Ever wondered why someone would enter Buddhism as a monk? The conventional answer might have something to do with enlightenment or nirvana. Still the question remains as to why they seek those things. Someone seeks enlightenment because they have recognized that life as it is lived by the masses is vastly problematic and unsatisfactory. Someone entering the monastic life is seeking something better. However, life in our contemporary world does not lend itself to hermitage. We live ever more connected lives. Some will continue to seek sanctuary in a monastery, but is this the only option — seclusion?
No. Your life can be your monastery. The Center for Pragmatic Buddhism (CPB) has chapters in St. Louis, MO, Columbus, OH, and Stirling, Scotland, and our primary medium of connection is the internet. We utilize Chan and Zen Buddhist practice methods that resonate with Westerners, including the central practice of sitting meditation (zazen). The Pragmatic Buddhist approach uses modern-day language to explain Buddhism’s relevance to the contemporary Western lifestyle.
In addition to regular sitting and meditation practices, OPB teachers give weekly dharma talks. We also engage in group discussions following the talks in an open forum atmosphere, where participants discuss their thoughts and views of issues pertaining to practice, philosophy, and everyday life.
Our history
The Center for Pragmatic Buddhism traces its roots to the St. Louis sangha of Dragon Flower Chan Temple, under the direction of Ryugen Fisher (Ven. Shi Shen Long) until his passing in 2006. The community formally organized in December 2006, with Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang) appointed Monastic Director, and adopted the name Center for Pragmatic Buddhism in February 2008.
CPB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service in 2010, and is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Today the community gathers in St. Louis, MO; Columbus, OH; and Stirling, Scotland, as well as online.
Pragmatic Buddhism is an independent contemporary tradition. While our practice draws on Chinese Chan and Japanese Zen, we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any external Chan or Zen institution.