Sangha Means Community
29 Dec 2009 ~ Categories: blog • eco-living • mind • wellness
I just returned from a new year’s kirtan (devotional singing) and yoga retreat in tropical Costa Rica followed by a very fun wedding with friends (old and new) and it’s got me inspired and thinking about building community.
In Buddhism, the word “sangha” traditionally means “community of monks”, and it comes originally from the Sanskrit or Pali for “coming together”. Although traditionally in Buddhism it denoted a gathering of spiritually attained, ordained Buddhist monks, in contemporary speak, it means more loosely any gathering of community.
The basic principle of the sangha is that coming together in a community with a like-minded group of spiritual practitioners will facilitate each member’s path to enlightenment.
Even in Western cities like San Francisco, there are Buddhist sanghas everywhere. I sometimes drop in on one in the Richmond called Urban Dharma. (It was founded by renowned meditation preacher Noah Levine after the publication of his seminal book Dharma Punx. More info here.) Or, when I’m in Marin I frequent my favorite sangha at Spirit Rock.
With these two Buddhist sanghas, when we gather it generally involves a brief seated meditation, followed by a themed talk on aspects on the path to spiritual awakening in real life.
After my recent retreat and adventures in Costa Rica, I am reminded of a looser definition of sangha that I’d like to share. To me, sangha is any positive-minded community that you consciously create or join with the goal of creating a bridge to your better side.
For instance, a consistent yoga practice at a studio (like IO) can start to take on the aura of a sangha. It’s a place, after all, where like-minded practitioners come together with the goal of clearing their heads, breathing deeply, and finding more peace in their lives.
Another type of sangha might be a book club. Or a women’s group. Or singing in a choir like the one at Glide Memorial here in San Francisco. In other words, any regular gathering where we meet to reclaim our better, more balanced selves.
After all, truth is one, paths are many.
This month at IO we are starting our very own Tuesday morning sangha (called IO Renewal Tuesdays) for our staff members which soon will probably open up to anyone who would like to attend for the IO Sitting Circle, special yoga classes, and fostering community. Stay tuned.
Finding sangha,
Amy
02 Feb 2010
Maryanne Diaz
Amy, I love, love the idea of Sangha. I feel I have been fortunate to have somewhat of a Sangha within my group of female friends which I hope is taken to another level. Is is so important to have this in our lives and I look forward to creating more of that with you.
Thanks for your always amazing inspiration. It is so appreciated.