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How to Practice Mindful Administration (Caretaking Council)
The morning mist has just lifted, which means that tomorrow can be bright if we practice the second sentence: the abbess hears the sound and promptly invites it in—that is, returning to the island within, being encouraged and protected by the energy of the Three Jewels. Returning to the “elder sisters, younger sisters” who are dwelling peacefully in the present moment, learning and together maintaining the environment of practice, not letting outside thoughts pull us away from that sacred space.
Suggestions for strengthening the sangha:
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Discover two things in each member:
1.1. Interest (something one does better than others because of enjoyment)
1.2. Talent (an ability already present, though perhaps still shy)
→ The abbess notes and encourages, creating opportunities for each person to develop from that seed (for example: from the first song to the second composition). -
Establish a Care-taking Council (a young executive committee) with democratic principles:
– Meet regularly (every half month or every month), with the full presence of novice nuns and bhikshunis.
– The sangha council (presided over by the abbess) makes decisions, the executive committee implements them.
– Encourage those who speak little to share, anyone absent must delegate and accept the outcome.
– When new difficulties arise, the executive committee consults the abbess; if important, an emergency council is convened.
The abbess plays the role of the “queen,” embracing everything from above in order to oversee and support below, demonstrating love, discovering gaps, encouraging each individual, and maintaining the integrity of the shared home.
