WHAT IS A SANGHA?

“Sangha” means “the Buddhist community of monks, nuns, novices, and laypeople.” It is our spiritual community–a group of people who are on the same path.  As a Sangha we are a support and a refuge for one another. In fact, Sangha is one of the Three Refuges of Buddhism, along with the Buddha–not only the historical teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni, but also our own enlightened Buddha-nature–and the Dharma, which are the teachings of the Buddha.

SANGHA SITS

Monday Sangha, January 12, 2026 at 5:30 ON ZOOM

We’ll meet on Zoom on Monday, January 12, 2026, and continue our talks on The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva. This week we will talk about Verses 30, which talks about Prajna Paramita, Wisdom. Trinley Dorje, the Karmapa said, “Wisdom can be divided into three types: the wisdom that comes from hearing, the wisdom that comes from thinking or reflection, and the wisdom that arises from meditation. If we want to develop wisdom, we must practice all three. I mention this because many people say to me, ‘Grant me your blessing so that I may gain wisdom,’ as though wisdom were something that I could bestow upon them. If I had such a siddhi [supernatural power] of wisdom, wouldn’t I bestow it upon myself, too? I suppose it is possible that in the case of an extraordinarily realized master and a very devoted disciple, wisdom could be transmitted merely through blessings. But basically, if you want to develop wisdom, you must practice hearing, contemplation, and meditation.” I’ll email a handout.

We will refer to two books during this study: Essential Teachings, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Reflections on Silver River, by Ken McLeod. Both are available from many sources and at reasonable prices. A chart with the translations of the verses by both authors is available separately. There will be weekly handouts with the commentaries. Email openheartsangha@gmail.com for either or both. They are sent automatically to all who are on the subscriber list.

Thursday Sangha, January 15, 2026, at 5:30 IN PERSON

In our Thursday Sangha, we will also discuss the 30th Verse of the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva. I will be leading the sangha again, and will bring a handout. We will meet at The Body Based Mindfulness Center, 1414 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

OPEN HEART SANGHA MEETS MONDAYS ON ZOOM AT 5:30 AND THURSDAYS IN PERSON AT 5:30 AT THE BODY BASED MINDFULNESS CENTER

The suggested donation for both Monday and Thursday sanghas is $5-$25. Of course, no one will be turned away.

PLEASE CONTACT OPENHEARTSANGHA@GMAIL.COM FOR THE ZOOM LINK.