Role of the Sangha . . .

[Shugen]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

More than anything, support.....(I've sat more in the last 6 months with Treeleaf than I have in the last 6 years without it)

Sometimes a distraction......

Always interesting

Ron

[Charles]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

...I promise that we are talking more deeply with each other, and DAILY!, than almost any group I know.

I agree completely. I didn't mean to suggest that I'm dissatisfied with this place, or that it isn't useful to me (just the opposite, I've learned so much here already); just pointing out that the dynamic is different in some ways from face-to-face, not worse.

--Charles

[will]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

Well, you did ask.

:lol:

[Gregor]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

I've gotta agree with what everybody has been saying that a Sangha's role is to support and encourage us in pursuing our practice. Whenever people gather together to pursue common goals/interests the result is usually stronger than going it alone. Of course this assumes that the community is balanced and on the right track. I'd say that Treeleaf is the right sort of place :P . . . it seems to be about practice here with a healthy emphasis on the precepts. I have to mention that one of the original purposes of the Sangha was to assists its members in maintaining an ethical and spiritual life . . . it helps to be joined together with others as a check, sort of like having someone hold a mirror up for you. I think we do our best to fit into this role as well. . . of course ultimately we must each be accountable to ourselves.

Gassho,

Greg

[Shindo]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

I'm with Gregor on this. I see this community as being supportive to my spiritual development - whatever that turns out to be. Interesting point from Jundo - that there is more interaction here than in "real" life. That's probably the impact of the electronic & written medium which allows people to open up more with less embarressment (being British I find doing that in person cringe making )

Kind regards

Jools

[TracyF]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

being new to Zen and unable to find a connection elsewhere Trealeaf has provided an immediate venue for this beginner. i've been exposed to an incredible amount of new and old wisdom and experience. i feel a real sense of community and willingness to share, this for me has been a wonderful way to start my practice. my thanks to Jundo and all Sangha members.

Yep, I'm right there with No Hobby. I've just now started visiting a sangha (not soto zen though) in my area and hanging around Treeleaf gave me the guts to try it out. I'm glad we have so many things going on here because I feel more affinity towards Jundo-style soto zen and there's nothing like that around me. Jundo spends a lot of time with us. I feel very lucky to have stumbled across all of you.

[Eika]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

Just glad to be here . . . glad to be able to read posts from people who care about their practice . . . glad to contribute from time to time.

Relatedly, should we arrange some kind of regional get-together so we can meet face-to-face? I'm thinking of something like the southern US folks meet in Atlanta, the northern in NYC, the Irish in ___, etc. Would that be a logistical nightmare? Probably, but I sure would like to actually shake hands with some of these folks. Just a thought.

Bill

[Gregor]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

Bill it's a good idea, I'd be able to do NYC or Boston . . . How many New Englanders / North Easterners do we have ?

[Stephanie]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

I obviously could do NYC.

[Longdog]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

:lol: yeh a north-easterner here, but N.E. England :lol:

Does sound like a good idea if people can arrange their own meet ups.

Now if I had the money to go to Japan... :roll:

[Fuken]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

I think there may be a few folks on the SW washington, NW Oregon area here. I would love to meet and greet. Washington park comes to mind.

Gassho,
Jordan

[Martin]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

Groucho Marx said that he would not wish to be a member of any group that would accept him as a member. Well, I'm very happy to be "here" at Treeleaf. As Will said, we're all on the same path. And the path is a lot easier when there are others on it too. Even if - perhaps especially if - every now and then someone gets in someone else's way for a moment.
Gassho
Martin

[lindabeekeeper]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

Bill it's a good idea, I'd be able to do NYC or Boston . . . How many New Englanders / North Easterners do we have ?

I'm Mid Atlantic so I could go either north or south. I think it would be great to meet.

Linda

[will]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

ASIA REPRESEENT!! 8)

You'll probably see me hanging around Treeleaf Zendo bothering Jundo sometime.

G,W

[Yugen]

Re: Role of the Sangha . . .

Brunswick Maine sounding off! Another New Englander here Gregor! Meeting in NH, VT, ME or MA very easy.... I think meeting in person periodically would be a great thing!

I would be happy to host a summer gathering at the family homestead in Rockland Maine for anyone willing to make the trek up the coast - we are on the water and there is plenty of canoeing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, etc. Maybe we could pick a weekend and gather on the Maine coast - ? We could hike, sit, cook lobster, meet one another, hang out... All geographies invited....

Alex