What does Kingfisher Sangha do?
"The next Buddha may take the form of a Sangha." — Thich Nhat Hanh
Kingfisher Sangha is a community of mindfulness practitioners from New York’s Capital Region who come together to cultivate peace, understanding, and connection in everyday life.
Through meditation, mindful living, study, and community practice, we support one another in learning how to bring greater presence and compassion into ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.
We practice in Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Tradition.
Meditation Sits
Our regular meditation gatherings, which we affectionately call "sits," provide an opportunity to pause, return to ourselves, and practice mindfulness together in community. Kingfisher Sangha offers several opportunities each week to practice together, both in person and online.
A typical gathering includes seated meditation, walking meditation, readings or teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh, and opportunities for mindful sharing.
Whether you are completely new to meditation or have been practicing for many years, all are welcome. There is no expectation to "do it perfectly." We simply practice breathing, sitting, and being present together. If you are new to meditation or Buddhism, we encourage you to attend one of our regular meditation practices as a starting place.
Kingfisher Sangha holds sits in person and online. Sign up for our newsletter to get more details and Zoom links for our sits as well as other Sangha events. These are the dates and times of our regular sits:
Weekday Morning Meditation - Online only
Monday - Friday at 7:30 - 8:00 am EST
Kingfisher South - Online and in person in Schenectady, NY
Sunday at 4:00 - 5:30 pm EST
Kingfisher North - Online only
Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:00 pm EST
Kingfisher Sun - Online only
Thursdays 1:30 - 2:30 pm EST
Kingfisher Village - Online only
Saturdays 10:00 - 11:00 am EST
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Comfortable, casual clothing is fine.
Most gatherings last approximately 60-90 minutes.
You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Just showing up is enough!
Tea and community connection often follow our gatherings.
Beginners are always welcome. You don’t need any experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, not at all! We welcome people of all faith backgrounds, as well as those with no religious affiliation at all. Many people find that mindfulness practice complements and deepens their existing spiritual path.
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No! If you need help, just ask a facilitator before or after a meditation session.
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There’s no need to dress specially for any of our gatherings. Just wear whatever is comfortable. At in-person gatherings, we typically take off our shoes, so having some cozy socks is nice.
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We hope that you’ll be welcomed to the group, but you won’t need to interact any more than you’d like to.
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Probably not for long! Many of us arrived for the first time feeling curious, uncertain, or not quite sure what to expect. We've all been new before, and there is often another newcomer attending alongside you.
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Our weekly meditation gatherings focus on mindfulness practice and do not involve worship or prayer to a deity. Many people experience the practice as deeply spiritual, while others approach it simply as meditation and community.
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Yes, please do!
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Life happens. If you arrive after a gathering has started, simply enter quietly and join us when you are comfortable.
Kingfisher Sangha members meet to celebrate Vesak, or Buddha’s Birthday, in 2025.
Days of Mindfulness
Several times throughout the year, we gather for Days of Mindfulness—extended opportunities to slow down and practice more deeply together.
A Day of Mindfulness generally consists of four hours of practice together and may include sitting and walking meditation, mindful eating, a Dharma teaching or discussion, relaxation practice, and time for community connection. These days create space to step away from the busyness of daily life and nourish ourselves with mindfulness, joy, and peace.
Kingfisher Sangha offers Days of Mindfulness led by our own local Order of Interbeing members as well as local Dharma Teachers.
You do not need prior experience to participate; everyone is welcome.
Community Outreach
We believe that mindfulness practice extends beyond the meditation cushion and into the world around us. As a Sangha, we seek opportunities to express compassion through service and connection with our broader community.
Our outreach efforts change from year to year and may include supporting local organizations, participating in community events, offering mindfulness-based activities, and responding to needs as they arise. We believe that practice and action are not separate; caring for our community is one way we care for ourselves and one another.
Ceremonies and Celebrations
At Kingfisher Sangha, we enjoy gathering throughout the year to celebrate holidays, ceremonies, and community traditions. These may include Lunar New Year (Tet), Buddha's Birthday (Vesak), Ceremony for the Deceased, and other events.
We follow Plum Village practices and guidelines for these formal ceremonies and often share a vegetarian potluck meal afterward, creating time for fellowship and connection.
Community Meetings
Sangha is more than a meditation group—it is also a community that we build together. Periodically we gather for community meetings to discuss upcoming activities, share ideas, coordinate events, and care for the health and direction of our Sangha.
These meetings create opportunities for members to participate and help support the growth and well-being of our community. We value the insights and participation of each member and strive to practice deep listening and collective care.
Further
Learning
Kingfisher Sangha offers opportunities to learn more about Buddhism for those who want to explore further. We hold in-person/online learning sessions called “Deepening the Practice,” where we explore the sutras, chanting, and singing in more detail.
We also offer a book group, where we read together books by Thich Nhat Hanh and other dharma teachers in the Plum Village Tradition. Our Days of Mindfulness are also opportunities to learn how to carry mindfulness into your every day life with practicality.
See our events