1. THE BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH
The Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh (BSP) is an inter-Bud-
dhist community from various traditions and includes the Pittsburgh
Buddhist Center, Three Rivers Dharma, Olmo Ling Temple, Pitts-
burgh Shambala Meditation Group, Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh,
Laughing Rivers Sangha, One Pine Zen Meditation Center, Zen Cen-
ter of Pittsburgh and all other sanghas who wish to participate.
The purpose of the BSP is to promote the wisdom of the
Buddha and dharma throughout Greater Pittsburgh and
Western Pennsylvania. You can find BSP on Facebook.
“The Day of Vesak is a joyous occasion marking the birth,
enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. On this day millions of
people, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, take time to reflect on the
life and teachings of the Buddha, and to receive guidance from them.
… On this Day of Vesak, let us affirm our essential interdependence.
Let us pledge to work together for the common good, and for the bet-
terment of all humankind. I thank you for your commitment to these
ideals, and wish you all an enriching celebration.”
United Nations Secretary-General’s message on Vesak Day
2008 [Delivered by Kiyotaka Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for
Communications and Public Information]
Buddhism
in
Pittsburgh
May 18, 2014

2. The Bodhichitta Foundation Sangha
(Tradition: Tibetan)
412-536-1154 or 724-625-6267
Gail.Rowe@Laroche.edu
The Buddhist Meditation Center of Pittsburgh
(Tradition: Theravada)
412-521-5095, 412-326-7373
bmcpitts@hotmail.com
www.bmcpitts.org, www.facebook.com/bmcpitts
City Dharma
(Tradition: Japanese Zen/Mahayana)
jisen@deepspringzen.org
www.city-dharma.org
Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh
(Tradition: Tibetan-Dzogchen)
dzogchen.sangha.of.pittsburgh@gmail.com
www.dzogchensanghaofpittsburgh.com
Flower Dance Temple
(Tradition: Nonsectarian Universal Buddhist)
flowerdancetemple@chojung.org
www.chojung.org/WesternPASangha.html
Jewel Heart Pittsburgh Study Group
(Tradition: Tibetan-Gelugpa)
pittsburgh@jewelheart.org
www.jewelheart.org
Laughing Rivers Sangha
(Tradition: Vietnamese Zen/Mahayana)
412-408-3426
dleebrooks@gmail.com
www.laughingrivers.org
Olmo Ling Center
(Tradition: Tibetan-Bon)
412-904-1112
bon@olmoling.org
www.olmoling.org
One Pine Zen Meditation Center
(Tradition: Ch’an, Chinese Zen/Mahayana)
imdudley92@gmail.com
drdrolet@hotmail.com
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center
(Tradition: Theravada) 724-295-2525
info@pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org,
www.pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org
The Red Tara Study Group
(Tradition: Tibetan)
chrisconlogue@google.com
http://snowcrest.net/chagdud
Shambhala Meditation Center
of Pittsburgh
(Tradition: Tibetan-Shambhala)
Pittsburgh.shambhala@gmail.com
www.pittsburgh.shambhala.org
Stillpoint, a Pittsburgh Zen community
(Tradition: Japanese Zen/Mahayana)
info@stillpointzen.org
www.stillpointzen.org
Stillworkers, Pittsburgh’s Engaged Buddhist
Network (Tradition: various)
http://stillworkers.wordpress.com/
gary@digbybooks.com
Theravada Dhamma Family
(Tradition: Theravada)
412-833-2989
dhammagoneyee@yahoo.com
www.theravadadhammafamily.com
Three Tibetan Cultural Center
(Tradition: Tibetan)
threeriversdharma@gmail.com
www.threeriversdharma.org
Vipassana Sitting Group
(Tradition: Vipassana/Theravada)
412-487-1967
Rhonda.K.Rosen@gmail.com
Zen Center of Pittsburgh
(Tradition: Japanese Zen/Mahayana)
412-741-1262, kyoki@deepspringzen.org
www.deepspringzen.org
Zen Group of Pittsburgh
(Tradition: Korean Zen/Mahayana)
412-491-9185
www.zengrouppitt.org
Pittsburgh Area Buddhist Organizations Content
A brief history of Buddhism 1
Story of the Buddha 3
The Dharma 4
Four Noble Truths 4
Noble Eightfold Path 4
The Bodhicitta Foundation Sangha 6
The Buddhist Meditation Center of Pittsburgh(BMCP) 6
CityDharma 7
Dzongchen Sangha of Pittsburgh 8
Flower Dance Temple 9
Jewel Heart Pittburgh Study Group 9
Laughing Rivers Sangha 10
Olmo Ling Center 11
One Pine Zen Meditation Center 12
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center 13
The Red Tara Study Group 13
Shambhala Meditation Center of Pittsburgh 14
Stillpoint, a Pittsburgh Zen Community 15
Stillworkers, Pittsburgh's Engaged Buddhist Network 15
Theravada Dhamma Family 16
Three Tibetan Cultural Center 17
Vipassana Sitting Group 17
Zen Center of Pittsburgh 18
Zen Group of Pittsburgh 19
Resources 20

3. 2
A Brief History of Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha Shakyamuni, lived and taught about
2,500 years ago in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. His philosophical dis-
coveriesandteachingshaveresoundeddownthroughthecenturies,travelingfrom
teacher to student across continents and oceans to reach us today.
