The Compassionate Ocean Sangha (community) is a group practicing in the Buddhist mindfulness traditions of Thich Nhat Hanh and Soto Zen. Throughout the year the sangha has weekly gatherings that include sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussions, mindful movement, singing and chanting, and other spiritual practices. Dharma talks focus on aspects of Buddhist teaching and their application to everyday life.
Everyone is invited to participate in our sangha gatherings. There are no prerequisites to participate, and people are welcome to come when they wish. There is no fee; participation is by donation.
There are two weekly gatherings of the Compassionate Ocean Sangha. The Sunday group is co-led by Joen Snyder O'Neal and Michael O'Neal. Joen leads the Friday group. There is also a meditation session offered on Wednesday mornings.
If you are coming for the first time, please call the Center in advance. Please call as well if you have any questions about our sangha practice.
Sunday Morning Gathering: Sundays, 9:00 -11:15 A.M.
Three Smooth Stones, 3336 East 25th Street, Minneapolis (near Hwy 94 & the Riverside Exit)
Schedule: 9:00 sitting, 9:25 walking, 9:35 sitting, 10:00 dharma talk and discussion, 11:15 ending.
Friday Morning Group: Fridays, 9:30-11:00 A.M.
Common Ground Meditation Center, 3400 E. 26th St., Minneapolis (near Hwy 94 & the Riverside Exit)
Schedule: 9:30 sitting, 10:00 dharma talk and discussion, 11:00 ending.
Wednesday Morning Meditation: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:50 A.M.
Three Smooth Stones, 3336 E. 25th St., Minneapolis (near Hwy 94 & the Riverside Exit)
Two sitting periods, followed by a short service with chanting. Open to everyone.
Open Houses
New people are always welcome at sangha gatherings. To provide a special welcome, open houses that include an orientation to our practice are offered quarterly. These are excellent opportunities to find out more about sangha gatherings if you are curious but haven't quite gotten around to coming.
Friday, January 12, 9:30 - 11:00 A.M.
Common Ground Meditation Center, 3400 E. 26th St., MinneapolisSunday, January 14, 9:00 -11:15 A.M.
Three Smooth Stones, 3336 East 25th St., Minneapolis
These retreats are open to community members as well as others who have had some experience with Buddhist practice and meditation. Each retreat officers an extended opportunity to settle the mind and body and open to the deep wisdom of human life. Activities include sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks, individual meetings with teachers (in multi-day retreats), formal oryoki style meals, service assignments, yoga and deep relaxation. These retreats are excellent opportunities to strengthen and deepen the practice of awakening, including benefiting from the support of other participants.
Early registration is encouraged. If this will be your first sangha retreat with Compassionate Ocean, please call the Center in advance. Partial participation in multi-day retreats is possible–please call to discuss.
One-Day
Friday, Feb. 16, 7:00 P.M.- Saturday, Feb. 17, 9:00 P.M.
Fee: $40 per day (members $30)
Location: Clouds in Water Zen Center, 308 Prince Street, St. PaulFriday, March 16, 7:00 P.M.- Saturday, March17, 5:00 P.M.
Fee: $40 per day (members $30)
Location: Clouds in Water Zen Center, 308 Prince Street, St. Paul
Click here to view and print a registration form.