What to Expect

Every sangha meeting is a little different because sangha members take turns leading. However, a typical meeting might go something like this:

• Opening: Welcome and Dana* (~5 minutes)

• Introductions: Share names and answer a question that leader may ask (~10 minutes)

• Music (~10 minutes)

• Sitting or Walking Meditation (15~20 minutes)

• Dharma Lesson: video, podcast, reading by Thich Nhat Hanh or Plum Village monastics; recitation of 5 Mindfulness Trainings or other Plum Village trainings; sometimes a series of in-depth teachings (15~20 minutes)

• Dharma Sharing* (~20 minutes)

• Candle Lighting: Members are welcome to light a candle in honor of a person, celebration, concern, etc. (~10 minutes)

• Closing and Benediction

*A note about Dana and Dharma Sharing:

Dana—Following the Buddhist tradition of practicing generosity, called dana, we are invited to give to the sangha however we can. This could be a financial contribution and/or volunteering your time. Dana is used to sustain the sangha such as our donation to the Healing Lodge (where we meet), supporting our website, causes the sangha agrees to support and other incidental costs. Members may also volunteer to lead sangha meetings or serve the community through activities that the sangha has set up. Dana is a voluntary contribution, and anyone who cannot give is still welcome to join our meetings.

Dharma Sharing—Dharma sharing is a time for us to share our experiences, joys, difficulties or questions relating to our practice, though questions might not get a direct response so that we can avoid cross talk. For example, we often begin dharma sharing by reflecting on that day’s dharma lesson and what we got from it. During dharma sharing, we practice loving speech and deep listening. It is not a time to engage in conversations about theories or books, but rather, we will speak directly from our own experiences. (By doing this, we may help those with questions.) We listen without characterizing the experiences of others, giving unsolicited advice or inserting ourselves into their stories. By avoiding such “cross-talk,” we honor and safeguard each individual’s sharing. Whatever is shared during Dharma sharing is confidential, and we respect that those sharing may not want to discuss what they shared outside the sangha meeting. Dharma sharing is also voluntary, and no one is expected to say anything they don’t feel comfortable sharing.

For Your Comfort

A sangha gathering is not a time to suffer, so your comfort is important. We provide chairs, but visitors are welcome to bring your own mats and cushions, if you prefer to sit on the floor. You are allowed to adjust your position during meditation, if needed. We ask that you leave your footwear outside the circle. Please be considerate of others and move quietly during the sangha meeting, if you need to. We are all encouraged to take responsibility for our own well-being and to communicate our needs to the facilitator of the meeting. Restrooms are available at all times.

A Note About Bowing

While at sangha, you may notice that members put their palms together, bow slightly, and say their name and “bowing in” before they speak. When they are finished speaking they say, “bowing out.” Newcomers do not need to do this, if it’s uncomfortable to do so. The important thing is to allow one person at a time to speak and take a breath before the next person speaks. This way, we avoid interrupting and cross talk.

Links

For more information about sangha building in the Plum Village tradition, you can download the New Sangha Handbook at this link.

For more information about the key teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn, see the Plum Village website.