Like a pebble dropped in a calm pond, Buddha’s impact traveled like
ripples from Northern India. It spread from that center, following the highways
and byways of the times, influencing philosophical thinkers on its way. As they
spread, Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) became incorporated into the cultures with
which they came in contact, creating a rich diversity of practice.
From Northern India, the teachings traveled south and east along the
coast and across the Indian Ocean. The Theravadan communities and monastic
forest retreats emerged in Southern India, Sri Lanka and the Southeast Asian pen-
insula of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This tradition of
Buddhism was firmly anchored in the Pali Cannon, the earliest written Buddhist
records, and it is from here that Vipassana (Insight Meditation) has grown and
flourished.
BuddhistteachersalsotraveledwesttocurrentAfghanistanandintoCen-
tral Asia, flowing north, following trade caravans, and establishing centers along
the Silk Road. It was in this early era that the concept of Prajnaparamita (wisdom
of non-duality and compassion) emerged as the basis of the Mahayana tradition.
Buddhism reached China around the time of Jesus. As the Dharma took hold, in-
spired pilgrims traveled to India (no small undertaking) to clarify understandings
for future practitioners. Pure Land practices emerged in the 2nd century CE, and
in the 5th century CE the Indian sage Bodhidharma ‘arrived from the west’. His
extraordinarypracticeinformedtheearlyCh’antraditions,thecommonrootofall
Zen schools.
From China, Mahayana flowed northeast to Korea and Japan and south
to Vietnam. Though linked philosophically, these branching streams of Zen have
unique ways of teaching and practicing; for example, koans are conundrums for
the mind that are used in some Japanese and Korean traditions. Some Zen schools
such as Soto Zen practice zazen (just sitting), and Vietnamese Zen commonly
practice walking meditation.
Well-buffered by the Himalayas, the Tibetan people did received the
Buddha’s teachings during the 6-8th centuries CE. Building upon Mahayana tra-
ditions, Vajrayana and Tantric lineages became well-rooted in Tibetan schools;
Bon, Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya and Geluk are examples. Many great Tibetan mas-
ters have shared their practices with contemporaries, a non-sectarian movement
known as Rimé, while the Shambhala community, whose origins are Tibetan,
carries a distinctly Western flavor.
We now live in an era of technological sophistication, where mountains
and oceans do not impede the Dharma. How extraordinary it is, then, to have ac-
cess to such a vast treasure of thought and experience!
We are very fortunate to have a wide representation of Buddhist tradi-
tions in Pittsburgh where the Three Rivers meet. It is here we gather to celebrate
Vesak, in honor of the Buddha, in deep appreciation and peaceful community.
May everyone be happy and well!

4. 3 4
Story of the Buddha
The Buddha was not born the Buddha. Historically, it is accepted that his
name was Siddhartha Gautama. He was born into a princely life kept away from
worldly troubles and provided a life where he was to only to know pleasure.
One day, Siddhartha left his castle with his charioteer. He came across an
ill man, an old man and a dead body. It became clear to the young prince that as
much as we all try to avoid the reality; we are all subject to sickness, old age and
death. Unlike most of us who intellectually acknowledge this reality, Siddhartha
became truly aware of these truths and what they mean.
The young prince overcome with new understanding of life’s discontent-
mentandsuffering,felttheclingingofhisprincelylifefallawayandceasetohave
meaningforhim.Helefthispalacetounderstandthenatureofsufferingandtruth.
Overthenextsixyears,hestudiedunderthegreatestBrahmanholyteachersofthe
day, and the sadhu ascetic hermits. The Brahman teachings brought him no sense
ofpeace.Theaustereasceticlifebroughthimtostarvationandneardeath,butalso
gave him no further insight.
