Mission Statement, Purpose, & Values

Zenkei Sangha is a collection of individuals forming a Sangha, which is a group of people who meet together, like a congregation but smaller with the intention of learning about dharma. the teaching of the Buddha; basically the knowledge, and acting it out in a way which improves the lives of the unhoused, those addicted to substances, or those who are not otherwise recognized in a society in which they don’t feel comfortable. The Sangha offers weekly public meditations at Glide Memorial Church on Mondays at 6pm, (also Tuesdays and Thursdays at 130pm on zoom), Harm Reduction Meditation, hospice support, and memorials for residents of Single Room Occupancies (SROs).

We specialize in Harm Reduction meditation.

Principles of Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substance use and a movement for social justice for the rights of people who use drugs or alcohol.

It incorporates a spectrum of strategies and focuses on meeting people where they’re at. Ranging from safer use to managed use to abstinence and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. Also, we focus on pain management, anxiety, stress, and tips for reducing suffering.

Harm Reduction Practice

Accepts, for better and or worse, that licit and illicit substance use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them.

Understands substance use as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon; that encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe abuse to total abstinence, and acknowledges that some ways of using substances are clearly safer than others.

Establishes quality of individual and community life and well-being–not necessarily cessation of all substance use–as the criteria for successful interventions and policies.

Calls for the non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services, and provides resources to people who use substances. Also, addresses the communities in which they live; in order to, assist them in reducing harm.

Ensures that users and those with a history of use routinely have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them.

Affirms users as the primary agents of reducing the harms of their use and seeks to empower themselves to share information and support each other in strategies which meet their actual real world conditions.

Recognizes that the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex/gender based discrimination, and other social inequalities; affect both people’s vulnerability to and capacity for effectively dealing with substance-related harm.

Does not attempt to minimize or ignore the real harm and danger associated with licit and illicit substance use.

Jana

Reverend Jana Drakka started teaching Harm Reduction and ordained two priests: Priest Joko Mira Ingram and Priest Shishin Ben, to continue working towards opening new paths.

Want to learn more?

Watch a longer conversation about the history and purpose of the Meditation Group