weekly practice since.
We now typically meet for two 2-hour sessions each Sunday evening broken into study and service (seated meditation, walking meditation, chanting and a dharma discussion. New visitors often comment on the stillness and strength of our practice (even as the protestant chapel occasionally rocks out next door). The size of the group fluctuates up to 20 incarcerated men and 4-8 outside guests.