What is taking refuge in the sangha?
Being Together. Everyone who comes to practice is a member of the Sangha (a community of practice). Being with the Sangha can heal our feelings of isolation and separation. We practice together, share a room together, and eat side by side. Just by participating with other practitioners in daily activities, we can experience a tangible feeling of love, acceptance, and inter-being. The Sangha is a garden, full of many varieties of trees and flowers. One flower may bloom early in the spring while another flower may bloom in late summer. One tree may bear many fruit while another tree may offer cool shade. No one plant is greater, lesser than, or the same as any other plant in the garden. Each member of the Sangha also has unique gifts to offer to the community. We each have areas that need attention as well. When we can appreciate each member’s contribution and see our weaknesses as potential for growth, we can learn to live together harmoniously.