Siddhartha, who had been a prince, a holy man, a hermit left to find the
answer on his own. He realized the blindness of extreme sensual indulgence and
futility of extreme ascetic practices. Then he followed what came to be known
as “the Middle Path,” which focuses on the inner development of the mind while
taking proper care of the body. Eventually, he sat underneath a Bodhi tree. He
remembered a time as a child when he sat under another tree watching his father
perform a harvest ceremony, when he was at peace. He then started a process of
meditation where he developed great insight and understanding so profound that
he embodied a state of enlightenment.
Some time later, a man on the road who could recognize the specialness
of Siddhartha questioned him. He asked him if he was a god, a demon, or a deva.
Each time Siddhartha replied “no.”
“Then what are you?” asked the stranger on the road.
“Iamawake,”repliedSiddhartha.Thesanskritwordforawakeis“budh.”
From that time on, he would be known as the Buddha, or “the awakened one.”
Because he had enlightened himself, he is also referred to as Samma Sambuddha
or “the one who has awakened himself.”
For the next 45 years, the Buddha offered his wisdom to all. After 2,500 years his
teachings affect how we understand the universe, the mind, society, family, com-
munity and happiness. “What I teach,” said the Buddha, “is the understanding of
suffering and the cessation of suffering.”
The Dharma
It is not surprising, that over 2,500 years the face of Buddhism has
changed. It is a very adaptive faith, which integrates into the local social and cul-
tural fabric. Of all of the Buddhist traditions, most can be associated within three
major categories (Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana). Common to Buddhist
traditions are basic teachings of the Buddha, commonly referred to as Dharma.
Four Noble Truths
1.There is a nature of suffering (discontentment) to living.
2.There is an origin to suffering, which is self-centered craving based on
ignorance of the true nature of reality.
3.There is an end of suffering.
4.Theendofsufferingcanbeachievedthroughtransformationofperson-
ality by following the Noble Eightfold Path.
Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eight Fold Path consists of eight factors, which we can de-
velopourselvestobewiser,moralandmentallydeveloped.Thispathisalsocalled
“the Middle Way,” because it avoids the two extreme religious practices of ex-
treme sensual indulgence and extreme mortification of the body to gain libera-
tion. This path aims to develop three aspects of our personality: morality, mental
culture and wisdom. With the development of these three factors, we can liberate

5. 5 6
ourselvesfromunwholesomecravingsandrespondtotheworldwithcompassion,
acceptance and bliss.
1.Right View: Understanding how suffering arises in the human mind
and the possibility of overcoming it.
2.Right Intention: Developing the intentions of non-violence, letting go
and compassion, which reduce suffering of oneself and others
3.Right Speech: Cultivating truthful, peaceful, kind and meaningful
speech
4.Right Action: Cultivating harmless, honest and faithful behaviors by
refraining from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct.
5.Right Livelihood: Following a righteous career that does not harm
other living beings.
6.Right Effort: Constantly attempting to maintain good thoughts and
habits
7.Right Mindfulness: Developing awareness of our body, feelings, the
nature of our mind and thoughts.
8.Right Concentration: Developing the ability of concentration of our
mind and the settling of the mind into peace and tranquility.
"However many holy words you read, however many you speak,
what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?"
the Buddha Shakyamuni
PITTSBURGH AREA BUDDHIST ORGANIZATIONS
The Bodhichitta Foundation Sangha
Tradition: Tibetan
The Bodhichitta Foundation Sangha is a Tibetan Buddhist study and
meditation group under the spiritual direction of Yogi Lama Gursam, of the
Drikung Kagyu lineage. Our members include Buddhist practitioners as well as
non-Buddhists seeking to incorporate Buddhist philosophy into their lives. At our
weekly meetings, we read and discuss texts that are known for their accessibility
to Westerners, such as “Indestructible Truth” by Reginald Ray and “The Tibetan
Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche. We also discuss issues related
to incorporating Buddhist practice into our daily lives. We practice traditional Ti-
betan Buddhist prayers and group meditation at each meeting, sometimes includ-
ing mantra chanting or walking meditation. When his schedule allows (usually in
the late summer or early autumn), we bring Yogi Lama Gursam to the Pittsburgh
area for a week of instruction and dedicated practice.
Schedule
(most) Mondays 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Contact
Gail Rowe Phone:412-536-1154 or 724-625-6267, Email: Gail.Rowe@Laroche.edu
La Roche College Campus, Allison Park (McCandless township), 9000 Bab-
cock Blvd., Pittsburgh.
