The Sangha is a multifaceted entity. As conditions and variables change, opportunities to share the Dharma must be adaptive. Adaptivity is upaya or skillful means.
For the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha emphasis and direction is finding new and strengthening current ways of sharing with others. To begin this process is to talk within the Sangha about how we will help this take place. A key is identifying who wishes to help with various activities.
We don’t have to bring just joy when we come to the sangha; we can also bring our suffering with us. But we have to walk on the path of joy with our suffering, we have to share joy with our brothers and sisters. Then we will be in touch with the seeds of happiness in ourselves, and the suffering will grow weaker and be transformed. Allow yourself to be supported, to be held by the sangha. When you allow yourself to be in a sangha the way a drop of water allows itself to be in a river, the energy of the sangha can penetrate into you, and transformation and healing will become possible.
We have taken such a step as each person completing Jukai (vows) has identified skills they have and wish to use to help reduce suffering in self, sangha, and others. So we will look at each of the tenets below and talk about how we may strengthen our efforts. All are welcome to join us January 4, 2022 at 7:00 PM/ET as we explore options and opportunities.
In November 2021, The Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha celebrated eleven years of sharing the Dharma. It is now charting a new direction. As an independent center of teaching and practice, the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha is adjusting to the changing conditions and variables as it enters 2022. While the mission has not changed the what, the how and who will alter, allowing more opportunities for sangha members while increasing services to our local community. Here are the on-going activities and changes that are planned.
Continuing Emphasis
Welcoming all who wish to share the dharma in person and via online offerings
Sangaku-sensei as the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha Guiding Teacher developing Practice Path Guidelines
Creating and Using the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha’s: Project on Women Ancestors (POWA)
Developing the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha Guiding Teacher and Practice Path Guidelines
Strengthening the role of the the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha Practice Leader
Expanding Opportunities for Initiates, Jukai or Vow-Takers, in Sangha
Working with Cape Cod Recovery Community Centers and Support Groups
Working with Senior Citizens Through The Falmouth Senior Center and Other Affinity Groups
Maintaining Financial Viability
New Direction
Connecting with Other Sanghas and Centers with Online Interaction
Becoming an Active Member of the Falmouth Inter-Faith Group
Exploring setting up sitting groups in communities within a fifty mile radius of Falmouth.
Offering Independent Study Options
Best wishes for 2022,
Sangaku
Password: FSZS
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