
Rainbow Circle is led by a meditation cooperative. Each member of the cooperative actively participates in the decision-making process and in running the Sangha. One of the gifts of the Plum Village tradition of Buddhism is the trust monastics place in the lay Sangha and its role in awakening our Buddha natures. A cooperative helps us realize Thich Nhat Hanh’s vision that “The next Buddha will be a Sangha.” You can join the cooperative by grounding yourself in meditation practice and 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 ‘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.