Rainbow Circle is guided by a meditation cooperative, where each member actively participates in decision-making and in supporting the life of the Sangha. One of the gifts of the Plum Village tradition is the deep trust that monastics place in the lay Sangha and its role in nurturing our awakening. The cooperative embodies Thich Nhat Hanh’s vision that “The next Buddha will be a Sangha.” You are invited to join by grounding yourself in meditation practice and in the Plum Village tradition of Buddhism.
- Formally receive the Five Mindfulness Trainings and recite them once a month.
- Understand the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings and recite them once a quarter.
- Establish a daily meditation practice in your routine.
- Read the commentaries on The Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing (Anapasasati Sutta) and The Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutta) by Thich Nhat Hanh in “Awakening of the Heart: Essential Buddhist Sutras and Commentaries,” keep a journal as you read, and share your top three insights from the journey with the meditation cooperative.
- Engage in a meaningful conversation with the meditation cooperative, discussing how mindfulness meditation is transforming your life and how you want to contribute to the Sangha.
- Facilitate sessions in breath meditation, walking meditation, love meditation, and dharma sharing within the Sangha with support from the meditation cooperative.
- Agree to not use your membership in the meditation cooperative for personal or professional financial gain.
- Read Chapter 5 of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (And the Next)” by Dean Spade to gain an understanding of cooperative leadership and co-stewardship of the Sangha.
If you’re interested in joining the cooperative, speak with a meditation facilitator at one of our meetings and we’ll schedule a meeting with you to begin (or complete) the journey.