An attempt to begin a Buddhist Students' Group on
the UR campus was first begun in 1999, but while there was a
huge turnout at the first interest meeting, the organization never
really got off the ground. The next year, however,
a small group of students were determined to make the group official,
and UR Sangha was born.
We are still a very small group, and our connection with the Interfaith
Chapel is what is sustaining us for now--
it gives us a place to hold meetings, and a meditation room for
group meditation sessions. We also occasionally take 'field trips'
to such things as public talks by various Buddhist teachers/scholars and
meditation sessions at local centers.
Meetings
Meetings are held weekly, usually in the meditation room of the Interfaith
Chapel, and consist of a 15-30 minute meditation session
(depending on the meditation experience of the people in attendence),
and can also include chanting, reading Buddhist texts, or
whatever else members are interested in doing. Meetings are extremely
flexible, and tailored to appeal to all practitioners of Buddhism,
including those who don't yet consider themselves Buddhists, and
are only interested in learning more about meditation.
Current members include those practicing in the Tibetan and Zen
traditions, as well as those who consider themselves
'non-denominational.' Everyone is welcome, from the experienced to
the beginner--if you don't know how to meditate,
we'll be happy to show you. If you don't know anything at all about
Buddhism and have lots of questions, ask away!
Joining
Interested in joining? You can either just show up to a meeting (if times
are listed on the webpage), or email for
more info, and to be included on the e-mail list.