Albany Buddhist Sangha in Tricycle: The Buddhist Review Spring 2025

Albany Buddhist Sangha was recently featured in the Spring 2025 issue of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, in an interview with Dharma School coordinator, Dr. Aaron Shoken Proffitt

Capital Region Pride March, June 2024

Albany Buddhist Sangha has marched in the Capital Region Pride March for the last two years, being the first Buddhist organization to get involved with this huge community event. Come march with us next year!

Buddha's Birthday Celebration, April 2024

Albany Buddhist Sangha members and friends sometimes go down to New York Buddhist Church to share in the larger sangha. 

Refuge Ceremony, January 2024

The Refuge Ceremony is a special day when one becomes a member of a sangha by taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The teacher, the teachings, and the community wherein we support one another along the path.

Happy Bodhi Day!

Bodhi Day, December 2023 in our new location!

New Location!

Beginning in December 2023, Albany Buddhist Sangha began meeting at a new Location! Come join us every Tuesday at 6:30 at 21 King Ave. Albany, NY 12206!

Weekly Events: Dharma Practice and Discussion

Every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm our community gathers for traditional Buddhist practice, fellowship, and Dharma discussion in the main sanctuary of the 21 King Ave, Albany, NY 12206. You do not need to be a Buddhist or have any background in meditation or Buddhist practice to join in. Feel free to send an email to albanybuddhist@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Weekly Events: Dharma School

During the adult service, children are invited to learn about the Dharma in a relaxed classroom environment by the sanctuary. Parents interested in learning more about Dharma School should reach out to Dr. Aaron Proffitt, our Dharma School coordinator: aproffitt@gmail.com.

Monthly Events: Sangha Potluck

On the first Tuesday of the month we enjoy light refreshments and fellowship after the service. Dharma School students help set up drinks and snacks in the classroom down the hall.

Annual Events: Buddha's Birthday Celebration

On or around April 8th, our tradition celebrates the birthday of Siddhartha Gotama, aka, Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. During the ceremony participants pour sweet tea on an image of Buddha in reference to the traditional story of the gods pouring heavenly ambrosia upon the newborn Buddha-to-be. This holiday is especially popular with the children.

Annual Events: New Year's Eve/Day

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are both important holidays in our tradition. On or around New Year’s Eve the community gathers to ring the bell 108 times. The number 108 is said to symbolize the number of afflictions associated with the human condition. Ringing the bell symbolizes alleviating those afflictions. For the first gathering of the New Year, we set our intentions together as a community.

Annual Events: Other Holidays

Here are a few of our other holidays and celebrations:

HOLIDAYS
01/01, New Year’s Day
01/16, Shinran Shōnin’s Memorial
02/15, Nirvana Day (Śākyamuni Buddha’s Parinirvana)
03/21, Spring Equinox
04/08, Buddha’s Birthday
05/21, Shinran’s Birthday
07/15, O-Bon: Celebration of the Ancestors
09/23, Autumn Equinox
11~ Eitaikyo: Celebration of Dharma Ancestors
12/08, Bodhi Day (Śākyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment)
12/31, New Year’s Eve

OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES
Infant Presentation
Three Refuges and Joining the Sangha Weddings
Funerals
Memorial Services
.

Community Events: Albany Buddhist Sangha Marching in the Captial Region Pride Festival (06/11/23)

In support of our LGBTQ+ members and friends, Albany Buddhist Sangha participated in the Capital Region Pride Festival parade. Our lineage in general and community in particular welcomes members of all backgrounds and orientations.

Community Events: Spring Potluck (05/06/23)

From time to time our sangha gathers in the Friendship Garden of the Delaware Community School for potlucks. This is a special place to us because during the COVID19 lockdown, our sangha started meeting online, but eventually we began holding occasional outdoor services and gatherings at this lovely garden.

Community Events: Refuge Ceremony at New York Buddhist Church (01/15/23)

In January, nine members of Albany Buddhist Sangha participated in the Refuge Ceremony officiated by Buddhist Churches of America Bishop Marvin Harada. Participants received their Dharma Names and got to know their NYBC brothers and sisters. Sangha members especially enjoyed chatting over lunch with Bishop Harada.

Bishop Marvin Harada’s Dharma Talk for Ho-onko at NYBC on Jan 15, 2023.