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Designing the Sangha
The Sangha is likened to a body made up of many cells—each individual is both a distinct part and interconnected to nourish and be nourished. When each cell nourishes itself with mindful steps, mindful breathing, a smile, and stability, it is also contributing to the nourishment of the Sangha. Conversely, when we care for and share with a younger or elder brother or sister who is facing difficulties, even without the intention of nourishing ourselves, we are still taking care of and nourishing ourselves through nourishing the community. In this way, non-self becomes a clear experience.
Building and maintaining the Sangha requires creativity and a collective method of design, not just reliance on individual intellect. The Monday afternoon meeting is the basic activity of the Sangha, where:
- with mindfulness and concentration, the collective insight arises, not merely a sum of individual opinions
- the “collision” between individual views creates cracks and breaks through to a new, more transcendent understanding
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the heart (“heart-storm”) is offered first, the brain (“brainstorm”) serves afterward, so that the meeting becomes a brief, joyful spiritual feast
The process of designing a retreat or establishing guidelines for communal living is based on the principle of “designing a Sangha” and “designing a retreat,” making use of the Sangha’s insight along with modern tools such as large boards, markers, email, and cell phones to creatively improve and renew methods of practice, design a mindful way of living, and transmit the Dharma in a lively way, appropriate to our times.
