Diamond Moon Sangha – Vajra Chandra Sangha
A Sangha for Disabled (Dis) and Neurodiverse (ND) practitioners following the teachings of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, Sisters, Brothers and Siblings of Plum Village.
In our Sangha, we embrace a mindful approach to navigating the challenges of disability and neurodiversity, inspired by the teachings of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, the Buddha, and the practices of Plum Village.
We understand that pain, whether physical or emotional, is a natural part of life. Through mindfulness, we learn to observe our differences with a gentle and non-judgemental awareness, transforming our relationship with them.
Mindful Approach to Disability & Neurodiversity
We recognise the interconnectedness of mind and body, and the interbeing nature of our experiences through a “disabled body or neurodiverse lens”.
Interbeing, a term from Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, refers to the interconnectedness of all things the understanding, that nothing exists in isolation, and every experience is shaped by countless conditions.
Viewing the world and our experiences through our unique perspectives as disabled and neurodiverse individuals, acknowledging how our bodies and minds interact with the environment and society.
This holistic view helps us to understand and respond to difficulties and pain, as well as to the joys. Enhancing the positives and supporting and working through the challenges of sharing the body and mind, broadening how we relate to our place in the cosmos.
A Safe and Accessible Environment for All
Our Sangha is a space where everyone can practise together, regardless of their diagnosis. We are committed to creating an accessible and supportive environment, where each member feels seen, heard, and valued.
To ensure inclusivity, we offer online meetings with captioning, sensory-friendly spaces, and flexible participation options to accommodate diverse needs, fostering a community of compassion.
The Sangha name ‘Diamond Moon’ refers to the zen guidance of “the finger pointing at the moon” which is a metaphor that illustrates the distinction between teachings (the finger) and the ultimate reality or truth (the moon) they point to. The diamond’s facets illustrating the various aspects of ND and Dis lived experience.
Diamond Moon Sangha – Vajra Chandra Sangha
A Sangha for Disabled (Dis) and Neurodiverse (ND) practitioners, as well as everyone seeking community in the spirit of inclusiveness, following the teachings of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, our beloved Sisters, Brothers, and Siblings of Plum Village.
In our Sangha, we gently hold space for all who wish to walk or roll the mindful path, embracing the full spectrum of human experience. Guided by the wisdom of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, the Buddha, and the practices of Plum Village, we recognise that pain, whether physical, emotional, or societal, is part of our shared journey.
With compassion and curiosity, we practise seeing and honouring our differences through the eyes of understanding.
As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers
Mindful Approach to Disability, Neurodiversity, and Inclusiveness
We celebrate the interconnectedness of mind and body, and the interbeing nature of our experiences knowing that each person brings their own unique perspective to our shared practice.
Interbeing, a central teaching of Thich Nhat Hanh, is the realisation that all things and all people are deeply woven together; no one and nothing is isolated.
Our collective wisdom is enriched by recognising how our diverse bodies, minds, backgrounds, and identities interact with the world around us.
As our teacher says, “When you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything.”
With this insight, we welcome and affirm every part of ourselves and one another. Whether we arrive carrying visible or invisible differences, our Sangha aspires to offer not only acceptance, but a wholehearted embrace of all that we are.
We see disability and neurodiversity, as well as other lived experiences, not as barriers, but as facets of the beautiful jewel of our community each shimmer adding depth and light.
By listening deeply and sharing mindfully, we grow our compassion and nourish each other’s joy, resilience, and wisdom.
A Safe, Accessible, and Welcoming Environment for All
Our Sangha is a refuge where all are welcomed regardless of diagnosis, ability, background, language, culture, identity, or spiritual journey. Our commitment is to continually create spaces that are safe, accessible, and supportive, where every member feels seen, heard, and valued.
We strive to meet one another with open hearts and open minds, inviting feedback and co-creating practices that honour the fullness of our community’s diversity.
