“Arana” (Pali) means the absence of struggle, a place of peaceful abiding, usually a forest or solitary place where a person can go for refuge. 

At Sangha Arana, we are a community dedicated to two aspirations:

  • We aspire to create a space that is safe and open for all practitioners who wish to nourish and deepen their capacity for caring, not only for others but for themselves in the cultivation of Engaged Buddhism.


  • We aspire to deepen a practice of engaged health care through which compassion, equanimity, lovingkindness, and joy can be the source of nourishment and restorative healing for ourselves, our families, and our patients/clients.

To develop these aspirations, we practice mindfulness through Zen meditation and inspired by the teachings of Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.
I have arrived.  I am home.
Sangha Arana

Mindfulness Meditation in Ottawa ON ~
practising Buddhism in the tradition of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh
All photographs and art on this site
by Lynette Monteiro
copyright 2002-2009
Scattered Leaves 2006
May all beings find spiritual success.
May all beings have patience, courage, understanding, and determination to meet and overcome inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life.
May all beings always rise above them with morality, integrity, forgiveness, compassion, mindfulness and wisdom.

adapted from Part I of Loving-friendliness Meditation by Bhante Gunaratna