Tuesday

Fruitional Sangha Days

By Kelly MacLean

To celebrate community and families, Boulder Shambhala Center regularly offers Sangha Days, Parenting as Path talks, Bodhi School, 8 yr olds Rites of Passage, Children’s Day, and is about to launch a new ongoing teen program, with Kelly MacLean

“It’s really cool to be able to get together with everyone, outside of any specific program and without any agenda other than to enjoy each other’s company. That’s a first for me,” said Jeremy Fagan, first generation dharma brat, as we sat eating momos and drinking sake.

Everyone came – ancient old dogs from the beginning of time, new dogs looking to connect with the greater sangha; teens, young adults, not-so-young adults, and parents with their children. And there was something for everyone – an inspiring little talk on the magic of sangha by Ulrike, sitting with meditation instruction, werma and ngondro, object arranging and haiku; and for those who just wanted to enjoy the glorious weather, a hike on Bald Mountain, with Ben Medrano. Many just showed up at 5:00 for dinner, which was punctuated by a spontaneous offering of the days haiku.

The inspiration for Sangha Days came about when the Sakyong urged us to create programs designed to fortify the heart of our community, and we were very happy with the heartfelt response. People seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves! Given that enlightened society is our goal, the day felt very fruitional. I was delighted to eavesdrop on the elderly, yet perpetually youthful Kunga Dawa, as he chatted openly with an amazingly disciplined young practitioner named Olivia, age 11. They made a pact to meditate every single morning for one week straight, and meet up at the next Sangha Day to compare notes. And they shook on it. Pure magic. It really felt like the actualization of enlightened society here and now.

Sangha Days will begin at 2:00 the last Sunday afternoon of every month, (please double check to confirm dates) beginning with tea and activity sign-up, then a family friendly mini-meditation followed by a choice of dharma art, recreational activities, or a dharma talk and meditation. Then we’ll gather at 5:00 in the community room for dinner, serenaded by sangha musicians.

We’re keeping the cost low – only $10 per person and $25 per family – so that everyone can come, and discounts are offered to those who ask. Children are welcome to attend any and all activities, but need to be accompanied by an adult under the age of 10. Given there are three hours for play and practice, parents and friends can trade off an hour and a half each.

Members and friends are warmly invited to come for part or all of the afternoon, so please, come and enjoy your sangha!

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As Boulder Shambhala Center’s Dean of Practice and Study for Families and Children, Kerry MacLean oversees program development and teacher training for families at the Boulder Shambhala Center and Shambhala Mountaiin Center. She is the author and illustrator of Peaceful Piggy Meditation, Moody Cow Meditates and the Family Meditation Book.