White Forest Sangha Inc.

Background Statement

In 2014, Thomas Stephen Mushin Crisman was ordained a Soto Zen Buddhist priest by his teacher of over two decades, Richard Baker Roshi. Along with a small group of friends, Mushin founded the Downing Street Zazenkai (literally " meditation club"), which eventually became the White Forest Sangha. Moving from the spare room in Dr. Crisman's medical office to the Capital Heights Presbyterian Church, the WFS became the "Buddhists in the basement." Currently the sangha is a community of practitioners of lay persons, what Buddhism has traditionally called "house holders", calling upon the teachers with Dharma Sangha in Crestone Co. and the beloved Kazuaki Tanahashi for guidance. The sangha is made up of people out in the world with a strong commitment to meditation, the dharma, studying the ancient texts, group discussion, and bringing the practice to daily lives. During Covid, along with much of the world, the WFS added online practice to the schedule, and continues to offer it on Wednesday nights and special occasions. The endurance and dedication the members of the White Forest Sangha have shown in maintaining a community after the passing of their teacher, Mushin Crisman, in 2024, is truly inspiring.