To foster genuine inclusiveness, we offer online gatherings with live captioning, sensory-friendly settings, and flexible participation options. We are attentive to the evolving needs of our Sangha, adapting as we learn together.
Guided meditations may be tailored for various sensitivities, and silent or gently facilitated spaces are always available for those who need calm or reflection. No one is left behind or forgotten; all are invited to share in the nourishing energy of our collective mindfulness.
The Meaning Behind Diamond Moon
The name ‘Diamond Moon’ evokes the Zen teaching of “the finger pointing at the moon”: a reminder that teachings are but guides, pointing us toward the wonders of truth and reality never separate, always interconnected.
The diamond’s many facets represent the rich variety of lived experience within our Sangha, each angle reflecting a different kind of beauty and strength.
The moon casts its gentle light on all beings without exception, just as our community aspires to radiate welcome and understanding to everyone.
At Diamond Moon Sangha, we invite all who seek a loving, inclusive community to join us in cultivating mindfulness, happiness, and understanding honouring every individual, every background, and every path.
Together, we discover that through our differences, our practice and our compassion only deepen. In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, “We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.”
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Diamond Moon Sangha – Vajra Chandra Sangha Charter
A refuge of mindfulness, compassion, and inclusiveness in the Plum Village tradition.
Motivation
Diamond Moon Sangha exists to offer a safe, loving, and accessible community for all beings Disabled (Dis) and Neurodiverse (ND) practitioners and mental health challenges, where mindfulness and compassion are practised in the spirit of Ven. Thích Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition.
Our aspirations are to:
— Cultivate mindfulness and joy in every moment.
— Honour the truth of interbeing and impermanence.
— Embrace diversity as a source of collective wisdom and beauty.
— Create spaces where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Vision
We envision a Sangha where differences are not barriers but facets of a jewel, each adding depth and light. Through deep listening and mindful presence, we aspire to awaken from the illusion of separateness and nurture a world of understanding and peace.
Core Values
— Inclusiveness: Welcoming all identities, abilities, and backgrounds.
— Compassion: Holding space for pain and joy with tenderness.
— Interbeing: Recognising our deep interconnectedness with all life.
— Accessibility: Committing to safe, adaptable, and sensory-friendly environments.
— Mindful Speech & Listening: Speaking truthfully and listening deeply to nourish harmony.
Guiding Principles
1. Mindfulness in Every Breath
We practise breathing, walking, and sitting mindfully, adapting practices to meet diverse needs.
2. Celebrating Difference
Disability, neurodiversity, and varied life experiences are embraced as gifts that enrich our collective wisdom.
3. Safe and Accessible Spaces
– Online gatherings with live captioning.
– Sensory-friendly settings and flexible participation options.
– Silent or gently facilitated spaces for calm and reflection.
4. Shared Responsibility
We co-create our Sangha through feedback, mutual support, and loving action.
5. Ethics of Care
We commit to the Five Mindfulness Trainings as a foundation for harmony and ethical living.
Community Guidelines
— Respect and Non-Judgement: Honour each person’s experience without comparison or criticism.
— Confidentiality: What is shared in the Sangha stays within the Sangha.
— Gentle Communication: Speak with kindness; listen with openness with unconditional positive regard.
— Adaptability: Allow flexibility in practice; sitting, lying down, stim tool resources++ are all welcome.
— Inclusivity in Language: Use words that affirm dignity and belonging.
Practice Offerings
— Weekly Online Gatherings: Guided meditation, Dharma sharing, and deep listening.
Symbolism of Diamond Moon
— Diamond: Represents resilience and the many facets of lived experience.
— Moon: Gentle light of experience shining on all beings without discrimination.
— Teaching Reminder: The finger pointing at the moon teachings guide us toward reality, never separate from it ensuring not to get caught in the teachings.
Invitation
We warmly invite all who seek a loving, inclusive community to join us in cultivating mindfulness, happiness, and understanding. Together, we discover that through our differences, our compassion only deepens.
We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness. – Thích Nhat Hanh
