Building a Sangha is like planting seeds, where we need to take care in selecting healthy seeds, supporting their growth and being aware of all the conditions for growth as well as those that will disrupt them flourishing. As support the seeds in growing, we are aware that we do this together, where the heart of the Sangha is greater than the individual member, however, all members contribute to the Sangha as we build the collective energy of mindfulness within the Sangha.
The next Buddha will be a Sangha.
Thich Nhat Hanh
In time, we will add links to resources and more material to support individuals and Sanghas to build their Sangha in every moment, creating and establishing connections around us.
A few resources to get started with:
New Sangha Handbook from ThichNhatHanhFoundation.org.
Sangha Building: our noblest career – article from Plum Village.
A short guide to joining or starting a sangha – by Plum Village App.
Dharma Talk: How do we Practice as a Sangha (77 minute audio) by Thich Nhat Hanh.
What is the most important thing I can do to build Sangha? (3m video) answered by Thich Nhat Hanh.
“The most important thing to do in order to build a Sangha is to become the first element of the Sangha. A good, excellent element of the Sangha. We know that a Sangha is made only of non-Sangha elements. We should look around to identify the non-Sangha elements and invite them over in order to create a Sangha. We ourselves, the Sangha builders, should be the first element. So the most important thing is to breathe in mindfully, to enjoy our in-breath, to walk mindfully and to try to do everything with love and compassion, become fresh, loving. That is the beginning of a good Sangha. People look at you and they like to join the practice.”