The Buddhist Meditation Center of Pittsburgh (BMCP)
Tradition: Theravada
BMCP, established in 2011, is the Thai Theravada Buddhist Meditation
CenterinPittsburgh.Thecenterservesasaplaceforreligiousceremonies,Dham-
mastudyandmeditation.TheThaipeopleinPittsburghneededaplacetoworship
and gather. They traveled to seek advice and guidance from Luang Ta Chi, abbot

6. 7 8
of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. in setting up a meditation center in Pittsburgh. He
agreed with the idea and let Dr.Phramaha Thanat Inthisan, the Secretary-General
oftheCouncilofThaiBhikkhusintheU.S.A.tosendtwomissionarymonks(Phra
Suriya and Phramaha Piya) to carry out the project. The center is open for all
walks of life.
Schedule:
Sunday–Friday 5–7 p.m. Daily Chanting and Meditation
Saturday 3–5 p.m. Meditation and Dhamma Talk
Sunday 1–3 p.m. Buddhist Study
For a complete listing of daily and weekly activities visit our website
Contact:
Wat Padhammaratana (BMCP)or Phone: 412-521-5095, 412-326-7373
Phramaha Piya Jundadal Email: bmcpitts@hotmail.com, or
5411 Glenwood Ave. bmcpitts@yahoo.com
Pittsburgh, PA 15207 website: www.bmcpitts.org,
www.facebook.com/bmcpitts
www.youtube.com/watpadhammaratana
CityDharma
Tradition: Japanese Zen (Mahayana)
Rev. Jisen Coghlan is a recognized teacher in the Soto Zen Buddhist lin-
eage; she trained under the guidance of Rev. Kyoki Roberts, Head Priest, Zen
Center of Pittsburgh, beginning in 1999. She has backgrounds in music, dance,
physical therapy, certification in the Alexander Technique and Chaplaincy train-
ing under Rabbi Larry Heimer, Director of Spiritual Care at UPMC Presbyterian/
Montefiore Hospitals. Presently, she coaches a team called City Dharma. Since
2012, she has been roving throughout Pittsburgh with hockey bags full of medita-
tion cushions, bells, benches and books. If you are interested in the heart of Zen
practice,meditation,therewillbeaseatforyouandanopendoorformeetingyour
life. Everyone is welcome to join the dance of Zen. See www.city-dharma.org for
the latest schedule listings.
Schedule:
Saturdays 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Beginning June 8
Thursdays 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Introduction offered first Thursday of the month
Contact:
Meets at Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill, adjacent to
St. Edmund’s Academy
Email: Rev. Jisen Coghlan at jisen@deepspringzen.org,
Website: www.city-dharma.org
Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh
Tradition: Tibetan-Dzogchen
The Dzogchen Sangha of Pittsburgh was established in 2000 by students
of Lama Surya Das, a Lineage Holder of the Rimé (non-sectarian) Dzogchen Lin-
eage of Tibetan Buddhism. We practice Dzogchen meditation, which is some-
times known as natural- or non-meditation; this is the practice of being present,
moment-to-moment, without effort or technique. Our Sangha meets in Oakland
on Saturday afternoons for conversation and Dzogchen practice according to the
traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. We are an informal community that welcomes
meditatorsofalllevelsofexperience.Wearehappytodiscussquestionsyouhave
about meditation practices.
Schedule
Saturday 3:30–5:00 p.m. Meditation (at Three Rivers Dharma)
Contact
BobMarinorAlisaGrishman Email:dzogchen.sangha.of.pittsburgh@gmail.com
201 S. Craig Street Website:www.dzogchensanghaofpittsburgh.com

7. 9 10
Flower Dance Temple
Tradition: Nonsectarian Universal Buddhist
FlowerDanceTemple,akaChojungDorjeLing,wasestablishedin2004.
Our on-going New York and Western Pennsylvania ministry includes Buddhist
studies, spiritual direction, solitary and small-group forest mountain practice and
retreats, meditation practice and guidance, community outreach, and trans-faith
dialogues.
