11/12/18 Week Eight: The Sangha as a means of development and as the goal
Experience shows that we need the Sangha to practice effectively. The people we mix with have a profound effect on us. We need the support and encouragement of like-minded people. We need advice and inspiration from people who are somewhat further along the path. And we need a social context of trust, honesty, and friendship if we are to open up and develop the emotional warmth that is an essential part of spiritual development.
In Buddhism, spiritual friendship (kalyāņa mitratā) was originally understood to include not only teacher-disciple relationships, but also any friendship between good people who revere the Buddha and his Dharma. In the final week, we will explore what spiritual friendship means and its potential as a practice.
11/19/18 Annual Sangha MEMBERSHIP Potluck 6:45/7-8:30 JOIN US!
Annual Membership and Board Elections Sangha Potluck...this is an event when We annually Elect New Officers and welcome new Board members! ... All folks are welcome to join...we currently have multiple active and vibrant committees that welcome participation and are inducting
* Vice President *
* Secretary *
* Treasurer *
Committees needed assist:
* Communications: assist with newsletter updates, social media, website, notify Sangha and friends at large of upcoming events, visiting teachers , focused study groups, learning series, etc *
* Outreach: coordinate outreach activities such as Homeless Shelter donations/support, relationship building ; road clean up; focused donation drives for youth in need, and much more (open to new ideas and development) *
* Programming : coordinate visiting teachers, study group, learning series , group discussion, gather feedback regarding interests of the Sangha and develop programs to meet those needs *
We are also using this event to focus our donation drive for the homeless shelter and Valley youth house.
Economic difficulties are daily occurrences for persons and are all too common in the realm of impermanence and uncertainty .. As practicing Buddhists we vow to embody generosity, simplicity , compassion and gain understanding at the deepest roots of interdependence. Like me, no one wants to suffer, all want to be safe, protected and happy.
If possible please bring something to donate to the shelter, they are in particular need a baby diapers, wipes, gift cards, etc.
Link below offers a list of additional needed items. Please contact Diana or Rika if you would like to contribute a small monetary donation in lieu of items and they will use money to purchase and deliver items.
This week has been a sad week for the Triratna community , many of whom have generously supported our Sangha with their teaching, in particular Padmadharini who most recently coordinated 8 week Going For Refuge study series . Their founder, Sangharakshita, died on Tuesday morning and the community is grieving, and celebrating his great contribution he made to the spread of the Dharma in the West - and in India. Here’s a link to a short presentation posted on Facebook about his life, if you are interested.
The Monday nights is done with the help of volunteers. We need you. Please volunteer (follow this easy guide if you need help with signing up )
* Note: You can lead service, but must be a member (Click to see info about being a member) Thank You!
We Need Donations Every Week
We collect and deliver donations to the Emergency Homeless Shelter. They are always in need of non perishable food items, paper products, and gift cards. However check out their Wish List if you want to give them what they really need.
We also collect for the local pet shelter. They need pet food and pet supplies (doesn't need to be new).
Please drop off your donation in a box in the lobby and consider signing up to deliver the donation to the shelter.
Send us your ideas for the next newsletter
If you have something to share with the rest of the sangha please email your news to Susan at bsbc19067@yahoo.com and we will be sure to include it