What is Heartland Sangha and what do they do?

Heartland Sangha is a group of American Buddhists who practice a non-dualistic, pan-sectarian Buddhism drawn from the original teachings of Gautama Buddha, Jodo Shinshu, Zen Buddhism and engaged Buddhism. We have members from several Buddhist traditions.

The Heartland Sangha was founded in 1989 and is affiliated with the American Buddhist Association. It is interested in American Buddhism as developed by the Venerable Rev. Gyomay Kubose. We enjoy periodic social get-togethers and fun activities as well as involving ourselves in various social action programs.

Heartland Sangha focuses on religious activities and community outreach. We also organize periodic social gatherings. We seek to develop a spiritual practice in a supportive atmosphere of mutual development. Everybody is invited to join us.

American Buddhist Services are Scheduled
Non-sectarian, American Buddhist services are held the first and third Saturday of the month. We begin at 9:30 A.M. with sitting and walking meditation. (Note: no meditation on November 2, 2002.) Then, at 11 A.M., we have a Dharma talk from a Buddhist minister or teacher, readings, chanting and incense offering. Please join us for the meditation, service or both programs.

The services are held at the Lake Street Church, 607 Lake Street, Evanston, IL. These American Buddhist Services are sponsored by the Heartland Sangha.

Jodo Shin Shu, a distinctly Japanese denomination of Buddhism, was revolutionary in its focus on making Buddhism available to all people. Prior to that in Japan, Buddhism was largely reserved for the highly-educated elite. Jodo Shin Shu teaches that the insights of the Dharma are accessible by everyone.

Zen Buddhism has been a part of the Buddhist tradition of many different countries and cultures. Zen focuses on the importance of seeing the world and one's self as they truly are. One of the methods used when striving to obtain this correct vision is meditation.

To live the teachings by our fellowship and support of each other;

To explore the meaning of “Oneness” and develop insight into the teachings of the Buddha;

To work to make the community a better place and;

To develop our spiritual Buddhist practice.

What do we mean by "Oneness"...

To us, recognition of differences is a way of Oneness. We don't have to expect to be the same as others, but we can make an effort to see the differences and acknowledge and respect differences and then, we can be united.

We also publish a free e-mail newsletter. To subscribe to the full printed version of the newsletter or the email newsletter please email us with your request.

Through the Heartland Sangha, we hope to learn how to apply Buddhism to our everyday lives, to make the world a better place for us and the people we love.

How is Heartland Sangha different?
One way is that lay people play an important role in our sangha. They develop the services, organize our charity and social programs, and help us stay connected to each other.

Another way is that we include parts of Soto-Zen, Thich Naht Hanh's Engaged Buddhism, Theravada and Pureland practices. Because of this we have been called "feel-good Buddhists". Some could say we approach Buddhism as if it were a Smorgasbord.

We understand this is a dualistic way of thinking. We don't draw a distinction between the different practices. We don't say "only this way is the best way." We are committed to a non-sectarian practice.

We have included some Sample Buddhist Services for you to use if your Buddhist sangha wishes to have religious services. These are just a guideline. Please feel free to borrow from them.

Are you looking for a specific topic or article?
Try searching our site for it here.