Founder and Spiritual Director: Venerable Ani Drubgyudma
Schedule & Contact Information
www.chojung.org/Schedules.html
Western PA Sangha Schedule: www.chojung.org/WesternPASangha.html
Email: flowerdancetemple@chojung.org or w.pa.sanghafdt@chojung.org
Website: www.chojung.org
Jewel Heart Pittsburgh Study Group
Tradition: Tibetan-Gelugpa
Jewel Heart, founded by Gelek Rimpoche in 1988, is dedicated to the
preservation of Tibetan Buddhism and to bringing the practice of this rich tradi-
tion within the context of contemporary life to everyone. Jewel Heart carries on
the living tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, with a particular emphasis
on the lineage of Je Tsong Khapa. All Jewel Heart programs are generated under
GelekRimpoche’sguidance.GelekRimpoche’suniqueprogramsofferauthentic-
ity and accessibility, serving spiritual seekers at all levels of interest. The Pitts-
burghStudy Groupmeetsmonthly towatchonline teachingsortodiscussreading
material. Jewel Heart headquarters are in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There are chap-
ters in Cleveland, New York City, Chicago, and Lincoln, Nebraska. Please visit
the homepage: www.jewelheart.org for more information.
Contact
Email: pittsburgh@jewelheart.org
Website: www.jewelheart.org
Laughing Rivers Sangha
Tradition: Vietnamese Zen (Mahayana)
The Laughing Rivers Sangha, established in 1991, is one of hundreds
of communities worldwide practicing mindfulness as taught by Vietnamese Zen
Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Our meditation periods, which include both sitting and
walking meditation, are followed by other practices, such as the recitation of the
Five or Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings (from our Teacher’s Order of “Interbe-
ing”), dharma talks and discussion, and a monthly social. Our sangha also gath-
ers for regular Days of Mindfulness, and twice a year we organize retreats with
an ordained dharma teacher from Thich Nhat Hanh’s “Order of Interbeing.” We
warmly welcome newcomers, and offer meditation instruction and orientation for
beginners.
Our teacher Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, au-
thor, poet, and peace activist. His approach combines traditional Zen teachings
with methods from Theravada Buddhism, insights from the Mahayana traditions,
and ideas from Western psychology. Thich Nhat Hanh has also been a leader in
the “Engaged Buddhist” movement. According to our Teacher, “The function of
meditative practice is to heal and transform.”
Schedule
Tuesday 7:00–9:00 p.m. Meditation (Location: Squirrel Hill)
Contact
Deborah Brooks Email: dleebrooks@gmail.com
Phone: 412-408-3426 Website: www.laughingrivers.org

8. 11 12
Olmo Ling Bon Center
Tradition: Tibetan-Bon
Olmo Ling was founded by resident lama Tempa Dukte Lama in 2007
to bring the practices and wisdom of the Tibetan Bon tradition to the West. An
ordainedBonlama,TempaLamatrainedwithHisHoliness33rdMenriTrizin,the
spiritualheadofBon,atMenriMonastery,India,fromayoungage.Heisanartist,
poet, author of four books, and teaches internationally.
Our Center is affiliated with Menri Monastery and we are honored to
have hosted visits of H.H. 33rd Menri Trizin in 2011 and 2013. Through weekly
Dharma talks, meditation and meditation instruction, Children’s Programs for
younger and older children, Tibetan yoga and Hatha yoga, and monthly healing
practice we create a space of refuge where we can reconnect with our good heart
and pure nature. The weekly program is offered free of charge (donations wel-
come) and we are happy to welcome new people any time. Regular retreats with
Tempa Lama and visiting teachers offer deeper understanding of Bon. Through
the Olmo Ling Program on Being with Dying we offer training in contemplative
practice to support the dying and to prepare for a peaceful and conscious death.
Through Olmo Ling Publications we are building a program of Bon publications.
Schedule
The weekly program is free (except for the Bon chant class) and always open to
newcomers
Monday 5:30–6:45 p.m. Hatha Yoga with RYT Ena Seltzer
Monday (w.registration) 7:30-8:15 p.m. Bon chant class (Fee: $10 to support
the Music for Menri Project)
Tuesday 7–8:15 p.m. Meditation and Dharma Talk
Every First Wednesday 7-8 p.m. Evening of Healing Practice
Thursday 6-7 p.m. Thrul Khor practice (Tibetan Yoga)
Thursday (by Appt.) 7–8 p.m. Meditation Instruction
Friday 5-6:30p.m. Youth Sangha ages 8-16
Saturday 9–10 a.m. Meditation and Chanting
Saturday (twice a month) 10:15-11:30a.m. Youth Sangha ages 0-7
Sunday 12-1p.m. Dzogchen Ngondro practice (for Ngondro practitioners)
Contact
Olmo Ling Center 1101 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15217
Phone: 412-904-1112
Email: bon@olmoling.org
Website: www.olmoling.org
One Pine Zen Meditation Center
Tradition: Ch’an (Chinese Zen-Mahayana)
The pine, sacred to Chinese Buddhism and Taoism, is an emblem of lon-
gevity and immortality, and since the pine can grow on the highest of mountains
and in the harshest of climates, it is both a symbol of enlightenment and sus-
tained practice. The name of our Sangha, One Pine Zen Meditation Center, is a
testament to our lineage of authentic Zen meditation and Buddhist philosophy
which stretches back to ancient China. More, the name embodies perseverance in
the face of adversity and stands as our long-standing commitment to making the
Dharma available to all.
