But as householders, Sangha members have oriented toward engaged Buddhism, where activism and spiritual practice inextricably link. Most of the Rose City Rebel Dhamma root teachers have been monastics in the Theravada lineage of Thai teacher Ajahn Chah. Cultivating one another’s confidence and faith in this way, Sangha members find the courage to be curious and experimental in their practice. Showing curiosity in one’s own unexamined depths, as well as others’ sometimes-surprising behaviors, facilitates trust. Rose City Rebel Dhamma Sangha members lean on curiosity, which helps to mitigate the reflexive words and thoughts that come with any social conditioning, perhaps acutely with white racial conditioning. The Buddha taught that wisdom comes from curiosity. Steeped in mutual respect and the Dhamma, this structured sharing has supported the familiar Buddhist practice of self-reflection, so often a solitary endeavor. Time-tested principles of mindful sharing are encouraged, such as confidentiality, avoiding cross-talk, and refraining from commenting on others’ sharing unless invited.

meditating on her skateboard sitting bench. Participants are encouraged to share how the topic lands with them, or what is present for them in their practice and life. The Sangha leader then expounds on themes presented, drawing from the suttas (particularly the Pali Canon), personal experiences, and influential voices. To bring different voices into the room, all present are invited to share in reading the text aloud. A 40-minute meditation is followed by a reading, sourced from a variety of teachers and lineages. We have historically structured our sits with meditators seated in a circle, a physical reflection of the group’s emphasis on collaborative learning and support. Our Sangha moved its weekly sits online when COVID-19 hit, but it has been a challenge to replicate the flow of in-person meetings over Zoom. As many guiding teachers have encouraged, we’re following the gradual path while practicing like our hair is on fire. Now in 2021 our members are quickening this work, honing our skillful engagement with the antiracist dimensions of the teachings and practices. Wren’s altar with tobacco pouches as offerings.

Three residential Zen groups are navigating the complexities of living and practicing together at a time of social distancing.

A unique Eugene Zen group, which normally brings much physicality into its practice, has enthusiastically embraced new hybrid models through Zoom.

Bellingham Insight finds new growth, and new Sangha members far away, after turning completely to online Dharma.

Two Zen groups, one in Seattle and the other in Bellingham, have shed their physical zendos completely until the virus is done.

A large regional Tibetan Buddhist group has powerfully moved online, while still developing their 160-acre retreat land in Oregon.

A Corvallis Zen group finished their new zendo just in time to be shut down by Covid-19, but that hasn’t slowed them a bit.

A Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist group has purchased 40 acres in southern Washington, for a retreat center to include many stupas and retreat huts.

A Eugene Sangha takes retreatants a big step above the confines of coronavirus: group retreats high in the mountains.

Elder John Nomura, of Japanese ancestry, continues to inspire with his devotion to the Zen Dharma and to social activism.

Two long-time Dharma friends, 1,300 miles apart, accidently started a Sangha when they started sitting together online.

A small rural Washington state Sangha turned to the outdoors, to offer hybrid in-person and Zoom Dharma activities.

Cloud Mountain Retreat Center has been developing safe and creative ways to offer residential retreats despite the virus.

For what may be the biggest selection of Buddhist books in the Northwest region, check out Banyen Books and Sound in Vancouver, B.C., online or in person.Rose City Rebel Dharma deeply and uniquely weaves together Buddhist practice and social justice activism.Portland Buddhist Peace Fellowship activists mindfully meditated, and walked, in the center of the protests against racism last fall.Moving ahead, Northwest Dharma Association has upgraded the website calendar, and is adding new Dharma groups to the upgraded directory.

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