Information/Assistance on starting my own sitting group at the local library

[Douglas]

Some time back I think somebody mentioned that there was some information somewhere on the site concerning suggestions on how to start a local sitting group. Does anybody know where that might be?

thank you!

Gassho, Doug

[Bion]

Hi, Doug! So, the way it is suggested to tackle this is by approaching it as simply as possible. We put together a group of folks that come to sit zazen, so the basics of zazen can be explained to begin with. Things like posture, breath, cushions, appropriate clothing, maybe benefits of sitting as described by scientists, deciding who rings the bell, duration of sit etc . You can find all you need for that in our basic How To Zazen guide here: ZAZEN GUIDE
You could maybe print that and use it as a starter. The idea is to make everyone comfortable with the situation and the practice doing our best to evaluate the audience, their experience or lack of and their religious inclinations. Simple, clear language is probably more suitable than complicated terms that require heavy explanations, given the group would not be under the supervision of an authorized buddhist teacher. Simple things like taking turns ringing the bell, or keeping time can help glue the group together and keep it from becoming a group with a "leader" or "teacher", though someone can be the facilitator, or host by title.
That would be the basics, but should you need more help, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Gassho
sat lah

[Jundo]

Hi, Doug! So, the way it is suggested to tackle this is by approaching it as simply as possible. We put together a group of folks that come to sit zazen, so the basics of zazen can be explained to begin with. Things like posture, breath, cushions, appropriate clothing, maybe benefits of sitting as described by scientists, deciding who rings the bell, duration of sit etc . You can find all you need for that in our basic How To Zazen guide here: ZAZEN GUIDE
You could maybe print that and use it as a starter. The idea is to make everyone comfortable with the situation and the practice doing our best to evaluate the audience, their experience or lack of and their religious inclinations. Simple, clear language is probably more suitable than complicated terms that require heavy explanations, given the group would not be under the supervision of an authorized buddhist teacher. Simple things like taking turns ringing the bell, or keeping time can help glue the group together and keep it from becoming a group with a "leader" or "teacher", though someone can be the facilitator, or host by title.
That would be the basics, but should you need more help, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Gassho
sat lah

Hi,

We also have a guide for folks who want to start a more non-sectarian group at work or in the community ...

.
Employee Meditation Group (for non-Buddhist workplace sitting group) LINK

(I think I can give you a file too if you write to take out the word "Employee" and such, as it is in a library ... )

As Bion says, the basic attitude is to be a facilitator, not the leader or teacher. It is fine to answer basic questions from folks that you are comfortable with within your experience, and get them sitting. Don't address questions, situations or problems without your really being sure and equipped. If in doubt, ask for help or guidance.

Thanks for asking, Doug. It is best for folks to ask before doing so, and it should be facilitated by someone reliable and trustworthy. Having known you for awhile, Doug, you are certainly reliable and trustworthy as a member here. So, I wish you well. Let us know if there is anything we can do to facilitate your facilitating.

Gassho, J
stlah

[Douglas]

Hi, Doug! So, the way it is suggested to tackle this is by approaching it as simply as possible. We put together a group of folks that come to sit zazen, so the basics of zazen can be explained to begin with. Things like posture, breath, cushions, appropriate clothing, maybe benefits of sitting as described by scientists, deciding who rings the bell, duration of sit etc . You can find all you need for that in our basic How To Zazen guide here: ZAZEN GUIDE
You could maybe print that and use it as a starter. The idea is to make everyone comfortable with the situation and the practice doing our best to evaluate the audience, their experience or lack of and their religious inclinations. Simple, clear language is probably more suitable than complicated terms that require heavy explanations, given the group would not be under the supervision of an authorized buddhist teacher. Simple things like taking turns ringing the bell, or keeping time can help glue the group together and keep it from becoming a group with a "leader" or "teacher", though someone can be the facilitator, or host by title.
That would be the basics, but should you need more help, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Gassho
sat lah

Thank you! Great information!
Gassho, Doug

[Douglas]

Hi,

We also have a guide for folks who want to start a more non-sectarian group at work or in the community ...

.
Employee Meditation Group (for non-Buddhist workplace sitting group) LINK

(I think I can give you a file too if you write to take out the word "Employee" and such, as it is in a library ... )

As Bion says, the basic attitude is to be a facilitator, not the leader or teacher. It is fine to answer basic questions from folks that you are comfortable with within your experience, and get them sitting. Don't address questions, situations or problems without your really being sure and equipped. If in doubt, ask for help or guidance.

Thanks for asking, Doug. It is best for folks to ask before doing so, and it should be facilitated by someone reliable and trustworthy. Having known you for awhile, Doug, you are certainly reliable and trustworthy as a member here. So, I wish you well. Let us know if there is anything we can do to facilitate your facilitating.

Gassho, J
stlah

Thank you Judo! That document will be very helpful. I'll be sure to reach out if I need to.

Gassho,
Doug

[Shinshi]

The Thich Nhat Hanh folks have a booklet on setting up a Sangha. Obviously it is very geared towards their ceremonies but it might prove helpful just as a general introduction as to how they do it. You can find it here.

https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/sangha-building-resources

Gassho,

Shinshi

[Jundo]

The Thich Nhat Hanh folks have a booklet on setting up a Sangha. Obviously it is very geared towards their ceremonies but it might prove helpful just as a general introduction as to how they do it. You can find it here.

https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/sangha-building-resources

Gassho,

Shinshi

I probably would not advise anything as elaborate as that for a local sitting group. A sitting group is quite different in its ways, much simpler. Find space, invite folks, find cushions (that's the tricky part; so chair sitting is fine for this kind of group), ring the bell, have tea afterwards.

Gassho, J
stlah

[michaelw]

Has anyone mentioned advertising yet?

Gassho
MichaelW

satlah