One Pine Zen Meditation Center meets in Pittsburgh on Wednesday eve-
ningsat7p.m.inordertopracticeauthenticCh’an(Chinesefor“Zen”)Buddhism.
One Pine offers services that include meditation instruction, walking meditation,
evening chanting, and Dharma talks. Other offerings include classes, discussions,
and other sangha activities. Be sure to check One Pine Zen Meditation Center’s
Facebook page.
Schedule
Wednesday 7–8:30 p.m. Meditation
(6:40 beginner instruction)
Contact
One Pine Ven.Shih He-Laohu: jmdudley92@gmail.com
Temple Emanuel Ven.Shih Shen Xinren: drdrolet@hotmail.com
1240 Bower Hill Road
(in Mt. Lebanon)

9. Pittsburgh Buddhist Center
Tradition: Theravada
Established in 2006, the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center is a Theravada Bud-
dhist Temple. Theravada is practiced predominantly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bur-
ma, Cambodia and Loas. Its teachings are based on the early discourses of the
Buddha, which are preserved in Pali language. Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka
reside in this temple and provide teachings and services.
The temple has a rich dharma program for children and adults as well as
weekly meditation. The temple is also a strong community anchor for Buddhist
communities from Sri Lanka and South East Asia.
Schedule:
Wednesday: 7–9 p.m. Meditation and Dharma Talks
Monthly programs, lectures and classes are listed on the website
Contact:
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Phone: 724-295-2525
111 Route 908 Email: info@pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org
Natrona Heights, PA 15065 Website: www.pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org
The Red Tara Study Group
Tradition: Tibetan
The Red Tara Study Group meets bi-weekly for the study and practice of
Vajrayana Buddhism under the auspices of the Chagdud Gonpa Foundation. The
Chagdud Gonpa was founded by H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, a revered medi-
tation master of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Schedule
Every Other Sunday 7 p.m. meetings at Three Rivers Dharma
Contact
Red Tara Study Group Email: chrisconlogue@google.com
Chagdud Gonpa Foundation Website: http://snowcrest.net/chagdud
Shambhala Meditation Center of Pittsburgh
Tradition: Tibetan-Shambhala
TheShambhalaviewisthatthefundamentalnatureofeveryhumanbeing
isoneofgoodness,warmthandintelligence.Thisnaturecanbecultivatedthrough
meditationpractice.Engagingdailylifewithmindfulnessandawarenessdevelops
it further, so that it radiates out to family, friends, community, and society.
Shambhala Pittsburgh is part of Shambhala International, a global com-
munity of practitioners. We offer sitting and walking meditation sessions, as well
asacomprehensivepathofclasses,weekendintensives,andretreatstohelpawak-
en to the joy of fully living in this world. Everyone is welcome, regardless of
meditation experience. Instruction is available for newcomers.
Weekly Schedule
Mondays – Open Night (open meditation, instruction provided) 6:30–8 PM
Tuesdays – Heart of Recovery (meditation and discussion, especially for those
recovering from addiction, instruction provided) 7-8:30 PM
Tues, Wed, Thursdays – Basically Good Morning! (yoga & meditation, instruc-
tion provided) 7–8 AM
Sundays – SunDay (open meditation, instruction provided, preempted by week-
end programs *please check website for schedule*) 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Sundays (every other) – Ziji Collective (young practitioners group, instruction
provided, see website for dates) 4-6 PM
Please see our website for a complete listing of events, programs and retreats.
Web: pittsburgh.shambhala.org
Email: pittsburgh.shambhala@gmail.com
733 North Highland Avenue
Rear Carriage House
Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (behind Western Pennsylvania Family Center)
13 14

10. 15 16
Stillpoint, a Pittsburgh Zen community
Tradition: Japanese Zen (Mahayana)
Founded In 1990, Stillpoint is a nonprofit organization and practice com-
munity based in Lawrenceville, a centrally located urban neighborhood in Pitts-
burgh. Our members come from diverse backgrounds to share a common spiritual
practice based mainly on zazen, sitting meditation.
