Practice Program
Below is the typical program of an evening’s meeting. You may also wish to download a copy of the program pamphlet.
Sangha Gathering
As the day begins to wind down, this is a wonderful opportunity to follow your breathing and move into a place of stillness and be present with what is.
Opening Gatha and Invitation of the Bell
A Sangha member recites: “With body upright and stable, we are seated at the foot of the Bodhi tree. Body, speech and mind are one in stillness. There is no more thought of right and wrong. Our mind and body dwell in perfect mindfulness. We rediscover our original nature, leaving the shore of illusion behind. Noble Sangha, diligently bring your mind into meditation.”
(Three bells)
As you hear each bell, you are invited to take 3 in- and out-breaths.
Silent Meditation (30 Minutes followed by the bell)
Walking Meditation (10-15 Minutes followed by the bell)
Welcome, Introduction and Announcements
The Sangha Moderator welcomes everyone and announcements (if any) are made.
Dharma Teaching (20-30 Minutes)
The Sangha Moderator introduces the evening’s speaker, audio recording, or reading. The conclusion of the Dharma talk is marked by an invitation of the bell.
Dharma Discussion (15-20 Minutes)
After a few moments of silence, the Sangha Moderator or the member who selected the evening’s Dharma portion speaks, inviting Sangha members to introduce themselves and share, mindfully, what arises for them in relation to the evening’s Dharma Teaching, issue of practice, and/or question of the day. It is customary for someone wishing to speak to bow to the Sangha and for the Sangha to bow in return before and after they finish speaking. During this time, we endeavor to refrain from intellectual discussion and speak from a deeper place of truth and from the heart.
Closing Chants
The Sangha Moderator introduces the chants for the evening (if any). A Sangha member is then chosen to lead the chants to follow.
Closing Songs
In the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, singing is used as a way to build community, teach mindfulness through the use of melodic gathas, and bring joy to each other and to the world. Towards the end of our gathering, the Sangha Moderator introduces the song(s) for the evening (if any) that together, as a Sangha, we then sing.
Closing Gatha and Invitation of the Bell
After a few moments of silence, the bell sounds to signal the end of our gathering. A Sangha member recites: “The day has now ended. Our lives are shorter. Let us look carefully. What have we done? Noble Sangha, with all our heart, let us be diligent, engaging in the practice. Let us live deeply, free from our afflictions, aware of impermanence so that life does not drift away without meaning.” (Three bells)
The bell master will then invite the small bell so everyone can mindfully rise and face the altar. Then, to each of three consecutive soundings of the bell, Sangha members bow to the Buddha (our True Nature or capacity within to be Awake or Enlightened), to the Dharma (The Path of Understanding & Love or True
Teachings), and to the Sangha (each other).
Then, Sangha members mindfully pick up their sitting arrangements, blow out candles and leave
meditation area in Noble Silence. People who wish to do so may remain for 30 minutes to socialize, ask
questions and share some tea. Please wait for members to depart before speaking.