Broward Lotus Sangha

How should I dress for the meditation session?
Wearing casual, loose, comfortable clothing is best. Most people dress casually, as there are no specific requirements.

Is there a basic Sangha etiquette?
In order to create a sense of “sacred space” and break away from the noise of our daily lives, we remove our shoes before entering the meditation area live them by the door. We generally follow the Practice Guidelines set forth by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the monks and nuns of Plum Village. To review these Sitting Meditation, Listening to a Dharma Talk, and Dharma Discussion etiquette guidelines please click here.

How do I know what to do when I get there?
Please review our Meditation Format and Meditation Practice Guidelines. You may also wish to attend an introductory orientation session available by appointment where a core member of our Sangha can share with you beginning meditation techniques you may find helpful for the 30-minute silent mediation period and for your own practice. If you have any questions upon arrival, it may also be helpful for you to let one of our greeters know that you are new so that they can help you with any concerns you may have.

What are your meditation sessions like?
Meditation practice is held in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Each practice session includes a period of sitting meditation followed by a Dharma talk and discussion. Participants sit on meditation cushions, benches, mats, or chairs. Newcomers are encouraged to ask for assistance in finding a comfortable seated meditation posture by experienced Sangha members. Meditation periods begin and end with the sound of a bell. At the end of the formal practice session, you have the choice of joining us for a 30-minute socialization period where we mindfully share some tea and get to know each other a little better.

Do I need to bring anything?
Feel free to bring your own favorite sitting arrangement, or use one of our limited supply of sitting arrangements that are generally available. You may sit in the traditional fashion on a meditation cushion or bench or sit in a back jack or chair if that is more comfortable for you.

You may also wish to bring healthy finger foods or teas to share with the Sangha (community of practitioners) during the “Tea and Treats” portion of our evening together. Also, in order to be kind to the Earth Mother and show our care for the environment, we recommend that you bring a non-disposable teacup for your own use.

Who comes to these meditation sessions and Dharma talks?
Do I have to be a Buddhist to attend?
No. We are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. People from all walks of life and spiritual, religious, and philosophical backgrounds attend our Sangha meditation sessions and Dharma talks. We are as diverse as the South Florida population of itself. Some of our Sangha members see the practice of Buddhism as a religion, others as a philosophy, others as a school of psychology, and others as a way of life. Members of our community (or Sangha) share a common wish to benefit others and discover lasting happiness and peace of mind in their own hearts through the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and Engaged Buddhism. Engaged Buddhism teaches that the practice of mindfulness meditation and the development of wisdom and compassion can permeate and transform all aspects of our daily life and relationships because, as Thich Nhat Hanh puts it, we inter-are.

What kind of teachings do you share during the Dharma talks?
Besides the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, our Sanghas have shared teachings from some of the following authors:

Adyashanti
Chögyam Trungpa Rimpoche
Dzigar Kongtrul Rimpoche
Ekhart Tolle
Fred Eppsteiner
His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama
Jack Kornfield
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Lao Tzu
Milarepa
Pema Chödrön
Ram Das
Robert Thurman
Sakyong Mipham Rimpoche
Shakyamuni Buddha
Shantideva
Sharon Salzberg
Stephen Batchelor
Suzuki Roshi
Tara Bennett-Goleman
Tara Brach

Do I have to pay anything?
No. There are no fees for participation, however, as we are a self-sustaining Sangha, all donations are gratefully accepted. A Sangha functions on the basis of Dana (a Pali word meaning generosity or giving). Members of a practicing community, support their Sangha through giving freely of their time, skills, wisdom, compassion, and material resources. Our Sangha relies upon its members for the donation of materials such as meeting space; tea, teacups; and finger foods to share after meditation; flower arrangements, incense, and candles for the altar; and seating arrangements such as zafus, cushions, blankets, or back-jacks; as well as office supplies and services such as copying, bookkeeping, website design and maintenance, organizational skills, and time. All such Dana is greatly appreciated by the community and is essential to the Sangha’s growth and stability. Our Practice Community is always in need of volunteers to assist with the meditation hall, setting up the altar and meditation area before, and picking up after the formal meditation period, and to bring the supplies necessary to provide refreshments after Friday’s meditation. Dana may also be given in the form of monetary donations.

If you would like to contribute in any capacity, please make your wishes known to us by talking to one of the Sangha core members in person, calling or sending an e-mail.

When do you meet?
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. This formal practice session is followed by a 30-minute socialization period where all are invited to mindfully share some tea and get to know the members of the Sangha a little better.

Where do you meet? How do I get there?
We meet at Po Chi Lam Training Center, located at 7504 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33023. Detailed directions to our meeting location can be found by clicking here.

Is wheelchair access available?
Yes, handicapped parking spaces and wheelchair access are available.

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