There are all kinds of ways to develop a sangha. Each can evolve according to the needs and vision of its members.
It is ideal to schedule regular gatherings to share whatever ideas you all may have. Rather than formal meetings, these can be social occasions, and benefit from including some elements of practice too, perhaps a meal together…
Here are some simple suggestions — you may have your own ideas too.
Days of Mindfulness can be one-off or regular events. These will provide additional time for members to integrate mindfulness practice into their lives. It may also be possible to arrange for a Dharma Teacher to visit. Special days can be run for people with a special interest. For example, for beginners to the practice or for people wishing to study a particular teaching.
You may also wish to run a local retreat. This can be easier than you might think and once you have run a few they become simpler to organise. Make sure that the cook is well-supported and the food simple as this can be one of the biggest challenges.
A study group can meet as an extension of the regular sangha meeting or at a separate date. There are many excellent books by Thay which are suitable for reading and discussion.
Volunteering together with solidity and compassion is a wonderful practice. And there will be many charities in your area in need of help. One or more of your sangha members may already have links to a refugee support group or a food bank, for example. The sangha can discuss who it wants to support and how.
A regular bring and share meal or a picnic can be eaten before or after a meeting. Some of the meal can be in silence to practice mindful eating. It is also valuable to allow sangha members time to just chat and relax together too.
If you have several regular facilitators, they might like to get together sometimes to discuss themes for meetings, challenges and opportunities. Incorporating a meal together can be a nice way to do this.
It is helpful to identify and share out the administrative tasks in the Sangha for agreed periods of time. Roles might include:
Most of these work well with a buddy system. It is supportive to do such tasks with a friend as well as meaning someone can easily cover if someone is unavailable.
All sanghas of any size should have a Coordinating or Caretaking Team CT). This would most usefully be small – 4 is a good numbers – and with rotating membership. Their role is to understand the wishes of the group and support these, including arranging regular meetings. Within in any group of people there inevitably be disagreements from time to time. These would fall to the CT to address.
Some groups have their own website. Have a look at the Heart of London Sangha’s site, or the Edinburgh Wild Geese Sangha’s site. Simple sites can be set up cheaply. Keeping the information up to date is they key thing. For small groups, listing on the Plum Village UK website may be sufficient.
If you would like to share Thay’s beautiful teachings with more people, you can point them towards an Art of Zen course either online or in person. These are aimed at newcomers as well as experienced practitioners wishing to learn the fundamental teachings .
If you would like to host an Art of Zen course near you we will support that if we can. This can be a great way to inspire newcomers to practise and to join your group.
Please contact us if you have questions or need more information about starting or developing your sangha uksanghacoordinator@plumvillage.uk
Mindful Moment
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