A few simple thoughts on Sangha

[Jinyu]

Re: A few simple thoughts on Sangha

Thank you Shohei! Sangha is a bright pearl indeed! Shining here or there but where is it not?

deep gassho,
Jinyu

[Marek]

Re: A few simple thoughts on Sangha

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[threethirty]

Re: A few simple thoughts on Sangha

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[chessie]

Re: A few simple thoughts on Sangha

Beautifully said.

Gassho, Ann (Josho)

[BrianW]

Re: A few simple thoughts on Sangha

Shohei,

I really liked the following:

Taking refuge in the Sangha does not mean we stay in the cosy warm safety of like minded folks of course, this means we learn from each other to have an open mind and extend our understanding to allow room for other views. If we can accept the few (or sometimes many… depending on the time and space) differences we find in our sangha, then we must also turn that understanding and open mindedness to the wide world, to the sangha of our family, friends, neighbors, and our work place, birds, trees, rocks, and the myriad of things that support us that go unnoticed. The sangha that cannot exclude anyone that includes our less preferable persons in our lives (noting of course we give those that cause us harm wide berth and learn from their teachings from a safe distance).

Open mindedness does not mean we must agree, but to be open to another's position....to give it consideration. Sometimes we become more convinced of our position, but see how others may view the world differently. Nevertheless, sometimes we change our position as a result...sometimes we admit there is more than one valid position..sometimes we admit there are..perhaps many.. many... different perspectives.

Gassho,
Jisen/BrianW