Stillpoint offers many practice opportunities including:
• Zazen sessions Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
• day-long zazen (zazenkai) every fourth Saturday of the month
• study and discussion groups
• annual retreats led by highly respected visiting Zen teachers
• public talks by visiting teachers and practitioners
In addition to providing a place for our Zen community and for other
Buddhistpracticeorganizations,wearearesourceforinformationonZenpractice
and teachings in the Pittsburgh area. Newcomers are always welcome to attend
sitting practice and other activities and can arrange an orientation session with a
community member.
Contact
Stillpoint 137 41 St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
info@stillpointzen.org
Website: www.stillpointzen.org
Stillworkers, Pittsburgh’s Engaged Buddhist Network
Tradition: various
Stillworkers is a fellowship of engaged Buddhists from various traditions
in the Greater Pittsburgh area whose current work is at Allegheny County Jail.
Recognizing theinnate goodnessofBuddha naturein eachofusaccessedthrough
the practice of meditation, we support inmates who have a Buddhist practice as
well as those who wish to develop and grow their meditation practices in this
challenging environment. We also teach a curriculum based on meditation and
mindfulness to inmates in HOPE, a pre-release program.
Schedule:
Meetings scheduled as needed.
Contact:
Website: http://stillworkers.wordpress.com
Email: pghstillworkers@gmail.com
Theravada Dhamma Family
Tradition: Theravada
Brief History: Theravada Dhamma Family is a cultural touchstone for
Pittsburgh’s Myanmar Buddhism as well as a nexus for them. It was founded in
2009 by Ven. Ankura and Myanmar Buddhist people for theravada practice and
spiritual guidance. By the time of our new monastery accomplished, meditation
forindividualworshipwouldbeamajorcomponentofthistemple.Themonastery
offers the children Buddhist teachings on week-end and during summer break,
Buddhist cultural teachings, ethic and moral foundations, traditional cultural heri-
tage of Myanmar for all.
Schedule
Everyday Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Every Sabbath day 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Contact
Theravada Dhamma Family
20 Kirchner Drive, Union Township, PA 15129
Phone: 412-833-2989, Email: dhammagoneyee@yahoo.com
www.theravadadhammafamily.com

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Three Tibetan Cultural Center
Tradition: Tibetan
Three revers dharma center is the Tibetan Buddhist arm of the newly-
formed Three Rivers Tibetan Cultural Center. Founded in the Drikung Kagyu
tradition, our resident lama is Khenpo Choephel. We offer numerous meditation
practices on a weekly and monthly basis; all are welcome and no prior experience
is necessary. In the coming year we plan to offer more activities aimed at preserv-
ing and celebrating Tibetan culture. Please check our website for more informa-
tion.
Schedule
Sunday 11 a.m. Purification practice
Wednesday 7 p.m. Deity Practice
Saturday 11 a.m. Teachings with Khenpo
Thursday 7.30 p.m. Calm Abiding meditation
Wealsohavespecialpracticesonnewmoonandfullmoondays,anddakinidays;
please see our website for more info.
Contact
Three Tibetan Cultural Center Email: threeriversdharma@gmail.com
201 S. Craig Street Website: www.threeriversdharma.org
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Vipassana Sitting Group
Tradition: Vipassana (Theravada)
LedbyRhondaKarltonRosen,Thiscommunitycanhelpprovidethesup-
port for the continued development of a daily meditation practice. All instruction
is drawn from the Theravada tradition of Vipassana, or Insight meditation. We
meet each Thursday evening, barring major holidays, from 6 to 7:30. Please come
ten to fifteen minutes early your first time. We meet at Temple Sinai. We may be
transitioning to Wednesday at some point, so please call or email Rhonda before
you come the first time.
Schedule
Thursday 6–7:30 p.m. meditation
Contact
Vipassana Sitting Group Email: Rhonda.K.Rosen@gmail.com
Temple Sinai Phone: 412-487-1967
5505 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa 15217-1199
Zen Center of Pittsburgh
Tradition: Japanese Zen (Mahayana)
ZenCenterofPittsburghisaSotoZenBuddhistTemplefoundedin1999.
Zen Center serves the community by offering services, meditation and individu-
alized Zen training with our Resident Priest, Rev.Kyoki Roberts. Children are
welcome. Deep Spring Temple is located just thirty minutes north of Pittsburgh,
PennsylvaniaonfourteenisolatedacreswithstunningviewsoftheWesternPenn-
sylvania forests. We offer monthly retreats and for those who would like to in-
vestigate ordination, we offer residency training. We also run a mediation and
facilitation serviceforspiritual communities andothernonprofits(www.an-olive-
branch.org).
