What is a Sangha?
A sangha is a community of people who practice mindfulness together. Anyone can form a sangha, as long as they are focused on the qualities of awareness, understanding, acceptance, harmony, and love. While it's a beautiful experience to meditate with and take comfort in members of our sangha in person, we don't have to physically be with our sangha to feel a loving connectedness with that community. Anytime we practice awareness, understanding, acceptance, harmony, and love, we can take comfort in knowing there are other people in the world who are practicing those values, too: living consciously along with us, right now in this moment.
When we walk with the Sangha in our heart, we are not alone. By practicing new skills together, sharing space together, and by deeply learning our true selves together, we can experience a tangible feeling of love and acceptance. Instead of feeling afraid or different from others, we can develop a deep appreciation for the diversity among us. If we allow ourselves to acknowledge how unique and beautiful we are individually, we can really flourish in our practice of understanding and loving one another. Every member of the Sangha provides much support and energy to the other people in their community with the exclusive gift of their presence.
Sangha Connection Meditation
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Breathing In...
I feel the support of the sangha in my breath, my body, and in my ancestors, and in the positive elements which are part of this moment Breathing Out... I am supported by my sisters, brothers, and friends present and awake today, all walking in the direction of harmony and freedom Breathing In... I am supported by the guidance of this meditation, all Dharmas and wholesome teachings I am currently learning about and practicing Breathing Out... I place my trust in the Sangha and release worries, anxieties, and tensions Breathing In... I trust this breath, this moment, and the collective Sangha energy Breathing Out... I release my sense of separation and take refuge in the Sangha Breathing In... I feel the solidity of Mother Earth Breathing Out... I open Dharma doors sourced from my true joy, insight, and healing |
Breathing In...
I feel safe, respected, and seen I share from the totality of my being I bring my full, complete self to this moment I am beautiful I am buddhaful I am myself in this ocean of mindfulness This is my offering Breathing Out... I am cultivating spaciousness, clarity, and inner freedom For the benefit of myself and the Sangha
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ORIGINALLY SOURCED FROM THE NEW SANGHA HANDBOOK
"A Sangha is a community of resistance,
resisting the speed, violence, and unwholesome ways of living that are abundant in our society."