One River Zen
One River Zen is dedicated to empowering all to open to life fully by embodying wisdom and compassion through the practices of mindfulness and meditation.
Tell us a bit about how your group was concieved
When the pandemic hit, it was clear there was a greater need to bring the transformational practices of Zen Buddhism to a larger audience to help address the suffering that had become so common for so many. Michael, a Dharma Holder in the White Plum lineage, and his partner Vanessa purchased an 1890 Queen Anne Victorian on the banks of the Illinois River in 2021 to launch One River Zen. It serves the surrounding Illinois Valley community and beyond with meditation, classes, and residential retreats.
When the pandemic hit, it was clear there was a greater need to bring the transformational practices of Zen Buddhism to a larger audience to help address the suffering that had become so common for so many. Michael, a Dharma Holder in the White Plum lineage, and his partner Vanessa purchased an 1890 Queen Anne Victorian on the banks of the Illinois River in 2021 to launch One River Zen. It serves the surrounding Illinois Valley community and beyond with meditation, classes, and residential retreats.
How many members do you serve? 30
Tell us about one exciting project, program, or other offering you are currently working on.
Right now we're focused on preparing the Center for residential retreats and building a local meditation community. It is exciting to see new people coming through the doors to practice in a region that hasn't had a Sangha before!
Right now we're focused on preparing the Center for residential retreats and building a local meditation community. It is exciting to see new people coming through the doors to practice in a region that hasn't had a Sangha before!
How do the Three Tenets inform your social engagement?
Entering a new community in this way requires us to really loosen our grasp on whatever concepts we hold rigidly on what our community needs to look like. We just practice openness, bearing witness to the needs of the community as it forms and compassion begins to surround our Sangha.
Entering a new community in this way requires us to really loosen our grasp on whatever concepts we hold rigidly on what our community needs to look like. We just practice openness, bearing witness to the needs of the community as it forms and compassion begins to surround our Sangha.
What is the most meaningful challenge your organization Faces?
As always, with a new outreach like this, resources are stretched, and only a few are doing the 'lifting.' It is heartening to see folks' interest, assistance, and generosity inside and outside the community - without which this wouldn't be possible.
As always, with a new outreach like this, resources are stretched, and only a few are doing the 'lifting.' It is heartening to see folks' interest, assistance, and generosity inside and outside the community - without which this wouldn't be possible.
For more information: michael.brunner@oneriverzen.org
Our Website: https://oneriverzen.org
One River Zen -
Ottawa, IL
