About Us
Meditation is for Everyone
Sangha means "spiritual community" in Pali, the language of the Buddha. The Portneuf Sangha is a group of individuals interested in exploring mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist teachings (the Dharma). The Portneuf Sangha is open to all who are seeking peace, compassion, and a means of ending suffering. There is no charge for any activity. Donations are welcome. While we do not have a residential teacher, we are guided by John Travis of the Mountain Stream Meditation Center in Nevada City, CA.
We strive to provide a welcoming place for all people, including people of color, members of the LGBTQA community, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.
Portneuf Sangha is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization, and donations to it are tax deductible.
Core Principles of the Portneuf Sangha
- The Sangha is a safe refuge for anyone who comes no matter who they are or what they believe or practice.
- Acceptance of all people and views and traditions .
- Not disrespecting anyone’s beliefs.
- Not disrespecting teachers or teachings.
- The four noble truths, precepts, and Eightfold path are taught and practiced.
- Practicing insight meditation is a core element.
- The Dharma is freely offered to anyone, and no one is told what to believe. All are encouraged to follow their own paths.
Scheduled Activities
Wednesdays: INTERACTIVE ONLINE. Contact portneufsangha17@gmail.com for Zoom link.
5:30-6:30 pm: 30-minute silent meditation
5:00-5:25pm: Chanting practice for those who would like to participate. You can use the same Zoom link.
Sundays: IN-PERSON/INTERACTIVE ONLINE HYBRID. Contact portneufsangha17@gmail.com for Zoom link.
10:30 a.m - 12:15 p.m. Silent Meditation starting at 10:45, followed by program and discussion.
More about Portneuf Sangha
History of Portneuf Sangha
The Portneuf Sangha was organized by Kristin Fletcher and Tony and Paula Seikel. Thirty people responded to an ad in the paper, and the first meeting was held on Sept. 28, 2005 at the ISU Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. We began meeting in a classroom in Applied Technology at ISU, and moved to the Whole Health Cooperative with Crete Brown’s support in 2006. We moved to the current Lewis St. location in Old Town Pocatello in 2016. The Portneuf Sangha became a 501.c.3 charity in 2016.
We received and dedicated a statue of the Buddha from Thailand that was donated to the Sangha by John Travis in 2017.
Board of directors
Tony Seikel, President
Paula Seikel, Treasurer
Evelyn Dyck, Member
Tess Greenup, Member
Erin Armstrong, Member
Jon Armstrong, Member
How to support the Portneuf Sangha
All monetary donations to the Portneuf Sangha go toward rent and upkeep.
Donations can be sent to:
Portneuf Sangha
P.O. Box 4429
Pocatello, ID 83205
We aren't able to accept donations by credit card.
There are several other ways to support the Portneuf Sangha
Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program.
Go to the Community Rewards program by linking your
card to Portneuf Sangha at
www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards
Mindful Dialogue
Portneuf Sangha Guidelines for Mindful Interaction
These guidelines provide a means for having open, mindful dialogue while holding the Sangha safe for all members, and were adopted by the Sangha on April 24, 2019.
We borrowed ideas from the precept of Right Speech, the East Bay Meditation Center Guidelines for Multicultural Interactions, and the Guidelines for Mindful Dialog from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program.
Guidelines for Mindful Interaction
Intention: I will try to set my intention before speaking.
Practicing right speech, which includes: I will try to maintain truthfulness, avoid slander and gossip, and avoid divisive speech that divides people into groups. I want to refrain from harsh, angry and abusive speech, including swearing, and to maintain mindful conversation with others.
Respecting boundaries: I will try to share my personal experiences, and not give advice unless requested.
Listening mindfully: I want to bring my full attention to the person who is speaking and to listen with my whole self.
Staying on topic and being brief: I will try to be lean of expression, staying on point rather than being tangential. I know that this serves those who are listening and leaves time for others to be heard.
Avoiding speaking for others: I will try to attend to and speak about my own experience and responses and to avoid speaking for a whole group of people or make assumptions about the experiences of others.
Encouraging full participation: If I’ve already spoken, I will try to give others the opportunity to share a first time before I share again.
Right to pass: I can choose not to speak at any time.