Schedule
Sunday 9:30 a.m. Intro to Zen (all newcomers welcome)
10 a.m.–12.30 p.m. zazen/service/Discussion/lunch
Wed 6–7:15 p.m. zazen
Contact
Zen Center of Pittsburgh Phone: 412-741-1262
Rev Kyoki Roberts Email: kyoki@deepspringzen.org
Deep Spring Temple Website: www.deepspringzen.org
124 Willow Ridge Road

12. Zen Group of Pittsburgh
Tradition: Korean Zen (Mahayana)
An affiliate of the Kwan Um School of Zen, an international network of
ZenCentersunderthedirectionoffoundingZenMasterSeungSahn,DaeSoenSa
Nim.ZenbasedontheKoreantraditiontheyoffermeditation instruction andhold
weekly sitting and chanting meditation practice consisting of 30 minute chanting,
30 minute silent sitting meditation, and followed by a reading of a teacher. Chant-
ing books are provided.
The group holds approximately four retreats a year locally and usually
one-day retreats held on Saturday, preceded by a public talk on Friday. (See the
webpage for more information)
Schedule:
Wednesday 7 p.m.
Contact:
Zen Group of Pittsburgh Phone: 412-491-9185
Friends Meeting House Fell Room Website: www.zengrouppitt.org
(Second Floor)
4836 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn
for the past, nort to worry about the future, but to live the
present moment wisely and earnestly."
the Buddha Shakyamuni
19
General introductions
Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught,
Grove Press, 1959, 1974.
Karen Armstrong, Buddha, London:
Phoenix, 2004.
Samuel Bercholz and Sherab Chödzin Kohn, The
Buddha and his teachings, Boston: Shambhala,
2003.
Rick Fields, How the swans came to the lake: A
narrative history of Buddhism in America, Boston
& London: Shambhala, 1992.
Zen Buddhism
RobertAitken,TakingthepathofZen,NewYork,
North Point Press, 1982.
Tenshin Reb Anderson, Being Upright: Zen Med-
itation and the Bodhisattva Precepts, Rodmell
Press. 2000
Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace is every step: The path of
mindfulness in everyday life, New York, Bantam,
1991.
Edited by John Daido Loori, The Art of Just Sit-
ting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of
Shikantaza, Wisdom Publications, 2002
Dainin Katagiri, Returning to Silence: Zen Prac-
tice in Daily Life, Shambala Publications, Inc.,
1988
Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind:
Informal talks on Zen meditation and practice,
Weatherhill, Inc., Thirty-third printing 1994
Edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi, Moon in a Dew-
drop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen North Point
Press, 1985
Kosho Uchiyama, Opening the Hand of Thought:
Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice, Wisdom
Publications 2004
Alan Watts, The Way of Zen, Arkana, 1990
Charlotte Joko Beck, Everyday Zen, Harper San
Francisco, 1989.
Theravada Buddhism
AjahnChah,Everythingarises,everythingfalls
away:Teachingsonimpermanenceandtheend
of suffering, Boston and London: Shambhala,
2005.
Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, Seeking
the heart of wisdom: The path of insight medi-
tation, Boston and London: Shambhala, 2001.
U Sayadaw Pandita, In this very life: The lib-
eration teachings of the Buddha, Somerville,
Mass.: Wisdom Publications, 1993.
Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein, Insight
meditation: A step-by-step course on how to
meditate, Boulder: Sounds True, [n.d.]
Tibetan Buddhism and Bon
Pema Chodron, Start where you are: A guide
to compassionate living, Boston: Shambhala,
2001.
Lama Surya Das, Awakening the Buddhist
heart: Integrating love, meaning, and connec-
tion into every part of your life, New York:
Broadway Books, 2000.
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen, A Complete
Guide to the Buddhist Path, Snow Lion Pub-
lications 2009
Khandro Rinpoche, This precious life: Tibetan
Buddhist teachings on the path to enlighten-
ment, Boston and London: Shambhala, 2005.
Sakyong Mipham, Turning the mind into an
ally, New York: Riverhead Books, 2003.
Tempa Dukte Lama, Heart Drop of the Loving
Mother, Olmo Ling Publications, 2014.
Tempa Dukte Lama, Journey into Buddha-
hood, Olmo Ling Publications, 2013.
Tempa Dukte Lama, Inexhaustible Miracles,
Olmo Ling Publications, 2011.
Tempa Dukte Lama, The Intimate Mind, Olmo
Ling Publications, 2011.
Resources