Finding a New Understanding at Fountain House

What is Fountain House? I had never heard of Fountain House when Dan Frey of City Voices contacted the New York Buddhist Church in early June 2024. Dan had been reaching out to different Buddhist organizations to explore any interest in regularly visiting Fountain House for meditation sessions. I am an ordained Buddhist priest of the Jodo Shinshu Pure Land School at the 88-year-old New York Buddhist Church. We are located on the Upper Westside of Manhattan, which welcomes all with a 15-foot-tall bronze statue of Shinran Shonin, the founder of our school of Buddhism, which dates back 850 years.

One of our founder’s basic teachings is that enlightenment is for all beings: all are welcome without judgement. We say, “Come as you are.” I have had little exposure to people with mental illness but after my initial visit to Fountain House, I was moved by the thoughtful care and respect for all the members and the clear vision of this welcoming home for all. I feel that Fountain House’s value statement that “every person is capable of great things, deserve just and equitable treatment, and has the right to self-determination and community” is very much aligned with the Buddhist teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and Shinran Shonin.

As an average person, my perception of mental illness has been influenced by cultural stereotypes, the media including reports of violent episodes in the news, which are often implied as caused by persons with mental illness. However, I discovered a healthy and positive approach to the members and a strong belief that all have capabilities and talents that will improve their lives.

When I come to my monthly sessions organized by Dan, I find people eager to participate in the practice of deep breathing and visualization to clear our “monkey minds,” which wander here and there taking us away from focus. We sometimes do walking meditation at a slow and conscious pace. We become aware of others in the line and connect with them as well as the natural surroundings in the courtyard. When I ask what people experience, they find a sense of deeper awareness of their inner lives, of their surroundings, and a sense of peace. We become aware of our interconnection as we consciously walk as one.

My early perceptions of people with mental illness changed over these two years. I find the members possess a deep curiosity and openness to the teachings of Buddhism, which is based on our common human experience. One member expressed that this gave her a way to settle her mind through her own means and control. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work with and learn from the members of Fountain House.