About Zen Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. A prince named Siddhartha Gautama had tried many spiritual paths without satisfaction, until one day, while sitting in meditation, he came to a profound realization of the nature of existence. He was thereafter known as the Buddha, the "Awakened One".
Buddhism spread from India to China, then to Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. Early in our century, Japanese masters began to bring its teachings to Europe and the United States.
Soto Zen is one of the major sects of Zen Buddhism. The Soto Zen tradition emphasizes the practice of zazen, or sitting meditation, and individual effort. By learning to put our entire being into our practice, we are able to realize our original nature and to carry that experience into daily life.
About The Aspen Gold Dharma Center
The Aspen Gold Dharma Center (AGDC) was founded in 2004 by Reverend Daito Thompson, who was a disciple of
the late Reverend Dr. Soyu Matsuoka-Roshi in Long Beach, California during the
1970's. To learn more about our teachers click on the Teachers link.
The Aspen Gold Dharma Center supports its members by providing a Sangha, or group to sit with. Zazen, or sitting meditation, is available. Experienced teachers are available to respond to any questions that arise.
The Aspen Gold Dharma Center hosts a weekly meditation service and vegetarian potluck meal, special events, and retreats. Please visit our Events Calendar for details.
Our Sangha
The AGDC Sangha (community of members) comprises lay practitioners from throughout the greater Sarasota-Bradenton-Osprey-Nokomis-Venice area. We welcome new members to our practice. Our members are as varied as our lives.
Founding Zen Sangha members photo.
